aston_martin
aston_martin
View My AgentPage

Print this Page | Digg It | del.icio.us

EVO Magazine: Nissan Skyline GT-R Birth Of An Icon 1989
Potent engine and four-wheel-drive, the GT-R took the performance car world by storm.

OK, so strictly speaking the very first Nissan Skyline GT-R actually appeared some 20 years earlier. Indeed, the installation of a 160bhp 2-litre engine in the rather unspectacular-looking 1960s Skyline saloon created a car every bit as formidable in its day as its namesakes of the ’90s and beyond. But it wasn’t until 1989, 16 years after that first line of GT-Rs was killed off by the 1973 oil crisis, that the hi-tech ethos synonymous with the badge today would first be established.

Just as before, though, the new GT-R would be based on the humble Skyline, in this case Nissan’s eighth-generation, ‘E-BNR32’ version, and a potent engine would still be a vital part of the package. Nismo, Nissan’s motorsport division, was charged with developing the car, not least because the R32 GT-R would replace the soon-to-be-retired R31 GTS-R racer on the track. To this end, it planned to fit the new car with a 308bhp 2350cc twin-turbo in-line six, which would put the GT-R in the 4000cc class once its engine capacity had been multiplied by the 1.7 ‘equivalency factor’ for turbo cars, as stipulated by the Group A regs of the time.

However, to ensure the R32 had an edge over its rivals, chief engineer Naganori Itoh wanted to go further. Taking inspiration from the Porsche 959, a car he admired greatly, he asked his team to develop a hi-tech four-wheel-drive system. The resulting ATTESA E-TS Pro – or Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All-Electronic Torque Split – would employ a number of sensors to monitor lateral acceleration and individual wheel speeds, enabling an electronically controlled, hydraulically operated multiplate clutch pack to send up to 50 per cent of the GT-R’s drive to the front wheels when required.

Supported by Super-HICAS – a retuned version of the HICAS (High Capacity Actively Controlled Suspension) four-wheel-steer system found on some lesser Skylines – the GT-R’s chassis would undoubtedly give it a handling and traction advantage, but there was a downside to all this tech: it added weight. Nismo’s solution was to increase the engine capacity to 2568cc, bumping the car into the 4500cc class where its rivals would be subject to a heavier minimum weight.

When the roadgoing R32 Skyline GT-R went on sale in August 1989, the 2.6-litre engine was officially rated at 276bhp – the maximum permitted by the ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ on power outputs in Japan at the time. In reality, however, it produced well over 300bhp, which when combined with the car’s phenomenal handling and relatively affordable price ensured rave reviews. Wheels magazine in Australia – one of the GT-R’s main export markets – had no hesitation in branding the new arrival a supercar, and famously called it ‘Godzilla on wheels’.

Australian race fans, however, weren’t impressed when the GT-R began trouncing their beloved Fords and Holdens on track, not least at the Bathurst 1000 in 1991 and ’92. The second of these wins for the Nissan would prove particularly unpopular, coming as a result of the race being red-flagged after a sudden downpour caused a number of slick-shod cars to have accidents. Even though the GT-R of Jim Richards and Mark Skaife was amongst the casualties, as it had been leading at the end of the preceding lap it was declared the winning car, much to the disappointment of the crowd, who booed Richards and Skaife when they took to the podium. Richards responded by calling them ‘a pack of arseholes’…

Back home, the GT-R would dominate the Japanese Touring Car Championship, winning four years in succession from 1990 and fuelling demand for the roadgoing GT-R. The original plan to build just 5000 R32 GT-Rs to satisfy homologation was soon abandoned; by the time production of the R32 ended in 1994 nearly 44,000 had been sold and Nissan had a new performance icon.



