Diamonds By Raymond Lee’s Diamonds and Donuts Car Show put together a very special private event with the GT-R Squad of South Florida on November 21st, 2020. It was a GT-R-only event sponsored by Bacardi. Bacardi provided tasty drinks and great food, and the GT-R Squad of South Florida provided what felt like an unlimited supply of “Godzilla” race cars.
Big thanks to Vinny (@vinman_gtr), founder of the GT-R Squad of South Florida, for helping us put this together, and all the GT-R owners who blessed the event with their proudly built cars.
NISSAN GT-R “GODZILLA”
The Nissan GT-R is by far the most famous Japanese sports car ever made. In fact, it is one of the most popular race cars in the entire world. It is colloquially known as “Godzilla” because it can “kill” supercar giants from the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche on the track. What’s even more incredible is the GT-R has a price tag that undercuts all of these big names.
The GT-R has a rich history dating back to 1969. This was a time when Germans and Italians completely dominated the realm of superfast cars. Then, along came Japan with their remarkable engineering and precision. Cars like Supras, NSXs and the Skyline GT-R took the globe by storm. Not only were these cars fast, but they were efficient and far more affordable.
First & Second Generation of the GT-R
The GT-R was the most sought after Japanese car of them all. The first generation Skyline GT-R, which was in production from 1969-1972, boasted a 16.1-second quarter mile and a 124mph top speed. These were big numbers during that time. On top of that, the car could corner too! As such, it won the JAF Grand Prix in its debut race. When it became available to the public in 1971, tons of people wanted one, but only 1,945 lucky people could get it because that’s all they produced.
In 1973, the second generation of the Skyline GT-R came out. Only 197 of these were built. By 1974, it was discontinued.
Why?
16 Year Hiatus
Japan took a major hiatus from the race car market due to the oil crisis and stricter emission standards. They set their sights on affordable, more eco-friendly vehicles.
16 long years later, the GT-R was finally revived The third generation, the Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 was released in 1989 and it continued production until 1994. The standard GT-R of this time could do zero to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and the quarter mile in 13.9 seconds.
Dominating the 90s
The fourth generation, the R33, was in production from 1995 to 1998, it was mainly just an evolution of the R32. It had the same engine but the torque increased a bit. They got the 0-60mph sprint down to 5.0 seconds. One of the R33’s greatest achievements was its 7:59 lap of the Nürburgring.
Then you had the 5th generation, which is arguably the most illustrious for JDM heads. It was the R34 GT-R. This car benefited from all the racing and testing done on the previous two generations.
Looking back, Japan truly took the race car scene by storm. Throughout the 90s and early 2000s, Japanese Domestic Market race cars (aka JDMs) were all the talk. Out of all the highly coveted Japanese race cars that took over the scene from the 1990s to the 2000s, the GT-R stood above them all.
Just look at the 2 Fast 2 Furious movie as a prime example. Remember what car Paul Walker was driving? It was a Nissan Skyline GT-R R34, and he was driving on the right side because that bad boy was straight from Japan.
Unfortunately, for most Americans, these cars were that of legends, as Japanese performance cars like the GT-R were nearly unobtainable unless you had deep pockets to import them.
The GT-R Hits the States
That all changed in 2008 with the sixth generation. The GT-R R35 dropped in the US in July 2008 with a base price of $78,000.
While there were true JDM enthusiasts throughout the entire 2000s, the introduction of the R35 Stateside really brought back the love for Japanese race cars. Here in South Florida, we have a huge Japanese import car scene. It’s been going strong for the last decade, but it has really exploded in recent years. While some have classic JDMs, most people have taken to the more attainable R35…
The R35 continues production to present day, obviously with updates and facelifts along the way. For example, the 2020 base model makes 565 horsepower while the Nismo model churns out a whopping 600 horses.
All in all, it’s been a wild ride with the Nissan GT-R, both literally and metaphorically. From Japan to US, this car has made massive waves. The above is just a brief sputtering of the GT-R’s history.
