The history of the Japanese automobile industry has many bright pages, but a few pages shine as brightly as the Baby Boom era in the production of sports cars. In the late 1980s the company Nissan introduced a model that forever changed the face of everyday performance sedans. It's about Nissan Skyline R32, which entered the market in 1989 and became a symbol of technological superiority of the time.
Many car enthusiasts confuse this sedan with its more famous “brother” - the GT-R coupe, but it is important to understand that the R32 Sedan is an independent, incredibly successful story. It combines the comfort of a family car with the aggressive nature of a racing car. Owners Skyline R32 It is valued for its unique design, reliability of power units and ability to easily adapt to the tuning culture.
In this article we will examine in detail all aspects of owning this legendary car. You will learn the difference between a sedan and a coupe, which engines under the hood are the most desirable and what you need to pay attention to when buying. We'll also touch on maintenance issues that are often overlooked by newbies, but can cost you a fortune if they break down.
History of creation and place in the Skyline line
Chassis development PGC10 began in the mid-1980s, but the full launch into the series took place only in 1989. Engineers Nissan set themselves a difficult task: to create a car that can dominate the Japanese JGTC circuit racing, but at the same time remain comfortable for daily driving. The result was a platform that formed the basis of an entire family of cars, including the famous GT-R and the sedans GT.
Unlike previous generations, the R32 was the first Skyline to offer all-wheel drive, available on some trim levels, although the classic sedan was more commonly found with rear-wheel drive. The body design was developed using wind tunnels, which gave the car excellent performance Cx even for its time. The body lines became more angular and sharp, which distinguished it from the smooth forms of its predecessor R31.
The sedan has become widespread in the Japanese domestic market, where competition between Toyota, Mazda And Nissan was prohibitively high. To stand out, engineers implemented a system ATTESA E-TS in the GT-R version, but in regular GT sedans it was simply an option for connoisseurs. The sedan body offered more space in the rear, making it attractive to corporate fleets and taxi companies, but at the same time it retained a sporty spirit.
- 🏁 GT-R - flagship version with all-wheel drive and engine RB26DETT
- 🚗 GT - popular version with rear-wheel drive and naturally aspirated engine RB20DE or RB25DE
- 💼 GT-Four - version with all-wheel drive, but without a turbine, focused on comfort
Technical stuffing: Motors and transmission
Anyone's heart Skyline R32 is a legendary engine series RB. These are straight-sixes that have become famous for their incredible durability and acceleration potential. Aspirated engines were most often installed in sedans. RB20DE And RB25DE, which produced from 155 to 190 horsepower. However, if you are lucky enough to find a version with a turbine or decide to do a swap, the potential RB26DETT allows you to achieve hundreds of horsepower without major modifications to the cylinder block.
Transmission in Nissan Skyline R32 Available in both classic manual transmissions and 4-speed automatic transmissions. Mechanical box FS5W71C considered one of the most reliable in the history of the Japanese automobile industry. It can withstand enormous loads and works perfectly in tandem with powerful turbo engines. The automatic transmission is also reliable, but it does not allow you to realize the full dynamic potential of the car the way a manual transmission does.
The R32 suspension deserves special attention. There is a circuit installed on the front McPherson with double wishbones and a multi-link design at the rear Multi-link. This scheme provides excellent directional stability and control accuracy. The GT-R version used an all-wheel drive system ATTESA E-TS, which redistributed torque depending on slippage, but in GT-Four sedans it worked a little differently.
- ⚙️ RB20DE — 2.0 liters, 155 hp, reliable and economical engine for the city
- ⚙️ RB25DE — 2.5 liters, 180 hp, excellent balance of dynamics and resource
- ⚙️ RB26DETT — 2.6 liters, 280 hp, twin turbine, drift legend
Exterior and interior design: 90s aesthetics
Appearance Nissan Skyline R32 is a classic of the genre. Angular shapes, a massive radiator grille and distinctive headlights create a recognizable silhouette. The sedan has a more rugged and rugged look than the GT-R coupe, making it a great choice for those looking for style but not wanting to attract too much attention. The rear lights, divided into sections, became the hallmark of this model and are still copied to this day.
