Road Test

Nissan Skyline GT-R R33

Test date 15 October 1997  Price as tested £50,000

From a standstill, 60mph comes up in 5.0sec thanks to the fabulous four-wheel drive traction off the line (0-30mph in 1.9sec). To 100mph it requires just 13.0sec. And between these two markers it gets from 30-70mph in 4.7sec, making it broadly as quick as a six-speed Honda NSX on acceleration, if not quite on top speed, where the Skyline is limited to 155mph. For a Japanese car that incorporates so much technology, the Skyline has an unusual amount of what is best described as ‘character’. The straight-six emits a wonderfully fruity bark at low to medium revs, while at high revs there are outrageous whistles from the turbos and wastegates. There is only one real snag to the performance, and that’s the turbo lag. Open the throttle in any gear below 3300rpm and you need to wait whole seconds for the blowers to force air back through the engine. Given the amount of technology that’s bubbling away beneath the Skyline GT-R’s skin, it might be asking too much for it to also be one of the great communicators. Not so. Nissan has somehow managed to create a car that will not only astound drivers with its outrageous handling capabilities, but also one that is bursting with feel. We can think of no significant handling criticisms. The Skyline GTR is quite simply one of the all-time great ground coverers, blending feel and ability in a rare and delicious cocktail.

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