What we loved about the GT-R Squad of South Florida event at Diamonds By Raymond Lee last week was the interactive history experience we received. At the GT-R event, you had all kinds of GT-R models from various years. There were R32s, R33s, R34s, and R35s – base models and Nismos – it was insane. This was a bonafide hands-on learning experience of Japans finest race car, the Nissan GT-R. Big thanks to the GTR Squad of South Florida for coming out to Diamonds By Raymond Lee for the event.
GT-R SQUAD OF SOUTH FLORIDA
We asked Vinny, the founder of GT-R Squad of South Florida, for a little background on the group. Here’s what he had to say…
“The GT-R Squad of South Florida was founded back in the fall of 2015. We had a vision, to meet other owners of this car we call “Godzilla”. We started out by getting-together every Tuesday night. Having dinner at local restaurants, followed by Trips to Mexico. Our group has now grown to over 130 members. “We’re not just a regular “car group”, we’re a very close family that has shared many great memories over the years”.
– Vinny @gtrsquadofsfl
Since the 4 years the GT-R Squad of South Florida has been around, the’ve amassed over 135 members. The group is steadily growing each year. That just goes to show South Florida’s love for the GT-R Godzilla.
Just so we don’t leave anyone out, here is a list of the squad members (if we missed anyone, please let us know and we will add you to the list):
Godfather’s IG: @Vinman_GTR
Squad Members:
- @2017.gtr
- @2ffaastt4u
- @ajchurion
- @Alexanderapperez
- @alexrsti
- @andresd4
- @boss_transit_solutions
- @Bdrperformance
- @Bombi809
- @bullydogmiami
- @Carralero_M
- @Cc_gtr0791
- @Ceohp81
- @chileansebas
- @chrzamolo
- @chukijavier
- @coldairnow
- @danimal_gtr
- @Davidpiedra
- @Diego_vossen
- @Dnunez19
- @Donaldob
- @donomar15
- @DiegoLema23
- @drokdaspot
- @__edsel__
- @efaitelson
- @elmeezy21
- @elmige1
- @Esteban_luxtires
- @foampositeking100
- @Francodv
- @gianni_m3
- @giovega_gtr
- @giisellemarie
- @godz1st
- @grey_gtr
- @gtr35_mike
- @Gtr_Adam
- @Gtr_derek
- @gtr_tony
- @Hemaur
- @imtherealsheldon
- @jaimeacevedo95
- @Jamisonfgavin
- @Jbl911
- @jcprovo
- @jeanmcarlo
- @Jonnycia
- @jonnyducatiii
- @johnnybnavas
- @joshk.gtr
- @Kevingoldvarg
- @kingtana_305
- @Laced_gtr
- @lagordagtr
- @Land_speed1k
- @lamboraul
- @lilymanash
- @liveyourlife.vm
- @Lschiavo46
- @marek.xgtrx
- @Markogtr
- @mannyfreshcars
- @mark_trapnov
- @merc.man
- @Maykollorta
- @Metallico48
- @miamipowerwheels
- @mr_jflo
- @Oscarmlife
- @Pintfam
- @Powergtr
- @R35_eric
- @R35_sergio
- @R35_zila
- @reddevil_gtr
- @rickyrudy_
- @risingsungtr
- @rmswaterworx
- @senatroo
- @Shotta29
- @sidneyyjayy
- @slammedwhale
- @sleeper_r35
- @swole_rj
- @teambreadwinners
- @texas_killer_r35
- @thedisspencery
- @therealhaimnayor
- @tj_morninstarr
- @Trentsoflo
- @Whiteghost_gtr
- @xannieria
- @xav121212
- @yeandrys_jj
- @Yevahh
Be sure to follow their IG page @gtrsquadofsfl for updates on events and meets. Not to mention, sexy pics and videos of GT-Rs from members of the group.
The page is ran by @Juanipereiro & @seb.gtr and the group states that all of their cars are built @Billetdesign, @fabshop_miami, @mpi_rey, and @Rayautorepairs, and tuned by @sprayitracing, @Billetdesign, and @kareltuning.
