In 2007, Japan celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the famous Nissan Skyline on a grand scale. This car, known throughout the world, can serve as an excellent example of how the image works, overcoming all obstacles in the mass consciousness, including common sense.
How did the unpretentious-looking right-hand drive car deserve half a century of fame? First, the Skyline, never built in a right-hand drive version, has become an object of desire and worship for drivers around the world. Secondly, by the fact that it can safely claim the title of the car that gave birth to a new kind of motor sport. And finally, the famous “burner” headlights (round paired brake lights), which deprive drivers of the whole world of common sense.
History of fifty years ago
50 years ago, the Skyline was an ordinary-looking sedan, or even station wagon, with an idyllic Prince inscription on the grille. This Skyline has not disappeared. His descendants are .
Why is the name Skyline associated with both a tight and fast sports coupe and at the same time a comfortable family car? The answer to this question lies in the history of the R32, R33 and R34 models.
The history of the transformation of the Skyline into a sports model
Having bought Prince Motor in 1966, she acquired the bright heads of a team of engineers who managed to create an advanced car for those years in the form of a family sedan. Nissan made Prince Motors a division tasked with developing the Skyline family. The work of this team led to a number of innovations - for example, the appearance of the first Japanese production car with a turbocharger system.
The real glory to "Sky" came in 1989 with the advent of the R32 model.
The Skyline model has evolved, remaining a car for every taste, age and budget. In the seventies and the first half of the eighties, the Skyline could be bought in three body styles (including the station wagon). But the real glory to "Sky" came in 1989 with the advent of the R32 model.
Nissan engineers managed to create a car that initially had everything necessary for success in motorsport. Due to the use of thin body metal, the Skyline R32 had an extremely low weight for its class. In addition, it was equipped with the HICAS rear wheel steering system, which made it surprisingly stable when passing through tight corners.
Nissan Skyline R32
In the history of the model, the R32 generation was the eighth. It was decided to reduce the number of body types to two, leaving a four-door sedan and coupe. Most of the modifications were equipped with an in-line six-cylinder engine with or without a turbine, improved compared to the previous version. On all "turbo" versions, a limited slip differential was installed in the rear axle gearbox. The most "charged" version of the coupe was the GTS-4 with a two-liter RB20DET with a capacity of 212 horsepower, among sedans - an all-wheel drive version with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine.
The R32 would hardly have gone down in history if Nissan had not decided to relaunch the flagship GT-R (BNR32)
However, the R32 would hardly have gone down in history if Nissan hadn't decided to relaunch the flagship GT-R (BNR32).
The "resurrected" GT-R was built for racing - it fully complied with the FIA specification for Group A cars.
Nissan Skyline GT-R BNR32 "Godzilla"
The small one was equipped with an electronic all-wheel drive system 4WD ATTESA ETS. The car remained generally rear-wheel drive, like the rest of the modifications. However, in the event of slippage, ATTESA connected the front axle, smoothly redistributing torque to it up to 50% percent.
Already in 1990, in the JTCC circuit races, the Skyline GT-R team won 29 out of 29 victories.
The engine in the GT-R modification deserves special attention. The RB26DETT with two turbines, capable of spinning up to a record 10 thousand revolutions without harm to itself, according to some reports, developed more than 300 horsepower in the factory configuration (with a car weighing less than 1,300 kg). This is an unofficial figure, since according to the rules in force at that time, it was impossible to produce cars with a capacity of more than 276 horsepower in Japan, and this figure appears in the factory specifications.
Skyline GT-R BNR32 in motorsport
Already in 1990, in the JTCC circuit races, the Skyline GT-R team won 29 out of 29 victories. In the next four years, the BNR32 remained the undisputed leader of the championship. The setting of a new record for passing the Nurburgring track among serial cars belongs to the same period.
Nissan Skyline R33
In 1993, a new Skyline model was released in a different body. In all modifications, the car has become more comfortable and larger. Of all the models, the R33 is the most "civilian" and at the same time the heaviest. Interestingly, the previous generation GT-R was so successful that it was decided to extend its production for a year, until the updated BCNR33.
The two-liter atmospheric RB20E became the base power unit. The abbreviation NEO appeared on the valve covers of the RB25DE and DET engines, indicating the use of a variable valve timing system.
Skyline GT-R BNR33
The main changes in the new GT-R have undergone a running gear. In one of the V-spec modifications, the new ATTESA E-TS pro all-wheel drive system was used, in which, in addition to locking the rear axle and redistributing torque, an anti-lock braking system was also involved.
