Nissan Skyline GT-R

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The Nissan Skyline GT-R is an iconic Japanese sports coupé in the Nissan Skyline range. Dubbed "Godzilla" by Wheels magazine in Australia when released there in 1989, it was rated by many motoring magazines, including the well-respected Wheels, as providing performance and handling equal or superior to that of European icons like the Porsche 911 and the Ferrari Testarossa, at a considerably lower price. The Skyline's home-market competitors have included the Honda NSX, Toyota Supra, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Subaru Impreza WRX STi, Mitsubishi 3000GT and Mazda RX-7.

Contents 1 History of the brand 2 1989-1994 (R32) 2.1 Concept 2.2 Production 3 1995-1997 (R33) 4 1999-2002 (R34) 5 NISMO R34 Z-Tune 6 N1 engines 7 Power-train 7.1 Modification 8 Motorsport 9 Popular Culture 10 Future of the GT-R 11 Gallery 12 References 13 External links

History of the brand

The Skyline name originated with the Prince automobile company which developed and sold the Skyline line of sedans before merging with Nissan-Datsun. The GT-R abbreviation stands for Gran Turismo Racer, with the word Racer being separated to enhance the performance version, as the GT-B stands for Gran Turismo Berlinetta. The Japanese chose to use English as their first language when naming the car, as most cars made in Japan at that time used American abbreviation to further enhance sales. The earliest predecessor of the GT-R, the S54 2000 GT-B, came second in its first race in 1964 to the purpose-built Porsche 904 GTS. The next development of the GT-R, the 4-door PGC10 2000 GT-R , later to be superseded by the 2-door KPGC10 version, scored 33 victories in the one and a half years it raced and by the time it attempted its 50th consecutive win, its run was ended by a Mazda Savanna RX-3. The car took 1000 victories by the time it was discontinued in 1972. The last of the original GT-Rs, the KPGC110 2000GT-R, used an unchanged S20 160 hp (120 kW) inline-6 engine from the earlier 2000 GT-R and only sold 197 units due to the worldwide energy crisis. This model was the only GT-R to never participate in a race despite only having one built which now resides in Nissan's former factory turned storage unit for historical cars in Zama.

The Skyline model continued into the 1990s when it became popular largely because it remained rear wheel drive, while most other manufacturers' models were front wheel drive (which had certain complexities inherent in achieving high performance in power or handling when compared to a rear-wheel drive car).

After a 16 year hiatus, from the KPGC110 Skyline GT-R of 1973, the GT-R version of the Skyline was reintroduced with the eighth generation Skyline R32 in 1989. The GT-R became the flagship of Nissan performance, showcasing many advanced technologies, including the ATTESA-ETS system (a hydraulic on-demand four-wheel drive) and Super-HICAS (four-wheel steering). The 1989- GT-Rs remained (relatively) cheap, with a list-price of ¥ 4.5 million (about US$ 31,000).

GT-R Skylines of the 1990s progressed from the R32 (1989), through to the R34 (1999). Production of the GT-R ceased in August 2002. Although Nissan continued the Skyline name with the release of the Infiniti G35 (sold as the Nissan Vitesse/Skyline in Japan), a new GT-R has not yet been released. Throughout its lifetime, various special editions, containing additional performance-enhancing modifications, were released by Nissan and its performance division Nismo.

1989-1994 (R32)

Concept

After cancelling the Skyline GT-R marquee in 1973, Nissan revived the GT-R again in 1989. At the time Nissan was competing in Group A Racing, with the 1988 Nissan Skyline GTS-R (a 2000cc turbocharged RWD car). Nismo (Nissan's motorsport devision) wanted to retire the GTS-R, in favour of a more competitive vehicle. The Nissan Skyline R32 chassis had just been designed, and was chosen as a base to build a more competitive Group A race car.

Nismo originally designed the new R32 Group A Skyline to have a 2350cc Straight 6 turbocharged engine, and produce 600 horsepower using a RWD drivetrain. Under Group A regulations, a turbocharged engine must multiply its engine displacement by 1.7, putting the new Skyline in the 4000cc class, and requiring the use of 10 inch wide tires. Knowing that they would be required to use 10 inch wide tires, Nismo made the decision to make the car all wheel drive. Nismo developed a special motorsport-oriented AWD system for this purpose called the Atessa E-TS Pro. Although this assisted with traction, it made the car 100kg heavier, and heavier compaired to other cars in the 4000cc class. Nismo then made the decision to increase the displacement to 2600cc, and put the car in the 4500cc class, where the car's weight near-equal to competing cars. The 4500cc class also allowed for 11 inch wide tires.

Production

This new 2.6L all wheel drive concept, designed by Nismo, was put into production by Nissan, as the R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R. Initial production of the car was the required 5000 to allow for homlogation starting on May 22, 1989 which with critical acclaim by the motoring press along with heavy demand for the car, Nissan opted to allow an unlimited production run which went on sale to the public in August 1989, and began its Group A campaign in 1990. Due to strict Group A homologation rules, Nissan was required to also sell a series of the Skyline GT-R which more accurately reflected the car they use in Group A racing. This series was called the Skyline GT-R 'Nismo' edition.

The Skyline GT-R 'Nismo' was introduced in February 22, 1990, and had a total production of 560 units as required for the "Evolution" models regulation (over 500). It was used to homologate a number of changes to the original GT-R for Group A racing. The most notable change is the engine. It was upgraded to the R32-N1 specification engine. Other changes included additional ducts in the front bumper to improve airflow to the intercooler, a bonnet lip spoiler to direct more air into the engine bay, and an additional boot lip spoiler to reduce drag and provide more downforce. The car was also made lighter, by removing the ABS, air conditioning, sound system, rear wiper, and the trunk carpet. This Nismo model was only available in Gunmetal Grey.

The Skyline GT-R 'N1' model was introduced on July 19, 1991, and had a total production of only 228 units. The N1 model was equipped identically to the Nismo GT-R model. Except this time its introduction was for the homologation of Group N racing. It was only available in Crystal White.

To celebrate the success of the GT-R in both Group N and Group A racing, Nissan introduced the Skyline GT-R V-Spec ("Victory Specification") car on February 3, 1993. The V-Spec added Brembo brakes and a retuned ATTESA-ETS system to the Nismo package, as well as 17" BBS wheels with 235/45/17 tires. The V-Spec had a list price of ¥ 5.260 million. N1 cars were then based on the V-Spec.

Finally on February 14, 1994 the Skyline GT-R V-Spec II was released, the only change to the V-Spec being wider 245/45/17 tires. Total production of the V-Spec I and II was 1,453 and 1,303 units respectively. The N1 GT-R is now based on the V-spec II. Total production of the R32 Skyline GT-R was 43,394 units, with production starting on May 22, 1989.

1995-1997 (R33)

The R33 was developed in 1995 as a successor to the venerable R32 model that Japan had gotten to know well. The engine in the R33 was nearly identical to the R32. It used the same turbochargers, and the same specification of transmission, although the syncros were made to be stronger. The engine did correct the R32's weak oil pump drive collar which tended to fail in higher horsepower applications with a wider collar. The R33 engine also introduced a mechanical advance on the intake camshaft improving torque slightly. The base model R33 GTR weighs 1750kg.

The R33 GTR launched in January 1995 with the base model GTR and the Vspec model. The Vspec mode weighed 10kg heavier, and had sportier suspension resulting in lower ground clearance. The Vspec also featured the newer Attesa-ETS Pro all wheel drive system, which included an Active Limited Slip differential. The Vspec model also included a four wheel independent channel ABS braking system.

