Nissan GT-R Rocket Bunny: how to transform “God” with a Japanese tuning kit

Tuning Nissan GT-R from the studio Rocket Bunny is not just a modification, but a real art that combines aggressive design and functionality. Japanese brand created by the legendary Kei Miura, turns the "God" (as the GT-R is called in the tuning community) into a unique specimen with wide arches, splitters and diffusers that not only change the appearance, but also improve aerodynamics. In this article we will look at why Rocket Bunny Version 2 kit for R35 is the only one in the world certified for legal use on Japanese roads, how to install it and how much it costs in 2026.

Let's compare with competitors like Pandem or Liberty Walk, we’ll talk about the pitfalls (for example, why the suspension may need to be retuned after installation), and answer the main question: does the result justify the investment? Spoiler alert: if you dream of a car that stands out on the track and on Instagram, but are not willing to sacrifice reliability, this kit is for you. And for those who doubt it, at the end of the article there is an FAQ with answers to the most pressing questions from GT-R owners.

What is Rocket Bunny and why is it an iconic GT-R tuning?

Studio Rocket Bunny (previously known as TRA Kyoto) was founded in 2008 and quickly became a symbol of Japanese style bosozoku - aggressive, wide and incredibly visible. Their whales for Nissan GT-R (especially versions for R35) were developed taking into account factory aerodynamics, but with an emphasis on extreme appearance. For example, the front splitter doesn't just add 20mm to the width of the car - it's optimized to reduce lift at high speeds.

Difference from competitors like Liberty Walk? Rocket Bunny uses carbon fiber And premium fiberglass, and their kits are crash tested. This is important because cheap replicas often crack with the slightest impact or even vibration on bumps. By the way, original parts are laser engraved with a logo - this is one way to distinguish a fake.

• 🚀 Unique design: wide arches (+40–60 mm per side), integrated splitters and diffusers.
• 🛠️ Compatibility: kits are developed for specific generations of GT-R (for example, Version 2 only for 2017+).
• 💰 Investment in resell: cars with the original Rocket Bunny are sold 15–20% more expensive than their analogues.

⚠️ Please note: Rocket Bunny parts are not compatible with factory Nissan bumpers. A complete replacement of the front/rear body kit will be required, which increases the cost of installation by 30–50%.

Rocket Bunny packages for Nissan GT-R: what is included in the kit?

Standard kit Rocket Bunny Version 2 for Nissan GT-R R35 includes 8 basic elements, but you can purchase additional options such as carbon fiber mirrors or channels for cooling the brakes. Here is the basic package:

Detail	Material	Function	Notes
Front bumper with splitter	Carbon fiber/fiberglass	Increased downforce, chip protection	Requires modification of mounts for some years of manufacture
Rear arches (+60 mm)	Fiberglass	Installation of wide wheels (up to 12J)	Needs customization for specific tires
Rear diffuser	Carbon fiber	Optimizing air flows under the machine	Not compatible with some exhaust systems

Important: in whale not included side skirts and hood - need to be purchased separately (price starts at $1,200 per hood Vent Type). You will also need new mounts for the headlights and radiator grille, since the standard ones do not fit.

How much does the Rocket Bunny cost for the GT-R in 2026?

Prices for original kits vary depending on the material and configuration. For example, a complete whale Version 2 made of fiberglass will cost $6,500–$8,000, and the carbon fiber version is from $12,000. But this is just the tip of the iceberg: installation, painting and modifications will cost another $5,000–$10,000.

Cost breakdown (example for 2020 GT-R):

• 💵 Kit Rocket Bunny Version 2 (fiberglass): $7,200
• 🎨 Painting and preparation: $3,500 (including putty and primer)
• 🔧 Suspension installation and adjustment: $2,800 (labor + new springs)
• 🚗 Wide rims and tires: $4,000 (eg. Work Wheels CR2P 10.5J)

⚠️ Warning: Cheap replicas (priced from $2,000) often have imprecise mounting, which leads to vibrations at speeds above 180 km/h. Genuine Rocket Bunny parts are guaranteed to last 5+ years without cracking.

Step-by-step installation of Rocket Bunny: what do you need to know?

