RENOWNED automotive visionary, Hiroshi Tamura, internationally recognised as the ‘Father of the modern GT-R’, is set to lead a remarkable convoy of Nissan GT-Rs across Penang’s Second Bridge tomorrow morning (Oct 5).
Tamura’s presence at the event, which is part of the Malaysia GT-R Festival, underscores the significance of the celebration, which runs from Oct 4 to 6 at the Crowne Plaza Penang Straits City in Butterworth.
A total of 50 Nissan GT-R owners are expected to join the special convoy, showcasing a dynamic mix of power, prestige, and passion for these legendary machines.
The convoy will commence at Crowne Plaza Penang Straits City at 7am, making its way to the Setia SPICE Arena.
Tamura, who currently serves as Nissan’s chief product specialist, joined the company in 1984 and soon after transferred to Autech, a subsidiary responsible for developing high-performance Nissans, including the revered GT-R.
In 1993, he returned to Nissan’s product planning department and played a pivotal role in the creation of the R34 Skyline GT-R. By 2006, Tamura had risen to become the chief product specialist for the Nissan GT-R, earning his place as the architect behind its modern evolution.
Tamura is also celebrated for his roles outside Nissan, as a race car driver and video game influencer, further cementing his status as a pivotal figure in the GT-R community.
Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai expressed confidence that the festival will not only excite car enthusiasts but will also make a significant contribution to Penang’s tourism and economy.
“The Malaysia GT-R Festival is one of the largest gatherings of GT-Rs in the country, and this three-day event will electrify car lovers,” Wong said.
“Besides admiring these iconic cars, attendees can enjoy interactive sessions that provide a unique platform for GT-R owners and the public to share their love for these incredible machines,” he said.
Wong also highlighted the historical significance of the GT-R, noting its rise from the iconic R32, dubbed the ‘Godzilla of the East’, to the cutting-edge R36 model, which boasts a 3.8L twin-turbocharged V6 engine capable of producing a stunning 565 horsepower and 632 newton-metre (Nm) of torque.
“While many think they need to visit Japan’s Akina Mountain to witness these cars in action, Penang is now the place to be,” Wong remarked with enthusiasm.
He mentioned one of the key highlights of the festival is the grand GT-R convoy across the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge, or fondly known as the Penang Second Bridge.
He said around 50 GT-Rs will parade across this engineering marvel, creating an unforgettable spectacle of power and performance.
“Penang is deeply honored to host this prestigious automotive event,” Wong said, emphasising how Penang’s unique blend of rich culture, world-renowned cuisine, and scenic landscapes make it the ideal destination for such a festival.
He further praised Penang’s diverse driving experiences, from its scenic coastlines to its modern city streets and winding mountain roads, providing GT-R owners with the perfect opportunity to experience the full capability of their cars.
Wong extended his heartfelt appreciation to Element X Strategies, MUSE Group Asia, and San Ei Corporation for selecting Penang as the host city for this milestone event.
Also in attendance at the press conference were Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekaran and Element X Strategies Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Jason Yap.
This festival promises to be a celebration of speed, engineering, and community, offering a rare chance for car enthusiasts to come together and marvel at one of the most legendary names in automotive history – the Nissan GT-R.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi