The Skyline is no longer connected to the modern GT-R. It has an all-wheel drive system, a twin-turbo V6 engine, and a rear-mounted transaxle.
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The modern GTR—is it a Skyline?
Nissan’s high-performance sports car and grand tourer, known in Japan as the GT-R or Nissan GT-R, was first unveiled in 2007.
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[5] It is the replacement for the high-performance Nissan Skyline version known as the Skyline GT-R. Despite being the sixth-generation GT-R model, this car is no longer in the Nissan Skyline model portfolio because the term is now only used for Nissan’s luxury-sport cars. The Nissan PM platform, which was designed particularly for the GT-R and is an improved version of the Nissan FM platform used in the Nissan Skyline luxury vehicle and the Nissan Z sports car, is the foundation on which the GT-R is constructed. Gran TurismoRacing, the acronym for which was coined from the Skyline GT-R, is known as GT-R. [6]
Unlike its predecessors, which were only available in Japan, the GT-R would be sold all over the world, according to then-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn, who made this decision in 2006.
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Along with the PM platform and the specially developed VR38DETT engine, the production version of the GT-R debuted at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show also had a number of additional cutting-edge innovations. Steel, aluminum, and premium materials like carbon fiber make up the body as a whole. Due to newer legal changes, the GT-R has been withdrawn in the European and Australian markets after 15 years of manufacturing.
Is the Nissan Skyline the same as the GTR?
The Skyline models date back to 1935. AWD is standard on ALL Skylines and the R35, which also goes by the moniker “GTR.” That is mostly what the GTR stands for. The term “Skyline” is no longer necessary because there are no RWD versions of the R35. R34, for instance, included GTR (AWD) and GTT (RWD). And separate equipment and an engine.
Since the GT-R is rather an expensive sports car and is targeted at buyers who can afford it, I assume Nissan just omitted the moniker “Skyline” to avoid the risk of people remembering it as “just” a tuner car rather than a high-end sports car. simply for marketing purposes.
The new GTR is not a Skyline, so why?
One of the most renowned Japanese performance cars of all time is the Nissan Skyline GT-R.
The “Godzilla” (see here why the Skyline GT-R is called as Godzilla) has come to represent strength and performance throughout the course of several different generations.
The Nissan Skyline GT-R has become one of the most coveted names in Japanese performance driving despite being illegal in the United States at the time (see our article on why Nissan Skylines are illegal in the United States).
You probably already know that Nissan stopped producing the R34 Skyline generation in 2002 (for more information, see our buying guide for the R34 GT-R).
The Skyline actually kept on after that and is still going today, but it is now what is known as the “New Generation Skyline,” which is very different from the original Skylines. The new Skyline is more well-known in America as a line of Infiniti vehicles, including the Infiniti G35:
This New Generation Skyline was mainly focused on giving a premium touring car experience and never included a GT-R variant.
Due to the overwhelming demand from auto enthusiasts, the R35 GT-R was debuted in 2007 and is still in production today.
Indeed, the R34 GT-R was the Nissan Skyline GT-R R34, to give an example.
What makes the Nissan GT-R of today the Nissan Skyline GT-R R35? After all, any car sporting those distinctive taillights must be a Skyline!
The reason the R35 GT-R is not a Skyline is rather straightforward, in case you’re wondering.
Earlier GT-Rs (such as the R32, R33, and R34) were built on the Skyline platform of that generation.
Consider the R32 GT-R, which was offered in a variety of trim levels and engine/gearbox combinations, including as a sedan.
Nissan used that generation’s Skyline base to build the R32 GT-R (the original “Godzilla”), turning everything up to 11.
There is no platform overlap with the existing Skyline (known in America as the Infiniti Q50). The R35 GT-R is a “standalone” vehicle, as opposed to the previous generations of GT-Rs, which were all the pinnacle of the applicable Skyline platform.
Although the R35 GT-R is essentially the spiritual successor to previous Skyline GT-Rs, Nissan opted not to utilize the Skyline brand due to the distinctive platform.
How does a Skyline become a GTR?
After making its debut as a prototype at the 1993 Tokyo Motor Show, the R33 Skyline GT-R was ultimately introduced to the general public in January 1995, this time with the renowned RB26DETT.
Thanks to significantly improved body stiffness, better weight distribution, and refined traction control offered by the new all-wheel drive system known as “ATTESA E-TS PRO,” the R33 Skyline GT-R evolved from the R32 to become a faster, more stable vehicle.
What makes the R35 known as Godzilla?
