Nissan GT-R: Evolution throughout the years
Prince Motor Company, a Japan-based car manufacturer, made the famous Skyline in 1957. Prince designed cars till 1966, when they merged with Nissan. From the humble beginning, the modest luxury car improved gradually into a performance-oriented sports car after the merger.
Skyline is the distant predecessor to the famous GT-R, which is making headlines among sports car enthusiasts. This article will discuss the evolution and noteworthy changes for the Skyline to the modern-day Nissan GT-R.
Making of the original Skyline
The first Nissan Skyline was developed in 1966 after Prince and Nissan merged. The original Skyline was sold as a 5-door station wagon or a 4-door sedan with a 1.5-liter engine. In 1964, Prince Motor Company introduced the first sports version of the Skyline, known as GT Skyline.
This marked the shift from a luxury sedan to a sports car that one can find in a local nissan dealership. However, the legendary car has a long history of evolution compared to the modern GT-R.
Introduction of Nissan Skyline
The first sports-oriented Skyline GT-R arrived in 1969. It was still a sedan and was launched at Tokyo Motor Show. This car had a powerful engine that generated an impressive 160 hp. This car was sold from 1969 until 1972.
The car stood out at the time due to its powerful 4-valve engine and an independent suspension system designed for improved handling. In the first three years, the innovative car won 52 sports races.
In 1970, Nissan introduced the first 2-door version of the Skyline. The car was received well in the market after its launch, but a gasoline crisis arose, sending the Nissan back to the drawing board. Stricter global emissions standards further strained the development of Skyline GT-R.
Skyline C110
The C110 was in production between 1973 and 1977. This version was popularly known as Kenmari due to a commercial done by Ken and Mary. The Skyline C110, made in 1973, was branded GT-R, but the models that followed did not have the GT-R badge until 1989.
R30 and R31 Skyline
R30 is probably the most versatile car made by Nissan at the time. The R30 was available in 26 variations to suit customers’ needs. Buyers could choose a 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback, 4-door wagon, and a coupe. However, none of these variations hinted at what Skyline would finally become.
A boxier and bigger version of Skyline, the R31, was introduced in 1986. It was famous for its “Red Top” cam covers. This Skyline used an FJ20 engine, which was robust and reliable.
R32 GT-R
The true predecessor to the modern-day GT-R was developed in 1989. It was an all-wheel drive car with an RB26DETT engine that produced a whopping 280 hp. This car was designed for the Japanese Domestic Market and was not sold in America, but it is still popular among American car enthusiasts. It won 29 Touring Car Championships in a row, which shows how GT-R came about.
R32 and R33 GT-R
The R33 appeared as a prototype in 1993 but was launched in 1995. It was faster and more stable because of its all-wheel drive and improved weight distribution. In 1998, the R34 Skyline was introduced with an RB26DETT engine, a streamlined body, and a shorter wheelbase.
How the first GT-R emerged
The first GT-R on American roads was launched in 2008 with a turbo-charged V6 engine. The 473 hp engine propelled its performance to higher levels. It became a legend instantly due to its tech advancements, better handling, sleek look, and modern exterior design.
This is how Skyline evolved into the modern GT-R. It has a rich history and impressive features for sports car lovers. These are more compelling reasons for modern car buyers to consider buying the Nissan GT-R.
