The Nissan Skyline GT-R. For many, the name alone conjures images of unparalleled performance, cutting-edge technology, and a legacy forged in the fires of motorsport. Generations of the GT-R have earned accolades and adoration worldwide, becoming icons of Japanese performance engineering. Yet, within this celebrated lineage, one model often finds itself the subject of debate: the R33 Skyline. Often dubbed the “ugly duckling” of the family, this mid-1990s iteration is frequently overshadowed by its predecessors and successors. But is this reputation truly deserved?
To delve into this question, we had the opportunity to experience a rare gem – a Nissan Skyline R33 V-Spec Le Mans. One of only 102 ever produced, this special edition offers a unique perspective on the R33’s capabilities and character.
(Disclosure: We were granted access to this R33 Skyline V-Spec Le Mans courtesy of a JDM car exporter, JDM-Expo. Their assistance in providing this vehicle for review is gratefully acknowledged.)
Stepping into the presence of the neon blue R33, any preconceived notions of ungainliness began to dissipate. While it may not possess the vintage charm of the earlier KPGC-10 Skylines or the aggressive stance of the later R34 and R35 GT-Rs, the R33 exudes a different kind of appeal.
It’s a more understated GT-R, less flamboyant than the R34 and considerably rarer than the immensely popular R32. This Skyline R33 speaks to a more mature enthusiast, someone seeking something distinct without resorting to the overt flashiness sometimes associated with the GT-R lineage. Despite this, the R33 continues to endure criticism – too bulky, too heavy, not an R32, and certainly not an R34.
Having driven almost every GT-R iteration, the R33 was the final piece of the puzzle and the first GT-R I’d have the chance to truly push. The question lingered: does the criticism hold water? Even popular culture, like Initial D, has thrown shade, labeling it a “failure.” Strong words indeed. It was time to assess firsthand if the Skyline R33’s performance justified such harsh judgments.
The “V-Spec Le Mans” designation might sound like a significant performance upgrade, but it’s primarily a cosmetic package. It was created to commemorate Nissan’s participation in the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans, where a Skyline GT-R finished a respectable tenth overall. The V-Spec Le Mans enhancements include the striking Championship Blue paint, a carbon fiber rear wing, GT-R N1 front brake cooling ducts, a unique bonnet lip, and special edition decals.
However, beneath the surface lies the heart of the beast: the legendary 2.6-liter RB26DETT twin-turbo inline-six engine. While officially rated at 276 horsepower (a commonly understated figure in Japanese cars of the era), real-world output is closer to 330 horsepower. Paired with a five-speed manual transmission – a relative rarity in modern performance cars – and Nissan’s advanced ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system with an active limited-slip differential, the Skyline R33 V-Spec Le Mans promises a compelling driving experience. More on that shortly.
These specifications are undoubtedly impressive. Yet, GT-Rs are not known for being featherweights, and the R33 tips the scales at approximately 3,400 pounds. The question remained: could it deliver the GT-R experience despite its perceived heft?
Heading towards Suzuka Skyline, a road perfectly named for this test, the R33 immediately impressed with its steering feel. The on-center precision was a welcome departure from the often-numb steering found in many contemporary cars. The throttle response was sharp, even though the turbochargers truly awaken above 3500-4000 RPM, meaning in everyday driving, they remain relatively dormant.
But the most unexpected aspect of the regular driving experience was the comfort. Perhaps years spent driving older sports cars and basic kei cars had recalibrated my comfort expectations, but the R33 felt surprisingly compliant. Considering pre-drive research indicated widespread complaints about the R33 GT-R’s stiffness, this was a revelation.
Alt text: Front three-quarter view of a Championship Blue Nissan Skyline R33 V-Spec Le Mans, showcasing its distinctive front bumper and headlights.
It’s certainly not a luxury sedan like a BMW M5 or Mercedes-Benz, but in the realm of performance cars, the R33 offers a far more forgiving ride than many tuned Honda Civics, for example. And let’s be honest, anyone seeking Lincoln-esque ride quality should probably steer clear of a vehicle badged “GT-R V-Spec Le Mans.”
