Chassis Code Explained
| Segment | Meaning | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| BNR32 | GT-R | Two-door GT-R coupe, RB26DETT, from August 1989 |
| ECR32 | GTS25 sedan | 1993 GTS25 Type X-G four-door with the naturally aspirated RB25DE |
| HNR32 | Autech Version | 1993 Autech Version four-door with the naturally aspirated RB26DE |
Codes are those Nissan's heritage pages attach to specific exhibited cars. BNR32 identifies the GT-R, but Nissan does not give a letter-by-letter breakdown in the sources used and this is not a complete code census.
Editorial notes
Key Takeaways
- R32 is the eighth-generation Skyline: main range May 1989, GT-R August 1989 after a 16-year absence.
- BNR32 identifies the GT-R. An RB26 engine swap does not make a car a GT-R.
- 280 PS is a manufacturer rating, not a guaranteed dyno result; quote it with its unit as PS.
- Not every R32 is turbo or four-wheel drive: the GTS-t is rear-drive, the GTS-4 is four-wheel drive and the GTS25 is naturally aspirated.
- The Autech Version uses the naturally aspirated RB26DE (220 PS) on a four-door GTS-4 base, not the GT-R's twin-turbo engine.
- Inspect the rear body for rust: Road & Track flags the inner rear arches, below the rear window and the jacking areas.
Background
Ordinary grades and the Autech Version
Introduction ratings are net: the GXi (CA18i) 91 PS, the GTE (RB20E) 125 PS, the GTS (RB20DE) 155 PS and the GTS-t (RB20DET) 215 PS. The GTS-t is rear-wheel drive; the GTS-4 uses the same turbo engine with four-wheel drive. The 2.5-litre naturally aspirated GTS25 arrived in 1991, and Nissan's 1993 ECR32 GTS25 Type X-G sedan makes 180 PS and 225.6 Nm at 1,340 kg. The Autech Version, introduced in 1992, is a four-door on the GTS-4 base; Nissan's 1993 HNR32 example has the naturally aspirated RB26DE at 220 PS and 245 Nm and weighs 1,480 kg.
The GT-R and its variants
Nissan's 1989 specification for the BNR32 is a 2,568 cc RB26DETT rated 280 PS at 6,800 rpm and 353 Nm, a five-speed manual, multi-link suspension, ventilated discs and 225/50R16 tyres, at 1,430 kg. Road & Track treats the standard GT-R, Nismo, N1, V-Spec and V-Spec II as distinct families, with N1 overlapping V-Spec designations; the V-Spec arrived in February 1993 and a period table dates the V-Spec II to February 1994. Nissan describes the GT-R as sold from August 1989 to January 1995, which is a sales interval rather than a build date. N1 totals are not published here.
Racing record
Nissan records 29 victories and no defeat across four Japan Touring Car Championship seasons, 1990 to 1993. The Group A car won the 1991 Spa 24 Hours overall, driven by Anders Olofsson, Naoki Hattori and David Brabham.
Technical Specifications
Engine Options
-
BNR32 GT-R coupe from Aug 1989
RB26DETT- Displacement
- 2,568 cc
- Aspiration
- Twin-turbo
- Power
- 280 PS @ 6,800 rpm
- Torque
- 353 Nm @ 4,400 rpm
- Transmission
- 5MT
ATTESA E-TS. 1,430 kg.
-
ECR32 GTS25 Type X-G sedan 1993 example
RB25DE- Displacement
- 2,498 cc
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated
- Power
- 180 PS @ 6,000 rpm
- Torque
- 225.6 Nm @ 5,200 rpm
- Transmission
- 5MT / 5EAT (period table)
1,340 kg.
-
HNR32 Autech Version sedan launched 1992
RB26DE- Displacement
- 2,568 cc
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated
- Power
- 220 PS @ 6,800 rpm
- Torque
- 245 Nm @ 5,200 rpm
- Transmission
- 4EAT (period table)
GTS-4 base. 1,480 kg.