The GT-R, which wasn’t a part of the Skyline lineup but was first advertised as the replacement for the renowned Skyline GT-R, was revealed by Nissan Motor Corporation in 2007. The Skyline was an excellent vehicle with lap times that were slower than the majority of supercars of the day. The Skyline was a well-liked option among enthusiasts all around the world thanks to its affordable performance and flexible tuning options. The Skyline’s capacity for extensive modification enables it to outperform considerably more expensive performance and exotic vehicles. The GT-R picked up the game where the Skyline left off since it was built with the same goal of outperforming more potent and pricier vehicles. Therefore, it is not surprising that the GT-R has retained the name of the fictitious monster, which is Gojira in Japanese, which means “King of Monsters.”
The GT-(or R’s the Skyline’s) outstanding performance is what gave this legendary creature its moniker. 562 horsepower and 632 Nm of torque are remarkable outputs from the turbocharged engine. As each engine is manufactured by hand, the actual power figure may vary slightly, but some engines have been known to produce more power than stated. The highest speed of 313 kmph, which is reached in less than three seconds, is terrifying. This is a result of the Japanese model’s computer-aided technology, which resembles witchcraft in many ways. A dual-clutch semi-automatic rear mounted transmission coupled to a 3.5 liter twin turbocharged V6 engine sends power to all wheels rather than just the rear ones, increasing traction.
The GT-nearly R’s infinite number of mechanical and electronic components have been packed precisely and securely inside the supercar, which has a low curb weight of under 1,800 kg. When compared to contemporary supercars, this results in a power-to-weight ratio of 318 horsepower per tonne, which isn’t incredibly light. The GT-R can accelerate and turn more quickly than most cars, though, thanks to sophisticated electronics that get the most out of each system with zero margin for mistake. The weight distribution is 54:46, which, like before, isn’t quite as ideal as it is for certain supercars. However, the GT-R is once again saved by electronics, which enable the vehicle to handle superior to vehicles with superior mechanical grip.
Why is the US ban on the r34 Skyline?
In summary, the Nissan Skyline GT-R is prohibited from being imported into the US since it does not adhere to the 1988 Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act. The Skyline was not designed with the necessary safety elements to abide by the applicable traffic safety regulations.
A vehicle is exempt from these rules once it reaches the age of 25, at which point it is allowed to be imported and used on American roads.
With California being likely the most noteworthy exception in terms of particular states where you would have difficulties importing due to tougher emissions control legislation, this means that vehicles like the R32 GTR (the original “Godzilla”) can be imported into the USA.
By 2024, you should be able to start importing the R34 GTR. The oldest versions of the R33 GTR are also starting to become legal for import and compliance (provided there are no additional changes to legislation by then, or further tightening of emissions and environmental rules which is always a risk in the current climate).
Just a word of caution
As far as we are aware, there are no laws prohibiting you from importing one as a “show piece that isn’t allowed to be driven on the road but instead sits in your garage.” We’ve heard stories of people looking to buy and store Nissan Skylines with a view of registering and complying them once they turn 25 years old in the hopes of increasing their value. While it is likely not a bad idea, there is always a chance that the government could modify import regulations, leaving you with a depreciating burden rather than an asset that depreciates over time. Although it’s unlikely, it’s nevertheless important to remark.
We would be interested in hearing from you if you are aware of any other legitimate ways to buy a Skyline GTR in the United States. Please comment down below!
thoughts on “Why Are Nissan Skylines Illegal In The United States?
Untrue in every way, 100%. A skyline can be exported and imported to the US for a pricey sum of $5,500. That doesn’t make it unlawful.
Which GT-R is prohibited in the US?
One of Nissan’s masterpieces is the Skyline GT-R. We shouldn’t be shocked that it has developed a cult following all over the world given its unparalleled power, handling, and design. The Skyline GT-R is regarded as one of the all-time greatest drifting vehicles and has won numerous awards.
Unfortunately, the Skyline GT-R cannot be fully appreciated in the American market. For the following reasons, the car is not certified for sale in the US:
- It is faster than US police cars due to its speed.
- All of the vehicles are right-hand drive. None are made to US standards.
- It’s a luxury car on the gray market with features that violate US safety and emissions regulations.
- Although Skyline GT-R spare parts are unavailable in the US, you might look into the brand-new NISMO Heritage Parts program. As of December 1, 2017, some new GT-R parts are being marketed in Japan.
Having said that, bringing a Skyline GT-R into the US is not absolutely difficult. (See the poster we created to celebrate the GT-R.)
The R36 is it real?
According to Automotive News from Japan, a new GT-R is now being planned and will be given the “R36 designation. Nissan is developing a completely new model for its top sports car.
Why is R34 so well-known?
The R34 is arguably the best and most well-known Skyline model. The fact that this car seemed so far ahead of its time and is still in such high demand now was one of the reasons it was so well-liked. The fact that the car is still so precious and in such high demand in 2021 is not surprising.