Arriving at the foot of Suzuka Skyline, it was time to unleash the R33. The road was narrow and demanding, and while the car’s weight was noticeable when rapid changes of direction were required, it still demonstrated commendable agility. Even under power, the chassis rotated willingly into corners, a characteristic not always associated with stock all-wheel-drive vehicles, which often tend to rotate primarily off-throttle.
This is where the R33 GT-R truly distinguishes itself. It’s not a conventional all-wheel-drive car in the traditional sense. Instead, it functions primarily as a rear-wheel-drive machine, calling upon the front wheels for assistance only when necessary.
Typical all-wheel-drive performance cars, such as a Subaru WRX STI, distribute power more variably between the front and rear axles, potentially sending up to 80 percent of power to either end. Mitsubishi Evos often exhibit a front-wheel-drive bias under normal conditions.
However, the GT-R’s ATTESA E-TS system (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All-wheel-drive—Electronic Torque Split) predominantly directs 99 percent of torque to the rear wheels, 99 percent of the time. During everyday driving, highway cruising, or spirited driving on mountain roads up to a certain threshold, the Skyline R33 remains essentially rear-wheel drive.
The V-Spec model takes this a step further with ATTESA-E-TS Pro. In a standard R33 GT-R, the AWD system intervenes immediately when rear wheel slip is detected, transferring power to the front to regain traction. This transition is remarkably smooth and almost imperceptible.
Alt text: Close-up rear view of the Nissan Skyline R33 V-Spec Le Mans highlighting the carbon fiber rear wing and “Le Mans” badging.
The “Pro” version, however, allows for a greater degree of driver involvement. It delays intervention, permitting the car to maintain a slight slip angle and only actively correcting oversteer when counter-steering is applied. This nuanced approach unlocks a unique capability for an AWD car: power-oversteer.
And the experience is exhilarating. The Skyline R33 GT-R V-Spec is remarkably controllable when driven aggressively on mountain roads. As the rear begins to slide, and counter-steering is initiated, there’s no need for the delicate throttle modulation required in a purely rear-wheel-drive car. Applying more throttle as you counter-steer seamlessly transfers power to the front wheels, pulling the car back into line and launching it out of corners with immense grip.
In essence, the R33 GT-R V-Spec behaves like a rear-wheel-drive car with an all-wheel-drive safety net. The system is intuitive and confidence-inspiring, minimizing the need for constant steering corrections.
Going downhill, the R33’s weight became more apparent, contributing to a tendency to understeer under braking into corners. This demanded greater caution compared to uphill driving. The test car also exhibited slightly spongy brakes due to older brake hoses, which detracted from braking confidence. This was addressed immediately post-test with hose and pad replacements, undoubtedly improving brake feel significantly.
Despite its forgiving nature, the Skyline R33 GT-R is not a car that drives itself, unlike some might suggest about the later R35. It remains a substantial machine that requires respect, especially on tight Japanese mountain roads. The ease of control and driver-error forgiveness can breed overconfidence, potentially leading to precarious situations.
Considering the years of criticism leveled against the R33 Skyline, a thorough day behind the wheel proved much of it unwarranted. Its primary “crime” seems to be its position in the GT-R timeline, sandwiched between a legendary predecessor and a technological marvel.
The R33 is the middle child of the Skyline GT-R family. It’s easily overlooked, not quite the celebrated icon nor the cutting-edge flagship. It exists in its own right, perhaps less concerned with proving its worth. For enthusiasts in the United States, the wait is almost over, as R33 Skylines are now becoming legal for import. The GT-R variant will follow shortly.
As for the specific Skyline R33 V-Spec Le Mans tested here? It’s already on its way to Australia. One of just 102, these rare models are not inexpensive. Not cheap at all.
Flavien Vidal, a writer with a passion for automobiles, experienced the Nissan Skyline R33 V-Spec Le Mans in Japan.
Correction: The article has been updated to reflect the correct production number of the V-Spec Le Mans, which is 102 units, not 14.
