1996

The R33 Skyline (Series 2) continued the concepts introduced in the R32. Drivers airbags became standard in 1996 as they had been only an option up until this time, passenger side airbags remained an option. The ignition system was also changed, with the ignition module no longer located on the cam covers and was instead replaced by improved ignition coils and ECU. The turbo was also given a nylon compressor wheel. Throughout the time the R33 was produced there were quite a number of different styled lights and bodykits fitted, the actual body/chassis underwent no changes. Among the cosmetic changes in the series 2 were, the headlights which tapered down more towards the grill and were fitted with improved reflectors, the grill (which was longer on the Series 1), the bonnet which had a re-shaped leading edge to fit the new lights and front bumper changing shape in the smallest amount to match the lower edge of the new headlights. The R33 ceased production in March 1998 with the 40th Anniversary R33 SII.

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GT-R

The BCNR33 GT-R version also had the same RB26DETT engine that the BNR32 was equipped with, although torque had been improved, due to changes in the turbo compressor aerodynamics, turbo dump pipe, and intercooler. The turbo core changed from a sleeve bearing to a ball bearing, but the turbine itself remained ceramic, except on N1 turbos (steel turbine, sleeve bearing). From the R33 onward, all GT-Rs received Brembo brakes. 1995 saw the GT-R get an improved version of the RB26DETT, the ATTESA-ETS all wheel drive system, and Super HICAS all-wheel steering. A limited edition model was created in 1996, called the NISMO 400R, that produced 400 hp (298 kW). The R33 GT-R set the production car lap record for the Nordschleife with an official time of 8'01"86,[5] and several sub eight minute unofficial times. Other manufacturers had caught up since the R32 was released, and the R33 never dominated motorsport to the extent of the R32.




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R34


A R34 Skyline 4-door saloon in Hong Kong traffic


In May 1998 the HR/ER/ENR34 addressed many of the concerns over the change from the R32 to the R33, with more emphasis on sportiness. The RB20E engine was discontinued in the R34 base model (GT) and the RB20DE reintroduced after last being used in the R32 Skyline. The R34 GT powered by the RB20DE and 5 speed gearbox became the most fuel efficient straight six Skyline to date of any shape. The 5 speed automatic transmission available on some models in the previous 2 shapes was discontinued. In its place Nissan produced a 4 speed tip-tronic transmission for all of the automatic versions.

Models:

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GT-R


Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R (front and rear).



Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R M-Spec-Nur.


In 1999, a revised chassis and incremental updates to the GT-R model proved once and for all that the R34 was one of the fastest all-around cars in the world. It has held many track records and won many JGTC championships. The stronger block from the R33 N1 GT-R was used on all R34 GT-Rs. The standard R34 GT-R turbos changed to a steel turbine. The R34 N1 turbos received a ball bearing core. Both had a higher compressor A/R ratio. A heavier stronger six speed Getrag gearbox was used. The head casting and the camshafts were significantly revised, and incompatible with earlier RB26DETTs. The dump pipe and intercooler were also improved. The BNR34 GT-R may well have been the last high performance Nissan to wear the Skyline badge.

Models:

  • GT-R - 2.6 L RB26DETT twin-turbo I6, 332 PS (244 kW) (advertised as 280 PS)
  • GT-R V-Spec - Additional aero parts, brake ventilation ducts, diffuser.
  • GT-R V-Spec II - As above + carbon fibre bonnet with NACA duct.
  • GT-R N1 - Blueprinted N1 motor, no A/C, no stereo, no rear wiper, basic interior trim. (45 only made.)
  • GT-R M-Spec - Leather interior, softer suspension with "Ripple Control" dampers, heated seats.
  • GT-R V-Spec II Nür - As above V-Spec II + N1 motor, 300km/h speedo. (only 750 made.)
  • GT-R M-Spec Nür - As above M-Spec + N1 motor, 300km/h speedo. (only 250 made.)
  • GT-R Z-tune Z1 and Z2 (Nismo variant)
  • GT-R R-tune (Nismo variant)
  • GT-R S-tune (Nismo variant)
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V35

The 11th generation (V35) Nissan Skyline, introduced in June 2001, is based on Nissan's FM platform, which is shared with the 350Z. Sporting the ubiquitous (and esteemed) VQ35DE engine, the Nissan Skyline uses a front-midship engine, rear-wheel drive layout (all-wheel drive is available for the sedan) to achieve a 52%/48% weight distribution. The V35 also marks the first generation of Skyline made for export to the United States. There it is sold under the company's luxury brand, Infiniti, as the Infiniti G35.

The V35 marks a major turning point for the Skyline. There is no straight 6, no turbo variant, and to date no GT-R variant. Nissan put a slightly more powerful VQ35DE in the 350Z, and although the Skyline & the 350Z share the same platform, the 350Z has additional bracing, underbody aero parts, and weighs 100 kg less.[9] Though it does have its following, many tuners have studiously ignored the V35 Skyline, the 2006 Tsukuba Super Lap Battle had not a single V35 entrant.[10] Tuners such as Mines, Amuse, Hosaka, Garage Defend, M Speed, Nagisa, MCR, HKS, & Top Secret continue developing R32-R34 GT-Rs. Top Secret did tune a V35, but they replaced the VQ35DE with an RB26DETT. [11] Signal USA entered a V35 in Formula D, replacing the VQ35DE with an SR20DET. [12] Other shops such as VRT have had much success with force injecting the VQ35DE as seen in their track footage. Sites such as 6mt.net, G35Frenzy.com, and G35Driver.com have been very influential in advancing the popularity and tuning options for the V35.