Installation of the kit takes 3–5 days in a professional tuning studio. Here are the key steps:

1. Dismantling: removal of factory bumpers, arches and diffuser. It is important to preserve the PTF fasteners and wiring.
2. Fit: New parts often require modifications (for example, trimming for parking sensors).
3. Fastening: original Rocket Bunny brackets are used + additional reinforcements for the arches.
4. Painting: the whale is painted in body color or a contrasting shade (popular matte black or ultramarine).
5. Settings: after installation, adjustment of wheel alignment and suspension stiffness is required.

The most common mistake is skimping on the suspension. After installing wide arches, the center of gravity shifts and the standard shock absorbers cannot cope with the load. We recommend installing it right away Tein or KW coilovers with adjustable hardness.

Rocket Bunny vs Pandem vs Liberty Walk: Which is better for the GT-R?

All three brands specialize in wide body kits, but each has its own features:

Brand	Style	Pros	Cons
Rocket Bunny	Aggressive but balanced	Legal certification in Japan, premium materials	High price, difficult installation
Pandem	Extreme (width +80 mm)	Unique design, light weight	Not certified for road use, brittle carbon fiber
Liberty Walk	Classic JDM	Easier to install, cheaper	Less developed aerodynamics

Rocket Bunny wins in terms of price/quality ratio if you need a car for daily driving with elements of track days. Pandem suitable for show cars, and Liberty Walk - for those who want to save money without losing style.

Why is Rocket Bunny Version 2 better than Version 1?

Version 2 has improved splitter geometry (less air resistance at speeds of 250+ km/h) and reinforced arch mounts that do not crack when installing wide wheels (11J+).

Where can I buy the original Rocket Bunny for the GT-R?

There are no official Rocket Bunny dealers in Russia and the CIS, but there are trusted suppliers:

• 🌍 JDM Buysell (Japan): original kits with a guarantee, delivery 4–6 weeks. Website.
• 🇺🇸 FT86 SpeedFactory (USA): Wide variety, but prices are 10–15% higher due to duties.
• 🇪🇺 DriftWorks (Europe): there are warehouses in Germany and Poland, delivery 2-3 weeks.

Before purchasing, be sure to request:

1. Photo of laser engraving on parts (sign of the original).
2. Certificate of compatibility with your year of GT-R.
3. Warranty card (from official dealers - 1 year for materials).

⚠️ Warning: Replicas are selling for $1,500-$2,500 on AliExpress and eBay, but they are made of low-quality ABS plastic that cracks at temperatures below -10°C.

Photos and video: what a GT-R with Rocket Bunny looks like in real life

It's better to see it once! Here is a selection of Instagram accounts where owners share photos of their projects:

• 📸 @rocketbunnyofficial — official brand account with installation examples.
• 📸 @gtr_rocketbunny — a community of GT-R owners with Rocket Bunny (there is a video with test drives).
• 🎥 YouTube: "Rocket Bunny GT-R Build" - search for this query to see the installation process.

Pay attention to the details: it is often not visible in the photo, but after installing the kit you have to modify:

• 🔧 Front splitter - sometimes shortened for parking on curbs.
• 🔥 Exhaust system — the diffuser can interfere with pipes with a diameter of more than 100 mm.
• 💡 PTF — some kits do not have holes for foglights (you will have to drill them yourself).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Rocket Bunny for Nissan GT-R

❓ Is it possible to install Rocket Bunny on a GT-R with an AWD system?

Yes, the kit is compatible with all-wheel drive ATTESA E-TS, but the differentials will need to be retuned due to the changed weight. We recommend performing dynamic balancing after installation.

❓ How much does a complete Rocket Bunny kit weigh?

A fiberglass whale weighs ~45 kg, a carbon fiber whale weighs ~32 kg. For comparison, factory GT-R bumpers weigh ~28 kg. The difference in weight has virtually no effect on dynamics, but may require adjustments to the braking balance.

❓ Is the Rocket Bunny legal to drive on public roads?

In Japan and the USA the kit is certified for road use (provided it is installed correctly). In Russia and Europe, legality depends on local regulations: in some countries, wide arches require registration as a body modification.

❓ Is it possible to return the car to stock after installing Rocket Bunny?

Theoretically yes, but in practice it is not economically feasible. When dismantling, you will have to restore the bumper mounts, and original Nissan parts after 2015 are expensive (for example, the front bumper - ~$2,500).

❓ How often should Rocket Bunny parts be touched up?

With proper preparation (priming, protection from chips), the kit lasts 3-4 years without restoration. However, it is recommended to cover the splitter and the lower part of the arches with a protective film (for example, 3M Scotchgard), as they suffer from sandblasting.