Nissan Skyline GT-R History
The legendary JDM Skyline GT-R (R32/R33/R34) — never sold new in the US, but a grey-import icon.
Photo: “Nissan E-BNR32 Skyline 2DOOR SPORTS COUPE GT-R (23102212560)” by 先従隗始 / Wikimedia Commons — CC0 1.0. Cropped to 16:9.
History
The modern Skyline GT-R was a Japanese-market performance icon across three chassis (R32 1989–1994, R33 1995–1998, R34 1999–2002), with a twin-turbo RB26DETT inline-six and the advanced ATTESA all-wheel-drive system.
Dominant in Group A and Japanese touring-car racing — the origin of the 'Godzilla' nickname — the R32–R34 GT-Rs were never officially sold new in the US and reached American buyers only via the 25-year import rule. (The 2009 R35 GT-R is a separate, globally-sold standalone model.)
Generations
R32 · BNR32
Photo: “Nissan E-BNR32 Skyline 2DOOR SPORTS COUPE GT-R (23102212560)” by 先従隗始 / Wikimedia Commons — CC0 1.0. Cropped to 16:9.
Revived the GT-R name; dominated Group A racing with the RB26DETT and ATTESA AWD.
1989 Photo: “The frontview of Nissan SKYLINE GT-R (E-BNR32)” by Tokumeigakarinoaoshima / Wikimedia Commons — CC0 1.0. Cropped to 16:9.
1993 Photo: “Nissan E-BNR32 Skyline 2DOOR SPORTS COUPE GT-R (23102212560)” by 先従隗始 / Wikimedia Commons — CC0 1.0. Cropped to 16:9.
R33 · BCNR33
Photo: “1996 Nissan Skyline GT-R (R33) 2.6 Front” by Vauxford / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
Larger and more refined evolution of the R32, on the updated Skyline platform.
1995 Photo: “1995 Nissan Skyline (R33) GT-R front” by DestinationFearFan / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
1996 Photo: “1996 Nissan Skyline GT-R (R33) 2.6 Front” by Vauxford / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
1997 Photo: “1997 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec R33 1” by Calreyn88 / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
R34 · BNR34
Photo: “Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec (R34, 2000) (52573426421)” by Charles from Port Chester, New York / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Cropped to 16:9.
The most celebrated Skyline GT-R, with sharper styling and a multi-function display; a video-game and film icon.
1999 Photo: “Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec (R34, 1999) (54871040446)” by Charles from Port Chester, New York / Wikimedia Commons — CC0 1.0. Cropped to 16:9.
2000 Photo: “Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec (R34, 2000) (52573426421)” by Charles from Port Chester, New York / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Cropped to 16:9.
2001 Photo: “Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34, 2001) (52573871385)” by Charles from Port Chester, New York / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Cropped to 16:9.
2002 Photo: “Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec (R34, 2002) (52573954253)” by Charles from Port Chester, New York / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Cropped to 16:9.
Body styles
- Coupe
Related models
Collect the nameplate
Find a scale model of the Nissan Skyline GT-R
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