US Import Eligibility
NHTSA's safety exemption starts 25 years from each car's manufacture date under 49 CFR 591.5(i). EPA's separate age provision requires the original engine configuration or an eligible EPA-certified replacement engine and emissions system. State registration rules vary. Canada counts its 15-year federal age exemption by manufacture month and year. Check the car's documents before shipping. Calculate import costs →
Sources: 49 CFR 591.5 (eCFR) ; EPA: learn about importing vehicles and engines ; EPA: importing vehicles and engines guidance (NEPIS) ; CBSA Memorandum D9-1-11
Variants & Trims
| Generation | Trim | Engine | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| R32 (1989–1994, eighth generation) | GXi, GTE and GTS | CA18i, RB20E, RB20DE | 1989 net introduction ratings of 91, 125 and 155 PS. |
| R32 (1989–1994, eighth generation) | GTS-t (rear-drive) and GTS-4 (four-wheel drive) | RB20DET 2.0L DOHC turbo inline-six | 215 PS net. Five-speed manual or four-speed electronic automatic (period table). |
| R32 (1989–1994, eighth generation) | GTS25 Type X-G sedan | RB25DE 2.5L DOHC inline-six | GTS25 added in 1991. 1993 ECR32 example: 180 PS, 225.6 Nm, 1,340 kg. |
| R32 (1989–1994, eighth generation) | Autech Version sedan | RB26DE 2.6L DOHC inline-six, naturally aspirated | Introduced 1992 on the four-wheel-drive GTS-4. 220 PS, 245 Nm, 1,480 kg. |
| R32 (1989–1994, eighth generation) | GT-R (BNR32) | RB26DETT 2.6L DOHC twin-turbo inline-six | From August 1989. 280 PS, 353 Nm, ATTESA E-TS, Super HICAS, five-speed manual. |
| R32 (1989–1994, eighth generation) | GT-R V-Spec | RB26DETT 2.6L DOHC twin-turbo inline-six | Introduced February 1993; Nissan documents Brembo brakes and 17-inch BBS wheels. |
| R32 (1989–1994, eighth generation) | GT-R V-Spec II | RB26DETT 2.6L DOHC twin-turbo inline-six | Dated to February 1994 in the historical specification table. |
| R32 (1989–1994, eighth generation) | GT-R Nismo and N1 | RB26DETT 2.6L DOHC twin-turbo inline-six | Distinct variant families; N1 derivatives overlap V-Spec. Totals not published. |
Should You Buy a Nissan Skyline R32?
Why You'll Love It
- The RB26DETT and ATTESA E-TS The GT-R pairs a 2,568 cc twin-turbo straight-six with electronically controlled torque-split four-wheel drive and multi-link suspension at both ends.
- A proven competition record Nissan records 29 JTCC wins without defeat over four seasons, 1990 to 1993, and a 1991 Spa 24 Hours overall win for the Group A car.
- Reproduction-parts programme NISMO lists Heritage Parts for Japanese-specification R32 GT-Rs used in Japan. Its terms exclude overseas use, and availability is not guaranteed.
- A broad range to choose from Buyers can pick from the 91 PS GXi to the 215 PS GTS-t, the GTS25 and the Autech Version, as well as the GT-R.
Why You Might Not
- Rust in known places Road & Track says to inspect the inner rear arches, below the rear window and any damaged jacking areas, where trapped water and debris start corrosion.
- Engine wear points on the GT-R The same guides flag early oil-pump drive hardware, ceramic turbine wheels under raised boost, and an interference engine that depends on timing-belt maintenance.
- Parts availability varies Nismo says Heritage Parts lead times may run to months, minimum-lot orders can be cancelled, and future production is not guaranteed.
Who Should NOT Buy This
- Anyone who assumes an R32 with an RB26 engine is a GT-R: the BNR32 code identifies the GT-R.
- Anyone buying a modified GT-R without checking that all-wheel drive and Super HICAS still work; disabled systems can conceal faults.
- Anyone who needs a part next week: Nismo's reproduction parts can take months and are not guaranteed.