SOME HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE GT-R SQUAD GROUP OF SFL MEET AT DIAMONDS AND DONUTS IN BOCA RATON
Our exclusive Diamonds and Donuts GT-R event sponsored by Bacardi ran from 1pm to 3pm on Saturday, November 21st. Diamonds By Raymond Lee’s parking lot was filled with all kinds of GT-Rs.
The event was private, so only members of the GT-R Squad of South Florida participated. We wanted to keep things strictly “Godzilla”.
Each GT-R had its own unique build and features. Shout out to @Billetdesign, @fabshop_miami, @mpi_rey, @Rayautorepairs, @sprayitracing, @Billetdesign, and @kareltuning for the incredible work they do on automobiles here in South Florida. Any car nut will know these companies, especially GT-R heads.
The vibrancy this squad brings to any gathering is unrivaled, as you can clearly see from the pictures.
While the majority of the cars are R35s, since this is the only Nissan GT-R made for the US market, there were some true JDMs in attendance as well.
Let’s have a look at some of the cars that turned up…
2017 Nissan GT-R R35 Nismo
The GT-R Squad of South Florida has a good mix of both men and women. This black 2017 Nissan GT-R R35 Nismo represents that. It is owned by @lilymanash. Thanks to improved aerodynamics and structural adhesives, this Nismo has more downforce and cornering ability than previous years. It can hit a top speed of 196mph and a 0-60 mph in just under 3 seconds. On top of all that, this car looks super badass. The looks are only enhanced with @prestigeautosalonfl dialing in on the paint job.
Blue & Grey GT-R’S
Squad member @Oscarmlife rolled up with his blue, carbon-hooded Nissan GT-R build.
To his side is Cletus Jenkins’(@grey_gtr) gorgeously slick, always-track-ready grey, carbon-hooded GT-R. This beast has an upgrade – DPs mid and exhaust – to maximize everything.
Cletus runs a forum called gtrheritage.com.
50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION
The 2020 GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition was in attendance thanks to @yeandrys_jj. This car breaks necks left and right on the streets.
2013 R35 GTR
This particular 2013 GT-R stands out even among other dope GT-Rs, not to mention supercars like McLaren 720s and Lambo Aventadors, both for its speed and its sick wrap. Big thanks to its owner, @risingsungtr, for coming out and joining us.
Red & Grey GT-R
Side by side we have @boss_transit_solutions’s red GT-R and @foampositeking100’s grey GT-R.
JULIA MALLARD
The massive gang of GT-Rs wasn’t the only beautiful sight to see. Model Julia Mallard (@xooxjulia) came out to the event to support.
We dressed Julia up in some of our most stunning jewelry and luxury watches. After all, it wouldn’t be a Diamonds and Donuts event without beautiful women, luxury watches, and diamonds!
Check out a jewelry photoshoot we did with Julia last year. She’s rocking some incredible jewelry and a classic Daytona watch in that shoot. All combined, she has on hundreds of thousands of dollars of jewelry in that one.
GT-R DIAMONDS AND DONUTS EVENT SPONSOR: BACARDI
Bacardi needs no introduction, it is one of the largest American privately held, family-owned spirits company in the world. Big shout out to Bacardi for sponsoring the event.
Thanks to Bacardi, we all got to enjoy delicious bbq and tasty adult beverages of the rum variety.
Featured cocktails at our Diamonds and Donuts GT-R Meet included the Rustic Romance, Jail Monkey and Hand Shaked Pina Colada.
STAY TUNED FOR MORE!
While this Diamonds and Donuts GT-R meet was a private event, next month on December 20th, we are holding our annual Diamonds and Donuts Car Show Toy Drive for the Boys and Girls Club of Broward County. This event is open to the public and it will see South Florida’s hottest cars all in one place – Diamonds By Raymond Lee’s parking lot in Boca Raton.
You can learn more about our toy drive car show and how to RSVP here.
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