A Look Back at the Nissan Skyline GTS Models
The GT-R has become such an integral part of the Skyline story that the Nissan Skyline is often associated with the GT-R. But the Skyline also has a process by which it was able to achieve high performance thanks to its base model, and it is only now that the focus is exclusively on the GT-R that the appeal of the three base vehicle Skyline models can be re-evaluated.
The strength of the ‘Skyline’ GT-R is that it is sedan-based
When you hear the models R32, R33, and R34, you will probably think of the second-generation Skyline GT-R, but the second-generation GT-R is based on a sedan. The identity of successive generations of the Skyline GT-R has been that of a sedan-based high-performance car, and this approach has not changed since the Hakoska. That is the strength of the ‘Skyline’ GT-R.
Because it is based on a sedan, it has a wide bosom, high limits, and flat edges. That’s why it’s fast even on the German Nürburgring, fast but easy to drive. Such a GT-R was only possible because of the base sedan and coupe. In this sense, the three straight-six FR turbo cars R32 GTS-t Type M, R33 GTS25t, and R34 25GT Turbo deserve more recognition. Let’s look back at these three cars again.
Skyline GTS-t Type M (R32)
The R32 Skyline GTS-t Type M, which was introduced in 1989, was, after all, a great handling car.
In the late 1980s, Nissan launched the “901 Activity” to create a car that would be rated the best in the world in terms of chassis performance in 1990. The models selected for this program were the R32 “Skyline,” Z32 “Fairlady Z,” P10 “Primera,” and Infiniti Q45.
In particular, the main model of the R32 Skyline, the FR 2-liter turbo Type M, pursued driving fun and depth, with the Porsche 944 Turbo, which was said to have the best handling performance in the world at the time, as its specific driving target. It was easy to drive with solid maneuverability and was the best of the Japanese RWD sports cars, along with the Eunos Roadster.
Skyline GTS25t (R33)
The R32 GTS-t Type M had very good chassis performance, but the 2L turbo RB20 was a little underpowered (215 hp). ……
In contrast, the R33 Skyline GTS25t was equipped with an RB25 turbo with 500cc more displacement. This RB25 turbo not only had more displacement, but was also equipped with NVCS variable valve timing, which gave it more mid-and low-speed torque and improved drivability! The response-oriented turbocharged engine, called the Linear Charge Concept, also had a higher compression ratio and was remarkably responsive.
The body, however, is not as thoroughly reinforced as the R33 GT-R and is a little less sharp …….
Skyline 25 GT Turbo (R34)
A car that could be called the perfection of the FR Skyline was the R34 Skyline 25GT Turbo, which was a truly enjoyable FR sports car, given an engine that had evolved with the R33 and a dramatically improved body. It may not stand out in the shadow of the GT-R, but there is no doubt that it is one of the masterpieces of Japanese RWD sports cars.
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There are probably only a few in good condition nowadays, but if possible, you should always keep an RWD Skyline on hand. If you want one, you’d better act fast, that’s for sure.
translated by DeepL
