The Nissan Skyline GT-R is a famous car that has been loved by many automobile enthusiasts as a symbol of the Japanese sports car brand. Its birth dates back to 1969, and the history of the GT-R, which began with the first generation model “Hakosuka,” has continued to evolve through brilliant achievements in the racing scene and innovative technology.
Birth of the first-generation Skyline GT-R (PGC10/KPGC10)
Background and Purpose of the Birth of the GT-R
The first generation Nissan Skyline GT-R was introduced in 1969. This model was developed to compete with the Toyota 2000GT and European high-performance cars in an effort to dominate Japanese motorsports.
Also known as the “Hakosuka,” the car was designed with racing success in mind, with the goal of pursuing the pinnacle of sports cars. the PGC10/KPGC10 model was an important turning point in the Nissan Skyline lineup’s history, laying the foundation for the GT-R brand.
Specifications and features of the first model
The first generation model was equipped with the S20 engine, which delivered a maximum output of 160 PS and a maximum torque of 18.0 kgf/m. This engine was extremely high-performance for a production car at the time, and was designed for use in motorsports.
In addition, the drive system adopted was RWD (rear-wheel drive), which was characterized by sharp handling and excellent acceleration performance. This “Hakosuka” has a sporty and sophisticated design, characterized by its round four-light tail lamps, which are an iconic design element of the Skyline.
Racing success
It has achieved numerous successes on the racing scene. Most notably, the GT-R won 49 consecutive touring car races in Japan. This amazing achievement made the GT-R brand a household name in the motorsports world, and was a milestone in the success of subsequent models.
The GT-R continued to evolve not only as a high-performance sports car, but also as a car supported by its racing achievements.
2nd generation Skyline GT-R (KPGC110)
Development Process and Features
The second generation Skyline GT-R (KPGC110) holds a special place in history. This model was introduced in 1973, following the success of the first-generation Skyline GT-R (PGC10/KPGC10).
From the design stage, the KPGC110 was positioned as a top-of-the-line sports car with an eye toward racing success; the KPGC110 was developed for even more advanced performance, but the historical background of the time hindered its evolution.
Why it was short-lived
Behind the short-lived Nissan was the oil crisis of the early 1970s and the tightening of exhaust gas regulations, both of which had a major impact. These factors made fuel efficiency and emission control a priority for the entire automobile industry, and Nissan had no choice but to ride the wave.
As a result, mass production of the KPGC110 equipped with a high-performance engine became difficult, and production ended up being extremely limited, with only 197 units produced. Despite these limitations, the KPGC110 remains a legendary car and is highly regarded in the history of successive generations of the Skyline.
Appearance of the R32 model and the arrival of another boom
The 1989 Revival and Its Impact
In 1989, Nissan once again introduced the Skyline GT-R to the world. The R32 model marked a new page in the history of the Skyline GT-R, and its innovation and performance were much talked about.
Behind its revival was Nissan’s determination that the single iconic GT-R should once again shine amidst the growing demand for a car that could deliver powerful performance in racing. With this revival, the Skyline GT-R once again gained an important position in the sports car market and influenced later models.
Technical innovations of the R32 model
It was highly acclaimed for its advanced technology. Particularly noteworthy was the adoption of the RB26DETT twin-turbo engine and the ATESSA E-TS four-wheel drive system. This engine achieved an output of 280 PS, an astonishing output for the time, and provided a powerful driving experience worthy of the GT-R name.
In addition, the ATESSA E-TS four-wheel drive system dramatically improved stability at high speeds, giving the driver a greater sense of security. These innovations were also the foundation for the later evolution of the Skyline GT-R and its position in the sports car market, and greatly enhanced the brand value.
Evolution of R33 and R34 models
Improved performance and market recognition
The evolution of the R33 and R34 models is very significant: the R33, produced between 1995 and 1998, achieved further performance improvements over its predecessor, the R32. Specifically, adjustments to the chassis design were improved to enhance vehicle stability and driving performance. This has enabled a wider range of settings and greatly improved driving stability.
The R34 model was in production from 1999 to 2002, and it featured further technological innovations. Its most significant feature was the introduction of a display as a driver interface. This improved the driver’s user experience by allowing the driver to intuitively grasp the necessary information while driving. Based on these advancements, the R34 model was highly acclaimed in the market as a high-performance sports car and remains highly popular today.
Introduction of new technologies and their impact
From the R33 to the R34 models, a number of innovative technologies were introduced. The most notable of these was the adoption of “Active LSD” in the R33 model. This further stabilized the vehicle’s behavior when cornering and increased driving pleasure.
The R34 model was also equipped with an advanced display function that provided driving data and vehicle information in real time, giving users the feeling as if they were driving a race car. These innovations further strengthened the basic performance of “running, stopping, and turning,” proving its high performance not only in the market but also in the motorsports scene.
The Transformation Period of the GT-R and its Evolution to the R35
Models of the 2000s and their characteristics
In the 2000s, the lineup began to show signs of change. The GT-Rs of this period demanded even higher performance than past models, and were largely revamped with ever-evolving technology.
In particular, the Skyline GT-R R34 model was characterized by its ease of driving and high-tech features. Its value was further enhanced when production ended in 2002. It was equipped with a driver interface that included a digital display, further enhancing the fun of driving.
Appearance of the R35 model and its influence on the present day
In 2007, the GT-R removed “Skyline” from its model name and embarked on a new era. This was the introduction of the R35 model. The R35 GT-R was equipped with a powerful 3.8-liter V6 twin-turbo engine and boasted unparalleled acceleration and driving performance. Its technological innovations have gained much support not only in the world of motorsports, but also as a production car.
The R35 has established itself as a new standard in history. Even today, the GT-R continues to make its presence felt as a synonym for high-performance cars, and has become a favorite of fans around the world. It is more than just a sports car; it is a symbol, proving that it is a model that will continue to be loved throughout the ages.
