Chassis Code Explained
| Segment | Meaning | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| B | Body type | Full-size (B-platform Skyline) |
| N | Drivetrain | ATTESA E-TS AWD |
| R | GT-R designation | GT-R flagship |
| 32 | Generation | 32nd-generation Skyline |
The BNR32 designation is unique to the GT-R; non-GT-R R32s use HCR32 (coupe, RWD) or HR32/ECR32.
Key Takeaways
- RB26DETT / ATTESA E-TS — Nissan paired a 2.6-liter RB26DETT inline-six DOHC twin turbo, rated at 280 PS, with electronically controlled torque-split 4WD.
- Japan Touring Car Championship — Nissan records 29 victories without defeat across four seasons from 1990 through 1993.
- Rust inspection — Road & Track identifies the inner rear fenders, below the rear window, and behind the rear spats as areas to inspect.
Technical Specifications
Engine Options
| Chassis | Engine | Displacement | Power — JDM | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| r32 | RB26DETT | 2568cc | 280 PS @ 6800 rpm (factory cap) | DOHC 24V twin-turbo I6; measured output 320-330 PS; GT-R only |
| r32 | RB20DET | 1998cc | 215 PS @ 6400 rpm | DOHC 24V turbo I6; GTS-T Type-M; RWD |
Livability
- Headroom
- 37.2" (coupe, varies by gen)
- Adequate front; rear coupe headroom tight
- Rear Seats
- 2 adults short-trip
- Coupes are 2+2; sedans more usable
- Cargo
- 10-12 cu ft (coupe)
- Sedan trunks larger; spare tire well intrudes
US Import Eligibility
This chassis became eligible for US import under the 25-year rule in 2014. Calculate import costs →
Variants & Trims
| Generation | Trim | Engine | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| R32 (1989-1994, ninth gen) | Skyline GT-R (BNR32) | RB26DETT 2.6L DOHC twin-turbo I6 | Returned GT-R after 16 years; ATTESA E-TS AWD; Super-HICAS rear steer; ~43,937 GT-R units |
| R32 (1989-1994, ninth gen) | Skyline GTS-T Type-M (HCR32) | RB20DET 2.0L DOHC turbo I6 | RWD; 215 PS; entry tuner platform; coupe and sedan |
Should You Buy a Nissan Skyline R32?
Why You'll Love It
- RB26DETT with ATTESA E-TS Nissan specified the GT-R's RB26DETT as a 2.6-liter inline-six DOHC twin turbo rated at 280 PS, with electronically controlled torque-split 4WD called ATTESA E-TS.
- 29 unbeaten JTCC victories Nissan records 29 victories without defeat for the R32 GT-R across four Japan Touring Car Championship seasons from 1990 through 1993.
Why You Might Not
- Rear body rust needs inspection Road & Track identifies rust-prone areas around the inner rear fenders and below the rear window, and recommends removing the rear spats to check for hidden rust.
- Jacking points can be damaged Road & Track identifies the GT-R's jacking points as vulnerable to bending when jacked improperly and notes that rust can begin behind the side skirts.
Who Should NOT Buy This
- Buyers unwilling to inspect the inner rear fenders, below the rear window, behind the rear spats, and the jacking points for rust or damage.
- Buyers who cannot establish that a claimed GT-R has a VIN beginning with BNR32.
