Overview
The Nissan Skyline R32 is one of the most iconic Japanese sports cars ever made, produced between 1989 and 1994. It is famous for its performance, technology, and motorsport success, earning the nickname:
“Godzilla” – because it dominated the racing world, especially in touring car championships.
The R32 helped cement Nissan’s reputation for high-performance vehicles and became a favorite among JDM enthusiasts worldwide.
Body Styles
The R32 was primarily available as:
- 2-door coupe – sporty and sleek
- 4-door sedan – practical yet performance-oriented
Engine Options
Most R32 models were powered by the RB series of inline-6 engines:
- RB20DET – 2.0L turbo, used in some lower-spec models
- RB25DET – 2.5L turbo, the most famous engine for the R32 GT-R
- RB26DETT – 2.6L twin-turbo, legendary engine used in the GT-R models
⭐ The RB26DETT produced around 280 hp (officially) and could be tuned to over 500+ hp with aftermarket upgrades, making it extremely popular for street and track builds.
Drivetrain & Technology
The R32 GT-R introduced advanced technology for its time:
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD) – Nissan’s ATTESA E-TS system
- Active LSD (Limited Slip Differential) – improved cornering
- Rear-Wheel Drive in non-GT-R models
This combination made it fast, balanced, and unbeatable on racetracks, even against cars with more horsepower.
Suspension & Handling
- Front: Multi-link
- Rear: Multi-link
- High-performance suspension allowed the R32 to handle tight corners at high speeds, a key reason for its racing success.
Motorsport Legacy
- Dominated Japanese Touring Car Championship (JTCC)
- Won Group A racing in Australia multiple times
- Known as “Godzilla” in Australia due to its dominance
This heritage made the R32 a highly respected and collectible car.
Interior & Features
- Sporty cockpit with driver-focused gauges
- Digital instrument cluster in some trims
- Simple, functional, yet stylish interior
Models & Variants
- Skyline GT-R R32 – legendary twin-turbo AWD performance car
- GTS-t / GTS-4 – turbo versions with less power than GT-R
- Standard GT / Sedan – more affordable, rear-wheel-drive models
Why the R32 Is Special Today
- Introduced Godzilla legend
- Advanced tech for the late ’80s and early ’90s
- Extremely tunable and popular in drifting and motorsport
- Classic JDM icon and investment car for collectors
Availability & Price (Quick Overview)
- Like the R31, the R32 is no longer in production
- Used/import markets (Japan, Australia, UAE, USA, etc.) are the only sources
- Prices vary widely:
- Standard R32 sedans: ~$10k–$20k USD
- R32 GT-R (RB26DETT): ~$70k–$120k+ USD depending on condition and rarity
The R32 GT-R was the first car to use the ATTESA E-TS AWD system and super-HICAS rear-wheel steering, giving it incredible handling for its era
