Although the Japanese automotive giant Nissan is known for its GT-R model today, it was actually the Nissan Skyline model series that made it a world giant. Let’s take a closer look at the decades-long journey of Nissan Skyline, one of the legendary model series of the automobile world, and the technology that has developed from past to present.
It would not be wrong to say that the Nissan Skyline model, which the Japanese automotive brand Nissan has released with many different generation revisions for decades, is the model that changed the world automobile market. It is possible to encounter the Nissan Skyline model in nostalgic photographs, modern computer games, second-hand sales sites, and even in the most luxurious car dealerships today under the name GT-R.
What makes the Nissan Skyline model lineup so special? We don’t know if it’s enough to explain the success of the Nissan Skyline model, whether it has captured the sporty style of the city people on its journey, which first started as a classic sedan, brought pioneering innovations in the sector, or the engineering skill of the distant country Japan. Let’s take a closer look at the journey of this legendary model series from past to present and the changes experienced during this time.
The first Skyline wasn’t actually Nissan: Prince Skyline
Although the Nissan Skyline has become a rhyme in our language, the first company that produced the Skyline model was Prince Motor Company, which is also a Japanese brand, not Nissan. The Prince Skyline model, produced in 1957, was a four-door sedan and used a 1.5L GA-30 engine. Until the merger of Nissan and Prince Motor Company in 1967, four more Skyline models with similar features were produced.
First generation Nissan Skyline
The Prince Motor Company and the Nissan company merged and the first Nissan Skyline was produced in 1969. Even though it was still a sedan, it had 160 horsepower. A double-door version was introduced in 1970, and the model was produced until 1972. Thanks to the independent suspension, the four-valve engine and the best handling power ever seen, it performed impressively both as a touring car and a race car.
Skyline C110
The Nissan Skyline C110 model, which began production in 1972 and was produced for five years, was known as the Datsun K-Class at that time. Also known as Skyline R30, 26 different versions of this model were introduced. Although it was a simple four-door sedan, it was a remarkable vehicle in the conditions of the day. Even after its production was stopped, it became a model that made a name for itself in the world automotive industry for many years.
Skyline R31
The Nissan Skyline K series has been on the agenda for many years thanks to its different versions and has reached successful sales figures. In 1986, the Skyline R31 model was introduced, which showed that something had changed in the automotive world. This model, in which the Nissan Induction Control System was used for the first time, was a vehicle that would meet all the needs of the drivers of the 80s.
R32 Skyline GT-R
Wait, the GT-R era hasn’t even begun yet, but the arrival of that power made its voice heard for the first time in 1990. The four-wheel drive R32 Skyline GT-R model had 280 horsepower. Its reputation remained local, as the vehicle was not officially sold outside of Japan. However, thanks to the successes he won in the Japanese Touring Car Championship, he managed to put his name among the legends.
R33 Skyline GT-R
Although the prototype was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1993, the R33 Skyline GT-R was first introduced in 1995. The presented model attracted attention with its 6-cylinder in-line engine. Thanks to the new 4WD system, the body of the vehicle was much harder and stronger. Weight distribution was better, traction was optimized and it was now faster, more stable, more fun.
R34 Skyline GT-R
Providing the maximum response to the driver’s needs of the 1990s with the R31 and R33, Nissan has signed a brand new model with the approach of the 2000s. The R34 Skyline GT-R model, launched in 1998 and sold until 2002; It had an increased horsepower with a twin-turbo I6 engine, an advanced technology display unit, a short wheelbase and an aerodynamic body. It offered the highest Nissan Skyline performance ever seen.
R35 Nissan GT-R
In 2008, the Nissan Skyline first officially went on sale in the United States. However, like many companies, Nissan decided to enter this new market with a different name; GT-R. The GT-R wasn’t like the Skyline and sounded like the cool names Americans love. The first model produced with this name, the R35 Nissan GT-R, had 473 horsepower with its twin-turbo V6 engine.
The four-wheel drive model became legendary as it emerged, overtaking classic American cars and fancy Italian cars overnight. The R35 Nissan GT-R not only stood out with its powerful engine, but also had a large and muscular exterior, just as Americans love it.
The Skyline legend lives on with the 2021 Nissan GT-R:
Years passed. The first Skyline, produced in 1957, had only 60 horsepower and a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. In 1988, the RB26DETT engine produced 2.6-L twin-turbo 280 PS and 271 ln-ft of torque. The intervening years and the name change seem to have been good for Nissan. Because the 2021 Nissan GT-R is a beast.
The 2021 Nissan GT-R has 600 horsepower. The torque it generates, hold tight, is 481 lb-ft. Equipped with all the blessings of today’s technology, fuel consumption has been made economical, the sound system has been improved, steering safety has been ensured, and this model has received awards; It is an inedible vehicle if it is not for the prices starting from 113,540 dollars.
