Nissan Skyline: what kind of drive do different generations have - FR, AWD or 4WD?

Legendary Nissan Skyline - a car that, over the 60 years of its existence, has managed to be a family sedan, a racing monster, and a technological sports car. But one of the key questions that worries buyers: what kind of drive does this or that model have?? The answer is not as simple as it seems - behind the history of Skyline, engineers Nissan They experimented with rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, and in some generations they offered all options at the same time.

If you choose Skyline on the secondary market or are simply interested in its technical contents, this article will help you understand the nuances. We will analyze all generations - from the first Prince Skyline 1957 to modern Infiniti Q50/Q60 (which, in fact, are the heirs of Skyline), - let’s point out unique all-wheel drive systems ATTESA E-TS and Super-HICAS, and also give practical advice on operation. Spoiler: even in one generation, the drive could differ radically depending on the modification!

1. Evolution of the Skyline drive: from FR to AWD and back

First Skyline (1957–1963, generations ALSI-1 And BLRA-3) were thoroughbred rear-wheel drive cars. This was a standard solution for that time - front-wheel drive cars were just beginning to conquer the market. However, already in the 1960s Nissan (back then Prince Motor Company) began experiments with all-wheel drive, but not for civilian versions, but for racing prototypes.

The real turning point occurred in 1989 with debut Skyline R32. This model was the first to have all-wheel drive. ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All-Terrain) was offered as standard. The system was developed for the racing version GT-R, but later spread to civilian modifications. Interestingly, even the R32 retained rear-wheel drive versions - for example, the base 2.0i And 2.5i.

• 🔄 1957–1988: Rear-wheel drive (FR) only, except for experimental racing models.
• 🚗 1989–2002 (R32–R34): FR and AWD coexist (ATTESA). GT-R is exclusively all-wheel drive.
• 🔄 2001–2014 (V35–V37): return to classic FR, AWD only for some markets.
• 🔧 2014–present time (Infiniti Q50/Q60): optional AWD based system Intelligent AWD.

It is important to understand that Nissan never suggested Skyline with front-wheel drive - this is the domain of models like Almera or Tiida. However, in some markets (for example, in the USA under the brand Infiniti) all-wheel drive versions were positioned as “all-weather”, not sports.

2. ATTESA E-TS system: how the Skyline GT-R all-wheel drive works

If you've heard about Skyline GT-R, then you have probably come across the abbreviation ATTESA. This is not just a marketing term - one of the most advanced all-wheel drive systems of its time. Designed for R32 GT-R in 1989, it evolved to R34 (2002). The operating principle is based on electronic clutch control, which distributes torque between the axles.

Here's how it works in practice:

1. 2WD mode: Under normal conditions up to 50 km/h The car behaves like a rear-wheel drive one, saving fuel.
2. Automatic connection: If the rear wheels slip (for example, on snow or during a sharp start), the system will 0.2 seconds connects the front axle.
3. Manual mode: B R33 And R34 a button has appeared ATTESA LOCK, locking four-wheel drive to 30 km/h (useful for off-road use).
4. Sports mode: B GT-R the system was tuned to aggressive torque distribution (up to 50% on front), which improved handling on the track.

ATTESA is tightly integrated with other systems Skyline:

• 🔧 Super-HICAS: Rear suspension control system that turns the rear wheels 0.5–1.5° for better handling.
• 📊 VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control): An analogue of the modern ESP, which appeared in R34.
• 🔥 RB26DETT: Turbocharged engine whose power (280–330 hp) required reliable grip on the road.

ATTESA is not without its shortcomings. For example, in R32 the clutch could overheat under prolonged loads (for example, in drifting), and in R34 electronics sometimes “thought” longer than we would like. However, the system has proven its effectiveness in racing - GT-R dominated in JTCC And 24 Hours of Nürburgring in the 1990s.

3. Rear-wheel drive (FR) in Skyline: pros and cons

Despite the legend of all-wheel drive GT-R, majority Skyline historically they were rear-wheel drive. This applies to both early models (C10, C110), and modern V35–V37 (sold as Infiniti G35/G37 abroad). Why Nissan stubbornly held on to FR?

The reasons lie in balance of characteristics:

• ⚖️ Weight distribution: The engine is above the front axle, the gearbox and driveshaft are closer to the rear. Perfect balance 50:50 or 52:48.
• 🏁 Handling: FR is more predictable in corners, especially at high speeds (important for a sports sedan car).
• 💰 Cost: Rear-wheel drive is cheaper to manufacture and maintain than AWD.
• 🔧 Reliability: Fewer elements = less that can break (relevant for taxis and corporate cars in Japan).

