Nissan Skyline R37: a legendary sports car with Japanese roots and German character

Nissan Skyline R37 is not just a car, but a symbol of the era, combining Japanese engineering and European luxury. Released in 2013 as the successor to the cult classic R35 GT-R, this sedan became the last representative of the line Skyline with classic naturally aspirated engine VQ37VHR - the same thing that brought fame to the model 370Z. But unlike a sports roadster, R37 offered four doors, a spacious interior and premium finishes, making it a unique offering in the market.

In Russia and CIS countries Skyline R37 remains a rarity - the car was not officially delivered, and most copies were brought from Japan or the UAE by "gray" dealers. This created an aura of exclusivity around the model, but also added difficulties with maintenance. In this article we will look at technical features, comparable to competitors like BMW M5 (F10) And Lexus GS F, and also give practical advice to those who are considering a purchase R37 in 2026.

Technical characteristics of Nissan Skyline R37: engine, transmission, dynamics

With my heart Skyline R37 became a 3.7-liter naturally aspirated engine VQ37VHR - the same one that was installed on Nissan 370Z And Infiniti Q60. This one V6 with variable valve timing system VVEL develops 333 hp at 7000 rpm (in the Japanese version) and produces 363 Nm of torque. For comparison: European and Middle Eastern versions received a boost to 340 hp firmware, but with the same torque.

Transmission - only option: 7-speed automatic Jatco JR710E with manual mode and steering wheel paddle shifters. The transmission has been criticized for being "hesitant" during hard shifts, but is generally reliable when properly maintained. Acceleration to 100 km/h takes 5.6 seconds (according to the manufacturer), and the maximum speed is electronically limited at 250 km/h.

• 🔧 Engine: VQ37VHR 3.7 V6 (333–340 hp)
• ⚙️ Box: 7-st. automatic Jatco JR710E with petals
• 🚀 Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 5.6 s (claimed)
• 🛞 Drive: rear (optional) ATTESA E-TS on all-wheel drive versions)

Suspension R37 built on the platform Nissan FM (Front Midship) with multi-link architecture front and rear. An adaptive damper was installed in top trim levels DSSC (Dynamic Suspension Control), which analyzed the road surface and adjusted the stiffness of the shock absorbers. However, on the secondary market, most cars do not have this option - it was only available in Japan Domestic Market (JDM) versions.

Options and features of the Nissan Skyline R37: what to look for in the secondary market

Officially Skyline R37 It was offered in three main trim levels, but mainly the top versions were exported. Let's look at the key differences:

Equipment	Engine	Drive	Key options	Market
370GT	333 hp	Rear	Leather interior, climate control, Bose audio system	Japan, UAE
370GT Type SP	340 hp	Rear/Full	Adaptive suspension DSSC, Brembo brakes, leather seats with memory	Middle East, Australia
370GT-S	340 hp	Full	Limited slip differential, sports steering wheel, carbon inserts	Japan (limited edition)

On the secondary market in Russia and the CIS, cars from the UAE and Japan are most often found. UAE versions usually have a mileage of up to 60–80 thousand km, but may suffer from overheating (climate!) and low-quality fuel. Japanese copies they were used more carefully, but their mileage is often “twisted” - in Japan, cars older than 10 years are subject to high taxes, which motivates sellers to “rejuvenate” the odometer.

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Skyline R37 from the UAE, check the condition of the radiators and cooling system. Sand and high temperatures lead to premature wear of the pipes and pump. Also note VIN — cars for the Middle East often have simplified interior trim.

Among the "chips" that are worth looking for:

• 🎵 Bose audio system: 14 speakers with active noise reduction (found only in top versions).
• 🔥 Brembo brakes: 4-piston front and 2-piston rear calipers (standard on Type SP).
• 🖥️ Multimedia: Navigation with hard drive and support DVD (valid only for the Japanese market).

Comparison of Nissan Skyline R37 with competitors: BMW M5, Lexus GS F, Infiniti Q50

On paper Skyline R37 looks attractive, but how does it compare to its direct competitors? Let's look at the key parameters:

Parameter	Nissan Skyline R37 (340 hp)	BMW M5 (F10) (560 hp)	Lexus GS F (477 hp)	Infiniti Q50 Red Sport (405 hp)
Engine	3.7 V6 atmospheric	4.4 V8 twin-turbo	5.0 V8 atmospheric	3.0 V6 twin-turbo
Acceleration 0–100 km/h	5.6 s	4.3 s	4.6 s	4.9 s
Price (resale, 2026)	3.5–5 million ₽	5–7 million ₽	4–6 million ₽	3–4.5 million RUB
Reliability	Medium (problems with the box)	Low (turbines, electronics)	High	High (but expensive maintenance)

Advantages of the R37 over its competitors:

• 💰 Price: Cheaper BMW M5 And Lexus GS F with a similar level of equipment.
• 🔧 Engine simplicity: Atmospheric VQ37VHR less finicky than competitors' turbo engines.
• 🎯 Uniqueness: On the roads Skyline occurs less frequently than M5 or Q50.