Common Issues & Solutions
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Rear-body corrosion | Road & Track says trapped debris and water, and poor jacking, can start rust at the inner rear arches, below the rear window and behind the rear spats. | Inspect those areas and any damaged jacking points in person before buying. |
| Early oil-pump drive | The buying guide identifies early narrow-drive oil-pump hardware as vulnerable to rev-limit abuse; the exact changeover point is not established. | Find out which crank and pump hardware is fitted and get a specialist inspection. |
| Ceramic turbine wheels on raised boost | Road & Track warns that ceramic turbine wheels may fail under increased boost, and that steel-wheel replacements are a common upgrade. | Ask what boost the car runs and which turbochargers are fitted. |
| Boost leaks and the timing belt | The guide advises checking boost leaks, compression and documented timing-belt maintenance, and calls the RB26 an interference engine. | Request belt-change records and a compression and leak-down result. |
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Critical Priority
High Priority
Generation History
R32 generation span (Japan) (1989–1994)
- Eighth-generation Skyline; main range introduced May 1989
- GT-R sold from August 1989 to January 1995
- Next generation's main range replaced it in August 1993
GT-R returns (BNR32) (August 1989)
- Three months after the main range, after a 16-year absence
- RB26DETT, ATTESA E-TS four-wheel drive, Super HICAS
GTS25 added (1991)
- 2.5-litre naturally aspirated RB25DE grade
Autech Version (1992)
- Four-door on the GTS-4 base with a naturally aspirated RB26DE
GT-R V-Spec (February 1993)
- Brembo brakes and 17-inch BBS wheels documented by Nissan
GT-R V-Spec II (February 1994)
- Dated by the historical specification table
JTCC and Spa (1990–1993)
- 29 JTCC wins without defeat over four seasons, 1990 to 1993
- Group A car won the 1991 Spa 24 Hours overall
In Pictures
The Buyer's Read
Start by deciding whether you want a GT-R or a Skyline. Only the BNR32 is the GT-R: the 280 PS RB26DETT, ATTESA E-TS four-wheel drive, Super HICAS and a five-speed manual. Treat 280 PS as a manufacturer rating, not a promise of what a given car makes on a dyno. The rest of the range differs: the rear-drive GTS-t has 215 PS from the turbo RB20DET, the GTS-4 adds four-wheel drive, and the GTS25 is a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre. The Autech Version has a naturally aspirated RB26DE, which is not a GT-R engine. On any GT-R, inspect the rear body first, since Road & Track flags the inner rear arches, the area below the rear window and the jacking points. Then check boost leaks, compression and timing-belt records, ask whether ceramic turbine wheels have been replaced after raised boost, and confirm that all-wheel drive and rear steering still work. A V-Spec dates from February 1993 and should show Brembo brakes and 17-inch BBS wheels. NISMO's Heritage Parts terms exclude overseas use. For Japanese-specification cars used in Japan, the programme covers the R32 GT-R, but lead times can run to months and orders can be cancelled, so do not plan a build around parts being in stock. Treat any exact N1 or V-Spec production total as unconfirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I identify a genuine BNR32 GT-R?
- Check the BNR32 code. Nissan's 1989 specification is the RB26DETT twin-turbo engine, a five-speed manual and ATTESA E-TS four-wheel drive. An RB26 engine swap does not establish GT-R identity.
- What is the difference between GTS, GTS-t and GTS-4?
- At the 1989 introduction the GTS used the RB20DE at 155 PS. The GTS-t used the turbo RB20DET at 215 PS and was rear-wheel drive. The GTS-4 used the same turbo engine with four-wheel drive. These are net ratings.
- Does every R32 have an RB26 or all-wheel drive?
- No. The GXi, GTE, GTS and GTS-t were listed with CA18i, RB20E, RB20DE and RB20DET engines, and the GTS-t was rear-drive. The GTS25 added a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre RB25DE in 1991.
- What is the naturally aspirated RB26 Autech sedan?
- The Autech Version, introduced in 1992, is a four-door built on the all-wheel-drive GTS-4. Nissan's 1993 example, coded HNR32, has a naturally aspirated RB26DE rated at 220 PS and 245 Nm, not the GT-R's RB26DETT.
- How do Nismo, N1, V-Spec and V-Spec II differ?
- Road & Track treats the standard GT-R, Nismo, N1, V-Spec and V-Spec II as distinct families, with N1 overlapping V-Spec designations. The V-Spec arrived in February 1993 with Brembo brakes and 17-inch BBS wheels; a period table dates the V-Spec II to February 1994. N1 totals are not published here.
- How long was the R32 GT-R on sale?
- Nissan describes the GT-R as sold from August 1989 to January 1995. That is a sales interval, so individual cars may have been built earlier than the end date.
- Did the R32 GT-R win races?
- Yes. Nissan records 29 wins without defeat over four Japan Touring Car Championship seasons, 1990 to 1993, and an overall win for the Group A car at the 1991 Spa 24 Hours. Separate Group N successes are not the same result.
- Can an R32 be imported to the US?
- Federal safety rules allow a vehicle that is 25 or more years old, judged on each car's own age; a car built in August 1989 passed that in August 2014. EPA separately expects the engine to be the same model and configuration as originally installed.
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