 Read Article
EVO Magazine: Nissan Skyline GT-R Birth Of An Icon 1989



Comments:

Images hosted in your AgentSpace can now be posted in the comments section using the following syntax (case matters):
[img]IMAGE URL[/img]
Example: [img]http://agent004.myautospies.com/users/150/Sample-Gallery/sample1.JPG[/img]
DaHarderDaHarder - 7/5/2008 8:30:43 PM
+11 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
The R32 GT-R was one of the 1st vehicles I owned upon being stationed in Japan...

And even thought it left much to be desired as far as build quality was concerned... What A Great Drive!

reply to this comment
Agent63Agent63 - 7/5/2008 11:25:15 PMView My AgentSpace
-3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I see a lot of those being imported to Canada now. I believe it has to be 17 years old to be eligible. The 300ZX / NSX / Supra right hand drives are also eligible. I've seen some tastefully done-up R32's with white pearl paint, very nice. But like DaHarder the build quality wasn't awesome but it isn't half bad in terms of a drive, their quick!

I even think the 300ZX interior build quality was better than the 350z. What happened Nissan?. The new GT-R is much better in terms of quality but all the fanboys have made me show much hatred towards the car. Not because that's it a spectacular car in terms of numbers but to compare it to a super car from Europe isn't right. It's the Japanese version of a super car but it's not a super car like how most people would see it. Crazily expensive, exotic, rare, awesome soundtrack, with performance.

The Japanese have made great cars over the years it's just too bad their fans have evolved into turds who think anything can be the same level as a high end Euro. Different cars for different consumers. Just cause it's compared to a high end Euro it doesn't mean it's on the same level of appeal, prestige, and quality. 1000hp R33 isn't the same as 1000hp Veyron - same difference.

I'm expecting major deboosting now


TeknikTeknik - 7/6/2008 1:50:48 PMView My AgentSpace
+5 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Wow, you have some real anger management issues. Why is such an angry person like yourself, even an Agent on this website?

Everything about your posts says that you are a badge whore, plain and simple. I realize you can't understand that.

Even though you own an Audi R8, it still isn't considered Tier-1 status in North America. You can deride Lexus all you want, but they have Tier-1 status.

Your whole post reeks of a jealous rage against Japanese manufacturers competing with European marks for less than half the price.

Plain and simple, every car is a joke compared to the Veyron and CCXR. Your R8 and whatever else you drive included, so please get of your high-horse ranting.


Agent63Agent63 - 7/6/2008 11:45:47 PMView My AgentSpace
-1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Wow apparently I offended many fanboys out there. TO clarify me being a badgewhore. It's not my fault that I like Euro's but I never said I hated the GT-R. I respect it but doesn't mean I have to like it. I've given my positive opinions on it if you guys can read.

Just because I'm not head over heels and worshiping the GT-R you guys start calling me a badge-whore. You guys are now just bandwagoners trying to put me down. It's getting funny now.

It is what it is only comments. I'm still having smiling I hope you guys are too. It's nothing personal but some of you (no names mentioned) has taken it to heart. We are all men here after all or maybe some of you guys are still teenagers but regardless this should end right now.


LexusLexus - 7/5/2008 11:47:01 PM
+5 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
agent63,

it because of moron like you that put Japanese downgrade other Eurpean brand. This post prove you're NOTHING but a Badge whore, come on.

What make the other supercar more special then the Nissan GT-R?

How long has Lambo been around? and the last time I remember they started making Tractors.

Here is the link Lambo history http://www.lambostuff.com/xq/asp/Page.1/action.1/qx/history-of-lamborghini.htm

Just because the cost six figures plus does NOT make it a supercar.

And yes, I will take the pleasure to be the first to deboost you.

Lexus



reply to this comment
Matthew1Matthew1 - 7/6/2008 12:42:54 AM
-3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
You're rambling.

The difference is obvious.


Agent63Agent63 - 7/6/2008 3:50:28 AMView My AgentSpace
-2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Well you certainly proved you can read.