Cons:

• 🐢 Dynamics: Even loses in overclocking Infiniti Q50 with less volume.
• 🛠️ Service: Spare parts for VQ37VHR and boxes JR710E more expensive than for Lexus.
• 📉 Liquidity: Sell R37 more difficult than a German or Japanese competitor with official support.

Tuning Nissan Skyline R37: what can be improved and how much does it cost

Basic version R37 with 333 hp leaves room for modernization. Most popular upgrades focus on the engine, suspension, and exhaust. Let's break down the key areas:

1. Engine and exhaust:

• 🔥 Chip tuning: Firmware ECU from UpRev or COBB adds 20–30 hp (cost: 80–120 thousand rubles).
• 🎯 Inlet/outlet: Cold intake Injen + forward flow HKS Hi-Power (from 150 thousand ₽). Gain: +15 hp and improved sound.
• ⚡ Supercharger: Kits Vortech or Harrop (from 1 million ₽) increase power to 450+ hp, but require strengthening of the transmission.

2. Suspension and brakes:

• 🏁 Springs/shock absorbers: Kits Tein or KW (100–200 thousand rubles).
• 🛑 Brakes: Kits Brembo GT (front 6-piston calipers, from 300 thousand ₽).

3. Exterior and interior:

• 🎨 Body kits: Liberty Walk or Rocket Bunny (from 500 thousand ₽).
• 🪑 Salon: Leather seats Recaro or steering wheel Nardi (150–300 thousand rubles).

⚠️ Attention: When installing a supercharger, be sure to strengthen gearbox — standard JR710E not designed for torque above 450 Nm. Also check the condition differential: on cars with mileage of more than 100 thousand km, the satellites often wear out.

Check the compression in the cylinders (should be 11–12 bar)

Change the oil in the box (interval - 60 thousand km)

Install an additional oil cooler (critical for turbo kits)

Check the condition of the wheel bearings (weak point R37) -->

Typical problems of Nissan Skyline R37: what to look for when buying

Skyline R37 does not belong to the category of "reliable Japanese" like Toyota Camry. This is a sports car with corresponding weak points. Here are the main problems that owners face:

1. Gearbox Jatco JR710E:

• 🔧 Jerks when switching: A common problem after 80–100 thousand km. The solution is to change the oil (only NS-3!) and adaptation of solenoids.
• 🛑 Overheat: When driving aggressively, the transmission overheats - an additional radiator is required (from 30 thousand ₽).

2. Engine VQ37VHR:

• 🔥 Maslozhor: After 100 thousand km it can reach 1 liter per 1000 km. The reason is wear of the oil scraper rings.
• 🎯 Hydraulic compensators: They start knocking when cold (replacement - from 50 thousand ₽).

3. Suspension and steering:

• 🏁 Wheel bearings: They break down every 60–80 thousand km (replacement costs 15 thousand rubles per side).
• 🩹 Steering rack: A leaking seal is a sign: heavy steering (repair - 40 thousand rubles).

4. Electronics:

• 📱 Multimedia: Navigation on Japanese versions does not work in Russia (the solution is to update the firmware or replace it with Android Auto).
• 🔋 Battery: Weak standard battery (capacity 55 Ah). Replacement with 70–75 Ah is recommended.

How to check the history of a car from Japan?

1. Request Auction Sheet (auction sheet) - all damage and mileage at the time of sale are indicated there.

2. Check VIN through services CarVertical or Carfax Japan (cost - 1-2 thousand ₽).

3. Pay attention to year of manufacture: cars older than 2015 often have low mileage (in Japan, after 10 years of operation, the tax doubles).

Prices for Nissan Skyline R37 in 2026: where to buy and how much it costs

Cost Skyline R37 on the secondary market varies depending on the delivery market, mileage and configuration. Below are the current prices for Russia and the CIS (as of June 2026):

Market	Year of manufacture	Mileage	Price, RUB million	Notes
Japan (JDM)	2013–2015	50–80 thousand km	3,2–4,0	Often with low mileage, but careful operation
UAE	2014–2017	40–60 thousand km	3,8–5,0	Risk of overheating, simplified interior trim
Australia	2016–2019	30–50 thousand km	4,5–6,0	All-wheel drive versions (ATTESA E-TS), high price

Where to look:

• 🌍 Japanese auctions: USS Auction, Goo-Net (purchase through intermediaries, for example, JDM Buyer).
• 🏠 Local dealers: In Moscow and St. Petersburg there are companies specializing in JDM-auto (for example, Japan Car, Right Drive).
• 📱 Notice boards: Avito, Drom, Auto.ru (but the risk of running into a “broken” copy is higher).

