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Nissan Skyline R32

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Nissan Skyline R32: The R32 Skyline GT-R. RB26DETT inline-six, AWD, the car that won so much in Group A racing it earned the Godzi
Photo: TTTNIS / Wikimedia Commons · CC0

The R32 Skyline GT-R. RB26DETT inline-six, AWD, the car that won so much in Group A racing it earned the Godzilla nickname.

The Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R (1989-1994) is widely considered the breakthrough modern Skyline. The car was Nissan first Skyline GT-R since the C110 in 1973, returning the GT-R name after a 16-year hiatus. The R32 dominated Group A touring car racing globally; the car earned the "Godzilla" nickname in Australia after winning the Bathurst 1000 multiple years and effectively ending the Group A category there (rules were changed to ban it). The R32 GT-R uses the RB26DETT engine: a 2.6-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six making 280 horsepower (the famously underrated Japanese gentleman's agreement number; actual output was higher). The car has ATTESA-ETS all-wheel drive (which can transition from RWD to AWD electronically) and HICAS rear-wheel steering. The combination produces a remarkable chassis dynamic: the AWD provides launch capability, the rear-wheel steering improves cornering, and the engine delivers strong power across a broad range. Production was around 43,000 units across various trims (V-Spec, V-Spec II, Nismo, etc.). The R32 was sold only in Japan; North America never got the model new. The car has become eligible for US import under the 25-year rule starting in 2014 for early R32s. Used R32 prices have appreciated dramatically. On WhipJury, R32 GT-R submissions are particularly active among JDM enthusiasts. Stock factory cars and modified examples both reliably top voting. The community recognizes the R32 as the model that made the GT-R name globally famous.

The RB26DETT

The 2.6-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine. 280 horsepower factory rating (likely 320+ actual). Iron block, closed-deck head, oversized rotating assembly. The engine has been famous for handling huge power on stock internals (700+ horsepower with appropriate supporting modifications). The RB26DETT is one of the most modified production engines in tuner history.

The Group A legacy

The R32 GT-R dominated Group A touring car racing in the early 1990s. Multiple Bathurst wins, JTCC championships, and other touring car victories cemented the Godzilla reputation. The R32 was eventually banned from Group A racing in Australia because the rules could not handle its competitive advantage.

R32 GT-R on WhipJury

Stock and modified R32 GT-Rs both do well in voting. The community recognizes the R32 as the foundational modern Skyline GT-R. JDM imports are increasingly common as cars age into the 25-year rule.

Frequently asked questions about Nissan Skyline R32

Why is the R32 GT-R called Godzilla?
The car earned the nickname in Australia after dominating Bathurst 1000 racing in the early 1990s. The combination of AWD launch capability, RB26DETT power, and aggressive chassis tuning made it competitive against far more expensive cars. Australian racing media coined Godzilla as a reference to the dominant nature of the car. The nickname has stuck globally.
Are R32 GT-Rs legal in the US?
Yes, since 2014 for early R32s. The 25-year import rule allows US import of vehicles 25 years old or older. The 1989 R32 GT-R became legal for import in 2014; subsequent model years have followed. The cars can be legally imported as JDM specification (right-hand drive). Imported R32s are now common in the US.
How much does an R32 GT-R cost?
Pricing has appreciated dramatically. Project R32 GT-Rs: $30,000-$60,000. Driver-quality cars: $60,000-$100,000. Clean low-mile cars: $100,000-$200,000+. V-Spec and Nismo variants are at the higher end. The model has appreciated faster than most JDM imports over the past decade.
Are R32 GT-Rs reliable?
Generally yes. The RB26DETT is durable when maintained. Common issues are timing belt service (every 60,000 miles), turbocharger service at higher mileage, and various age-related items on cars now 30+ years old. Proper maintenance and tuning extends reliability significantly. The platform has dedicated specialists globally.
Why was the R32 banned in Australia?
The R32 GT-R competitive advantage in Australian Group A touring car racing was so significant that organizers eventually changed the rules to exclude AWD cars. The change was effectively designed to remove the R32 GT-R from competition. The decision frustrated GT-R supporters but reflected the dominance the car had achieved.

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