1996 Nissan Skyline R33

The GT-R name was revived by Nissan in 1989 following a 16-year hiatus with the Skyline R32. The Australian motoring publication 'Wheels' gave it the nickname, 'Godzilla,' in its July 1989 edition. Built specifically to contest Group A, the original R32 GT-R Skyline dominated the Australian racing scene, which ultimately led to its banishment from the ATCC. Debuting at Mallala in June 1990, the R32 race program was run by Gibson Motorsport and from the outset, proved it had the potential to be a race winner. By 1991, everything came together for the team and drivers Jim Richards and Mark Skaife, dominating the opposition, including a win at the all-important Bathurst enduro. The Skyline continued its winning ways into 1992, despite rules that increased minimum weight and reduced boost bar.

In 1995, an R32 GT-R driven by Motoharu Kurosawa became the fastest road-legal production car on the Nürburgring's Nordschleife circuit. The following year, the record was broken by an R33 GT-R V-Spec model driven by Dirk Schoysman.

The road-going R32 GT-R was powered by a twin-turbo RB26DETT DOHC in-line six allied with a sophisticated 4WD system and HICAS all-wheel steering. Production of the R32, which began in 1989, continued until the advent of the R33 (Spec 2) evolution of the Skyline series in August 1993. The R33 was considered the safest model at that time due to its internal crash bars and airbag system. The styling was penned by Kozo Watanabe, and production ran through 1998.

Slightly heavier than the R32, the R33 was again available in sedan and coupe body styles. The wheelbase measured 107.1 inches, and the coupe had an overall length of 182.7 inches, the sedan at 185.8 inches, and the GT-R at 184.1 inches. Both rear and four-wheel drive configurations were available. A standard viscous LSD or optional active limited slip differential was available. The active LSD system was standard on all V-Spec R33 GT-R Skylines and available on some ECR33 GTS-25t models.

The GTS was equipped with a 2.0-liter RB20E SOHC inline-6, the GTS-25 and GTS-4 received the 2.5-liter RB25DE I6, and the GTS-25t received a turbocharged version of the RB25DE engine producing 247 horsepower. The GT-R was powered by a 2.6 liter (2,568cc) RB26DETT twin-turbo 24 valve inline-6 with an ECCS Multi-Point Electronic Fuel Injection system and developed an advertised 280 PS. Brembo brakes were used on all R33 GT-Rs.

Nissan created a limited edition model in 1966 called the NISMO 400R equipped with a road-tuned version of Nissan's Le Mans engine. It produced 400 horsepower and was paired with a stronger six-speed Getrag gearbox.

The Tenth generation of the Skyline - the R34 - was introduced in May 1998.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2023