Buying Tips:

• 🔍 Checking via diagnostics: Be sure to do computer diagnostics (errors P0300 - misfires, P0730 — problems with the box).
• 💰 Budget for renovation: Set aside 200–300 thousand rubles to replace consumables (oil, filters, brake pads, wheel bearings).
• 📑 Documents: Make sure that the car is legally cleared through customs (there is PTS And SBCTS).

💡

If you buy Skyline R37 from the UAE, be sure to flush the cooling system and replace the antifreeze - local owners often fill in water instead of coolant, which leads to corrosion of the radiators.

Reviews from Nissan Skyline R37 owners: pros and cons

Opinions about Skyline R37 owners are divided: some praise the car for its uniqueness and engine sound, others criticize it for its expensive maintenance and problems with the gearbox. We collected real reviews from forums (Drive2, Skyline Owners Club) and social networks:

Pros (according to owners):

• 🎶 Engine sound: "A naturally aspirated V6 at high revs is like a symphony orchestra. Turbo engines won't give you that kind of enjoyment."
• 🚗 Handling: "On the track R37 behaves predictably, and rear-wheel drive allows you to drift (if you turn off ESP)."
• 👑 Exclusivity: “In two years of ownership, I have never seen the same car on the road.”

Cons:

• 💸 Expenses: "Spare parts are more expensive than BMW 5-series. For example, the front bumper costs 150 thousand rubles."
• 🛠️ Reliability: "After 100 thousand km, problems with the gearbox and suspension begin. Get ready to invest."
• ⛽ Fuel consumption: "In the city - 18–20 l/100 km. On the highway you can achieve 10–12 l, but only if you drive calmly."

Typical owner modifications:

• 🔧 Issue: "I installed the exhaust Fujitsubo Legalis R — the sound became deeper, and the power increased by 10 hp."
• 🎵 Audio system: "Replaced the stock radio with Pioneer AVH-Z9200DAB with Apple CarPlay."
• 🏁 Suspension: "I installed the springs Tein S-Tech — the ground clearance decreased by 30 mm, but handling improved."

💡

Most owners Skyline R37 They agree: the car is suitable for enthusiasts who are willing to put up with high costs for the sake of uniqueness. For daily use it is better to consider Lexus GS F or Infiniti Q50.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Nissan Skyline R37

❓ Is it possible to ride on Skyline R37 in winter?

Yes, but with reservations:

• Rear-wheel drive versions require mandatory installation winter tires (recommended size: 225/45 R19).
• All-wheel drive modifications (ATTESA E-TS) are more predictable, but there are few of them on the market.
• Please note ground clearance — it is only 120 mm, so on slushy snow it can catch the car with its belly.

Advice: Install crankcase protection (from 15 thousand ₽) to avoid damage.

❓ What kind of gasoline to fill in Skyline R37?

Manufacturer recommends AI-98. On AI-95 you can drive, but:

• Power will drop by 5–10 hp.
• The risk of detonation will increase (especially in hot weather).
• If you constantly use 95 gasoline, an error may appear P0300 (misfire).

Important: In the UAE they often filled with 91-grade gasoline - if the car is from there, be sure to flush the fuel system!

❓ How much does insurance cost for Skyline R37?

Cost OSAGO in 2026 - from 12 to 18 thousand rubles (depending on the region and the driver’s experience). CASCO will cost 80–150 thousand rubles per year due to:

• High cost of spare parts (for example, a headlight costs 80 thousand rubles).
• Lack of official dealers Nissan for this model.
• Risk of theft (Skyline - a desirable car for car thieves).

Advice: Apply for CASCO insurance with a franchise of 30-50 thousand rubles - this will reduce the cost by 20-30%.

❓ What kind of oil to pour into the engine VQ37VHR?

Recommended oils:

• 5W-40 (synthetics): Mobil 1 ESP 5W-40, Motul 8100 X-Cess 5W-40.
• 0W-40 (for cold climates): Liqui Moly Synthoil High Tech 0W-40.

Replacement interval: Every 7–8 thousand km (despite the manufacturer’s recommendations of 15 thousand km).

Volume: 5.4 l (with filter replacement).

⚠️ Attention: Do not use approved oils LL-04 (For example, Castrol Edge LL) - they cause waste and the formation of deposits on the valves.

❓ Where to repair Skyline R37 in Russia?

Official dealers Nissan not for this model, so please contact specialized services:

• 🏆 Moscow: JDM Service, Nissan Club Russia.
• 🏙️ St. Petersburg: Right Drive, Infiniti/Nissan Center.
• 🌍 Regions: Look for workshops that work with Infiniti Q60 or 370Z — they have similar engines and gearboxes.

Maintenance cost:

• Oil change + filters: 8–12 thousand rubles.
• Diagnostics + error reset: 3–5 thousand ₽.
• Replacement of wheel bearings (pair): 30–40 thousand rubles.