At the same time as the release of the R33 GTR, and GTR Vspec. Nissan released an R33 GT-R Vspec N1 model. Changes on the R33 N1 model are similar to the R32 N1 model. The car was made lighter, by removing the ABS, air conditioning, sound system, rear wiper, and the trunk carpet. The R33 GT-R Vspec N1 received the slightly revised R33 N1 engine.

A special edition R33 was released on November 3 1997. The car was called the 400R, with R standing for Racing. Developed with Nismo, it featured an overbored RB26DETT engine, the RBX-GT2, with polished ports, an upgraded exhaust, composite parts, and a more free flowing turbo and intercooler system. The car developed a staggering 450 Horsepower, and allowed the car a top speed of over 200mph.

1999-2002 (R34)

The R34 Skyline GTR and GTR V-spec models were released in January 1999. The R34 GTR was also made to be shorter (from front to rear), and the front wheels were made closer to the front. The RB26DETT used in the R34 GTR had changes made to the valvetrain system, with larger valves, and different cam profiles. The valve covers were also painted glossy red, rather than dull black.

A new feature on the R34 GTR is a 5.8" LCD multifunction display on the center of the dashboard, which shows seven different live readings of engine and vehicle statistics such as turbocharger pressure, oil and water temperature, among others. The GT-R V-spec model added two extra features to the display, the first being a measurement of lateral g-forces, and the second being a lap timer, to time laps on a track event.

Like the R33, the new R34 GTR Vspec models come equipped with the Attesa-ETS Pro system, while standard GTR models come with the non-Pro system. The Vspec model also had firmer suspension, and lower ground clearance. The Vspec model also included a plastic front air diffuser (covering the underside of the engine), and also a rear carbon fiber air diffuser, designed to keep air flowing smoothly under the car.

Another special model of the R34 GTR is the Mspec. It is similar to the Vspec, but has softer suspension, and a leather interior.

At the time of the R34's release, like the R32 and R33, Nissan released an R34 N1 model. The R34 GT-R N1 was equipped similar to the R32 and R33 N1 models. It was sold without ABS, air conditioning, audio equipment, rear wiper, or carpet in the trunk. The new R34 N1 was also given the new R34 N1 engine. Only 45 R34 N1 models were produced from the factory, 12 of which were used by Nismo for Super Taikyu racing. The rest were sold to various customers, mostly racing teams, and tuning garages.

In August 2000, Nissan released a newer VspecII GTR model. The VspecII has increased stiffness in the suspension (even stiffer than the original Vspec). It also comes equipped with a carbon fiber hood, which is lighter than the aluminum that all other GTR hoods are made from. Also different on the VspecII is the darker color of the center console in the interior. The seats were also made with black cloth, rather than the grey cloth used on other R34 GTR models. From this point, the standard trim level GT-R also received the new black seats.

In February 2002 Nissan released a final production model of the R34 GTR called the Nür. It was sold in 2 different models: the Skyline GTR VspecII Nür and the Skyline GTR Mspec Nür. The Nür was named after the famous German Nürburgring racetrack, where the Skyline was developed. The Nür model featured an improved RB26DETT based on the N1 racing engine, used by Nismo in Motorsports. The VspecII Nür is based on the regular VspecII model, and the Mspec Nür was based on the regular Mspec model. Other than the addition of the Nür engine, the Nür models also included a different color of stitching on the interior trim, as well as a speedometer reading up to 300kmh.

NISMO R34 Z-Tune

Nismo originally designed the concept of the Z-tune in 2002 when Nissan was putting an end to the R34 Skyline production. The first Z-tune was built in 2003, using a used 2002 Skyline GTR V-Spec II. It was built with a concept RB26DETT 'Z1' engine. The cylinder diameter was bored out, and the crankshaft was designed with a longer stroke. The engine was now a 2.8L, and produced about 500hp.

