The R34 Skyline GT-R was released in 1998 and was in production until 2002. The model stood out thanks to a cutting-edge display unit, and its RB26DETT twin-turbo I6 engine delivered outstanding horsepower. The R34 was able to outperform its predecessors because to a shorter wheelbase and a more streamlined design.
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Skyline GT-R Nissan
A sports automobile built on the Nissan Skyline platform is known as the Nissan Skyline GT-R (Japanese: Ri Chan sukairainGT-R, Hepburn: Nissan Sukairain GT-R). The first “Skyline GT-R” vehicles, with the model code KPGC10, were made between 1969 and 1972. They were successful in Japanese touring car racing competitions. In 1973, a limited number of second-generation vehicles bearing the model number KPGC110 were produced in its place.
The GT-R moniker was brought back in 1989 as the BNR32 (“R32”) Skyline GT-R following a 16-year absence. The R32 GT-R was utilized to win the Japanese Touring Car Championship four years in a row in Group A standard versions. Prior to a regulation change that banned the R32 GT-R in 1993, the R32 GT-R enjoyed success in the Australian Touring Car Championship, where Jim Richards and Mark Skaife both used it to win the championship in 1991 and 1992, respectively. The Australian auto magazine Wheels gave the R32 GT-R the moniker “Godzilla” in its July 1989 issue due to the vehicle’s technological advancements and performance. Following that, Wheels continued to use the moniker for every subsequent Skyline GT-R generations, most notably the R34 GT-R, which they dubbed “Godzilla Returns” and hailed as “the best handling car we have ever driven.” In tests conducted by automotive journals, the R34 GT-R accelerated from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.4 seconds and completed a quarter-mile (402 meters) in 12.2 seconds from a standing start time. At the time, it was one of the production cars with the fastest acceleration.
The ATTESA E-TSAll-wheel drive system and the Super-HICAS four-wheel steering were just two of the cutting-edge technology on display in the Skyline GT-R, which quickly rose to the position of Nissan’s performance flagship. The automobile is still in demand today for import drag racing, circuit racing, time trials, and competitions sponsored by tuning publications. The Skyline GT-production R’s ceased in August 2002. The GT-R (R35), a brand-new car built on an improved version of the Skyline V36 platform, took the place of the previous model. Despite their obvious differences, the two cars were made at the same factory and have identical design elements.
The only Skyline GT-R export markets were Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand in 1991, and the UK (in 1997, thanks to the Single Vehicle Approval process) as used Japanese imports. The Skyline GT-R was never produced outside of Japan.
Despite this, the automobile has gained notoriety as a Grey import sports car, especially in Western countries (mainly the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, Canada, and the United States). The Fast and the Furious, Initial D, Shakotan Boogie, Wangan Midnight, Need for Speed, Forza, Driving Emotion Type-S, Test Drive, and Gran Turismo are just a few examples of popular culture works that have made it well-known. Nismo declared that it would restart manufacturing replacement body panels and engines for all Skyline GT-R models in 2019.
The vehicle was recognized as one of the top automobiles in the world and as the sole authentic Japanese supercar at the time by BBC’s Top Gear and Jeremy Clarkson.
1999 to 2002 NISSAN Skyline GT-R (R34)
It is a cult classic and the car that gave European sports vehicles an antiquated appearance.
Skyline has a long history dating back to 1957 when it was known by the name Prince. 1999 came along, and we discovered the R34. The Skyline R34 was a vehicle that made history. The RB26DETT is a coupe equipped with the newest technologies available and a cutting-edge engine. The list of features goes on and on: double turbo, separate throttle bodies for each of the six pistons, water-cooled ceramic turbochargers with ball bearings, etc.
The limited-slip rear differential (LSD) in the Skyline R34’s clever all-wheel-drive system allowed the vehicle to accelerate more quickly as it approached corners. The Multi-Function-Display (MFD), which was located on the dashboard, was a significant aspect of the vehicle. Numerous engine statistics, such as boost pressure, oil temperature, water temperature, and others, were displayed on this panel. This kind of technology, as a 1999 automobile, was extremely uncommon and cutting edge.
As part of a gentleman’s agreement between the Japanese automakers, the engine’s advertised power output was limited to 280 horsepower. The automobile was actually dyno-tested at 330 horsepower. Cast-iron engine blocks and forged internals allowed for numerous modifications, some of which resulted in engines with more than 1000 horsepower.
Background
One of Nissan’s wisest moves was the 1989 reintroduction of the Skyline GT-R.
When Nissan discontinued their series of ultra-high performance Skylines for business purposes in 1973, the GT-R name vanished. By this point, Nissan had developed two distinct models (based on the C10 and C110 platforms), both of which were intended to showcase the company’s high performance capabilities.
Nissan decided not to offer the C210, R30, or R31 vehicles in GT-R trim, even though the Skyline moniker continued to be used. Instead, those who wanted a Nissan that was the fastest and had the most power had to purchase a Z vehicle like the 240Z, 260Z, 280Z, or later, the 300ZX.
With the 1989 release of the R32 Skyline, Nissan brought the GT-R back. In order to homologate a Group A motor sport derivative that could compete in touring car racing, the R32 GT-R was specifically developed. Nissan believed they could just about meet the requirement to build 5000 road-going examples in a year.
But the R32 GT-R was in such high demand that 44,000 of them were eventually produced, and the car went on to become a symbol of the early 1990s automotive culture.
A follow-up model was deemed necessary after this unexpected success; the R33 GT-R, produced between 1995 and 1998, was favorably regarded.
Nissan began producing the R34 Skyline in May 1998. There was no longer any doubt that a GT-R model would be added to the lineup.
