Nissan GT-R is a legend of the Japanese automobile industry, the car that made the world talk about technological superiority Japan in the field of sports cars. Since debut in 1969 Skyline GT-R (KPGC10) and up to modern R35, this supercar has evolved from a humble sedan to a global symbol of speed and innovation. Each generation of the GT-R has brought revolutionary changes, from dominating racing Group A before setting records at the Nürburgring.
In this article we will look at all six generations of Nissan GT-R, including their technical features, design solutions and role in automotive history. You'll find out why R32 became a cult "Godzilla" like R34 conquered the silver screen in the movie "Fast and Furious", and what does he do? R35 one of the most technologically advanced supercars of the 21st century. Ready to dive into the world of turbines, all-wheel drive and the legendary VR38DETT?
1. Skyline GT-R (KPGC10, 1969–1972) - the founder of the legend
First generation Nissan Skyline GT-R (index KPGC10) debuted in 1969 and immediately became a sensation. This four-door sedan was built for racing Group A, and its main feature was the engine S20 - 2.0-liter inline six-cylinder unit with double camshaft (DOHC), developing 160 hp (according to official data). In fact, the power exceeded 200 hp, but Nissan lowered the numbers to suit racing.
Key Features KPGC10:
- 🏁 Racing DNA: Victories in 50 of 50 races in the Japanese championship
JAF Grand Prixin 1971–1972. - 🔧 Technical Innovation: First use independent suspension on all wheels in Japanese production cars.
- 🚗 Design: Modest appearance (by modern standards) with a distinctive grille and dual headlights.
- ⚠️ Rarity: Total released 1,945 copies - today original KPGC10 are worth millions of dollars.
Interesting fact: KPGC10 earned the nickname "Hakuoshia" (Japanese for "white devil") for his color and dominance on the tracks. However, due to the 1973 oil crisis, Nissan ceased production of the GT-R, and the legend faded into obscurity for 16 years.
- KPGC10 (1969)
- R32 (1989)
- R33 (1995)
- R34 (1999)
- R35 (2007)
- Other
2. Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32, 1989–1994) - the birth of “Godzilla”
The legend was revived in 1989 with the release Skyline GT-R R32. This generation was a real breakthrough: turbocharged engine RB26DETT (2.6 l, 280 hp according to Japanese standards), all-wheel drive system ATTESA E-TS and electronic suspension control Super-HICAS. The actual power reached 320–350 hp, and in racing Group A the car developed to 500+ hp!
Why R32 called "Godzilla"?
- 🏆 Racing victories: 29 wins from 29 races in
Japanese Touring Car Championship(1989–1993). - 🔥 Technical excellence: First use ceramic turbines in a production car.
- 💰 Affordability: In the 1990s R32 cost the same as usual Toyota Corolla, but accelerated to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds.
| Characteristics | Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32) | Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | RB26DETT 2.6L I6 | RB26DETT 2.6L I6 (upgraded) |
| Power (claimed) | 280 hp | 280 hp (actually ~330 hp) |
| Acceleration 0–100 km/h | 5.6 s | 4.9 s |
| Drive | ATTESA E-TS (full) |
ATTESA E-TS Pro (full) |
⚠️ Attention! Today original R32 with mileage less than 100 thousand km cost from $100,000, and examples with racing history - up to $500,000. When purchasing, check for the presence of the original engine RB26DETT (many were replaced by RB25 or RB30).
If you are planning to tune the R32, pay attention to the condition of the turbines - original ceramic Garrett T25 often require replacement after 150 thousand km.
3. Nissan Skyline GT-R (R33, 1995–1998) - evolution, not revolution
R33 Often referred to as a "transitional" generation, Nissan focused on improving reliability and comfort rather than radical innovation. Externally, the car has become more massive (the body is 75 mm wider), and the engine RB26DETT received an improved injection system and new turbines Garrett T28. Power remained “officially” at 280 hp, but actually increased to 300–330 hp.
Key changes to R33:
- 🔄 New gearbox: 6-speed
Getraginstead of a 5-speed (optional for V-Spec). - 🛡️ Improved body rigidity: 50% higher than R32.
- 🎯 Special versions: 400R (400 hp), LM Limited (racing version for Le Mans).
⚠️ Attention! R33 — the “heaviest” generation of GT-R (weight ~1,540 kg). This affects the dynamics, but makes it more stable at high speeds. It is also worth noting that R33 - the last generation that can be legally imported into the US under the rule 25 year import (from 2020).
Fun fact: In 1995 R33 GT-R LM took 1st place in GT2 class at the race 24 Hours of Le Mans, ahead of Porsche 911 GT2. This was the first victory for a Japanese car at Le Mans in 30 years!
4. Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34, 1999–2002) - peak of fame and film legend
R34 - the most famous generation of GT-R, largely thanks to the film “The Fast and the Furious” (2001), where the main character Paul Walker drives this particular car. But the glory R34 not limited to Hollywood: it was the most technologically advanced generation Skyline GT-R with improved aerodynamics, lightweight body and new 5.8-inch display (revolution for 1999!).
