Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 (BNR32) Complete Specifications

The Nissan Skyline GT-R R32, known by its chassis code BNR32, revolutionized performance engineering when it debuted in 1989. Nicknamed "Godzilla" after dominating Australian touring car racing, the R32 introduced technologies that would define Japanese performance cars for decades.

Vehicle Information

Production Years: 1989-1994 Chassis Code: BNR32 Generation: 8th generation Skyline, 1st modern GT-R Total Production: ~43,937 units (all variants combined)

Variants:

• Standard GT-R (1989-1994): Base model with all core GT-R technology
• NISMO (1990): Limited edition with upgraded suspension, aero, and interior (560 units)
• N1 (1991-1993): Racing homologation special, stripped interior, blueprinted engine (245 units)
• V-Spec (1993): Upgraded Brembo brakes, Active LSD, 17" BBS wheels (1,396 units)
• V-Spec II (1994): Final evolution with minor refinements (1,303 units)

Engine Specifications

Engine Code: RB26DETT Configuration: Inline-6 twin-turbocharged Displacement: 2,568 cc (2.6 liters / 156.8 cubic inches) Bore × Stroke: 86.0 mm × 73.7 mm (3.39" × 2.90") Compression Ratio: 8.5:1

Power & Torque:

• Official (JDM): 280 PS (276 hp) @ 6,800 rpm
• Actual (dyno-proven): 320-330 hp @ 6,800 rpm
• Torque: 353 N⋅m (260 lb-ft) @ 4,400 rpm
• Actual Torque: ~290 lb-ft (underrated from factory)

Aspiration: Twin Garrett T25 ceramic turbos (ball-bearing) Boost Pressure: 10 psi stock (0.7 bar) Redline: 8,000 rpm (fuel cut at 8,500 rpm)

Fuel System:

• Multi-point electronic fuel injection
• 6 × 444 cc/min injectors
• Nissan ECU (stock) or aftermarket tunable

Lubrication:

• Wet sump with 5.5-quart capacity
• Oil cooler: Front-mounted
• Recommended: 5W-30 synthetic (Mobil 1, Motul 300V)

Drivetrain Specifications

Driven Wheels: All-wheel drive (AWD) AWD System: ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All-Terrain Electronic Torque Split) Torque Distribution: Variable 0-50% front, 50-100% rear (rear-biased) Transfer Case: Electronic multi-plate clutch

Transmission:

• Type: Getrag 6-speed manual (later models) or 5-speed manual (early 1989-1990)
• Gear Ratios (6-speed):
  • 1st: 3.214
  • 2nd: 1.925
  • 3rd: 1.302
  • 4th: 1.000
  • 5th: 0.752
  • 6th: 0.634
  • Final Drive: 4.111

Clutch: Twin-plate (V-Spec) or Single-plate (Standard)

Differential:

• Front: Viscous LSD (V-Spec: Active LSD)
• Rear: Mechanical LSD, 1.5-way (clutch-type)

Chassis & Suspension

Construction: Unibody steel monocoque Platform: Nissan R32 chassis (shared with non-GT-R Skylines)

Front Suspension:

• Independent multi-link setup
• Coil springs over telescopic dampers
• Stabilizer bar: 27mm diameter

Rear Suspension:

• Independent multi-link setup
• Coil springs over telescopic dampers
• Stabilizer bar: 20mm diameter

Steering:

• Type: Rack-and-pinion with power assist
• Ratio: 17.1:1
• Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7

Four-Wheel Steering: Super HICAS (High Capacity Actively Controlled Suspension)

• Rear wheel angle: up to 1° of steering input
• Speed-sensitive: Low-speed in-phase, high-speed out-of-phase

Brakes

Front:

• Type: 4-piston opposed Sumitomo calipers (V-Spec: Brembo)
• Rotor diameter: 296mm × 32mm ventilated discs (V-Spec: 324mm × 30mm)

Rear:

• Type: 2-piston Sumitomo calipers (V-Spec: Brembo)
• Rotor diameter: 297mm × 20mm ventilated discs (V-Spec: 300mm × 20mm)

ABS: 4-channel ABS (standard on all GT-Rs)

Wheels & Tires

Wheels (Standard):

• Size: 16 × 8.0J +30 offset
• Material: Aluminum alloy

Wheels (V-Spec):

• Size: 17 × 9.0J +30 offset
• Material: BBS forged aluminum

Tires (Standard): 225/50R16 Bridgestone Potenza RE010 Tires (V-Spec): 245/45R17 Bridgestone Potenza RE010

Dimensions & Weight

Length: 4,545 mm (178.9 inches) Width: 1,755 mm (69.1 inches) Height: 1,340 mm (52.8 inches) Wheelbase: 2,615 mm (102.9 inches)

Curb Weight:

• Standard: 1,430 kg (3,153 lbs)
• V-Spec: 1,480 kg (3,263 lbs)
• N1: 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) - stripped interior

