How the Nissan Skyline GT-R (BNR32) Became Godzilla: A Look at Its Revolutionary Technology

The Nissan Skyline GT-R (BNR32) is more than just a sports car. It is a legend that has earned the nickname “Godzilla” for its monstrous performance and advanced technology. It is a car that dominated the racing scenes in Japan and Australia in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It is a car that redefined the standards of performance and innovation in the sports car world. But what made this car so special and revolutionary? Let’s take a look at some of the key features that set the BNR32 apart from its rivals.

The RB26DETT Engine: The Heart of the Beast

The BNR32 was powered by a specially designed 2.6-liter inline 6-cylinder DOHC twin-turbo engine, codenamed RB26DETT. This engine was a masterpiece of engineering that delivered incredible power and durability.

The engine was rated at 276 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, but these figures were understated to comply with the Japanese voluntary power limit. In reality, the RB26DETT could produce over 300 horsepower in stock form, and much more with tuning. The engine was capable of revving up to 8,000 rpm, a rarity for turbocharged engines at the time.

The RB26DETT was built with durability and performance in mind. It featured aluminum alloy pistons, special alloy connecting rods and crankshaft, and five of the seven crankshaft bearing caps were fixed by side bolts, a reinforcement technique typically used on racing engines. The engine also had a sophisticated oil pump and cooling system to cope with the high temperatures and pressures generated by the twin turbochargers. The turbos were ceramic, which reduced weight and improved response, but also increased the risk of failure at high boost levels. The engine was fed by an electronic fuel injection system with individual throttle bodies for each cylinder, which improved airflow and throttle response.

The ATTESA E-TS All-Wheel Drive System: The Brain of the Beast

The BNR32 was not only powerful, but also intelligent. It featured an innovative all-wheel drive system called ATTESA E-TS, which stood for Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All-Terrain with Electronic Torque Split. This system was able to distribute the torque between the front and rear wheels according to the driving conditions and the driver’s inputs.

In normal situations, the system sent 100% of the torque to the rear wheels, giving the car a rear-wheel drive feel and handling. However, when the system detected wheel slip, it could transfer up to 50% of the torque to the front wheels, enhancing traction and stability. The system used a multi-plate clutch, a hydraulic unit, and an electronic control unit to control the torque split. The system also had a G-sensor that measured the lateral acceleration of the car and adjusted the torque split accordingly.

The ATTESA E-TS system gave the BNR32 a remarkable advantage over its competitors, especially in wet or slippery conditions. The system allowed the car to accelerate faster, corner harder, and brake shorter than most rear-wheel drive or conventional all-wheel drive cars. The system also made the car easier and safer to drive, as it could correct oversteer or understeer by varying the torque distribution. The system was so effective that it was banned from some racing series, such as the Australian Touring Car Championship, where the BNR32 was deemed too dominant.

The Super-HICAS Four-Wheel Steering System: The Eyes of the Beast

The BNR32 was not only fast and smart, but also agile. It featured a four-wheel steering system called Super-HICAS, which stood for High Capacity Actively Controlled Steering. This system was able to turn the rear wheels in the same or opposite direction as the front wheels, depending on the speed and steering angle of the car.

At low speeds, the system turned the rear wheels in the opposite direction as the front wheels, reducing the turning radius and improving maneuverability. At high speeds, the system turned the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels, increasing the stability and responsiveness of the car. The system used an electronic control unit, a hydraulic unit, and a steering angle sensor to control the rear wheel steering.

The Super-HICAS system gave the BNR32 a superior handling and cornering ability over its rivals. The system enhanced the agility and precision of the car, allowing it to change direction quickly and smoothly. The system also reduced the body roll and yaw of the car, making it more stable and balanced. The system was especially useful in tight and twisty roads, where the BNR32 could outperform many lighter and more nimble cars. The system was also helpful in avoiding obstacles or correcting mistakes, as it could steer the car out of trouble.

The Legend of the Beast: The Nissan Skyline GT-R (BNR32)

The BNR32 was a technological masterpiece that combined power, intelligence, and agility in a stunning package. It was a car that earned the respect and admiration of enthusiasts and competitors alike. It was a car that became a legend, a legend that lives on in the hearts and minds of many. It was the original Godzilla, the Nissan Skyline GT-R (BNR32).