Summary

• The R34 GT-R’s cultural impact extends beyond the automotive realm, with its appearances in movies like the Fast and Furious franchise and video games like Need for Speed and Gran Turismo solidifying its status as a symbol of automotive excellence and cultural resonance.
• The R34 GT-R’s evolution from its humble beginnings in 1957 to its role as the precursor to the modern GT-R showcases its significance in the automotive realm and its ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of automotive innovation.

The R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R is an engineering marvel that has captivated enthusiasts worldwide, known for pushing technological boundaries and setting the benchmark for performance cars. Renowned for its cultural impact, the R34 GT-R has made appearances in the Fast and Furious franchise and popular video games, elevating its legendary status and solidifying its place in popular culture. This blend of real-world performance and digital prominence has created a symbol of automotive excellence and cultural resonance.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Motortrend, TopGear, and Nissan-Global to provide the most comprehensive information.

A Brief History of the Skyline

The First Generation of Skylines

The Skyline’s lineage traces back to its humble beginnings in 1957 under the stewardship of Japan’s Prince Motor Company. Initially conceived as a modest four-door luxury car, the Skyline’s evolution was catalyzed when Prince Motor Company merged with Nissan in 1966. This pivotal moment marked the transformation of the Skyline from a sedate luxury vehicle to a performance-driven powerhouse, laying the foundation for its metamorphosis into an iconic sports car.

This transformation elevated its stature within the automotive landscape, gradually carving its niche as a symbol of speed and agility. As the years progressed, the Skyline’s reputation grew, laying the foundation for what would eventually become the revered GT-R lineage. This evolutionary journey, from its modest beginnings to its role as the trailblazing precursor to the modern GT-R, solidifies the Skyline’s legacy as an instrumental figure in the automotive realm. Its evolution mirrors the ever-changing landscape of automotive innovation, paving the way for the iconic GT-R series that continues to captivate enthusiasts globally.

The Very First Skyline

At its inception, this automotive gem was offered in two body styles: a practical four-door sedan and a versatile five-door station wagon, all powered by a 1.5L GA-30 engine that propelled it onto the roads. However, it was in 1964, while still under the Prince Motors banner, that the first racing GT Skyline made its debut. This pivotal moment marked a seismic shift in the Skyline’s identity, transitioning from a conventional sedan to a formidable race car, propelling it into the exhilarating world of motorsport.

The Nissan Skyline Comes To Life

In 1969, the Skyline officially transitioned into a Nissan, unveiling its first performance-focused iteration, the Skyline GT-R, at the Tokyo Motor Show. This sedan, now equipped with an inline-six engine putting out an impressive 160 horsepower for its time, marked the advent of the inaugural generation Nissan Skyline, available from 1969 to 1972. Between 1973 and 1977, the C110 generation Skyline rolled off the production line. This generation also included a GT-R variant, but its production spanned solely the year 1973, marking it as the final GT-R branded Skyline until the revival in 1989.

The 1969 GT-R, drawing inspiration from the Nissan Prince R380 racing prototype, showcased exceptional engineering with a four-valve Dual Overhead Cam engine and advanced four-wheel independent suspension, redefining touring cars. Its dominance on Japan’s domestic racing circuits was unrivaled, triumphing in 52 races within its initial three years of competition. Despite its acclaim, the emergence of global fuel shortages and stringent emissions regulations briefly sidelined the Skyline GT-R, albeit temporarily interrupting its successful trajectory.

The 30’s Have Arrived

The Nissan R30 Skyline, introduced in August 1981, marked a pivotal shift in the Skyline lineage. Available in various body styles, including sedan, coupe, and wagon, it offered a range of engine options. The top-tier R30 Skyline RS Turbo featured a 2.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine that produced approximately 200hp and 245 Nm of torque, capturing enthusiasts’ attention and solidifying its place in the hearts of many Skyline aficionados.

Continuing the lineage, the Nissan R31 Skyline, which made its debut in August 1985, represented a notable evolution in the Skyline’s technology and design. It boasted improved aerodynamics and enhanced safety features compared to its predecessor. Its engine options included powerful RB-series engines, such as the RB20E and RB20DET, known for their ability to handle significant horsepower. The Nissan R31 Skyline garnered acclaim for its upgraded performance capabilities and modernized styling cues, solidifying its reputation as a sleek and technologically advanced vehicle in the Skyline lineage.

The R32 And Onward

The R30 And R31 Skylines

The R30 Skyline offered an impressive array of body styles, including a coupe, a four-door sedan, a five-door hatchback, and a four-door wagon, showcasing 26 variations, a diverse lineup that hardly foreshadowed the Skyline’s eventual rise to prominence.

In 1986, the R31 made its debut, featuring a slightly larger and more angular design compared to its predecessors. Notably, it was the first model to house the renowned “Red Top” Skyline FJ20 engine, easily recognized by its distinctive red cam covers and the incorporation of the innovative Nissan Induction Control System.

Specifications

Specs have been sourced from nissan-global.com

The Bigger Brothers: The R32 And R33 Skylines

In 1989, the Skyline underwent a transformative evolution with the introduction of the R32 Skyline GT-R. Boasting all-wheel drive and powered by the legendary Nissan RB26DETT inline-six engine, pumping out an impressive 276 horsepower, the R32 GT-R became an instant legend. Moreover, the R32 GT-R’s stripped-down version entered the Japanese Touring Car Championship, embarking on an unprecedented winning streak that defied expectations, with an astounding achievement of 29 consecutive wins over the following four seasons.

Specifications