Nismo was then given the approval from Nissan to build 20 Z-tune models. For the 20 production models, the 2.8L engine was revised to allow it to reach 9000rpm. The turbochargers were supplied by IHI in Japan. The engine is advertised as making as much as 500hp. This second revision of the Z-tune engine is called the 'Z2'. The bodywork is designed with the same functional components used in Nismo's GT500 racing cars, such as engine bay vents on the hood and fenders, as well as wider fenders for wider wheels. The Z-tune is also improved with an aggressive suspension setup, and a specially designed Brembo brake setup.

The entire car is essentially handmade, with the car being completely stripped and re-built from the chassis up. Engineers reinforced and stiffened the chassis in key areas, completely redesigned the suspension, drivetrain, engine, gearbox and other componentry so as to work at maximum efficiency and reliability as is expected of a road-going vehicle. Only 20 units exist worldwide and is often regarded as the most expensive (prices for some have been known to exceed AU$500,000) street legal GT-R ever built.

N1 engines

The N1 engine was first developed by Nismo for Group A racing purposes. The standard RB26DETT, although known for its durability, proved to require too much maintenance for Group A racing conditions. The N1 engine is built from the standard N1 block. The water cooling channels in the block and cylinder head are enhanced for better flowing. The block, and internal components are also strengthened. The pistons, and connecting rods were made of forged steel, and the crankshaft is also forged, and balanced. The specifications of the camshafts were also improved for power. The N1 engine uses the same parallel twin turbocharger layout but with improved turbochargers. The N1 engine also received an upgraded oil pump and water pump, to improve the cooling and lubrication of the engine. The N1 engine is identified by its 24U number stamped on the block, as opposed to the 05U stamp on standard RB26DETT engines.

The first model of the N1 engine was the R32 N1 engine. It uses a pair of larger turbochargers compared to the standard R32 GT-R. The turbine wheels on the new turbochargers are made from steel, rather than the weaker ceramic used for all standard GT-R models. The R33 N1 engine was slightly revised, with larger turbochargers than the R32 N1 engine, supporting more power if the engine were to be modified.

The R34 N1 engine saw further improvement. The camshafts were slightly improved for even more potential power, the turbochargers were about the same size as the R32 N1 turbochargers, except now they use ball bearing technology, which operates much more quickly than any other model used.

The most improved N1 engine is the R34 Nur engine. It is based on the R34 N1 engine. The camshafts were further improved for power, and the crankshaft was further balanced for higher engine speed. There were 1000 Nur engines made by Nissan and all were used in the R34 VspecII Nur, and R34 Mspec Nur models. They were advertised as making the same 280PS (276hp) as the standard model, but with the lighter engine parts, and more efficient turbochargers, the engine would make closer to 350hp.

Power-train

The GT-R of the 1990s included a 2.6 L straight six-cylinder twin-turbo engine producing 206 kW (276 hp). The turbo-chargers were of a hybrid steel/ceramic design allowing them to spool up faster due to the light nature of the ceramic exhaust wheel.

Power was delivered to all four wheels using an electronically-controlled all wheel drive system referred to by Nissan as the ATTESA-ETS system. The ATTESA-ETS system uses two G-Sensors mounted underneath the centre console, which feed lateral and longitudinal inputs to the ECU. The ECU would then control the feed of power by allowing a limited amount to be delivered to the front wheels via an electronic torque split converter. In 1995, the ATTESA-ETS Pro was introduced as an option for R33 GTR customers, and came as standard equipment in GTR V-spec models. It was later standard equipment in all GTR models for the R34 Skyline GTR. The ATTESA-ETS Pro added an Active Limited Slip Differential, which was controlled by the onboard ATTESA computer. This was only for the rear differential, as the front differential remained as a normal Limited Slip Differential. The ATTESA-ETS Pro was also advertised in brochures as adding an electroniclly controlled 4-channel ABS brake system. Although it is not related to the all wheel drive system, it uses much of the same sensors, and the same computer.

