Nissan Skyline GT-R is a performance flagship sports car built by Japanese automaker, Nissan from 1969 to 1972, again in 1989 to 2002.
After the Nissan merged with Prince Motor Company, Nissan handled over to continue the Skyline line-up where the C10 to be produce in 1968. Later year, Nissan introduced the high-performance Skyline as PGC10 with 160-hp S20 engine from the R380 initially as saloon; coupe model introduced in 1971 as KPGC10. First-gen Skyline commonly known as "Hakosuka" despite its shape.
Second-gen model produced only in 1973, engine and gearbox were retained, suspension was retweak and disc brakes both front and rear. Due to 1973 oil crisis KPGC110 pulled out in production with less than 200 units are built, this was the rare model ever produced but base Skyline continues to be produced with less powerful engine. This would be return in 1989. Second-gen Skyline commonly known as "Ken-Meri" due to advertisement.
In 1989, Nissan revived the GT-R line-up after the introduction of the R32 Skyline. R32 GT-R totally unique with newly develop 2.6-litre twin-turbocharged inline-6; AWD drivetrain (known as ATTESA-ETS) and became once again a performance flagship with 276-hp limit. R32 GT-R earned it's nickname as Godzilla due to success in motor racing this later in R33 and R34. To celebrate success Nissan released a V-Spec and many limited-edition trim levels. R32 GT-R ceased production in 1994, preparation for the upcoming R33 GT-R.
In 1995, Nissan released the R33 GT-R, like from R32, engine and drivetrain was retained but gearbox was slightly revised and the AWD system has also added Active LSD as ATTESA E-TS Pro. R33 GT-R is 100 kg heavier but also longer by 5-inch. R33 GT-R also has a homologated variant to compete Le Mans with revised bodywork. Nissan released a Nismo counterpart as 400R. 400R is the powerful variant with retuned suspension, special wheels, 2.8-litre engine etc. With 400-hp. R33 GT-R ceased production in 1998, preparation for the upcoming R34 GT-R.
In 1999, Nissan released the R34 GT-R, like from R32 and R33, engine and drivetrain was retained, the gearbox is now 6-speed, engine cover changed to red, it retained the Active LSD. R34 GT-R is 30 kg heavier than R33 GT-R. Among the two, R34 GT-R released many trim levels including Nismo model.
In 2002, Skyline GT-R permanently ceased in production due to newly restrictive emission standards take on effect including the Silvia (200SX in outside market), although non GT-R model as Skyline continues in production to present, North American receives the Skyline model under as Infiniti G35 and G37 (now Q50). In 2005, unveiled a limited Nismo model as "Z-tune" for 20th anniversary based on the V-Spec II R34. R34 Z-tune is the most powerful version with 500-hp, 2.8-litre engine and retuned suspension. This was the most expensive priced over £400,000.
High-performance non GT-R Skyline from R32 to R34 has a saloon variant with 2 to 2.5-litre N/A or single-turbocharged inline-6. Drivetrain uses a conventional FR layout.
Appearances[]
- In 1995 Old Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson reviews the R33 GT-R where he praises the engineering, and the potential of the AWD system comparing to the Ferrari F355.
- In the Japan episode of Jeremy Clarkson's Motorworld, Jeremy Clarkson reviewed the R32 Skyline GT-R, discussing its popularity in the Midnight Club and Japan's touring car championships. Clarkson said that the R32 GT-R is one of the best cars he's ever driven, though he criticizes the interior's build quality and the underwhelming exterior.
- In The Most Outrageous Jeremy Clarkson Film In The World... Ever!, the R33 Skyline GT-R raced against a McLaren F1 in a drag race. But McLaren F1 crossed first despite it's nearly two-and-a-half times (2.5x) of it's horsepower.
- In Clarkson's Top 100 Cars, Clarkson ranked the R34 Skyline GT-R in 8th place.
- In Clarkson's Car Years, Jeremy Clarkson stated the Skyline GT-R was the best supercars especially the R34 GT-R
- In Series 1, Episode 4 of Top Gear, Jason Dawe reviewed the R32, R33 and R34 variants of the Nissan Skyline GT-R. Dawe cited the Skyline GT-R as Japan's only true contribution to the world of supercars.
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