History Nissan Skyline is not just a chronology of model changes, but a documentary chronicle of the Japanese automotive industry, spanning more than six decades. From its debut in 1957 as a premium sedan under the Prince brand, to its emergence as a street racing and tuning icon in the 1990s and 2000s, legendary sedan and coupe went through a unique path of transformation. Today this car is perceived as a cult object, combining engineering precision, sporting spirit and status image.
Many car enthusiasts mistakenly believe that the Skyline and GT-R are the same thing, but in fact, the GT-R was originally just a high-performance modification of the Skyline. Only in 2007, with the release of the R35 generation, Nissan GT-R became a separate model, losing the Skyline prefix in the name, although the heritage of its ancestors remained in the DNA of every detail. Understanding the evolution of each generation helps to appreciate how engineers' priorities have changed: from comfort and elegance to aggressive aerodynamics and colossal power of turbo engines.
Birth of a legend: The era of Prince and the first sedansIt all started in 1957, when the Prince Motor Company released the first Skyline, which was a 1.5-liter sedan with a GA-4 engine. This car was not a sports car in the modern sense; it was created for the elite and administrative structures, offering a high level of comfort and reliability.
In 1960, the second generation (S54) was born, which marked the beginning of the sports era thanks to the appearance of the S-54 engine with 70 horsepower. It was during this period that the Skyline began to gain popularity in racing, laying the foundation for its future status as a "race car for the road."
It is important to note that in 1966, the Prince Motor Company merged with Nissan, which led to the appearance of the first models under the brand Nissan Prince Skyline. This event was a turning point, combining the financial resources of Nissan with the engineering genius of Prince.
S50-S54 era: First steps towards a sporting heritageThe third generation (S50) and its modifications S51 and S52 brought new engines and more aggressive styling to the streets of Japan. The S51, known as the "KPGC10", was the first to receive the legendary GT-R prefix, marking the birth of a true supercar.
The S20 engine found in early versions of the GT-R was a unique unit with a double overhead camshaft and 16 valves. It produced an incredible 160 horsepower for that time, allowing the car to outrun many European sports cars.
Although the first GT-Rs had a short production run of just 197 units, they became a meme in the automotive world. S50 coupe and sedans from this period today are the rarest collector's items, the cost of which at auctions reaches astronomical sums.
Golden Era: From R30 to R32 - Revival after the crisisAfter a period of stagnation and a shift towards fuel-efficient models in the 1980s (R30 and R31 generations), Nissan decided to return to its roots. The R30 generation was the last to feature non-turbocharged SOHC inline-6 engines as standard.
The real breakthrough came with the release of the R31 in 1985, where the RB20DET series turbocharged engine first appeared. This engine became the prototype of future power monsters, providing excellent dynamics and reliability. It was during this period that Skyline began to be actively exported to Europe and Australia.
However, the real sensation was created by the R32 generation, introduced in 1989. It returned to the series GT-R after a 16-year hiatus, giving it ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive and an RB26DETT engine. This car has become a standard of Japanese engineering.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing a used R32 generation Skyline, you must carefully check the condition of the turbines and intercooler, since the life of these components critically depends on the quality of service and driving style of the previous owner.
- R32 GT-R
- R33 GT-R
- R34 GT-R
- Regular Skyline (no GT-R)
Triumph RB26: Detailed analysis of the R32, R33 and R34 generationsThe R32 generation (1989-1994) earned the nickname "Godzilla" due to its dominance in Group A racing. The car was equipped with an all-wheel drive system that redistributed torque between the axles depending on road conditions, making it invincible in corners.
The next generation R33 (1993-1998) became heavier and more comfortable, but at the same time retained its sporty character. Engineers improved aerodynamics and added an active steering system (HICAS), which makes steering more precise at high speeds.
The culmination of the RB26 era was the R34 generation (1998-2002). This car became a symbol of the era thanks to its aggressive design, multimedia system screen in the center of the dashboard and even more powerful engine versions. Nissan Skyline R34 considered the pinnacle of the evolution of the line until its division.
- Engine RB26DETT - the legendary in-line six-cylinder engine with twin turbocharging.
- System
ATTESA E-TS— intelligent all-wheel drive with electronic control. - The "Coke-bottle" design is a distinctive body shape that tapers at the wheel arches.
VQ Era and Transition to V-Layout: R35 (pre-split) and V35 GenerationsWith the introduction of the V35 generation (2001-2006), Nissan made the bold decision to abandon the legendary RB inline-six engine in favor of a VQ-series V-6. This caused a storm of criticism from fans, but technically the VQ35DE engine turned out to be more modern and reliable.
Although the V35 was available with all-wheel drive and was highly dynamic, it did not have a GT-R version. In fact, this generation was the last to use the "Skyline" name for non-GT-R sedans and coupes. During this period, the model was positioned as a luxury sports sedan.
Interestingly, in the USA this model was sold under the name Infiniti G35, making it one of the most popular sports cars on the American market. The V35's design was more rounded and smooth, in line with global trends in the early 2000s.
☑️ Inspection of the VQ35 engine
Return of a legend: GT-R R35 as a standalone modelIn 2007, Nissan officially divided the line: the GT-R became an independent model with the R35 index, and the regular Skylines received the V36 index (2006-2014). This decision was dictated by the need to create a supercar capable of competing with European cars for 100 thousand euros.
The new GT-R R35 received a 3.8-liter VR38DETT engine and two turbochargers, developing power of more than 480 hp. (in earlier versions). The car was equipped with a dual-clutch robotic gearbox, providing lightning-fast shifts.
Although the R35 is no longer called the Skyline, it continues to wear the famous hood badge and inherits all the traditions of racing glory. GT-R R35 has become a symbol of Japanese technological superiority, offering hypercar performance at the price of a mainstream sports car.
| Generation | Years of manufacture | Body type | Engine | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S50-S54 | 1957-1968 | Sedan, Coupe | GA-4, S20 | First GT-R, merger with Nissan |
| R30-R31 | 1981-1989 | Sedan, Coupe, Station Wagon | CA18DET, RB20DET | The revival of turbocharging |
| R32 | 1989-1994 | Sedan, Coupe | RB20E, RB25DET, RB26DETT | All-wheel drive ATTESA, "Godzilla" |
| R33 | 1993-1998 | Sedan, Coupe | RB25DET, RB26DETT | Improved aerodynamics, HICAS |
| R34 | 1998-2002 | Sedan, Coupe | RB25DET, RB26DETT | Classic JDM diagnostic screen |
⚠️ Attention: RB26DETT series engines have a factory strength limit, which is often exceeded during tuning. It is recommended to regularly check the condition of connecting rods and pistons, especially if the car is used for drifting or track use.
Modern realities: V36, V37 and the future of the lineThe R34 was followed by the V36 generation (2006-2014), which returned to the classic sedan and coupe design, but using VQ series engines. In 2013, the V37 was introduced, which received turbocharged VR30 series engines (3.0 liter V6), becoming more technologically advanced and economical.
Modern Skylines (V37) are only available with rear-wheel drive, making them great cars for drifting and spirited driving, but lacking the all-wheel drive versatility of the GT-R. The design has become more rigorous and business-oriented.
Currently, production of the classic Skyline in Japan continues, but the model is gradually giving way to electric crossovers. However, thanks to the global market, Nissan Skyline remains one of the most recognized brands in the world, especially in Asia and the US secondary market.