1991 Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R Coupe (1 of 100 Australian delivery)
Sold: $53,000
Specifications
| Engine | 2.6 Litre Six cylinder ( twin turbo chargers) |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | 5-speed Manual |
| Body Work | Coupe |
| Colour | Burgundy |
| Interior | Grey |
| Trim | Velour/Suede |
| Wheels | Alloy |
| Brakes | Disc |
Description
The Porsche 959 was Nissan's target when designing the R32 GT-R. Chief engineer Naganori Itoh intended to use the car for Group A racing, so the design specification was drawn up in conjunction with a copy of the Group A rules. The Nurburgring Nordschleife production car record at the time of development was 8min 45sec set by a Porsche 944, but Nissan's test driver Hiroyoshi Katoh reset the record with a time of 8min 20sec.
The GT-R achieved its sensational performance with twin ceramic turbochargers, which boosted power of the car's 2.6-litre straight-six engine to more than 300 horsepower at 6,800rpm, but this was deliberately understated due to the Japanese carmakers' 'gentlemen's agreement' at the time not to exceed 276 hp (206kW).
All-wheel steering and electronically controlled all wheel drive based on the system developed for the Porsche 959 resulted in a serious supercar that is still revered today.
The R32 GT-R was introduced in to the Australian Touring Car Championship in 1990 and promptly ended the reign of the previously all-conquering Ford Sierra Cosworth, winning at Bathurst in 1991 and 1992. This success led to the Australian motoring press nicknaming the car Godzilla due to it being a "monster from Japan". As Australia was the first export market for the car the name quickly spread. Such was GT-R's dominance that it was a significant factor in the demise of Group A Touring Car racing, the formula being scrapped soon after.
