10:40 - After battling through Third-World traffic, two stoplights that only know red and more pedestrians than we could count, we finally cut the Skyline off under the decadent Michaelangelo-esque awning at the Venetian. The car announced its presence and anger from the whole trip by hissing, pinging and popping for several minutes, and the smell of rubber quickly filled the cabin. The head valet looked at us like we were from another planet, but a crisp donation allowed us to sit until Chen struggled out of the taxi with head in hands.
10:42 - By the time the cab had finally finished working its way through the valets, the GT-R was already parked next to a Rolls Royce, with the drivers leaning proudly against the door looking overly smug. I missed it by a minute.
We could sit back and say it was a comfortable victory, and that we weren't even slightly worried at any point during the drive. But judging from the pain in our bladders, the stink of rubber in the air, and long sighs of relief, it's clear that the race couldn't have been closer. We're surprised the radar detector isn't smoking from the activity. We beat Chen by a mere minute and a half.
The Skyline reigned victorious, but the two methods of travel are apples and oranges. When Steve and I were risking our licenses blasting through traffic, Chen was enjoying a Bloody Mary at the bar. On the other hand, it's quite a bit more expensive to travel by plane, and itineraries must be planned in advance. So pick your poison. I'll go by land every time.-James Tate
1982 Boeing 727-200Estimated Price: $4,500,000
EngineEngine Code: 3x Pratt & Whitney JT8D-17R turbofanType: Jet turbofanDisplacement (airflow): 331 lb/sec.Compression Ratio: 17.5:1Estimated Hp: 80,265Estimated Torque: 36,567 lb-ft @ 12,250 rpmRedline: 12,250 rpmTop Speed: 632 mph
DrivetrainLayout: Logitudinally tail-mounted tri-engine
ChassisChassis Code: 727-200Exterior dimensionsCurb Weight: 209,500 lbsOverall Length: 1838.4 in.Overall Width: 1296 in.Height: 408 in.
Electronic driving aids/inhibitorsYaw dampers, cabin oxygen, hydraulics, autopilot, pneumatics, GPWS, fire protection, APU, thrust reverser system, anti-skid, window heat, ice and rain protection, mach airspeed warning, ground venturi, FDS, speedbrake
1992 NissanSkyline GT-R
EngineEngine Code: RB26DETTType: In-line six, iron block, aluminum head, turbocharged and intercooled Internal Mods: N1 Pistons, Polished and shotpeened connecting rods and crank, NISMO rod and main bearings, HKS camshafts, Apexi adjustable camshaft pulleys, JUN 1mm oversize intake valves, HKS springs, NISMO 1.2 mm metal headgasketExternal Mods: NISMO intake manifold, HKS tubular exhaust manifold, Garrett GT40 turbo, HKS downpipe and Hiper Muffler exhaust, HKS GT intercoolerEngine Management Mods: JWT 72lb/hr injectors, NISMO fuel pump, JWT ECU and MAF, Power Enterprise boost control, B&M New Volt ignitionCooling System: Ron Davis radiator, Samco hoses, Greddy pulleyOil System: Greddy deep sump, NISMO baffle plate, Accusump, N1 oil pump, dual Setrab oil coolers, Tomei oil restrictor, NISMO air/oil separator kit
DrivetrainLayout: Longitudinal front engine, all-wheel driveDrivetrain Mods: De-burred, polished and shotpeened gears. NISMO transmission mount, NISMO short shifter, NISMO Twin plate clutch, NISMO 1.5-way front LSD, NISMO 2-way rear LSD