Ryuji Ikeda's Nissan Fairlady Z

Ryuji Ikeda's Nissan Fairlady Z Version S (Z33), also known as the 350Z, is the signature car of Team Spiral leader, Ryuji Ikeda.

History
Ryuji Ikeda uses this car as the leader of Team Spiral, who act as the third wall of defense in Kanagawa. Prior to Spiral's meeting with Project D, Ikeda had an encounter with Kanagawa's Grim Reaper: Rin Hojo. Hojo bumped Ikeda several times before he drops out of the race, not wishing to damage his car too much before his battle with Project D.

Ikeda represents his team as their uphill racer during their battles with Project D, going up against their uphill ace: Keisuke Takahashi. The road was wet due to it raining before the battle, and sections of the road were covered in a thick fog. Ikeda starts in lead, with Keisuke following behind. Ikeda makes use of his Zero Theory, where he clears his mind of his emotions as to improve his driving. Keisuke manages to keep up with him until the two drivers enter a section of deep fog. Keisuke manages to pass Ikeda on a foggy straightaway with help from Kenta Nakamura, who calls him to let him know that there are no oncoming cars. Keisuke wins the race.

Later on, Ikeda joined the battle between Ryosuke Takahashi and Rin Hojo, acting as a spectator for their deathmatch on the Hakone Turnpike. Nearing the end of the road, Hojo attempts to crash his car, with Ryosuke trying to use his car to slow him down and prevent him from crashing. When Ryosuke realises that he wont be able to stop Hojo, Ikeda pulls alongside Ryosuke and helps him slow Hojo down.

Specs
This car is a Nissan Fairlady Z Version S, chassis code Z33. It is painted Burning Red.

Engine
The 350Z is equipped with a VQ35DE engine, fitted with a bolt on twin turbocharger. It has a displacement of 3498 cc and could produce 305HP.

Custom Parts

 * Ings N-Spec full body kit
 * Ings bonnet
 * Ings LX front fenders
 * Ings rear wing
 * Ings LX Sport LM VII wheels (changed to Ings TS06 Forged Racing Wheels in the anime)
 * Auto Produce Boss twin separate mufflers
 * Mine's carbon mirrors (anime)
 * Front window sun strip (manga and arcade)
 * Bolt-on turbo kit.

Trivia
This is the 'newest' car in the series which entered production in August 2002, and one of the two 'futuristic cars' (the other being Kobayakawa's Evo VII) of the series, considering the show is based on late 1990s.