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.
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