The car also had computer-controlled all wheel steering system referred to as HICAS. The HICAS system activated when the vehicle exceeded 80 km/h and controlled the steering of the rear wheels in the same direction as the front to improve turn in on entry to corners. It should be noted however that this feature is often seen as more of a hindrance than help in race applications. The system tends to favour less advanced drivers, and can make the rear suspension unstable during high speed cornering. For this reason many kits are available to override this system usually by looping it's hydraulic lines back on themselves. This is seen to make the car much more predictable when driving at the limit of grip.

While the published figures from Nissan were as quoted above, practical tests showed the car had a factory power output of closer to 330ps (325hp) at the flywheel. The lower published figure was Nissan's response to the need to abide by a gentleman's agreement between the Japanese auto manufacturers not to release a car to the public exceeding 280ps (276hp) of power output.

Modification

The Skyline GT-R is a popular target for modification due to the strength of the RB26DETT engine. This engine, common to all GT-Rs, is widely considered as one of the most durable engines when heavily modified. Many aftermarket suppliers have produced "bolt on" upgrade kits for the GT-R to boost power output well beyond the factory specification.

In relatively stock form with proper maintenance, the RB26DETT has been known to produce as much as 500 HP on stock internals (pistons, rods, crankshaft, etc.). Part of the reason why the RB26DETT responds well to modifications is simply because the block is made of iron. Many GT-R owners who choose to remain relatively stock have been able to get many years of service from this stout engine as many consider it near indestructible with stock output.

The ceramic turbochargers that are equipped from the factory on some GT-Rs are some of the biggest weak points of the car. They are set to make 7psi of boost pressure (0.5bar) and raising them past 11+ PSI can cause them to break off. Being ceramic, they are not as durable as a steel turbine would be under higher boost but the benefit is that they spool quicker. A common upgrade for the turbocharger is the N1 turbo, which is equipped on the RB26DETT-N1 version of the Skyline GT-R engine. Intended for racing, the N1 turbo provides more power without sacrificing response while keeping the cost relatively low for upgrades.

A common swap for those GT-R owners in search of more horespower and torque is the RB30 shortblock. This shortblock was originally produced for Australian markets under Holden and several other brand names but due to its compatibility with the RB26 cylinder head it is gaining massive popularity with Skyline enthusiasts all over the world. The common swap is to merge the RB26DETT cylinder head with the RB30 shortblock to produce a hybrid 3.2L RB32DETT. The RB30 shortblock is essentially an RB26 with a longer stroke ratio, which in turn means more displacement and the addition of much needed torque. The stock RB30 requires a bit of modification to work with an RB26, or with the right resources OS Giken sells a fully prepped 1500 HP ready RB30 shortblock for $20,000 USD. A 3.2L RB series engine has been known to provide up to 1400+ WHP on a properly built motor.

Some tuning garages in Japan, UK, and Australia, have managed to harness the engine to produce levels in excess of 1000 hp. Veilside, in Japan, has modified an R34 Skyline GTR to 1200 whp. They have also modified an R32 Skyline GTR to accelerate to 300 km/h in 13 seconds. [1]

Motorsport

The GT-R's success in motor racing was formidable, particularly in the annual 1,000 km race at the Mount Panorama circuit in Bathurst, Australia, where the champion in 1991 and 1992 was a GT-R (despite receiving additional 100 kg in weight penalties and a turbo pop off valve in 1992 due to its unbeatable performance), and in the Japanese GT series where it has remained dominant up to the present day.

No other race victories by the GT-R could escape without controversies. At the 1990 Macau Grand Prix Guia touring car race, the factory backed R32 driven by Masahiro Hasemi led the race from the start to the finishing line which caused a wave of protests by the European entrants. The following year, the car was forced to carry a weight penalty of 140 kg and was up against the more competitive DTM BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II. A disgruntled Hasemi was forced to settle for fourth place. For the following and final year the weight penalty was reduced and works backed Hasemi returned with another privateer R32 that crashed in the race, while Hasemi would retire with engine failure. The GT-R's success at Mount Panorama in 1991 and 1992, both by Jim Richards and Mark Skaife, led to a change in formula regulations, which came to exclude turbocharged and four-wheel-drive cars in subsequent years. It also led indirectly to a move to the Super Touring Car category in the JTCC and the creation of the JGTC grand touring car series in Japan, where GT-Rs can only compete in rear-wheel drive form.