In October 1998, the R34 GT-R made its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show. It was available right away with the optional V Spec pack, which featured a number of interior, aerodynamic, and chassis upgrades. For homologation purposes, a form of the N1 that is even more extreme was also developed (described separately).
The R34 has 25 years of age.
Since the R34 GT-manufacturing R’s began in January 1999, that will be in January 2024. Remember that the vehicle’s VIN number must be at least 25 years old per the 25-year rule. In June 2025, an R34 GT-R with a VIN dating to June 2000 will be allowed for import. The number of R34 Skylines in the US
How numerous GTR R34s were produced?
Nissan produced the R34 in relatively limited quantities—11,578 units total—between January 1999 and August 2002, but it served as more than simply a holding pattern until the 2007 R35 GT-R debuted.
How much did a new R34 GTR cost?
A new R34 cost $45,000 in 1999; in 2021, that amount would be closer to $71,000. Prices have gradually increased because of the distinctive, rarer varieties, smaller manufacturing numbers, and renewed interest in both JDM cars and ’90s vehicles.
What is the price of an R34?
To put things in perspective, an R34 GT-R cost $45,000 in 1999, which is equivalent to $75,300 in January 2022. The Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R example with chassis number BNR34-006741 is a base model, but it still has all of the GT-R features, such as the RB26 DETT, ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive, and more.
What year is the legalization of R34?
Any car must first pass government emissions and crash safety standards in order to be allowed to enter the country legally. Nissan didn’t do that with the Skyline until the R35 generation, meaning all R34-generation models, including the renowned GT-R, will not be allowed to be driven on American roads until they are at least 25 years old.
Cars that are prohibited from importation and registration in the United States remain so until they are 25 years old because to long-standing classic vehicle rules. The first legally permitted sales of R34 Nissan Skylines in the United States will take place in 2024 because the R34 was created between 1999 and 2002. The procedure for importing the car from Canada is actually pretty easy once that date has passed.
The R34 is legal where?
One of the most well-known and sought-after Japanese vehicles in America is the Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R. As a result, many auto fans wonder whether the R34 is legal in the United States. The bottom line is that owning an R34 is permissible in America. However, obtaining one is quite challenging. This is due to the fact that when R34s were first being produced, it was prohibited for them to be brought into the nation. The regulatory regulations that all imported cars must adhere to were not met by the R34.
After the initial production run was completed, a business by the name of MotoRex brought a small quantity of R34s into the nation. The company’s purported use of a legal loophole turned out to be dubious, and the authorities ultimately shut it down. The MotoRex R34s, however, were kept by the clients who had purchased them.
An R34 can only be imported into the country as a “Show and Display” vehicle, which is entirely legal. These rules are meant to apply to vehicles that are part of a private collection or museum. Only a few R34 vehicles, though, have received import approval under these rules.
A R34 can be purchased in the US.
10 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 V-Spec II is still illegal Unless it comes from MotoRex, Gran Turismo and Fast and Furious fans will have to wait until 2024 to legally import the R34 Skyline to the United States because this model is still under the age of 25.
What is the priciest R34?
The price of the Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R Nismo Z-Tune, which a US auto collector is said to have spent $1,985,000 for, has been clarified. He claims that while this specific Z-Tune is the most expensive one ever bought, the initial reports substantially overstated his actual purchase price.
Only 19 Z-Tune versions were produced, making them the rarest of all R34 variants. Nismo sought to produce 20, which is a beautiful round number, but ultimately was only able to find 19 pre-owned R34 V-Spec II vehicles.
There is a good reason for the very high demand for R34 GT-R vehicles. You should know that this Z-Tune smashed the record and then some before we delve further into this issue.
When a Z-Tune was last for sale, according to our records, potential buyers were prepared to spend up to $600,000, but that was seven years ago.
Why are R34 aficionados so enthused about the Z-Tune? In addition to being scarce, it has a very fascinating past. Nissan needed to be persuaded that it needed to be produced, so Nismo bought a 2002 V-Spec II and installed a number of engine enhancements taken from its Le Mans racing vehicles. The Z-engine Tune’s block is stronger and has been bored out to 2.8 liters. 493 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque were produced as a result of Nismo’s addition of a set of improved turbochargers.
In case you were wondering, the original batch of R35 GT-Rs that were released in 2007 had “only” 480 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque.
Nissan then gave Nismo the go-ahead to purchase a number of secondhand vehicles in order to modify them into Z-Tunes. Less than 18,000 miles had been put on each of the cars. Z-Tune Silver was applied to all but one of the vehicles; Midnight Purple III was used to complete the last vehicle.
They also incorporated more racing-related details. The Z-Tune is a little bit broader to fit the bigger wheels, and the vents on the hood are useful. It has a Brembo brake configuration specifically made for this car and a racier suspension arrangement from Sachs.
The approach Nismo utilized to construct it is another aspect that makes it unique. Each car was disassembled and manually rebuilt. Even more welds were added by Nismo, and other pieces that customers would never see were replaced with carbon fiber alternatives.
That conveniently brings us back to the R34 demand. As you may be aware, the R34 won’t be able to be legally imported for a few more years. Not that it matters because, according to reports, there are warehouses filled with valuable JDM classics that are just waiting for the deadline to approach. These cars, according to legend, have already been sold.
The R34 is one of the pinnacle poster cars from the Playstation Generation, which is currently wealthy. The previous generation purchased expensive vehicles like the original Lamborghini Countach for the same reason.
The lucky owner, who received delivery of the car in December of last year, is 458destroyer on Instagram, a well-known supercar collector known for spending a lot of money on the cars he wants. There is no scarcity of money, as you can see from looking at his stream. He declined to disclose the precise amount he paid out of respect for our privacy, but he did express his joy at having the Z-Tune in his collection at last.