The most noticeable external change was with the ability to adjust. The HICAS hydraulic rear wheel steering system has been replaced by a computer-controlled Super HICAS, making the Skyline even more manageable.
Nissan Skyline R34
The tenth generation Skyline R34 reflects the best features of the two previous reincarnations. It was decided to abandon the idea of a comfortable car for middle-class youth in favor of returning to sports traditions, and this equally affected both coupes and sedans.
Skyline R34 in GT configuration with RB20DE NEO engine and five-speed gearbox became the most fuel-efficient Skyline in the history of the model
The car has become more environmentally friendly. The Skyline R34 in GT trim, with an RB20DE NEO engine and a five-speed gearbox, became the most economical Skyline in the history of the model.
Skyline GT-R BNR34
The body of the new GT-R has become shorter, and to compensate for this change, the front axle has been moved a few centimeters forward. The RB26DETT received new, more efficient turbos and an extremely durable six-speed GETRAG gearbox.
The LCD screen that appeared in the BNR34 GT-R replaced most of the additional devices that the tuners abundantly equipped with the previous Hetera models. From the display it was possible to read the pressure readings in the turbocharging system, the temperature of the oil, antifreeze and other important parameters.
In February 2002, Nissan released a modification of the R34 GT-R called Nür (in honor of the legendary Nurburgring track). This modification was the last in the history of the model. Later, it was decided to make a separate model from Hetera, known as the Nissan GT-R. However, the life of the Skyline model did not stop there, and we know the new generation of R35 in the face of the aforementioned sedans and coupes of the Infiniti G family.
Nissan Skyline GT-R - "is in service" with the Japanese police. This car is used if you need to organize a chase. Photos of police "Geters" and eternal competitors - Subaru Impresa WRX STI in "war paint" can be easily found on the Internet.
Based on one of the old modifications of the Nissan Skyline R30, a limited luxury package was produced, named after the actor and racer Paul Newman. Cars in this configuration are easy to distinguish by the actor's autograph on the trunk lid and radiator grille.
On the Youtube server, you can watch a video featuring a modified Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 with a 1,500 hp engine. During the race, the Skyline, equipped with drag chute characteristic of competition drag racing, accelerates to 100 km/h in 1.2 seconds.
The legendary car reappeared in September 1998 with revised chassis and other updates. The new generation has become a little shorter than the previous one, and the front axle has become closer to the front. The valve covers were painted shiny red instead of the black that had been applied to them in past generations. The turbochargers were also improved. A new, more robust 6-speed GETRAG gearbox has been designed especially for this vehicle. Intercooler temperature sensors appeared on V-spec models. The R34 GT-R featured a 5.8" LCD display that allowed viewing of parameters such as turbo pressure, oil and coolant temperatures, and for the V-spec, longitudinal and lateral acceleration graphs and circuit racing lap times.
Like the R33 generation, the new R34 GT-R V-spec models were equipped with the ATTESA E-TS Pro system, but the "Pro" systems were not installed on the standard GT-Rs. Versions of the V-spec received a more stable suspension and a lowered seating position. V-spec models also included a hood-mounted plastic diffuser (cooling the underside of the engine) and a carbon fiber diffuser designed to channel smooth airflow under the car.
Another version of the R34 GT-R was referred to as the M-spec. The model was similar to the V-spec, but had a softer suspension and leather interior.
During the production of the fifth generation GT-R, Nissan began to develop a version called the N1, which had also previously been produced in the R32 and R33 models, and was technically similar to its predecessors. The N1 did not have: air conditioning, rear wiper and stereo systems. In total, only 45 cars were produced, 12 of which were used by the Nismo (Nissan Motorsport) division to participate in the Super Taikyu racing championships. Most of the remaining cars were sold to racing teams and tuning companies.
In August 1999, Nissan introduced a new model called the V-spec II. The car received a fairly stiff suspension (much stiffer than the original V-spec). The new version features a carbon-fiber hood that is lighter than the aluminum hood previously fitted to all GT-Rs. Another difference between the V-spec II and the original is the darker color of the center console. Also, the seats were made from black fabric, rather than the gray fabric previously used on other versions of the R34 GT-R.
In February 2002, Nissan released the latest model in the R34 GT-R series, called the Nür. It was sold in 2 versions: Skyline GT-R V-spec II Nür and Skyline GT-R M-spec Nür. The name Nür was given in honor of the famous Nürburgring race track in Germany. Both versions were equipped with an upgraded RB26DETT engine based on the N1 engine, which allowed the car to reach speeds of about 300 km/h.
