Today we can mention certain cars that are already legends in automotive history. From Germany the “Vocho”, from the United States the Mustang, from Italy a Fiat 500, etc. From Japan, probably the first one that comes to everyone’s mind is the Nissan Skyline GT-Respecially the R34.
The technological titan of the Nissan Skyline
During the late 80s and throughout the 90s, Japan experienced a technological revolution within the automotive industry and the main manufacturers created a whole series of next-generation cars with elements that seemed a bit like science fiction.
We talk about things like digital instrument clusters, traction systems AWD extremely complex, but effective and even steerable rear axles. Yes, decades before they became a standard in today’s luxury brands.
One of those cars that started this trend was precisely the Nissan Skyline GT-R, which since the R32 model, that is, two generations prior to the R34, already had some of these advances.
Especially the traction system ATTESA E-TS which by its acronym means: Advanced All-Terrain Engineering System for all terrain with Electronic Torque Division. This being an emblem of the GT-R, as well as the incorporation of the legendary six-cylinder inline engine RB26DETT 2.6 liter biturbo.
In addition to their technical achievements, another factor that popularized these models throughout the world were the video game. In this case, Grand Tourismthe Japanese Playstation game that had the Nissan Skyline GT-R among its most striking models.
However, what ended up encouraging the GT-R R34 to become a cult car was the boom in tuning culture generated by the saga of Fast and Furious, especially after the appearance of a Skyline GT-R R34 as the car of the protagonist of the second installment of the series.
Of course, at the media level that had a lot to do with it, but so did the level of engineering that this Nissan had, since its engine and platform, being so robust, were more than optimal to receive really strong modifications that could double or even triple the power. that this car would normally have.
Furthermore, despite being somewhat heavy, its traction system and the HICAS, that is, a steerable rear axle, which helped it have very good stability to keep up with sports models from Italy, Germany and much more.
Normally the 2.6-liter biturbo inline six-cylinder engine in this car was capable of producing 276hpthat at least on paper and as part of a “gentlemen’s agreement” that the Japanese brands had not to produce incredibly powerful cars, however, it is well known that their contemporaries such as the Toyota Supra, Mazda RX-7, Mitsubishi Lancer EVO, among others, when subjected to unofficial dynamometer tests, could exceed 300 hp without any problem.
As I told you, the standard GT-R R34 generated 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque, It was only available with one 6 gear manual transmission which brought power to all four wheels with the ATTESA traction system.
In addition, it had sporty independent suspension on both axles, high-performance brakes and a weight of 1,560kg. He 0-100 km/h took 5.4 seconds and its top speed reached 250km/h thanks to an electronic limiter. If this limiter is removed, it can reach up to 268 km/h.
Broadly speaking, the Nissan Skyline GT-R from that R32 to the R34 made a name for themselves in history on their own merits, however, if anything gave it the impetus that made it a milestone, it was everything that I surround that culture of tuning, video games and even cinema.