The car's interior is designed in a style typical of Japanese cars of the late 80s: a lot of plastic, strict lines and driver-oriented ergonomics. The instrument panel is equipped with large dials that are easy to read even in bright sunshine. The center console contains a variety of climate control and multimedia buttons, which may seem awkward by modern standards, but adds to the ambiance of a retro car.
Interior finishing materials Skyline R32 are durable. The seats are upholstered in fabric or velor, which do not wear out as quickly over time as cheap leather. The front seats provide good lateral support, which is important for active driving. The rear bench is spacious, but passage between the seats can be difficult due to the transmission tunnel on all-wheel drive versions.
- Sedan
- Coupe
- Station Wagon
- Hatchback
Features of operation and maintenance
Possession Nissan Skyline R32 requires an understanding of specific nuances. The main enemy of these cars is corrosion, especially in welds and wheel arches. Before purchasing, be sure to inspect the bottom and sills. If the car was in Japan, it may be in perfect condition, but after transportation and operation in harsh winter conditions with reagents, the body can quickly become unusable without proper protection.
Series engines RB known for their high service life, but they are sensitive to the condition of the cooling and lubrication system. Regular oil changes and radiator checks are mandatory procedures. In turbocharged versions, special attention should be paid to the condition of the intercooler and turbines. Oil pumps can be a weak link at high RPMs, so using quality oils is a must.
Electrics in the R32 also have their own characteristics. Engine control units and ABS units may have problems with contact corrosion due to age. Diagnostics often require specialized equipment since OBDII protocols have not yet been fully standardized. You will have to look for an experienced technician who understands old Japanese cars.
⚠️ Attention! Upon purchase Nissan Skyline R32 Be sure to check the condition of the timing belt. On engines RB20DE And RB25DE A broken belt leads to bent valves and costly repairs to the cylinder head.
- 🛠️ Check oil and coolant levels regularly (every 5000 km)
- 🛠️ Replace the fuel filter every 30-40 thousand kilometers
- 🛠️ Monitor the condition of the suspension silent blocks, they wear out faster than it seems
☑️ Check before purchase
Comparison of the GT-R sedan and coupe
Many people wonder: is it worth buying a sedan when you can find a GT-R coupe? The answer depends on your goals. Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R is a road racing car designed to win circuit racing. It costs significantly more, is harder to find in good condition, and requires more care. The sedan, on the other hand, is a more affordable and practical option that retains the spirit of the brand, but does not have extreme characteristics.
The R32 sedan is often equipped with less powerful engines, but this makes it cheaper to maintain and operate. Fuel consumption of naturally aspirated versions is significantly lower than that of turbocharged GT-Rs. In addition, the sedan has a softer suspension, which provides greater comfort on bad roads. If you're looking for a car for your daily commute, a sedan is a better choice.
However, if your goal is to participate in drift competitions or simply enjoy extreme dynamics, then GT-R out of competition. Its all-wheel drive and thrust vectoring system make it unique. But remember that the cost of spare parts for a GT-R can be several times higher than for a regular sedan, especially if we are talking about original body parts.
| Parameter | Skyline R32 Sedan (GT) | Skyline R32 GT-R |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | RB20DE / RB25DE | RB26DETT |
| Power | 155-180 hp | 280 hp (actually up to 320+) |
| Drive | Rear (RWD) | Full (AWD) |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | 8.5 - 9.5 sec | 4.9 - 5.4 sec |
| Resale cost | Below | Much higher |
⚠️ Attention! Do not try to reflash the ECU of a naturally aspirated engine to simulate a turbo version. This will lead to incorrect operation of the ignition system and may cause the engine to overheat.