Feature: Pro Shop Screen x D2 Japan GR86-TA ZN8

Since the start of this build project, SCREEN and D2 Japan have never been subtle about their ambitions at Tsukuba, and the GR86-TA makes that very clear from the moment you see it. The livery is a deliberate tip of the hat to the shop’s more iconic FD3S demo car, and the intent is equally pointed; radial class supremacy at TC2000. Early into their campaign, the team has already rocketed to being the second fastest ZN8 at Tsukuba Circuit with a 55.907, on Potenza RE71-RZ; among the quicker radial tires available on the Japanese market.  That time was set by Masahiro Sasaki this February, and puts them just over 1 second behind Taniguchi in the HKS Racing Performer GR (54.758). Considering the HKS time was set on Advan A050 A1, that time differential is very impressive.

 

 

The GR86 platform has become one of the most competitive foundations in Japanese time attack since it’s launch, and it’s not uncommon to see many Japanese tuners catering to the new platform. Not many have gone as far as Screen, however, and aside from HKS, most companies have been focusing on more dual use or enthusiast level modifications. The team at Pro Shop Screen and D2 Japan have torn into the chassis and are on a path to see what the ZN8 is truly capable of.  Starting with the exterior, the widebody is full Screen original; the dry carbon hood, roof, trunk, and doors keep weight in check while the wide FRP front and rear fenders open up real estate for the wider wheels and tires.  Also made by Screen, the GT wing, front canards, side skirts, tie in the rest of the cars exterior.  The rear diffuser and a front splitter are one-off dry carbon components from Work Shop Takumi round out an aero package that clearly wasn’t put together as an afterthought.

 

 

The interior and chassis processing was also done in-house at Screen. The reinforced chassis, and custom roll cage, help to both protect and stiffen the GR. On circuit, Masahiro is held in place by a Recaro Pro Racer RMS. A MOMO steering wheel, AIM meter, and dry carbon dashboard keeping things purposeful and light.

 

The engine is where things get a bit more serious, and separate the build from others. Built around the FA20 found in the ZN6, the 2 liter was stroked to 2.2 using the popular HKS 2.2L stroker kit. New crank, connecting rods, and pistons, provide added displacement for the HKS GT II 8267 turbo to breathe life into. Screen uses an EVC-7 and FCOM VPRO 5.0 to manage the setup. SARD 900cc injectors feed the fuel, with the HKS camshaft and porting work ensuring the combustion chamber is making the most of everything fed into it. An AccuSump keeps oil where it needs to be under load, and the original crankshaft pulley rounds out a package rated at just about 500 ps.

 

 

 

Getting that power to the ground falls to an ORC Racing Concept clutch, a Holinger sequential transmission, and an OS Giken LSD through a reinforced drive shaft. A tried and tested drivetrain combination that prioritizes both speed and durability over a full day of circuit use.

Underneath, D2 Japan racing suspension and HAL springs work alongside Screen’s original reinforced front arms with pillow ball joints, Cusco rear lateral links, and Revolution pillow stabilizer links. Stopping is handled by D2 Japan’s own racing hollow calipers; 6-pot up front on 356mm rotors, 4-pot at the rear to match.  Bridgestone Potenza RE-12D 285/35/19 tires on 10.5j Potenza wheels fill the wide arches exactly as intended. Interesting that they chose a 19″ wheel, but apparently tire size is very specific with the build.

 

With the second full season of the build complete, the progress towards their goal has been exceptional.  Screen built this car with the goal of becoming the fastest car on radial tires at TC2000. In less than two years, they have already achieved the title of fastest ZN chassis on radials, surpassing Auto Produce Boss ZN6’s old time of 56.334 The current fastest radial times are the 53.8 and 53.7 of Taka (GTR35) and Aoki (FD3S). 2 seconds seems like a large gap to close, but considering the youth of Screen’s build, they’re off to a good start.  Looking forward to seeing this contender continue to cut down time in the coming years.