The Nissan Skyline GT-R is the icon amongst Japanese performance cars, its almost mythical status accentuated both by its domination of numerous motorsport divisions and by its ultimate tuneability, which has led to GT-Rs with well over 1000bhp. Only officially sold in strictly limited numbers outside Japan, the large numbers of ‘grey’ imports into the UK, Australia and the USA have ensured that the legend has spread and the GT-R has a huge aspirational following world-wide. Although the GT-R has towering power and performance, the sophisticated chassis and cutting-edge technology mean that it can be driven safely and swiftly by almost anyone. A unique insight into the ultimate Japanese supercar.
When it comes to high-performance Japanese cars, the Nissan Skyline GT-R is right up there at the top of the tree. Without doubt, it is the most iconic of all the recent supercars to come out of Japan. It has a heritage that covers three ultra-quick performers and goes back to 1989.
Although the Skyline name has been around since the 1950s, things got serious when the GT-R designation was added, and a twin-turbo, six-cylinder engine was hooked up to a computer-controlled four-wheel-drive system. Whether the car was beating Porsches round the Nurburgring, demolishing the opposition in the Japanese Group A and Grand Touring Championships, or just making cross-country dashes, it was simply awesome.
For those owners not content with nearly 300bhp delivered as standard, a thriving tuning industry has built up around the GT-R. This has led to cars with over 750bhp being used as daily drivers, and competition versions with over 1200bhp ripping up drag strips. The world of the Skyline GT-R is full of cars that are truly worthy of superlatives.
This book chronicles the history of the Skylines early versions and looks at the three main GT-R variants in detail, together with giving some helpful pointers on how to find and look after a GT-R of your own. There is also information on tuning methods to turn the car from a rapid street car into a real tarmac terrorist.
Author Andy Butler has worked in most car-related fields, from mechanic and salesman in various franchises, through the aftermarket sales of parts and accessories, to journalism. As a long-term contributor to Japanese Performance magazine he has experienced many examples of the Skyline GT-R in the UK, USA and Japan and feels that no enthusiast’s garage is complete without one.
How the Skyline came about, the development story and evolution. Details of all variants, including the original R32, the R33, the current R34, and the four-door saloons and five-door estates which share the Skyline name. A look at the technology of the Skyline, including its four-wheel-drive system, steering system and engine. Buying a Skyline, inspection advice, ownership, maintenance and modifications. The Skyline in motorsport. Where the Skyline raced, how it fared and what the various governing bodies did to handicap it. Appendices providing specifications, production figures for all models, specialists and clubs.