1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34

Do we really need to say anything about this car? The Nissan Skyline has become legendary, and it was never even released in the United States. This is one of the few Japanese supercars that can run with Europe's big dogs right out of the box. This car dominated the JGTC (Japan GT Car) series since its introduction. The car was so impossible to beat, it was given its own racing series. The Skyline also undefeated the N1 series from 1991 through 1997. Don't think that this is all the Skyline GTR accomplished. This car has won so many racing series, that it is impossible to list the all victories here.

The Skyline GT-R was rated at 280 ps (about 276 horsepower) at the flywheel. This figure is given due to the "gentleman's agreement" amongst Japan's automakers. This agreement basically stated that the automakers would not release a car with over 280 ps to the Japanese public.

In keeping with the agreement, Nissan cars said that the Skyline GTR only put out 280 ps. However, when strapped to a dyno, it is clear that this number is very low. Figures in the low-to-mid 300 ps range seem to be the norm for the R34 GTR. Despite the already high power output of the stock engine, it is stupid easy to get another few hundred horsepower with no reliability problems. Skylines with over 600 ps roam the streets of Japan everyday, eating Ferraris and Porsches for lunch on the Wangun. You can add that to the list of why we want to live in Japan.

Of course all that power means nothing if you can't get it to the ground. To assist with the delivery of power, all-wheel drive has been standard on all GTRs since the R32. Nissan also included their Super HICAS four-wheel steering system to help improve (or hurt--depending on whom you talk to) the car's handling.

Sadly, at this time the R-34 is the last Skyline GTR to be released. There are plans for a new GTR, but that will not be released until 2007 or 2008. It is also unknown whether or not the next GTR would be a Skyline, or its own brand.