Technical innovations R34:
- 🖥️ Multifunction display: Showed turbine pressure, oil temperature, acceleration and even G-force in turns.
- 🔥 Engine RB26DETT with titanium turbines: Lighter and more efficient than R33.
- 🏁 Version V-Spec II Nür: Named after the Nurburgring where it was tested. Weight reduced to 1,400 kg.
⚠️ Attention! Prices for R34 took off after the release of "Fast and the Furious": today the original copy costs from $200,000, and versions V-Spec II Nür - up to $1 million. Be careful with fakes: many R34 assembled from spare parts or have “broken” VIN numbers.
Lifehack: To distinguish the original R34 GT-R from the replica, check:
- Availability original display
MFD(many are replaced with Chinese copies). - Engine marking: there must be a stamp on the block
RB26DETTwith serial number. - Body color: original Midnight Purple III And Millennium Jade - rare.
Why is R34 banned in the US?
The R34 was never officially sold in the United States due to failure to meet safety standards. FMVSS and ecology EPA. However, from 2026 (25 years after its release) it can be legally imported as a "classic car".
5. Nissan GT-R (R35, 2007–present) - global supercar
In 2007, Nissan introduced R35 - the first generation to lose the console Skyline in the title. It was a radical break with the past: a new 3.8 liter engine VR38DETT (V6, twin-turbo), 6-speed dual clutch transmission And independent transmission ATTESA E-TS Pro. Power of the starting version - 480 hp, but in subsequent updates it grew to 600 hp (version Nismo).
Evolution R35 by year:
- 🔹 2007–2010: Basic version (480 hp), SpecV (450 hp, but with a lightweight body).
- 🔹 2011–2016: Updated engine (530–550 hp), new front end.
- 🔹 2017–2026: GT-R Nismo (600 hp), improved aerodynamics and suspension.
| Modification | Power | Acceleration 0–100 km/h | Max. speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| GT-R (2007) | 480 hp | 3.5 s | 315 km/h |
| GT-R SpecV (2009) | 480 hp | 3.3 s | 315 km/h |
| GT-R Nismo (2017) | 600 hp | 2.5 s | 330 km/h |
⚠️ Attention! R35 - one of the few supercars that can be driven daily. However, his gearbox requires special attention: change the oil every 60 thousand km required! Also follow turbines - their service life rarely exceeds 150 thousand km with aggressive driving.
Fun fact: In 2019 GT-R Nismo set a track record Nürburgring Nordschleife for production cars - 7:08.679 (at that time). It was 2 seconds faster than Porsche 911 GT2 RS!
☑️ Check before purchasing R35
6. The future of the GT-R: what awaits the legend?
In 2026 the future Nissan GT-R remains uncertain. Latest restyling R35 happened in 2020, and a full-fledged successor never appeared. Nissan is rumored to be working on hybrid version with the system e-4ORCE (as in Ariya), but there is no official confirmation. Options with electric GT-R, but this contradicts the brand philosophy.
Possible scenarios:
- 🔋 Hybrid GT-R: Combination VR38DETT with an electric motor (power ~800 hp).
- ⚡ Electric GT-R: Complete abandonment of internal combustion engines in favor of batteries (unlikely until 2030).
- 🏁 Limited edition: Latest release R35 with improved characteristics (analogue Nismo).
⚠️ Attention! If you are planning to buy GT-R as an investment, pay attention to R35 Nismo 2020–2021. These cars are already becoming a rarity, and their prices are rising by 10–15% per year.
Nissan GT-R R35 is the latest supercar with “old school” naturally aspirated engines and mechanical filling. Its successor will likely be a hybrid or electric car, making the R35 the last purebred GT-R.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Nissan GT-R
🔧 Which generation of GT-R is the most reliable for daily use?
R35 - the best choice for everyday use thanks to modern electronics, automatic transmission and relatively low maintenance costs (by supercar standards). From the classic generations R32 And R33 more reliable than R34, but require constant attention to the turbines and suspension.
💰 How much does it cost to service a GT-R per year?
For R35 average budget - $2,000–$5,000 per year (oil change, filters, diagnostics). For classical generations (R32–R34) costs are higher: $5,000–$10,000 (given the rarity of spare parts and the complexity of repairs RB26DETT).
🏁 Is it possible to legally tune a GT-R for the street?
Yes, but with reservations:
- B Japan And Europe strict environmental regulations apply (
Euro 6), so engine modifications may require certification. - B USA (for R35) tuning is allowed, but changes to the exhaust system must comply with standards
EPA. - Classic R32–R34 (over 25 years) can be modified with almost no restrictions.
🎯 Which version of the GT-R is the rarest?
Skyline GT-R R33 400R - total released 44 copies (1997). Also extremely rare:
- R32 N1 (racing version, 560 copies).
- R34 V-Spec II Nür (750 copies).
- R35 Nismo N-Attack Package (limited edition for track, 2018).
🔋 Will there be an electric GT-R?
Nissan hasn't officially announced an electric GT-R, but a concept was unveiled in 2023 Nissan Max-Out — electric sports car with a system e-4ORCE. If the GT-R goes electric, it won't be until 2027–2030. For now, the priority is hybrid technologies.