ESSAI – Nissan Skyline GTR R33, LA TUEUSE DE SUPERCARS ! (SKYLINE EPISODE 2)
The Nissan Skyline is one of the most iconic sports cars in the world. With a rich history dating back to 1957, the Skyline has gone through many different generations and iterations. One of the most famous and sought-after versions of the Skyline is the GT-R R33. This is the second article in our Skyline series, and today we will be taking an in-depth look at the GT-R R33, the “Tueuse de Supercars” or “Supercar Killer”.
The GT-R R33: An Overview
The Nissan Skyline GT-R R33 was introduced in 1995 and was produced until 1998. It features a 2.6-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine that produces 280 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The R33 was also the first GT-R to feature Nissan’s ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system, which was designed to provide the car with better traction and handling.
Some of the other features of the R33 include:
- Five-speed manual transmission
- Four-wheel steering
- Brembo brakes
- Optional Nismo upgrades
The Supercar Killer
The GT-R R33 earned its nickname, “la Tueuse de Supercars” or “Supercar Killer” because of its ability to keep up with and beat much more expensive and exotic cars. With its all-wheel-drive system and powerful engine, the R33 was able to compete with some of the best performance cars of its time, including the Porsche 911 and the Ferrari F355.
One of the reasons the R33 was so successful on the track was its handling. The ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system helped the car maintain traction, even in the most challenging conditions. Additionally, the four-wheel steering system made the car incredibly agile and responsive.
The R33 was also highly customizable, and many owners added aftermarket upgrades to their cars. Some of the most popular upgrades included larger turbochargers, upgraded fuel systems, and aftermarket exhausts. These modifications could significantly increase the R33’s performance, making it even faster and more powerful on the track.
The R33 on the Track
The R33 had a successful racing career, both in Japan and abroad. It competed in various touring car championships, including the Australian Super Touring Championship and the Japanese Touring Car Championship. In 1995, the R33 won the Japanese Touring Car Championship, cementing its place as one of the most dominant race cars of its time.
One of the most famous R33s is the “MINE’S R33 Skyline GT-R”, which was built by MINE’S Motorsports. This car set a new lap record at the Tsukuba Circuit in Japan, with a time of 57.510 seconds. The record stood for nearly eight years and was only broken in 2007 by a car that was specifically built for time attack racing.
The Legacy of the R33
The GT-R R33 is an important part of the Skyline’s legacy and has helped to establish the model as one of the most iconic sports cars in the world. It paved the way for later versions of the GT-R, including the R34, which was featured in the popular Fast and Furious movie franchise. The R33 also helped to establish Nissan as a major player in the performance car market, and its success has inspired countless enthusiasts and racing teams around the world.
Conclusion
The Nissan Skyline GT-R R33 is a truly remarkable car. Its combination of power, handling, and affordability made it a favorite among driving enthusiasts and racing teams alike. Its legacy continues to this day, and many GT-R enthusiasts consider the R33 to be one of the best versions of the car ever made. Whether you’re a fan of the Skyline or just a lover of performance cars, the R33 is definitely a model worth exploring.
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