Nissan Cars

The GT-R lineage

R32 (1989-1994). First Skyline GT-R since the C110 in 1973. The RB26DETT made an underrated 280 horsepower (the Japanese gentleman agreement number), but actual output was higher. ATTESA-ETS all-wheel drive and HICAS rear steering made it dominant in touring car racing.

R33 (1995-1998). Bigger, slightly heavier, more refined. Still uses the RB26 but with revised aerodynamics and an updated drivetrain. Often unfairly dismissed by enthusiasts who prefer the R32 or R34, but the V-Spec is a genuine driver car.

R34 (1999-2002). The defining Skyline for most enthusiasts. Bayside Blue paint, the multi-function display, and the V-Spec II Nur. Six-speed manual and the RB26 in its final, most refined factory tune. Prices today are well into supercar territory.

R35 GT-R (2007-present). Drops the Skyline name. New platform, new engine (the VR38DETT 3.8 V6 twin-turbo), dual-clutch transaxle. Faster than supercars costing far more. Nissan kept updating it for over 15 years.

The Silvia and the global drift movement

The S13, S14, and S15 chassis (sold as Silvia, 180SX, 200SX, and 240SX in various markets) defined what an affordable rear-drive coupe should be. SR20DET turbo, manual gearbox, balanced chassis, light weight. The chassis is the foundation of grassroots drifting from Japan through Australia, the UK, North America, and Europe. Dollar for dollar, no other car has produced more drift champions.

The 240Z and Z lineage

The 240Z (Fairlady Z in Japan) launched in 1969 and was an immediate hit in North America. Light, fast, and inexpensive, it offered a Jaguar E-Type silhouette for less than half the price. The 280Z, 280ZX, 300ZX, 350Z, 370Z, and current Z all trace lineage to that original. The Z32 300ZX Twin Turbo of the early 1990s is widely considered one of the best Z cars ever made.

Nissan on WhipJury

Nissan submissions skew toward Skylines, Silvias, GT-Rs, and Z cars. The community is well-educated on chassis codes and engine codes, so accurate descriptions (CA18DET versus SR20DET, R32 versus R34) tend to fare well in duels. Drift-built examples generally do better than show-only builds.