Sales market: Japan. Right hand drive
Introduced in 1989 with the R32 series Skyline. The GT-R name was resurrected after a 16-year hiatus. The body serial number of this model is BNR32. Engine: based on the well-proven RB series engine, 6-cylinder in-line, but its displacement has been increased to 2.6 liters. In addition, the engine was equipped with two turbines and a front-mounted intercooler, which made it possible to bring its power up to 280 horsepower. Why was it decided to increase the volume to 2.6 liters? In order for the car to fit the racing standard of group "A". The chassis was equipped with an all-wheel drive system with torque distribution and multi-link suspension. This provided the car with driving performance at the level of the best cars in this group. In 1990, 500 Nismo limited edition cars were sold, based on the racing car. The bumper had an air intake window, after which it became one of the integral features of the GT-R model. In February 1993, Brembo brakes, 17-inch BBS wheels in size 225/50 were installed on the V-spec car, and in October of the same year, the V-spec II car went on sale, in which the wheel size was increased to 245 /45.Sales market: Japan. Right hand drive
Launched in May 1989 in the R32 body style, this generation of the model was created to restore the Skyline's traditional sporty image. In fact, in this model, the designers set a goal to resurrect the glory of the GT-R modification after a 16-year break. In a small compact body, the rear space of the passenger compartment was sacrificed, the running gear was completely updated, the technical filling of the engines became even more perfect, and all-wheel drive modifications appeared. As a result of the most difficult work, even in the form of "civilian" versions, the public was presented with an almost perfect car for its time, in the sporting inclinations of which there was no doubt.
In the new generation, the Nissan Skyline was no longer as rich in body types, but still offered buyers ample opportunities to choose from. It cannot be said that there is an abyss between the basic version and the top-end equipment, but nevertheless such a comparison comes to mind if we compare the simplest version of the Skyline GXi with a 1.8-liter engine that cost the buyer 1.4 million yen, and a luxurious a modification of the GTS-t Type M with a 2.5-liter engine, the price of which reached almost 2.5 million. And if we add the all-wheel drive Skyline GTS-4 that appeared a few months later, this difference becomes even more noticeable - more than twice . But it is the top-end Skyline configurations, equipped with a sports aero body kit, wide aluminum cast wheels with a diameter of 16 inches, a rear wiper, a leather-wrapped steering wheel adjustable in two planes, an upgraded braking system and suspension, that have been and still are very popular as a sports car that allows enjoy your power.
Skyline is equipped with engines ranging from 1.8 to 2.5 liters. The most modest engine produces 91 hp. - This is a 4-cylinder engine that does not differ in outstanding performance. The two-liter RB series engines are another matter - these 6-cylinder in-line engines demonstrate exceptional performance and reliability. Their power, depending on the modification, lies within a wide range: from 125 “forces” for the “2.0 GTE” version to 215 “horses” in turbocharged GTS-t trim levels. There is also a version with a 2.5-liter engine that produces 180 hp. In all variants, the car is equipped with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Nissan Skyline R32 is equipped with a new multi-link suspension on all 4 wheels. This greatly improved the comfort component of operation. Sports modifications of the GTS with turbo engines, among other things, are equipped with a 4WS system, all-wheel drive, implemented using a multi-plate clutch with electronically controlled torque distribution along the axles. Under normal driving conditions, the classic rear-wheel drive is retained, and when they slip, up to 50% of the torque is transmitted to the front axle. If we also take into account the presence of an LSD differential in the rear axle, it turns out to be a beast at all: the Skyline GTS-t type M can accelerate to 100 km / h in 6.3 seconds, and this is not even the GT-R famous for its power.
With the new generation of Skyline, safety requirements have grown significantly. So the rejection of the 4-door hardtop that was produced before was inevitable. The car received a more advanced body, which includes a fully three-point seat belts; fastening child seats; optional - ABS system, driver's airbag. In 1991, the car was restyled and improved in terms of safety, in particular, received additional stiffeners in the doors.
Nissan Skyline is a very bright, stylish car, outwardly radically different from previous generations. It still looks great in traffic today, not to mention showing its combative character if it is a sports version. Due to its characteristics, this series has become very popular among right-hand drive cars imported to our country in the 90s. And to this day, a significant part of these machines is in good technical condition, which gives great opportunities for choice.
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