However, FR also has disadvantages:

⚠️ Attention: Rear wheel drive Skyline (especially with powerful engines RB25DET or VQ35DE) are prone to oversteer on a wet road. This is not critical for experienced drivers, but beginners should be careful with the gas when cornering.

Interesting fact: in Skyline V35 (2001) Nissan brought back pure FR after experimenting with AWD in the 1990s. The reason is the desire to make the car lighter and more dynamic. For example, V35 3.5L with VQ35DE (280 hp) accelerated to 100 km/h for 5.9 s - faster than many AWD sedans of its day.

Generation	Modification	Drive	Features
R32 (1989–1994)	GT-R	AWD (ATTESA)	Electronic clutch, manual mode LOCK
R33 (1993–1998)	25GT-T	FR	Turbo engine RB25DET, limited slip
V35 (2001–2006)	350GT	FR	Engine VQ35DE, 6-st. Manual transmission
V37 (2012–2014)	370GT-S	FR/AWD*	AWD for cold climate markets only

4. All-wheel drive in “civilian” Skylines: myths and reality

Many people mistakenly think that all-wheel drive is Skyline only had GT-R. In fact, Nissan offered AWD in regular versions - for example, in R32 4WD or R34 25GT-T AWD. However, these machines are less common, and they have their own characteristics.

How does a “civilian” AWD differ from a GT-R?

• 🔧 Simplified system: Mechanical clutch used instead of ATTESA E-TS Viscous Coupling (viscous coupling), as in Subaru of that time.
• 📉 Less reliability: The clutch wore out faster, especially during aggressive driving.
• ⚙️ No manual control: No button LOCK, as in the GT-R - the drive is connected only automatically.
• ❄️ Snow orientation: The main goal is to improve winter cross-country ability, not sporting performance.

Example: Skyline R34 25GT-T AWD (1998–2002) equipped with a turbo engine RB25DET (280 hp) and all-wheel drive, but without advanced systems GT-R. Such cars are popular in Japan as “winter” cars or for mountainous regions, but on the secondary market they are often confused with real ones. GT-R.

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Skyline AWD check which system is being used. If it is not an ATTESA but a viscous coupling, be prepared to replace it every 80–100 thousand km. The cost of a new coupling is from 50 000 ₽.

One more nuance: in Skyline V35/V36 (2001–2010) all-wheel drive was offered only in some markets - for example, Canada or Russia (under the brand Infiniti). These machines were equipped with a system Intelligent AWD, which is closer to modern crossovers than to sports sedans.

How to distinguish a GT-R from a “civilian” AWD?

On the GT-R, the drive connects instantly (0.2 s), has a LOCK button and integration with Super-HICAS. In civilian versions, the clutch operates more slowly, and when turning, you may feel the front axle “steering.”

5. Which drive is best for your application?

Drive selection Skyline depends on how you plan to use the car. Here's a quick guide:

Rear-wheel drive (FR) is suitable if:

• 🏁 You value sporty handling and predictable cornering behavior.
• 💨 Overclocking dynamics are important to you (FR versions are usually lighter by 50–100 kg).
• 🔧 You want simplicity and low cost of maintenance.

Choose all-wheel drive (AWD/4WD) if:

• ❄️ You live in a region with snowy winters or mountain roads.
• 🏆 Are you planning to participate in rallying or drifting (only ATTESA in GT-R!).
• 🚗 You need a universal car for the family, but with a sporty character.

Compromise option - Skyline V35/V36 with optional AWD. These machines combine the reliability of modern systems (e.g. Intelligent AWD automatically disengages the rear axle at speed > 30 km/h to save fuel) and the comfort of a premium sedan.

If you choose between R32 GT-R And R34 25GT-T AWD, remember:

• 🔥 GT-R is a race car with maintenance costs to match.
• 🌨️ 25GT-T AWD — a more practical option for daily driving, but with a simplified drive.

6. Technical nuances: what breaks in the Skyline drive?

Any drive system requires attention, and Skyline - is no exception. Here are the typical problems that owners face:

For rear-wheel drive models (FR):

• 🔩 Wear of the cardan shaft crosspieces: On machines older than 15 years (for example, R33) vibration may occur at speed 80–100 km/h.
• 🛢️ Leaking gearbox seals: Especially relevant for Skyline with mileage > 200 thousand km.
• ⚙️ Differential problems: In sports versions (for example, V35S) may require an oil change every 50 thousand km.

For all-wheel drive models (AWD/4WD):

• 🔥 ATTESA coupling overheating: B R32 GT-R during long-term drift, the clutch can “go into protection” - the car temporarily becomes single-wheel drive.
• 📊 Sensor malfunctions: B R34 ABS sensors often fail, which affects the operation of VDC and ATTESA.
• 💰 Expensive service: Replacing the viscous drive coupling (R33 AWD) will cost 30–50 thousand ₽ only for spare parts.

