Nissan Middle East today has set a new Guinness World Records title for the longest twin vehicle drifting. Two Nissan Z cars drifted around a track at the same time without stopping for 28.52 kilometers. The record was set in the second attempt during the launch of the “Nissan 370Z Drift Experience” which will offer anyone the opportunity to learn and perfect the art of drifting.
Speaking at the event Samir Cherfan, Managing Director, Nissan Middle East, said: “With today’s accomplishment of setting a new Guinness World Records title, we have proven again the strength of our vehicles by adding another Guinness World Records record to our list. The Nissan Z is a very popular car in the drifting scene and this new record is yet another proof on the ability of this car to make drifting look so easy.”
“Nissan 370Z Drift Experience” is a partnership between Nissan Middle East and the Prodrift Academy, which is carried out using Nissan 370Zs alongside the Prodrift Academy’s professional drift instructors in a safe and controlled environment.
“Nissan has a strong focus on motorsports in the Middle East. Since safety is our priority at Nissan, we have partnered with the Prodrift Academy to provide a legal and safe platform for drifting fanatics in the region.” Cherfan added.
For nearly 80 years, Nissan has been pushing the boundaries of innovation within the Motorsports industry. Ever since its grassroots the Datsun NL-75 won at the Japanese Tamagawa Speedway in 1936, Nissan has developed some of the most recognized racing cars to have ever graced the track. Nissan’s global recognition came later in 1964 when it showcased its first ‘Skyline GT’ in Germany, which then went on to overtake a Porsche in one lap during the Japan Grand Prix. It was at this point the industry and the world began to start recognizing that Nissan’s innovation and technology was on par with the rest of the western world. With the world now watching, Nissan subsequently launched the legendary ‘Skyline GT-R’ in 1969, which was a pioneer in racing automotive technology. In fact much of the DNA from the Skyline GT-R has been carried on to the present day GT-R.
It wasn’t long before Nissan had developed its signature turbo charged engine in 1979 and upon realizing that it was possible to boost sales through competitive motorsports, launched NISMO for the first time in 1984. Since then the company has broken records and developed some of the fastest racing cars ever built. In the region, Nissan Middle East has shone in motorsports through the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge with the Patrol by sponsoring Emil Kneisser who achieved great results, the successful yearly GT Academy initiative and now the latest addition of the Nissan 370Z Drift Experience.
The drifting fever was evolved back in 2009, when the first regional drifting competition was launched. Over the years, this has significantly grown to be one of the most awaited events across the Middle East, with attendance exceeding 15,000 per country.
Mohammad Al Falasi, Managing Director of the Prodrift Academy commented: “Drifting has been a very popular sport among young people in the region and we are extremely proud to be able to develop this sport further among the fans in a safe and authorized environment, thanks to Nissan Middle East. Our professional instructors are dedicated to transforming young talents into world class performers with the help of the iconic Nissan Z due to its controlling power.”
In August 2013, Nissan Middle East broke another Guinness World Records title when the Nissan Patrol demonstrated its strength by successfully towing the world’s heaviest aircraft. The nearly 3-ton 4WD “Hero of All Terrains in Life” pulled a 170.9-ton cargo plane for more than 164 feet (50 meters) at Sharjah International Airport in the UAE.
Nissan 370Z:
Roadster or Coupe, the Z®s share one of the most advanced drivetrains available for affordable sports cars today. The Z® Roadster’s long list of cutting edge performance-focused technologies includes a standard 328-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL), choice of 7-speed automatic transmission or close-ratio 6-speed manual with ‘SynchroRev Match’ (the world’s first synchronized downshift rev matching manual transmission), refined 4-wheel independent suspension and 4-wheel vented disc brakes.
Along with its larger displacement, the 3.7-liter engine gives better power delivery all the way to the 7,000 rpm redline, and with improved low-end power and more high-end torque (it develops a maximum of 37.0kg-m of torque @ 5,200 rpm), it creates an entirely driving experience. Key to the enhanced performance is the VVEL system, which is able to optimize intake valve open/close movements, allowing the needed air to be sent promptly to the combustion chamber at the precisely optimized time. Since the VVEL system can adjust to open the valves slightly, it improves fuel efficiency by reducing camshaft friction and fuel waste. It also provides cleaner emissions by allowing for quicker warm-up of the catalyst and by stabilizing combustion when the engine is cool.