In the bustling streets of Chennai, car enthusiasts might do a double-take when they spot a vehicle that seems to resemble the iconic Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34). However, on closer inspection, the silver car with blue racing stripes reveals itself to be a far cry from the legendary racer. Instead, it’s a 2000 Mitsubishi Lancer 1.5 GLXi—badly modified to mimic the appearance of the revered Skyline.
The Lancer, with a modest 91 horsepower petrol engine and over 100,000 kilometers on the odometer, has seen better days. Priced at INR 3 lakh, the car has changed hands thrice and currently resides in Chennai. The transformation, intended to evoke the spirit of the GT-R, has sparked more bewilderment than admiration in the online community.
Commenters on social media didn’t hold back their thoughts. Ayush Solanki, under the handle ayushs.solanki09, humorously dubbed the car a “Landline GTR 0.34.” Another user, homiie._, shared their initial shock: “My eyes popped out for a millisecond and then noticed—” while dvgoesvroom was more blunt, calling it a “Mitsubishi Cancer.” _bradbeck, an avowed fan of the Lancer Evolution series, quipped, “As an Evo meat rider, this makes me wanna vomit,” and ayush.trivedi45 sarcastically remarked, “No fast, no furious.”
Despite the mockery, the Lancer holds its own place in automotive history. Produced by Mitsubishi Motors from 1973 until 2024, the Lancer saw ten generations and over six million units sold globally. Its popularity, especially in markets like India, is undeniable. The Lancer’s entry into Indian production in 1998 under Hindustan Motors marked a significant milestone, though attempts to transform it into a Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34) are perhaps a testament to the lengths some will go to chase automotive dreams—no matter how misguided.
