Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 review, interesting facts, and photos

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Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 is a dream car for millions of people. In this article, we will review the whole story and facts about this iconic JDM car.

Nissan Skyline History

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The first Skyline car was originally produced by Prince Motor Company in 1957, later by Nissan.

The name Nissan Skyline was a result of the merger of two companies Prince Motor Company with Nissan-Datsun, in 1967.

After that, Nissan produced five generations of its GTR cars.

In January of 1999, Nissan introduced its state-of-the-art GT-BNR34 model, also known as R34. It was an instant hit in Japan.

This version got the frontal wheels closer to the front part of the car.

It got an RB26DETT engine from its predecessors - R32 and R33, a brand new 5.8" LCD multifunction display on the center of the dashboard, water-cooled ceramic turbochargers, and many more.

Throughout the years of production of R34 from 1999 to 2002, Nissan has produced multiple variants of these cars.

Let’s check them out.

GT-R R34 Standard

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Launched in January 1999.

Nissan has produced 3,965 units of this version.

Some of the specs:

Weight - 1540 kg

Length - 4,600 mm

width - 1,785 mm

Height - 1,360 mm

Engine - RB26DETT

Cylinders - L6

Power - 206 KW @ 6800 RPM, 280 HP @ 6800 RPM, 276 BHP @ 6800 RPM

Transmission - Six-speed manual

GT-R R34 V-Spec

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Launched in January 1999.

Produced units: 1,308.

Specs:

Engine - Inline 6-cyl, Twin Turbo

Transmission - Six-speed manual

Layout - front engine, all wheel drive

Weight - 1560kg

Power-to-weight - 180bhp/ton 0-60mph 4.8sec (claimed)

Top speed - 165mph (claimed)

Brakes - Ventilated discs front and rear

Wheels - 9 x 18in front and rear

Tires - 145/45 ZR18 front and rear

Power - 276bhp @ 7000rpm

Torque - 289lb ft @ 4400rpm

GT-R R34 V-Spec UK

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R34 GTR V-Spec UK version got three additional oil coolers, an extra measurement on the MFD, leather interior, few new features on the display, and changes in small details.

Produced units: 80.

GT-R R34 V-Spec N1

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The N1 was a homologation special, without the radio, air conditioning, the boot carper, and the rear wiper.

Produced units: 45.

GT-R R34 V-Spec II

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Released in October 2000.

This version of R34 got bigger rear brake rotors, a new carbon fibre bonnet, and new aluminum pedals.

Produced units: 5,512.

GT-R R34 V-Spec II N1

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The V-Spec II N1 got the same changes V-Spec II, but with a difference that the weight saving was the priority, even the paint was thinner than the standard version.

Produced units: 18.

GT-R R34 M-Spec

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In 2001 Nissan released the M-Spec variant, which is a luxury edition. It got a leather interior with heated front seats. The ‘M’ in ‘M-Spec’ stands for Mizuno Kazutoshi, the chief engineer of Nissan.

Produced units: 228.

R34 GTR M-Spec Nür

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The Skyline GT-R M-Spec Nür was released in February 2002.

In total, Nissan produced 250 units of this version.

Some of the specs:

Length - 4,600mm 

Width - 1,780mm

Height -1,360mm

Weight - 1,580kg

GT-R R34 V-Spec II Nür

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In February 2002, Nissan released a final production model of the R34 GT-R called the Skyline GT-R V-spec II Nur. The Nür was named after the famous German Nürburgring racetrack, where the Skyline was developed.

Produced units: 750.

GT-R R34 Nismo Z-Tune

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In 2002 Nissan produced its last variant of the GTR R34 called Z-Tune. All of the Z-Tune GT-Rs were handmade.

Produced units: 20

In total, Nissan produced 12,175 units of R34.

Facts about Nissan Skyline GTR R34

R34 in Hollywood

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The 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 is a major car driven by Brian O'Conner (portrayed by Paul Walker) in Fast and Furious.

Godzilla

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After consecutive racing triumphs in Japan and abroad in the mid-90s, the GT-R immediately gained worldwide attention and earned the Godzilla nickname "Godzilla" or "Godzilla on wheels" from the Australian media and car lovers.

GT-R series of Nissan Skyline are illegal in the USA

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The Nissan Skyline GT-R cars are illegal in the United States because it doesn’t meet the requirements of the 1988 Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act. However, in 1998, the NHTSA granted immunity for import vehicles over 25 years of age. So, technically you can still own the GTR R34 in the USA.

Fast Car

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Nissan Skyline GTR R34 can reach 100kmph in 2.8 seconds. The V-Spec’s Top speed is 251 kph (156 mph).

Expensive car

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The current prices of R34 range from $35000 up to $335000, based on variant and condition. In the coming years, some part of R34 cars will become legal to own in USA, so, due to its more availability on the market, the prices may go down for a bit, but because Nissan produced only 12175 units of R34, in a few years the prices might increase.