By V. Sivaji
Known as the “Father of the modern GT-R”, Hiroshi Tamura is in Penang for the gathering of 50 Nissan GT-R car enthusiasts gathering at the Crowne Plaza Penang Straits City.
Hiroshi Tamura is Nissan’s Chief Product Specialist. His resume includes the Skyline R33, Skyline R34, and R35 GT-R, where he essentially oversaw the projects and advocated for what the brand needed.
Tamura who is 62, joined Nissan in 1984 and worked for three years before being transferred to Autech, a subsidiary responsible for building all of the souped-up GT-R-powered Nissans.
He rejoined Nissan’s product planning department in 1993, eventually making his way up to the planning department for the R34 Skyline GT-R.
In addition to leading the development of the R35 GT-R, Tamura was also responsible
for the new generation of Nissan Zs.
Meanwhile, owners of Nissan GT-Rs came from all corners of the country to participate in the inaugural event which is expected to end on Sunday, Oct 6, 2024. The gathering is the largest GT-R event in Malaysia.
Present at a press conference to announce the gathering was Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai along with Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau chief executive officer, Ashwin Gunasekeran.
Also present was Jason Yap, CEO & director of Element & Strategies.
Lending support was the general manager of Crowne Plaza Penang Straits City, Rizwan Izham Zain and his team.
Wong in his address expressed his joy to announce that the long-awaited GTR Festival is officially kicking off in Penang.
“This three-day festival is set to electrify car lovers as we marvel at the powerful and legendary GTR models. Besides admiring these magnificent cars up close, the organizers have planned a variety of interactive sessions, providing an excellent platform for car enthusiasts, GTR owners, and the public to come together, exchange ideas, and share their passion for driving.
“From the iconic R32, known as the “Godzilla of the East,” to the latest R36 model, which boasts a 3.8L twin-turbocharged V6 engine capable of producing 565 horsepower and 632 Nm of torque, the GTR is a force to be reckoned with. And while many think they need to go to the Akina Mountain of Japan to see these cars in action, Penang is now the place to be”, said Wong.
One of the festival’s highlights will undoubtedly be the grand GTR convoy across the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge, also known as Penang Second Bridge, with the cars parading in a stunning display of power and elegance.
“Penang is deeply honoured to host such a prestigious automotive event.
“Penang also has the potential to host similar large-scale international automotive events. In the future we are deeply committed to diversifying our tourism offerings, from medical tourism, food tourism to sports tourism, exhibitions tourism, conventions and et cetera. We are keen to support the growth of automotive and mobility tourism”, added Wong.
Meanwhile, Ashwin thanked the organisers for kick starting the new niche automotive segment in Penang.
“It is indeed a pleasure to meet and greet Tamura and his team here in Penang. The automotive industry is among the focus segments of PCEB and it is rewarding to see this festival finally here in Penang.
“With the expected opening of the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC) next year, there will be more options for hosting exhibitions and automotive shows here”, said Ashwin.