Lecture Notes: Nissan Skyline GT-R Evolution

Introduction

• The Nissan Skyline GT-R, a twin-turbo, all-wheel-drive car from Japan, made a significant impact globally.
• It's an iconic car featured in video games and movies, known as the quintessence of forbidden fruit.
• This lecture revisits its history as part of celebrating 100 episodes of 'Up to Speed.'

Early History and Development

• 1969 Debut: The first GTR was created by Shinichiro Sakurai, a strict and detail-oriented designer inspired by Formula 1.
• Skyline 2000 GT: Predecessor to the GTR, featured a detuned 2L straight-six engine from the R380 race car.
• Performance: With 160 horsepower and semi-trailing arm suspension, it became a dominant race car.
• Nicknames: Known as "Hakosuka" (boxy) or "Skyline" in Japanese.

1970s to 1980s Evolution

• 1971 GTR Coupe: Shorter wheelbase, wider tires, rear spoiler, and more aggressive styling.
• Ken Mary GTR (1972): Muscle car-like design with a gas crisis limiting production to 197 units.
• Challenges: Sakurai's illness in 1984 led to Nagamori Ito taking over the design of the next generation.

1980s to 1990s: R31 and R32

• R31 (1985): Lukewarm reception with no GTR model, leading to Ito's resolve to create a true successor.
• R32 GTR (1989): Designed to dominate Japanese Touring Car Championships with the RB26DETT engine.
• Achievements: Won all 29 races entered in the championship, including victories at Nurburgring and Spa.
• International Success: Dominated Australian racing, leading to rule changes in 1993 due to its success.

R33 and R34 Developments

• R33 (1995): Slightly longer wheelbase, more stable, better aerodynamics, and reduced lift.
• Special Editions: Included V-Spec, LM Limited, and the exclusive 400R.
• R34 (1999): Improved aerodynamics, turbo system, and a six-speed transmission.
• Enhanced Performance: Focus on air evacuation and cooling, leading to a blocky yet aggressive design.

The R35 Era

• R35 (2007): Introduced a new VR38DETT engine and separated itself from the Skyline lineage.
• Performance: Twin-turbo V6 with a focus on balance and grip rather than raw power.
• Special Editions: Continues to dominate racing circuits with models like the 2008 Nismo GT500.

Conclusion

• The Nissan Skyline GT-R's legacy is built on continuous evolution and dominance in racing.
• Recognition for the team behind the car, including mechanics and designers over the decades.
• Gratitude expressed to the audience and contributors for the series' success.

Additional Information

• Cultural Impact: Heavily featured in video games such as Gran Turismo.
• Engineering Highlights: Unique design processes and advanced technology implementations have kept it at the forefront of automotive performance.
• Team Acknowledgment: The lecture highlights the importance of teamwork and individual contributions to the GT-R's success story.