Introduction:
Nissan’s Skyline GT-R sports cars have a legendary status, but what many people in North America may not know is that these iconic vehicles were nearly sold in the US. In a recent set of interviews with the car’s head developers published by Best Car Web, it was revealed that there was serious consideration of importing the R33-generation GT-R to North America due to high demand in Europe. However, various technical challenges ultimately led to the decision not to bring the car to the US market.
The Nissan Skyline GT-R has a storied history that dates back to the late 1960s. Originally introduced as a high-performance version of the Skyline sedan, the GT-R quickly gained a reputation for its racing success and cutting-edge technology. The R33-generation GT-R, which gained fame in the 1990s after being featured on Top Gear, was especially popular in Europe.
While there was a strong desire to sell the GT-R in North America, technical challenges stood in the way. The requirement for left-hand drive in the US market posed significant obstacles, particularly in relation to the car’s twin-turbo configuration. Moving the steering wheel to the left would have caused a thermal problem due to the proximity of the steering shaft to the turbo at the rear.
The development team at Nissan seriously considered using a V-6 engine for the next-generation R34 GT-R. A prototype was even built and tested with a V-6 powerplant under the hood. However, the team ultimately decided to stick with the iconic RB26DETT straight-six engine to avoid the extensive development time required to adapt a new engine to the GT-R’s advanced all-wheel drive system.
The decision to keep the straight-six engine in the R34 GT-R paved the way for the next generation of Skyline-badged coupe, which was sold in Japan as the Infiniti G35 in North America. By refining the existing engine rather than switching to a V-6, Nissan maintained the essence of the GT-R while also setting the stage for future models.
The interviews with Nissan’s GT-R development team shed light on the intricate process of creating and refining one of the most iconic sports cars in automotive history. From the early days of GT-R development to the evolution of the car’s technology, the stories shared in the interviews provide a deeper understanding of the legacy and impact of the Skyline GT-R. For fans of the GT-R, these insights offer a fascinating look behind the scenes of Godzilla’s journey to legendary status.
In conclusion, the revelations from the interviews with Nissan’s GT-R developers offer a unique perspective on the challenges and decisions that shaped the evolution of the iconic sports car. While the GT-R may never have officially made its way to North America during the R33 and R34 generations, the impact of these decisions can still be felt in the automotive world today. The legacy of the GT-R lives on, both in the hearts of fans and on the streets as a symbol of Nissan’s commitment to performance and innovation.