Diagnostic tip: if your Skyline AWD started to “steer” in turns or a hum appeared from the front axle, first check:

1. Oil level in transfer case and gearboxes.
2. Condition of CV joints (especially on used cars > 150 thousand km).
3. The performance of ABS sensors (they affect torque distribution in ATTESA).

For GT-R critical to follow transfer case oil temperature. If the system overheats, it may disable all-wheel drive until it cools down. B R34 this problem has been partially solved, but it is still recommended to install an additional radiator on the track.

7. Skyline today: what kind of drive do modern models have?

After 2014 Nissan Skyline as such disappeared - his place was taken Infiniti Q50/Q60. However, these cars are still sold in Japan under the old name (eg. Nissan Skyline 400R - this is a rebranding Infiniti Q60). How are things going with the drive?

Modern "Skyline" is offered in two versions:

• 🔄 Rear-wheel drive (FR): Basic equipment for most markets. Engines - VR30DDTT (3.0L twin-turbo, 405 hp) or VQ37VHR (3.7L, 333 hp).
• ❄️ Intelligent AWD: Electronically controlled all-wheel drive is optional. Unlike ATTESA, there is no hard connection of the front axle - the system works on an on-demand basis.

Key differences Intelligent AWD from old ATTESA:

Parameter	ATTESA (R32–R34)	Intelligent AWD (Q50/Q60)
Coupling type	Electromagnetic	Electronic multi-disc
Response time	0.2 s	0.05 s
Manual mode	Yes (LOCK)	No
Orientation	Sports/Racing	Comfort/safety

It's interesting that in Infiniti Q50 The AWD system can completely disengage the rear axle at speeds up to 70 km/h to save fuel. This makes it more "urban" than sporty. If you need a real one Skyline with character, it’s better to take a closer look V35/V36 or classic R32–R34.

In 2023 Nissan announced the revival of the name Skyline for a new sedan based on Infiniti Q50, but with a hybrid power plant. It is not yet known whether there will be all-wheel drive, but given the trends, most likely yes - in the form e-4ORCE (electric all-wheel drive, as in Nissan Ariya).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Nissan Skyline drive

🔧 Is it possible to convert a rear-wheel drive Skyline to all-wheel drive?

Technically yes, but it is extremely expensive. For R32–R34 ATTESA installation kits are available, but you will need:

• Replacement of transfer case, cardan shafts, front gearbox.
• ECU flashing (ATTESA is closely integrated with the engine).
• Suspension modification (AWD versions have different levers).

The cost of such an upgrade is from 500 000 ₽ (excluding donor). For V35/V36 reworking is even more difficult due to a different platform.

❄️ How does Skyline R34 AWD behave in winter?

Depends on version:

• GT-R With ATTESA, excellent road holding thanks to the quick connection of the front axle. However, on ice, oversteer may occur due to rear weight shift.
• 25GT-T AWD more predictable on snow, but the viscous clutch is slower to engage than the ATTESA. It is recommended to install winter tires and avoid sudden maneuvers.

In both cases it is important to monitor ABS sensor status — they affect the operation of stabilization systems.

🏁 Is it possible to drift on Skyline AWD?

Yes, but with reservations:

• B GT-R (ATTESA) Drifting is possible, but the clutch will overheat. Many racers disengage the front axle mechanically.
• In “civilian” AWD (viscous clutch), drifting is almost impossible - the front axle will try to “pull” the car out of a skid.
• The best option for drifting is rear-wheel drive Skyline with differential lock (for example, R33 25GT-T with welded diff).

💰 How much does Skyline all-wheel drive service cost?

Costs vary by model:

• R32–R34 GT-R (ATTESA): Changing the oil in the transfer case - 5 000 ₽, coupling - 80 000–120 000 ₽.
• R33–R34 AWD (viscous clutch): Replacing the coupling - 30 000–50 000 ₽.
• V35–V36 AWD: Maintenance is cheaper thanks to modern materials, but original spare parts are expensive (for example, CV joints - 15 000 ₽).

Advice: look for specialists who work specifically with Skyline — universal services often do not know the nuances of ATTESA or Super-HICAS.

🔍 How to check the drive when purchasing Skyline?

Here is a checklist for inspection:

☑️ Checking the Skyline drive

Check for identification plate (AWD/4WD/FR)Test the front axle connection (on dry asphalt with a sharp start)Listen to noises from the transfer case and gearboxesCheck the oil level in the transfer case (should be clean, without metal shavings)Make sure there is no play in the CV joints and driveshafts

Done: 0 / 5

For GT-R additionally:

• Check the button operation ATTESA LOCK (the indicator on the dashboard should light up).
• Make sure there are no ABS/VDC errors (they affect ATTESA).