I'm not a badge whore if I were I wouldn't be driving a Lexus. But you've also proved you're a fanboy like the other guys. You call me a moron all you want. You're just upset a GT-R isn't a Lamborghini. You know deep down you would pick a Murcielago over a GT-R. Don't say you wouldn't because that would be complete utter bull***t. Like I said it's sad to see how some fans have evolved into turds. You know damn well what's more special than the GT-R. I liked the NSX because of it's radical styling and even if it was badged a Honda I would've bought one anyways.

I like the GT-R but I also think it's received a lot of hype as well. Good hype in my opinion. It's made Nissan gain some recognition here in North America. They've always been more exciting than Toyota even though they had the Supra (which IMO was a nice car).

I haven't had problems with anyone on this website but is there need to call me a moron? I'm not a fanboy or a bandwagoner, I actually respect automakers. I trust that you are the same unlike that MichaelTaylor character LOL.


EL44EL44 - 7/6/2008 4:50:48 AMView My AgentSpace
+6 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
blablablabla!


MichaelTaylorMichaelTaylor - 7/6/2008 4:55:23 AM
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Leave us Lexus fans alone. We are proud of the company we worship and the ass kicking they're giving their competitors.

Lexus for life.


nsmattnsmatt - 7/6/2008 4:01:14 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
The difference isn't that it costs six figures, it's that people will pay six figures, there's a difference.


MichaelTaylorMichaelTaylor - 7/6/2008 4:51:44 AM
+4 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
The history of the Skyline actually dates back to the 1960s but the cars weren't that sporty but still, it's heritage is older than an M3.

reply to this comment
FluxxFluxx - 7/6/2008 12:27:57 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Actually the Skyline name goes back to the 50's when it was made by the Prince company before it was bought out by Nissan. But I agree, there is nothing more obnoxious, arrogant, and ignorant than a JDM fanboy. about 90% seem to have nothing to do but come to forums on the internet and troll.


S30GTRS30GTR - 7/7/2008 12:34:32 AM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
about 100% of us have nothing to do, that's why we're here in autospies. all of us being fanboys of some brand or another.


LexusLexus - 7/6/2008 4:59:04 PM
+3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Agent63,

stop being a Badge Whore and just admit that Japanse auto company can make a Supercar that is just as good or better than the German, British, or Italian.

The new Nissan GT-R beat the all the Lambo, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Bentley, Porsche, except one of them. From 0-60, and on the famous German track as well. And that was a base version, wait until the Nissan V-spec come out, it will be the fastest production car on the German track.

So the prove you are NOTHING but a Badge whore. You classified the GT-R for not being on the same prestige as the other supercars because of price differece.

reply to this comment
StarStar - 7/6/2008 7:35:33 PM
-1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Lexus", The new Nissan GT-R beat the all the Lambo, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Bentley, Porsche"

Beat SOME of them but in what? Only speed. It is easy to tune an econobox like the GT-R to match or beat some real sports cars in performance but enthusiasts know that there is more to a car than speed. Do you understand this simple concept? Believe it or not speed is NOT everything. Just because you can go side by side with a Ferrari in a Japanese econobox doesn't mean you have a car that equals a Ferrari. How can you Japanese fanatics be so STUPID? That is a serious question by the way.


flozel1flozel1 - 7/6/2008 9:43:48 PM
+4 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Stop calling people stupid. You corner the market on stupid, you moron.

You’re so typical of what idiots usually do – they voice their worthless opinions, backed by nothing but their overly biased views, regardless of facts to the contrary, and pass it to anyone dumb enough to listen.

Thankfully, there still are a lot of people here capable of rational thinking. For the people that don’t know you yet, it might take them one read at your worthless posts before they realize you’re nothing but sh1t-for-brains.



S30GTRS30GTR - 7/7/2008 12:29:11 AM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
well said flozel1, you took the words from my mouth.


StarStar - 7/7/2008 2:21:00 PM
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
flozel"Thankfully, there still are a lot of people here capable of rational think"

True, but NONE of them is a Japanese car fan. Stop acting like a hateful b**ch flozel, is not good for your health.


