The Nissan Skyline has gone through significant changes since its first-generation model debuted in 1957. With the return of the GT-R name in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Skyline became a performance powerhouse and gained legendary status by the time the R34 model arrived just before the end of the Millennium.
The R34 was available in three body styles, with the sedan having a relatively sedate appearance. However, appearances can be deceiving, as That Racing Channel presents a modified Skyline sedan that shoots flames out of its big, round tailpipe.
The car’s RB26 engine received extensive upgrades, though the specific modifications were not mentioned in the video. The 2.6-liter straight-six engine now produces 800 horsepower after receiving head and block work and a new turbo. This power is delivered through the stock transmission to the car’s factory all-wheel-drive system. In the video, the car emits an aggressive exhaust note and features noticeable turbocharger noise.
The car was built by Drag International, a South Florida shop specializing in upgrading Japanese domestic market (JDM) products. While an 800-hp Nissan Skyline R34 might seem modest compared to the shop’s other creations, which can generate up to 1,500 hp, this particular Skyline still has its stock gearbox, which may not be ready to handle additional power.
Regarding the future of the Skyline, there have been rumors that it may become an electric SUV; however, nothing official has been announced by Nissan. Currently, the Skyline exists as a rebadged Infiniti Q50 since the thirteenth-generation model began production in 2014.
In the US, the GT-R exists as a separate model and has been updated for 2024. Nissan has hinted at the possibility of the model becoming fully electric in the future, but concerns about the technology’s viability in a high-performance application remain. Other automakers also face similar challenges as they transition to battery power, as more horsepower typically leads to reduced range, and finding the right balance with current technology is difficult.
For now, Nissan’s 3.8-liter V6 engine will continue to power the GT-R. The company is actively working on expanding its electric vehicle lineup and aims to have 19 fully electric models available for sale by the end of the decade. Additionally, Nissan plans to introduce 27 new hybrids. The future of the Skyline and GT-R will be a part of this overall strategy.