Nissan R32 Review

The HCR32 Skyline debuted in May 1989. It was available as either a 2-door coupe or 4-door sedan/saloon, all other bodystyles were dropped. It featured several versions of the RB-series straight-6 engines, which had improved heads (the twelve port inlet was gone) and used the ECCS (Electronically Concentrated Control System) injection system. Also available were an 1800 cc 4 cylinder GXi model. Most models had HICAS four wheel steering, with the rear wheels being hydraulically linked to the front steering. The 2.5 litre version became one of the first cars made in Japan to feature a 5 speed automatic transmission. All 2 litre turbo and non-turbo versions with automatic transmissions were 4 speed. The GTS-t Type M included larger five-stud 16 in wheels, four piston front callipers and twin piston rears. ABS was optional (except for the GT-R), viscous LSD was standard on all turbo models and optional on all but the GXi.

R32 Models:

* GXi Type-X - 1.8 L CA18i I4, 91 hp (67 kW)
* GTE Type-X - 2.0 L RB20E I6, 125 hp (93 kW, 172 N m)
* GTS Type-X, S, J - 2.0 L RB20DE I6 155 hp (115 kW, 184 N m)
* GTS-25 Type-X, S, XG - 2.5 L RB25DE I6, 180 hp (132 kW, 231 N m)
* GTS-t Type-M - 2.0 L RB20DET turbo I6, 212 hp (158 kW, 263 N m)
* GTS-4 - 2.0 L RB20DET turbo I6, 212 hp (158 kW, 263 N m) 4WD
* GT-R - 2.6 L RB26DETT twin-turbo I6, 280 hp (206 kW, 368 N m) 4WD also NISMO, V-Spec and V-Spec II variants.

Also based on the Skyline platform were the A31 Cefiro and C33 Laurel. All 3 cars are very popular in Japan (and other countries to which they are imported secondhand) for drifting. In Japan, the CA18i engine in the GXi is sometimes swapped for an SR20DET (4 cylinder turbo), resulting in a lighter and better-balanced car than the factory six-cylinder turbo models.

GT-R

The GT-R returned with twin ceramic turbochargers, all-wheel steering, all wheel drive, and 280 hp (206 kW) at 6800 rpm. The RB26DETT engine actually produced ~320 hp, but it was unstated due to the Japanese car makers' "gentlemen's agreement" not to exceed 206 kW (276 hp). The engine was designed for ~500 hp in racing trim,[3] and then muzzled by the exhaust, boost restriction, and ECU. The electronic boost control had a small physical restriction in the control lines. It was marked in yellow so the new owner could remove it and enjoy a safe factory boost increase.[4] The GT-R had Super HICAS, a more advanced computer controlled four wheel steering system using electric actuators.

The GT-R had a significantly larger intercooler, larger brakes, and aluminum front guards and bonnet. Other distinguishing features include flared front and rear wheel arches. More supportive seats were fitted, and the turbo boost gauge and digital clock were removed from inside the instrument cluster. The clock was replaced with a torque meter that indicated how much torque was being delivered to the front wheels (0%-50%). Oil temp, voltage and turbo boost gauges were fitted below the climate control.

The Porsche 959 was Nissan's target when designing the GT-R. The chief engineer, Naganori Itoh, intended to use the car for Group A racing, so the design specification was drawn up in conjunction with a copy of the Group A rules. The Nordschleife production car record at the time of development was 8'45" - set by a Porsche 944. Nissan test driver Hiroyoshi Katoh reset the record with a time of 8'20".[5] Best Motoring managed 8'22"38.[6]

The R32 GT-R dominated JTCC, winning 29 races from 29 starts, taking the series title every year from 1989-1993.[7] It took 50 races from 50 starts from 1991-1997 (latterly R33) in the N1 Super Taikyu. The R32 GT-R was introduced in the Australian Bathurst 1000 touring-car race to compete against GM Holden and Ford V8 saloons, winning in 1991 & 1992.

This success led to the Australian motoring press naming the car Godzilla due to it being a "monster from Japan" and as Australia was the first export market for the car the name quickly spread. However, the GT-R's success sounded the death knell of Group A Touring Car racing; with the formula being scrapped soon after. JTCC was similarly blighted by the R32 GT-R, and splintered soon after, leading to the switch to the Supertouring category and also indirectly to the GT500 category of today.

When originally designed, the homologation rulebook mandated 16" wheels, so that's what the GT-R got. This limited the size of the brakes, and the Nissan four pots weren't really up to competition use.

A later change in rules allowed 17" wheels, so in February 1993 the GT-R V-spec (for Victory) emerged wearing 17" BBS mesh wheels covering larger Brembo brakes. The clutch actuation changed from a push to a pull system, and the car received an active rear differential. A year later the V-Spec II appeared with a new sticker and wider tires.