Genesis and generations of the Nissan Skyline
In a previous article, we talked about the legendary Toyota Supra MK4. Now that we've talked about the Supra, how can we not talk about that automotive monument, the Nissan Skyline?
The Skyline is a Japanese automotive icon with a history stretching back over 60 years. From its modest beginnings in 1957, it has become one of Nissan's most iconic cars, with a reputation that extends far beyond Japan's borders. Here are some of the generations that have marked its evolution:
1stgeneration (1957-1963): Approx. 60 hp
The very first Skyline, known as the ALSI-1 model, was launched in 1957. At the time, it was rather modest, with classic four-door sedan bodywork and a small 4-cylinder engine.
3rd generation (1968-1972): approx. 160 hp
The third generation, the C10that it began to make a name for itself name on the racing circuit.. It was offered with more powerful engines, including the famous GT-R MODEL.
6th generation (1981-1985): 210 hp
The R30 was marked by the introduction of the famous Skyline GT-R variantvariant, which quickly became a legend in the world of sports cars. This generation was also the first to be widely exported to other countries..
8th generation (1989-1994): 280 hp
With the R32 series, the Nissan Skyline reached new heights in terms of performance and technology. It was powered by the famous RB26DETTengine, which has become a reference in the world of tuning world.
10th generation (1998-2002): 280 hp
The R34 series was the last to bear the Skyline name, before the car became the fully-fledged Nissan GT-R in its own right.
Its place in pop culture
The Nissan Skyline occupies a prominent place in popular culture, making its presence felt in a variety of films, TV series and video games. Here are a few specific examples of its influence:
Fast and Furious: The Fast and Furious film saga has greatly contributed to the fame of this car. In the first film in the series, Fast and Furious (2001), Brian O'Conner's Skyline GT-R R34, played by Paul Walker, became iconic. The car was featured in several thrilling race scenes, contributing to its worldwide renown.
Gran Turismo: The Gran Turismo series of racing video games is famous for its vast selection of cars, including several Skyline models. Gamers have had the opportunity to drive iconic Skylines, such as the GT-R R32, GT-R R34 and GT-R R35, in ultra-realistic virtual environments. The constant presence of the Skyline in this series has reinforced its status as an automotive icon.
Need for Speed: The Need for Speed video game franchise has also featured the Skyline in several of its titles. Players have had the opportunity to drive and customize Skylines in urban races, contributing to their popularity with racing game fans.
Apart from video games and films, this automotive monument has a dedicated community of fans who regularly gather at car rallies, conventions and dedicated events. Online forums(the English-language Nissan Skyline forum), clubs and groups on social networks are also platforms where enthusiasts share their love for the Skyline and exchange tips and tricks on these iconic cars.
The Nissan Skyline has become part of popular culture thanks to its presence on the big and small screens, but also thanks to its passionate community of fans.
And in competition?
The Skyline has gained worldwide renown thanks to its exceptional performance in motor racing. Here are just a few examples:
Super GT (ex JGTC): The car enjoyed phenomenal success in the Super GT championship, formerly known as the Japan Grand Touring Championship (JGTC). It won numerous championship titles and dominated the competition for years. Racing versions of the Skyline, such as the GT-R R32, R33 and R34, were formidable competitors on the track.
Touring Car Racing: The Nissan Skyline has also competed in various touring car championships around the world. It has been a popular choice for racing teams because of its power, handling and reliability. The Skyline has won numerous victories in prestigious touring car series such as the British Touring Car Championship(BTCC) and the Japanese Touring Car Championship(JTCC).
Time Attack: This car is also very popular in the Time Attack discipline, where modified cars compete to achieve the fastest time on a given circuit. Thanks to its impressive performance and its ability to be modified to gain even more power and traction, the Skyline is often a leading contender in Time Attack events around the world.
Drift: At last, an icon of the drifting world. With its well-balancedchassis, abundant power and all-wheel drive system (on certain versions), the Skyline is a highly prized platform for professional and amateur drift drivers alike. It has been used to win numerous drifting championships around the world.
This car has left an indelible mark on the world of motor racing, thanks to its exceptional performance, iconic design and legendary heritage.
Nissan Skyline powertrains: Japanese art
The Nissan Skyline is renowned for its impressive performance and advanced powertrains. Here's an overview of the different powertrains that have powered this Japanese automotive icon:
RB Series : The RB series of engines, developed by Nissan, is one of the Skyline's most iconic. The RB26DETT engine, in particular, is famous for its in-line 6-cylinder architecture and twin-turbocharging technology. It has propelled the Skyline GT-R R32, R33 and R34 to impressive performance on road and track.