Common Issues & Solutions
| Issue | Cause | Solution | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear-body rust | Road & Track identifies the inner rear fenders, below the rear window, and behind the rear spats as areas where an R32 GT-R can have rust. | Inspect these areas, including behind the rear spats, before purchase. | Obtain a written assessment for any corrosion found. |
| Damaged jacking points | Road & Track reports that improper jacking can bend the jacking points and allow rust to begin behind the side skirts. | Inspect the jacking points and the area behind the side skirts before purchase. | Obtain a written assessment for any damage or corrosion found. |
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Critical Priority
High Priority
Generation History
Ninth generation R32 (1989-1994)
- Skyline GT-R (BNR32) revived after 16-year absence
- RB26DETT 2.6L twin-turbo I6; ATTESA E-TS AWD
- 29 consecutive JTC wins; 1989-1993 Japan Touring Car dominance
- ~43,937 GT-R units total (BNR32)
- First US-legal Skyline GT-R model years from 2014 onward
Twelfth generation V35 / GT-R R35 (2001-2007 (V35 sedan); 2007-2025 (R35 GT-R))
- V35 Skyline (2001-2007) sold globally as Infiniti G35; no GT-R
- R35 GT-R (2007-2025) marketed as 'Nissan GT-R'; catalogued here as the R35 Skyline generation
- VR38DETT 3.8L twin-turbo V6; GR6 dual-clutch transaxle
- Skyline nameplate continues as Infiniti G37 / Q50 sedan in V36 / V37
- R34 was the last car to wear the 'Skyline GT-R' badge; the R35 carried the GT-R bloodline forward as the 'Nissan GT-R'
Market Data
Production Numbers & Rarity
| Generation | Years | Total Built | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| R32 Skyline (all trims) | 1989-1994 | approximately 313,000 (all trims) | Sedan + coupe + GT-R total; per WP source |
| R32 GT-R (BNR32) | 1989-1994 | approximately 43,937 | GT-R variant only; Wikipedia figure widely cited |
Comparable Alternatives
Toyota Supra (A80)
Same era twin-turbo I6 performance halo; 2JZ-GTE legend; RWD only
Mazda RX-7 (FD3S)
Same era JDM halo; rotary 13B-REW; lighter and more agile, less torque
Nissan Silvia S15
Same Nissan-era platform with SR20DET; lighter and more affordable; drift culture
Subaru Impreza WRX STi (GC8/GDB)
AWD turbo peer with EJ20/EJ25; flat-four character; rally pedigree
The Buyer's Read
For an R32 GT-R, start with the RB26DETT and ATTESA E-TS specification Nissan documented: a 2.6-liter inline-six DOHC twin turbo rated at 280 PS with electronically controlled torque-split 4WD. Nissan also records 29 victories without defeat across four JTCC seasons from 1990 through 1993.
Road & Track's purchase inspection points are concrete: examine the inner rear fenders, below the rear window, and behind the rear spats for rust, then inspect the jacking points. For a claimed GT-R, confirm that the VIN begins with BNR32. Browse the R32 range.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When did the R32 GT-R return?
- Nissan says the R32 Skyline was rolled out in May 1989 and the GT-R returned three months later, in August, after a 16-year absence.
- What engine and drivetrain did the R32 GT-R use?
- Nissan specified a 2.6-liter RB26DETT inline-six DOHC twin turbo rated at 280 PS and electronically controlled torque-split 4WD called ATTESA E-TS.
- Where should I inspect for rust?
- Road & Track identifies the inner rear fenders, below the rear window, and behind the rear spats as inspection areas; it also calls out the jacking points.
Sources & References
Sources (12)
- JDMBUYSELL — Nissan Skyline: The Ultimate Guide (2026) — JDMBUYSELL Verified
- Nissan USA — Evolution from Skyline to GT-R — Nissan USA Verified
- Silodrome — Nissan Skyline GT-R History — Silodrome Verified
- Road & Track — The History of the Nissan GT-R — Road & Track Verified
- Wikipedia — Nissan Skyline (model line overview) — Wikipedia Verified
- Wikipedia — Nissan Skyline GT-R — Wikipedia Verified
- Wikipedia — Prince Skyline (1957 origin) — Wikipedia Verified
- Wikipedia — Nissan Skyline (R32) — Wikipedia Verified
- Wikipedia — Nissan Skyline (R33) — Wikipedia Verified
- Wikipedia — Nissan Skyline (R34) — Wikipedia Verified
- Wikipedia — Nissan GT-R (R35 standalone model) — Wikipedia Verified
- Hagerty — Definitive Nissan R32 GT-R Buyers Guide — Hagerty Verified
Sources last verified: