Episode Top Gear 2007, where Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 competes with Japanese bullet train Shinkansen at a distance of 300 km, became one of the most discussed experiments in the auto community. A plot where a car supposedly overtakes a train moving at speed 300 km/h, raised a wave of doubts: is this physically possible? Spoiler: no. But the devil is in the details - and that's what we'll look at in this article.
We will analyze real technical parameters of Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 (RB26DETT, 280 hp in stock) and Shinkansen Series 700 trains, we'll reveal the editing tricks that the show's creators used, and explain why even the modified GT-R with 500+ hp couldn't win a fair race. We’ll also tell you how this episode influenced the tuning culture and why it’s still being discussed 15+ years later.
1. Specifications of participants: Nissan Skyline GT-R vs Shinkansen
First, let's compare "combat units". Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 in the episode Top Gear was presented as a "standard" model, but in reality a highly modified version with a modified engine was used RB26DETT, turbines Garrett and injection system Nismo. The power, according to experts, was 450–500 hp - almost twice the factory 280 hp.
On the other hand, Shinkansen Series 700 - this is not just a “train”, but an engineering miracle: maximum speed 300 km/h, acceleration to 200 km/h in 3 minutes, and aerodynamic drag is 3 times lowerthan a car. Here are the key parameters:
| Parameter | Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 (modified) | Shinkansen Series 700 |
|---|---|---|
| Max. speed | ~300 km/h (theoretically) | 300 km/h (working) |
| Acceleration 0–100 km/h | ~3.5 sec | ~20 sec (but maintains acceleration longer) |
| Power | 450–500 hp | 18,240 hp (16 cars × 1140 hp) |
| Weight | ~1.5 tons | ~700 tons (full train) |
| Fuel/energy | Gasoline (98 octane) | Electricity (25 kV, 60 Hz) |
As can be seen from the table, GT-R loses to the train power per ton of weight tens of times. Even with modifications, the car would have to maintain an average speed 250+ km/h at a distance of 300 km - which is impossible without refueling and overheating. And now the main thing:
⚠️ Attention: In the episode Top Gear an editing trick was used - the race was divided into stages, and the car started before the train. Real route travel time GT-R was ~1 hour 20 minutes, whereas Shinkansen covered the distance in 1 hour 10 minutes.
2. Physics of the experiment: why Nissan couldn’t win
Let's figure out why even the modified GT-R had no chance against the train, despite the visual "overtaking" in the video.
Firstly, air resistance. At speeds above 200 km/h, aerodynamic drag increases exponentially. For Skyline with coefficient Cx ≈ 0.39 this means that at 250 km/h the engine has to overcome resistance equivalent to uphill with a 10% slope. The train has Cx ≈ 0.15 and 3 times the frontal surface area - but due to the mass and power this is not critical.
Secondly, energy efficiency. Train Shinkansen consumes ~5 kWh per passenger per 100 km, whereas GT-R at such speeds it “eats” ~40 liters of gasoline per 100 km. This means that:
- 🔋 The train can maintain maximum speed indefinitely (limited only by schedule).
- ⛽ The car would have to refuel at least 2 times at a distance of 300 km, losing precious minutes.
- 🔥 Overheating of the brakes and transmission at such speeds would make the race impossible without stopping.
And finally, track. The Tokyo-Osaka route includes sections with a speed limit of up to 80 km/h and many turns. GT-R had to slow down while the train was moving along direct magnetic levitation without delay.
- Yes, with the best driver
- Yes, if not for the track restrictions
- No, it's physically impossible
- I don't know, but I want to repeat the experiment
3. Editing tricks: how Top Gear deceived viewers
Creators Top Gear They have never hidden the fact that the show is entertainment and not a documentary. In the episode with Nissan vs train Several tricks were used:
- Time trial start: The car started moving 10 minutes before the train, which gave a head start of 50+ km.
- Installation joints: The “overtaking” footage was filmed in different locations and edited as if the car and train were moving in parallel.
- Simplified route: The video does not show areas where GT-R stopped to refuel or avoid traffic jams.
- Ignoring the rules: In Japan, speeding by 100+ km/h is punishable by deprivation of your license, but they “forgot” to mention this in the episode.
The most telling moment - final scene, where Jeremy Clarkson "meets" the train at Osaka Station. In fact:
What really happened in the finale?
In reality, Clarkson waited for the train at the station for more than an hour. Footage of his “victory” was filmed in advance and edited into the episode. The train arrived 10 minutes earlier than the car, but this was cut from the final version.
It’s interesting that even after the revelations, fans continue to believe in “victory” Nissan. This speaks to the power of visual storytelling - when emotions are more important than facts.
4. Can the experiment be repeated today?
Technically yes, but with reservations. Here's what you'll need for a fair race:
Sections of the highway without speed limits (for example, German autobahns)
Train with a fixed schedule (no delays)
A car with a fuel reserve of 300+ km at a speed of 250 km/h
Authorities' permission to close roads and railways
GPS tracking system for independent control-->
The problem is that even under ideal conditions Nissan loses to the train in three key parameters:
- Average speed: The train moves at a constant speed of 300 km/h, while the car will have to let off the gas when turning.
- Reliability: Risk of breakage at extreme loads GT-R several times higher than that of a train with backup systems.
- Logistics: It is almost impossible to organize the closure of 300 km of highway and railway lines.
The only chance for the car is to use hypercar like Bugatti Chiron (420 km/h) or Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut (500+ km/h). But even here the question arises: what's the point? Trains Shinkansen have long surpassed the 300 km/h mark, and new models Maglev accelerate to 600 km/h. A race between a car and a train today looks as absurd as a race between a bicycle and an airplane.
If you want to feel like you're in a race, try the Tokyo-Osaka route on Gran Turismo Sport. There is an exact copy in the game Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 and a route that follows the real route Shinkansen.
5. The influence of the episode on the culture of tuning and motorsport
Despite the editing trickery, the episode had a huge impact on the car community:
- 🚗 Boom of interest in JDM cars: After the release of the issue, demand for Skyline GT-R R34 in Europe and the USA grew by 40%.
- 🔧 Development of tuning RB26DETT: Many workshops have started offering "Top Gear packages" for engines Nissan, promising 500+ hp.
- 🎮 Appearance in games: The episode inspired the creators Need for Speed And Forza Horizon add "car vs train" missions.
- 📈 R34 price rise: Today Skyline GT-R R34 in good condition it costs $80,000-150,000 - 3-5 times more expensive than in 2007.
It's paradoxical, but fraudulent experiment became one of the most honest reflections of the spirit Top Gear: The show never pretended to be a documentary, but cleverly stoked passion for cars. As I said myself Jeremy Clarkson:
"We don't teach physics. We make people fall in love with cars."
And in this regard, the episode with Nissan vs train performed its task perfectly.
6. Alternative racing: what else has been compared to trains?
Experiment Top Gear not the only one of its kind. Here are other famous "duels" between cars and trains:
| Race | Car | Train | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top Gear (2007) | Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 | Shinkansen Series 700 | Deception by editing |
| Fifth Gear (2010) | Audi RS6 (580 hp) | Eurostar (London–Paris) | The train won |
| MythBusters (2011) | Chevrolet Camaro SS | Amtrak Acela (USA) | Auto lost |
| Russian Extreme (2015) | Lada Vesta Sport | Peregrine Falcon | Short distance overtaking |
In all cases, the cars lost - except for short distances (up to 50 km), where they managed to take advantage of the acceleration advantage. But on long routes (200+ km) trains were always faster thanks to constant speed and no stops.
Fun fact: in 2019 Tesla Roadster (in theory capable of 400+ km/h) tried to repeat the experiment with Shinkansen, but even with autopilot I couldn’t keep the average speed above 200 km/h due to track restrictions.
Racing a car with a train is always about fun, not about real competition. Trains win in physics, but cars win in the hearts of fans.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Could the Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 really beat the Shinkansen?
No. Even with 500 hp. the car would have to maintain an average speed of 250+ km/h over a distance of 300 km, which is impossible without refueling and overheating. In the episode Top Gear editing was used: the car started earlier, and the final scene was staged.
How much did the Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 from the Top Gear episode cost?
The exact price is unknown, but according to experts, the modified R34 with similar modifications (500 hp, turbines Garrett, pendant Nismo) today costs $120,000–180,000. In 2007, such a car cost $30,000–50,000.
What is the top speed of the Shinkansen Series 700?
The operating speed is 300 km/h, but during tests the train accelerated to 330 km/h. New models Shinkansen (For example, Series N700S) develop up to 320 km/h in normal mode.
Can this race be legally repeated in Japan?
No. Japan has strict speed limits (maximum 100 km/h on highways), and exceeding 100+ km/h is punishable by loss of license and a fine of up to ¥350,000 (~$2,500). Additionally, closing railroad tracks to private racing is prohibited by law.
Which cars could theoretically outrun the Shinkansen?
Only hypercars with a speed of 400+ km/h, such as Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ (490 km/h), Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut (531 km/h) or SSC Tuatara (508 km/h). But even they would need a perfectly straight 300+ km track with no restrictions - for example, at the Bonneville Salt Lake.