VQ Series : With the arrival of the Skyline V35, later renamed the Infiniti G35 for the North American market, Nissan introduced the VQ engine series. These V6 engines were hailed for their power, flexibility and instant response. They were used in various versions of the Skyline, offering a balance between performance and driving comfort.
VR Series : The latest Nissan Skyline models, including the GT-R R35, are equipped with the VR engine series. The VR38DETT engine, in particular, is a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6. It offers impressive power and rapid response, propelling the Skyline GT-R R35 to supercar-like performance.
RB20, RB25 and RB30: In addition to the RB26DETT, the RB series includes other variants such as the RB20DET, RB25DET and RB30DET. These engines have been used in various generations of the Skyline.
Over the years, Nissan has also produced special versions and limited editions of the Skyline, equipped with exclusive high-performance engines. These models, often reserved for the most dedicated enthusiasts, offer cutting-edge performance and an incomparable driving experience.
The various powertrains in the Nissan Skyline truly embody the essence of Japanese automotive engineering. From the raw power of RB26DETT engines to the refined performance of VQ and VR engines, each generation of Skyline offers a unique driving experience, a testament to the artistry and passion of Nissan engineers.
Nissan Skyline performance overview
The Nissan Skyline's reputation for performance is well established. The Skyline has consistently raised the bar in terms of power, handling and acceleration.
Thanks to its powerful engines and aerodynamic design, the Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 and R35 are capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in - 4 seconds, offering an exhilarating driving experience.
The Skyline has a long history in competition, and its track performance is legendary. Thanks to its sophisticated all-wheel drive, advanced traction control system and agile chassis, the Skyline is capable of dominating tight corners and providing exceptional grip on all surfaces.
On freeways or racetracks, the Nissan Skyline is synonymous with speed. The latest versions, such as the GT-R R35, have an impressive top speed of over 330 km/h, making it one of the fastest cars on the road.
The Skyline is also a versatile car for everyday use. Equipped with advanced technologies such as adaptive suspension and intelligent safety systems, the Skyline offers a comfortable and easy ride.
Because of its popularity with car enthusiasts, the Nissan Skyline is also prized for its ability to be modified and customized. Numerous specialist companies offer a range of performance enhancements, cosmetic modifications and tuning kits to transform the Skyline into a bespoke machine.
The Nissan Skyline is much more than just a car. It embodies Nissan's passion for performance, tuning and sporting heritage, offering an incomparable driving experience to those who have the privilege of sitting behind its wheel.
Tuning Nissan Skylines, what does it look like?
The Nissan Skyline has long been an icon in the world of car tuning. Thanks to its robust design, impressive performance and almost limitless customization potential, the Skyline has become a blank canvas for tuning enthusiasts the world over. Here's a glimpse of what happens when enthusiasts decide to personalize their Skyline:
 Nissan Skyline tuning often aims to increase engine power for even higher performance. This can be achieved by modifying engine components such as turbochargers, exhaust systems, air intakes and electronic engine management. Some owners even opt for engine swaps for more powerful units.
In addition to performance, Skyline tuning also aims to improve aesthetics. This can include the installation of large, aggressive body kits, oversized wheels, aerodynamic spoilers, custom paintwork and graphic vinyl. The aim is to transform the Skyline into a car with a unique and intimidating appearance.
To improve handling and grip, many Skyline owners opt for lowered, adjustable suspensions. This allows the car's ride height to be modified to suit driver preferences and driving conditions. Sport shocks, reinforced anti-roll bars and adjustable suspension kits are common modifications.
The interior of the Nissan Skyline can also be customized to match the car's exterior styling. This can include sport bucket seats, custom steering wheels, premium hi-fi systems, LED mood lighting and personalized interior trim.
For circuit racing enthusiasts, Skyline tuning can focus on improving on-track performance. This can include the installation of performance brakes, improved cooling systems, slick tires, etc...
Which models are equivalent to the Nissan Skyline?
