In 1989 the R32 GTS-T was born with specifications way ahead of its time. The R32 was smaller in size compared to the old boxed shaped R31, looking much more like a sports car than a family sedan. The box shape was refined dramatically and the famous round stove top tail lights were retained. The interior was dramatically improved to make you actually feel like your sitting in a sports car.
The silky smooth RB20DET engine suits was introduced to the R32 and really compliments the car well but lacks a little torque.. The 158kw is produced by a 2 liter, twin cam, inline 6, with variable valve timing on the engines intake. Air is forced into the engine via a turbocharger with a ceramic exhaust wheel for quick spooling. Air is further cooled via side mounted air to air intercooler. All this technology back in 1989 meant the Skyline was capable of achieving 0-100 in 6.5 seconds and the 400m sprint in 14.8 seconds.
Driving the R32 is fantastic it weighs 1320kg's and is equipped with independent multilink suspension on all 4 corners. This equates to a direct steering feel and great handling. Another technical gadget shared with its bigger GTR brother is a 4 wheel steering system called HICAS, which stands for High Capacity Actively Controlled Steering. This system as the name suggests actively steers the rear when cornering, the amount the rear wheels turn is depended on speed and cornering angle. This device seems to reduce under-steer giving the Skyline a flatter cornering feel.
Tuning potential for the R32 is fantastic add a nice free flowing exhaust and intake and the RB20DET really comes to life and sounds great too. You can add another 25+kw to the factory claimed 158kw with these 2 modifications alone. Stiffer sway-bars front and rear will drastically improve the already fantastic handling. In Australia a Nissan Skyline R32 GTS-T coupe can be picked up for 10-14 thousand dollars this is good value for money for amount of performance they deliver.
Glenn Munn has been a sports car Enthusiast for many Years. More information and tuning guides for all popular skyline models can be found at my new website. Nissan Skyline |
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