StarStar - 7/7/2008 2:23:25 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Actually the new M3 won in the comparison against the GT-R. Owned!

reply to this comment
quizzquizz - 7/7/2008 4:38:48 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
If people enjoy the cars they have what does it matter if one car is "better" than another? What if I can afford to buy a Ferrari but would like to own only one car - I would be crazy to drive an F430 around like a commuter.

We all love cars, so lets respect each other's rights to love the cars they think is "best". These are arguments are as pointless as "which is better, blondes or brunnettes?"

reply to this comment
To post a comment for this story, you must first Login.

If you do not have an account, you will need to Register (It's Free!).

Most Recent Stories
Renntec Mercedes C63 AMGFerrari Enzo Replacement SpiedNew Jaguar XF-R Spy Shots from California DesertSarah Palin Opens A Can Of Alaskan Whoop-Ass On Obama And Democrats-But What Does She Drive?Recall Issued for 2009 Jaguar XFCONFIRMED: Chevrolet Volt to be revealed this monthStudy: Women get ’turned on by engine sounds of MaseratisLamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 gets diamond wheels and pink brakesWill Buyers Be Willing To Settle For A 4 Cylinder BMW, Or It That Just Too Far Of A StretchUpcoming Beetle Design Will Inject More TestostoroneRumor: Ferrari working on a 430 Scuderia Spider2010 Chevrolet Camaro orders start next monthHyundai to show Santa Fe hybrid concept in ParisIs Imitation The Sincerest Form Of Flattery? Honda Releases Their Own Prius Look Alike!2009 Mazda MX-5 FaceliftCitroen reveals new hybrid conceptEarly look at America-bound Ford C-MaxSpies Become MythBusters When It Comes To Your Options If You Think You've Bought A LemonIs BMW The Company Actually Behind The Audi A4 Driving Experience App?NHTSA Sides With Toyota On Unintended Acceleration Issues Claiming 400 Owners Had No CaseChrysler Still Sits In The Basement, Sales Down 34% For AugustHow Low Should It Go? Analysts Predict Oil To Plunge As Low As $80 A Barrel!The Bottom Falls Out Of Audi Sales In August, Down 16% For The MonthHyundai May Be Fuel Economy Leader By Meeting Standards 5 Years Ahead Of DeadlineGM Employee Pricing Program Fails To Limit Sales Losses - Sales Down 20.4% In AugustHyundai Stumbles Down 8.8% For AugustBMW Sales Dip 4.1% In August - Mini Remains Strong Up 34.1%Honda Stumbles 7.1% In August - Acura Makes Progress Down 8.2%2008 Mercedes Brabus Bullit Black ArrowMazda Tightens The Belt With a 4.4% Decrease In August SalesNissan Rebounds With Sales Up 14.2% - Infiniti Up 8.0% For AugustToyota Drops 9.4% In August - Lexus Year End Clearance Event Curbs Losses To 9.1%Volkswagen Rides The TDI To A 2.9% Increase August SalesMercedes Benz Sales Drop 11.8% In August - SMART Sales Remain StrongFOMOCO Stuns No One With A 26.6% Shortfall In August SalesBMW 135i Outpoints Its Competitors to Become Consumer Reports' Top-Rated Sporty CarGerman Car Market Sales Fall 10.4% For AugustInfiniti M35 to get 303-hp V6 VQ35HR engineHot News: Mercedes CLT2009 Lexus IS Facelift Spurts Out On The Net$200 Spy Tool Allows You To Track Your Errant Children Or Spouse's Every MoveConsumer Reports Analysis: Best Money Saving HybridsChrysler working on electric cars and plug-in hybrids$2 million Bugatti Veyron crashed againHonda's Prius rival to be revealed on ThursdayKia Soul to debut at Paris Motor ShowHummer H3T on sale in Middle East this NovemberBMW pure electric 1-series in the worksAudi working on R3 roadster with 4-cylinder engineWho Is Going To Be The First to Fall And How Soon?