In the UK, Andy Middlehurst took the Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32) to two consecutive championship wins in the National Saloon Car Cup. Other championship titles include the 1993 Spanish Touring Car Championship.

Akira Kameyama has taken the GT-R to the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb race on three occasion winning in each Open Class for production cars he entered, one in 1993 with the R32,^[1] another in 1996 with the R33^[2] and again in 1998.^[3] For the following year, Rhys Millen took a R33 Skyline GT-R to win the High Performance Showroom Stock category^[4]

At the 1994 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, the GT-R would make its US debut when Nismo entered a sole Group A specification R32 for the GTU category, the car would finish 20th.^[5]

In 1995 Nismo developed the Skyline GT-R for endurance racing with a pair of JGTC specification R33s for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In order to meet homologation regulations, a street legal version had to be built, although Nismo only required one example. This Skyline GT-R LM has been held by Nissan UK since it's creation, and has never been sold as a true production vehicle^{[citation needed]}. The two racing cars were able to achieve some success at Le Mans, with one car achieving 10th overall, and 5th in its GT1 class, being beaten only by the more developed McLaren F1 GTRs. For 1996, the Skyline GT-R LMs would return, this time carrying enlarged RB26DETTs, now displacing 2.8 litres. Again competing in GT1, they would finish 15th overall, and 10th in class. However, with the cars in GT1 exploiting more and more loopholes in the rules, Nissan was forced to abandon their production-based Skyline GT-R LMs and instead turn to the purpose-built Nissan R390 GT1 for 1997. In honor of the success of the Skyline at Le Mans, Nissan marketed a limited edition R33 referred to as "LM Limited", only available in a competition blue.

In 2006 Automotive Forums became the first ever to compete with a Nismo R34 Z-Tune in the United States, participating in the Speed World Challenge GT series. Team: Driver and President of Automotive Forums.com, Crew Chief Sean Morris, Team Manager Victor Reyes, Mechanic Josh Mitchell, and Engineer Merritt Johnson. Tentative plans are in place for the 2007 season.

In 2007 the Heat Treatments Drag Skyline GT-R driven by Reece McGregor broke the world record for the fastest 4WD over a 1/4 mile with a 7.57@ 305.96kph at the, a record previously held by the HKS Skyline GT-R with a 7.67.

Nowadays, the car is popular for import drag racing, Time Attack and events hosted by tuning magazines.

Popular Culture

The Skyline GT-R is also a popular car for street racing in Japan. It is featured as the car of choice for the Night Kids racing team leader Nakazato Takeshi in Shuichi Shigeno's manga Initial D and its anime adaptation. The GT-R is also featured in manga series Wangan Midnight and Over Rev!. Also a modified R34 Version of the car was featured in the popular film "2 Fast 2 Furious" and a prelude connecting the first and second films on the special edition 2 Fast 2 Furious DVD. It is also featured in many racing games such as the Gran Turismo and Need for Speed series, Forza Motorsport and Street Racing Syndicate. Skyline GT-R inspired street class Sunray from Flatout 2. The Nissan Skyline GT-R appeared both in Need For Speed: Underground and Need For Speed: Underground 2. In Need For Speed: Carbon, it featured the returning Nissan Skyline GT-R as a Tier 3 vehicle.

Future of the GT-R

See Nissan GT-R.

Gallery

Nismo 400R found in a Numazu parking lot.	GT-R Ken and Marry.	A Tommy Kaira editon GT-R.	Falken GT-R R34.
Falken GT-R R33.	R33 GT-R Autech version.

References

Wikipedia information about Nissan Skyline GT-R This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Nissan Skyline GT-R". It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer). Help contribute to Americola and edit this article.