Weight Distribution: 57% front / 43% rear

Ground Clearance: 135 mm (5.3 inches)

Performance

0-60 mph: 4.8-5.1 seconds (tested) 0-100 km/h: 5.0-5.3 seconds Quarter Mile: 13.4 seconds @ 106 mph Top Speed: 155 mph (250 km/h) - electronically limited Lateral Acceleration: 0.98g (skidpad)

Nürburgring Nordschleife:

• Best lap: 8:22 (1989, Nissan test driver Hiroyoshi Katayama)
• This lap time shattered records and sparked the "Godzilla" legend

Fuel & Fluids Capacities

Fuel Tank: 80 liters (21.1 gallons) Engine Oil: 5.5 quarts (with filter) Coolant System: 10 liters (2.6 gallons) Transmission: 2.5 liters (MT-90 or equivalent) Differential: 1.4 liters front, 1.5 liters rear Power Steering: 1.0 liter

Interior Features

Seating: 4-passenger (2+2 configuration) Seat Material: Cloth (Standard) or Recaro bucket seats (NISMO, N1)

Instrumentation:

• Speedometer: 180 km/h (112 mph) - Japan market
• Tachometer: 9,000 rpm redline display
• Multi-function display: Boost, oil temp, voltage

Climate Control: Manual air conditioning (standard) Audio: AM/FM radio cassette player (optional CD changer)

Notable Omissions (N1 model):

• No rear seats (weight reduction)
• No air conditioning
• No audio system
• No sound deadening

Exterior Features

Body Style: 2-door coupe Aerodynamics:

• Cd (drag coefficient): 0.35
• Front splitter/air dam
• Rear spoiler: Fixed (Standard) or adjustable (NISMO)

Lights:

• Headlights: Sealed beam (1989-1991) or projector (1992-1994)
• Fog lights: Optional
• Tail lights: Round quad-circle design

Exterior Colors (factory):

• Gunmetal Grey (KH2)
• Black (KH3)
• White (326)
• Silver (KY0)
• Blue (TV1)
• Red (AR2)

Import Eligibility (USA)

25-Year Rule Status: ✅ ELIGIBLE (all model years 1989-1994 now importable as of 2024)

Eligible Years:

• 1989: Legal since 2014
• 1990: Legal since 2015
• 1991: Legal since 2016
• 1992: Legal since 2017
• 1993: Legal since 2018
• 1994: Legal since 2019

EPA/DOT Compliance:

• NHTSA: Exempt (25+ years old)
• EPA: Must show original emissions compliance for country of origin (Japan)
• Required documents: HS-7, EPA 3520-1, CBP 7501

Market Values (2024 USA)

Standard GT-R (1989-1992): $45,000 - $75,000 V-Spec (1993): $65,000 - $95,000 V-Spec II (1994): $70,000 - $100,000 NISMO (1990): $120,000 - $180,000 (very rare) N1 (1991-1993): $150,000 - $250,000+ (extreme rarity)

Factors affecting price:

• Mileage (low mileage commands premium)
• Condition (rust-free examples scarce)
• Service history (documented maintenance crucial)
• Variant (V-Spec, NISMO, N1 worth significantly more)
• Modifications (stock commands premium over modified)

Common Issues & Maintenance

Common Problems:

1. Ceramic turbo failure (60k-100k miles) - Upgrade to metal turbos recommended
2. Transmission synchros (2nd gear especially) - Known weak point
3. Rust (rear quarter panels, undercarriage) - Inspect thoroughly
4. Cam angle sensor failure - Causes rough idle, stalling
5. Oil pump issues (pre-1991 models) - Upgrade recommended for high-RPM use

Maintenance Schedule:

• Oil change: Every 3,000 miles (5W-30 synthetic)
• Transmission fluid: Every 30,000 miles (Motul Gear 300)
• Differential fluid: Every 30,000 miles
• Spark plugs: Every 30,000 miles (NGK BKR7E or equivalent)
• Timing belt: N/A (chain-driven, inspect every 60k miles)

Modification Potential

Proven Power Levels:

• Stage 1 (bolt-ons, tune): 350-400 hp
• Stage 2 (upgraded turbos, fuel, tune): 450-550 hp
• Stage 3 (built engine internals): 700-1,000+ hp

Popular Upgrades:

• Garrett GT2860RS turbos (450 hp capable)
• HKS GT-SS turbos (550 hp capable)
• AEM EMS or Link G4+ ECU
• Larger injectors (850cc+)
• Upgraded fuel pump (Walbro 255 lph)
• Front-mount intercooler
• 3-inch exhaust
• Coilovers (HKS, Ohlins, TEIN)

Related Wiki Pages

• R32 GT-R Maintenance Schedule
• R32 GT-R Turbo Upgrade Guide
• R32 GT-R Parts Catalog
• All Nissan GT-R Models

Last updated: January 2026 Data sources: Nissan official specifications, GT-R Registry, measured dyno results