A ragtop Nissan GT-R? And we thought Godzilla couldn’t get any more insane

By Joe Mahan February 27, 2014

Newport Convertible Engineering is at it again, reshaping the infamous shark-like Nissan GT-R by cutting its head off.

I rather like the idea of blasting my way from a standstill to 60 in 3.0 seconds inside an open-air Japanese monster. The sound emitted from that glorious 3.8-liter, 548 horsepower V6 bouncing off its redline to the world would only make the experience all the more thrilling.

A few problems I foresee, besides losing my hair in the open cockpit, is how the rag top will be able to hold up. The GT-R is a jaw-dropping vehicle and nothing would be lamer than seeing someone punch it, only to have the roof blown off. Structural improvements will surely have to be made, and no offense to NCE, but the engineers at Nissan are hard to compete with.

The company plans to produce a limited number of convertible GT-Rs for a global audience, but that is just about the only information provided. NCE has a history of chopping off other vehicles tops but none this formidable.

I’m not sure about you, but I certainly wouldn’t dare a top speed run with only a rag top over my head in such a vicious vehicle. Then again, leaving nothing but burnt tarmac behind, as reality becomes a blur, would be all the more surreal with an open-air GT-R.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Photo Galleries

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Joe Mahan is an intern at Digital Trends working in the Cars section. He is currently a Junior at the University of Portland…

Cars

Best dash cam deals: Protect your ride from just $39

Rexing V1 dash cam

There are a lot of difficult drivers on the road, and a great way to protect yourself from potential insurance issues is with a dash cam. A dash cam will ensure everything that goes on while you’re driving is recorded. The best dash cams can typically record in multiple directions, making them a great option for Uber drivers who want to keep their customers safe and protect themselves from potential legal issues as well. You can save big on a new dash cam right now, as there are quite a few dash cam deals worth shopping. Below you’ll find what we feel are the best dash cam deals to choose from right now, so read onward for more details on how to save.
70mai Smart Dash Cam 1S -- $40, was $50

The 70mai Smart Dash Cam 1S is the cheapest option in this list, but it doesn't feel like it because it's packed with features. The dash cam, which supports microSD memory cards of up to 64GB, records footage at 1080p Full HD resolution with night vision capabilities thanks to its Sony IMX307 image processor and f/2.2 aperture. With its built-in G sensor, the dash cam will detect an accident and lock footage to prevent overwrites. You can use voice commands to ask the dash cam to take photos or to start recording videos, and you can use its accompanying app to watch real-time footage and to download files to your phone.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5: Should you wait for the Rivian R2?

Rivian R2

Rivian has taken the wraps off of the Rivian R2, an electric SUV that's similar to the much-loved R1S, but smaller and, crucially, cheaper. But the R2 goes up against some serious competition. The likes of Hyundai have been building solid EVs for some time now -- including the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

The R2 and the Ioniq 5 each make a compelling case for themselves, and they're likely to end up being similarly priced if the Ioniq 5 doesn't get much cheaper and the R2 does end up being sold at $45,000. To be fair, the cars are pretty different -- the R2 is more of an SUV, while the Ioniq 5 is much more crossover-sized. But because of their similar price, you might be deciding between the two. How do they compare? We put the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 head-to-head.
Design
The differences between the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 are perhaps no more apparent than when it comes to design.

Cars

The 6 best remote car starters in 2024

Best car remote starters

While some modern vehicles come standard with remote start features, it's still relatively uncommon. That's a shame because if you live somewhere where cold weather, snow, and ice are frequent concerns, a remote car starter is one of the best auto accessories you can have. If you're not familiar with them, a remote car starter works similarly to a key fob, except it will actually start your car from a distance instead of just unlocking the doors or trunk. That means you can start your car from the warm comfort of your home or office before venturing out. If you live somewhere hot, you can even start your car and let the AC run for a little bit. You'll never enter a freezing cold or scorching hot vehicle again.

The best remote car starters have long ranges, replaceable batteries, and other handy features — but how do you know which is best for you? We’ve compiled a list of the best car starters in a range of prices and features. Keep in mind that while you can install some yourself, some will require a professional.
The best remote car starters in 2024