The Nissan Skyline is an iconic car, but if you're looking for equivalent models, here are some options to consider:
Toyota Supra: The Toyota Supra is often considered the Nissan Skyline's most direct rival. It offers high performance, sporty design and a rich history in the Japanese automotive world. Like the Skyline, the Supra is also available in different generations.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: The Lancer Evolution, also known as theEvo, is another iconic Japanese car that rivals the Skyline in the sports car market. Designed for performance and handling, the Lancer Evolution is renowned for its turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive and aggressive appearance.
Subaru Impreza WRX STI: Like the Lancer Evolution, the Subaru Impreza WRX STI is a Japanese compact sedan renowned for its performance on road and track. With its turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive, the WRX STI offers a driving experience similar to that of the Skyline.
The Nissan Skyline and its imprint on 4 automotive icons
The Nissan Skyline has gained worldwide fame and admiration from many celebrities, including actors, sportsmen and personalities from the automotive world. Here are some celebrity reviews of the Nissan Skyline:
Paul Walker: The late actor, famous for his role in the Fast and Furious franchise, was a great fan of the Nissan Skyline. He owned several Skyline models himself, and helped popularize the car to an international audience through his role in the film series.
Keiichi Tsuchiya (Drift King), Keiichi Tsuchiya is a Japanese motorsport legend, known for his drifting expertise. He has often praised the handling and performance qualities of the Nissan Skyline in interviews and television broadcasts.
Kazunori Yamauchi: The creator of the acclaimed Gran Turismo video game series is a fervent car enthusiast, and the Nissan Skyline isone of his favorites. The Skyline is featured in numerous Gran Turismo games, testifying to its iconic status in the virtual world of racing simulation.
Sung Kang: Known for his role as Han in the Fast and Furious franchise, Sung Kang is another actor who has expressed his love for the Nissan Skyline. He has often shared photos and videos of his own Skyline on social networks, showing his commitment to Japanese car culture.
Various weaknesses of the Nissan Skyline
Fuel consumption: Due to their high performance and powerful engine, some versions of the Nissan Skyline have quite high fuel consumption. On average, a Nissan Skyline can consume between 10 and 15 liters per 100 km.
Expensive maintenance: Spareparts and maintenance for Nissan Skylines can be expensive, especially for older models or top-of-the-range versions. Performance parts and specialized services can also be difficult to find outside Japan. In general, the annual maintenance cost of a Nissan Skyline can vary between €1,000 and €3,000, or even more for top-of-the-range models or modified versions.
Ride comfort: Some people may find the Nissan Skyline's suspension a little stiff, which can make the ride less comfortable, especially on long journeys or bumpy roads.
Electronic reliability: As with many Japanese sports cars, older models of the Nissan Skyline can suffer from electronic reliability problems, such as engine management system failures or electrical problems.
Accessibility and availability: Finding a Nissan Skyline in good condition and at a reasonable price is difficult, especially outside Japan. What's more, some specific versions or limited editions can be even rarer and harder to find.
While these weaknesses may be aspects to consider, many car enthusiasts believe that the qualities and performance of the Nissan Skyline far outweigh any potential drawbacks. With proper care and careful driving, a well-maintained Skyline can provide an exceptional driving experience for many years to come.
Nissan Skyline FAQs
What are the latest Nissan Skyline models?
The latest Nissan Skyline models include the R32, R33, R34 and R35, as well as the GT-R versions.
What are the strengths of the Nissan Skyline?
Reputation as a legendary sports car, agile handling, advanced all-wheel drive system and versatility.
What is the history of the Nissan Skyline?
The history of the Nissan Skyline goes back to the 1950s, but it became famous in the 1980s with the GT-R models.
Is the Nissan Skyline available in a sporty version?
Yes, the Nissan Skyline is available in a sporty version, including the Skyline GT-R, known for its exceptional performance on the track.
How much does it cost to maintain a Nissan Skyline?
The cost of maintaining a Nissan Skyline can vary according to model and year of manufacture, but can be higher due to its sporty nature and advanced technology. You can expect maintenance costs of at least €1000 / year.
Is the Nissan Skyline suitable for everyday use?
The Nissan Skyline can be used on a daily basis, but some sporty models may be less practical for everyday use due to their performance-oriented nature.
How much fuel does a Nissan Skyline consume?
The fuel consumption of a Nissan Skyline depends on model, engine and driving style, but on average it can vary from 10 to 15 liters per 100 km.
Is the Nissan Skyline still in production today?
The Nissan Skyline R35, also known as the GT-R, is the latest generation produced to date, with versions regularly updated to meet current performance and safety standards.
