2001GTX’s 2010 Nissan GT-R

After hearing that the R36 will be a hybrid, GDZLLA visits the San Gorgonio Pass Wind Farm. This would be the final photoshoot for the 2010 GDZLLA before it was traded for a new 2015 model.      

Depending on your angle of reference, GDZLLA's new wrap may appear matte or satin. 

Now five years old, GDZLLA reacts to a mid-life crisis by donning a crisp new suit of Avery-Dennison Black Brushed Vinyl. Special thanks to Lucent Wraps in Costa Mesa for the fitting.          

While passing through Flagstaff, AZ, GDZLLA insists on posing for photos.

There's nothing more inviting than abandoned roadside buildings.

Steven adds pleasure to a business trip when he, once again, takes GDZLLA to Arizona.

May 2013 finds GDZLLA on a road trip to Arizona. Steven is powerless against the urge to capture the moment. He manages to catch the eye of a passerby, who posts an image of GDZLLA on Instagram.

A second GT-R assembly forms in March 2013.

In January 2013, Steven and GDZLLA join fellow NAGTROC members in an invasion of Irvine Cars and Coffee. Thereafter, the group cruises to Newport beach for breakfast. Needless to say, the sight is impressive, especially the Lexus LF-A along for the ride.

In November 2013, GT-Rs converged on Sin City for the annual cruise through Red Rock Canyon.

Introducing Steven's 2010 Black Obsidian Nissan R35 GT-R, GDZLLA. It is rescued from a lonely existence on a southern California dealership floor in December 2010 with a mere 27 miles on the odometer. After purchase, Steven immediately joins NAGTROC, an online community dedicated to the R35.

GDZLLA represents several "firsts" for Steven: first foreign-badged car; first turbocharged car; and first AWD car. At more than twice the MSRP of the 2005 Pontiac GTO it replaces, GDZLLA is the most expensive vehicle Steven has ever owned.

Here's a little ode to my GTR; A legendary car...a shining star;
Stare, gawk, she loves attention.
Gaze too long, she'll take your pension.
A high maintenance chick with a killer bod.
Hot off the shelf, but ready to mod.

On 20" heels, she swaggers the road
drinking high octane, looking to goad.
Seduce any man with the slightest touch.
Six speed trans with a dual clutch.

Spool her turbos to the high redline.
Put her in gear and brace your spine.
Roll real fast, leave a stomach in knots.
Eyes wide open with a tingling crotch.

All-wheel-drive and streaks of rubber
caress the pavement like a secret lover.
Always up for a rendezvous.
Play your cards right, she might roll with you.

Nissan provides a continental breakfast, then drivers are given an overview of the 2013 GT-R - four of which are conveniently parked next to the tent. All Black Editions.

Drivers receive their track credentials at the main tent – a tarp-covered, open-sided, Nissan emblazoned, semi-trailer flush with flat panel monitors showing GT-R videos. There is a display of NISMO parts and two arcade-size PlayStation Gran Turismo 5 games. In fact, a PS3 GT Academy winner is on-site. Drivers are informed that anyone that could beat him would be offered a racing contract on-the-spot. Nobody beats him.

Track rules are reviewed, then it was off to play and practice. The play sessions are autocross, slalom and acceleration/breaking accuracy. The practice sessions occur on the most challenging parts of the racetrack: the dreaded corkscrew and the double apex Andretti Hairpin.

Just before a catered lunch of grilled salmon, pork medallions, rice and mixed vegetables, GDZLLA is positioned for a group photo. The afternoon features additional autocross time to crown the group champion, but the real challenge is found during the full track runs. Participants initially take several laps in their own car trailing an instructor, then repeat the process in a 2013 model.

As a final thrill, drivers become captive passengers while the instructors hoon and flail in the 2013 models. Unbelievable. Better than any roller coaster. These cars can take some abuse.

The arrival of Spring 2012 starts like any other until Steven receives a very exciting offer from Nissan: to spend a day at Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway with GDZLLA. Steven immediately submits registration information for GDZLLA. A few days later, he and GDZLLA are confirmed for their northern California romp.

Drivers are directed by event staff to the track garages, each of which is adorned with a personalized banner identifying the assigned occupant. After a quick inspection, GDZLLA is branded with the number “47”.

Inside the garages are tables festooned with freebies from Nissan: a custom Bell racing helmet, an embroidered track jacket and ball cap as well as a Nissan shoulder pack. First. Class. Swag.

Despite the stiff suspension, GDZLLA performs remarkably in keeping Steven comfortable on the 720 mile jaunt – even if it got a little dirty in the process.

Just when Steven thinks things couldn't get any better, look what arrives from overseas... a Nordring carbon fiber front bumper finisher and a carbon fiber gurney flap! Love those ribs.

Steven finally begins installation of the new parts over Memorial Day Weekend 2012. He is pleased that the Nordring finisher fits without issue, but discovers the gurney flap will need a professional fitment.

Also added are GT-R logo wheel centers and wheel spacers.

In September 2012, Steven upgrades to a Go Fast Bits Turbo Management System and an AAM Competition S-Line 2.75" (70mm) Intake System. GDZLLA also receives a set of Nissan OEM daytime running lights. After the install, some "relatives" come over to check them out. LOL.

Halloween 2012 marks the beginning of GT-R Week in Las Vegas. GT-Rs from around the country converge on sin city for a few days of camaraderie.

GDZLLA makes the trip from southern California with two other soCal R35s. Along the way, Steven takes some glamour shots.

Glamour shots along Route 66.

An abandoned water park provides an irresistible backdrop for some photos. Once in Vegas, there are a couple of planned events, such as passes to SEMA 2012, but the highlights of the meet are the cruises down the strip, to Las Vegas Cars & Coffee and through Red Rock Canyon.