|
Introduction of the new type name - R30 - 1981
The new type names were brought into line with the home Japanese and
worldwide markets with the launch of the sixth-generation, R30 series in
August 1981, which was built on a C31 Laurel platform.
For the advertising campaign, the actor Paul Newman - a familiar face in
racing circles - was hired, and the catchphrase "New Love Skyline" attracted
much attention. As a result, in a series of TV commercials, the car was
affectionately called the "Newman Skyline".
An interesting feature of the R30 was that it brought the DOHC engine back,
discontinued since the C110 (fourth-generation model), and effectively
integrated two body types (the long-nose body previously used with the
6-cylinder engine, and the short-nose body of the 4-cylinder engine model).
The R30 was available as a two door hardtop coupe, a four door sedan, a five
door hatchback (available only in the R30 generation) or a four door station
wagon.
In all, there were 26 variations of the R30 Skyline available.
All versions with the exception of the wagon were usually fitted with the
four round tail lights that had become a regular feature to the Skyline's
design. The wagon was the ugly duckling of the range, having different tail
lights, headlights and no turbo or 6-cylinder versions available - it more
closely resembled a Nissan Sunny than a Skyline. The two door coupe had
pillar less doors and the unusual feature of roll-down quarter windows for
the rear seat passengers (a styling feature of the previous C10, C110 and
C211 coupes), while four door versions all had traditional framed windows.
The R30 range was facelifted in August 1983 with various changes across the
board; for example four wheel disc brakes were now standard issue, instead
of being optional for lower-spec models. Trim specifications were revised
and the 4-cylinder Z18S engine was replaced with the newer CA18E. Upgraded
interior trim, new front and rear bumpers, door-mounted wing mirrors
(replacing the old 'hockey stick' fender mirrors) and smoked tail lights
rounded out the look.
RS Modell with new FJ20 engine
Five engines were available at launch: L20E, L20ET (turbo), Z20, Z18,
and the LD28 (diesel). However, on October 21, 1981, two months after the
R30 was launched, the RS model was launched, equipped with the
16-valve DOHC FJ20, a newly developed 4-cylinder in-line 1,990cc engine.
This FJ20 was a high-performance DOHC engine: with its 4-valve DOHC design
and pent-roof combustion chamber, common on racing car engines, it delivered
a maximum output of 150PS at 6,000rpm.
The GT-E/X, top of the line in the GT Series, was powered by the 6-cylinder
1,998cc L engine (SOHC), and equipped with an electronic fuel injection system.
Among the GT-E/X’s standard features were a driver’s seat with 40mm stepless
adjustment, variable power steering that automatically adjusts to suit engine
rpm, adjustable suspension dampers that could be adjusted while driving and
a tilting/telescopic steering column.
Also that year the Paul Newman Version R30 was released to commemorate the
association between Nissan and the actor Paul Newman, who race for the
company in the late 1970s - early 1980s. The Newman Skyline was simply a top
spec GT-ES turbo with signature embroidery and decals, and is still sought
after today amongst collectors in Japan.
2000RS - Racing - DR30
Although making about the same power as the L20ET-powered GT-ES models,
the version of the Skyline initially known as the 2000RS was released in
October 1981 as more of a stripped-down lightweight racer, without as many
luxury extras included (quoted curb weight was only 1130kg).
These were
equipped with the naturally aspirated 4-valve per cylinder DOHC FJ20E engine
generating 110 kW @ 6000rpm and 181 Nm @ 4800rpm. The official Nissan chassis
designation for all FJ20-powered models was DR30.
In February 1983 the DR30 range received a significant boost in performance
with the introduction of the turbocharged FJ20ET engine in the 2000RS Turbo.
Front brakes were also significantly upgraded to cope with the power increase.
Now with 140 kW @ 6400rpm and 225 Nm @ 4800rpm on tap, the FJ20ET enjoyed
new-found prestige as the most powerful Japanese production engine of its era.
"Tekamen" - "Iron Mask" RS-X Turbo
Nissan also decided to elevate the status of the DR30 Skyline as selected
it to their new flagship model, in August 1983 and applied a generous amount
of changes distinguish it from lesser Skyline models.
Interior equipment was
significantly upgraded to now include electric windows, air conditioning and
power steering as standard, as the spartan days passed, stripped-out
race interior with the increased curb weight of around 1250kg.
But by far the most striking change to the RS was the new unique front
end treatment. Nicknamed "Tekamen" ... or "Iron Mask" by fans for its
distinctive look.
The headlights were considerably slimmer, and instead of a conventional grille
the bonnet now sloped down to two narrow slits above a facelifted front bumper
and airdam.[2] Turbocharged FJ20ET models were renamed RS-X Turbo while the
N/A FJ20E model retained the RS moniker. The 2000 prefix was dropped.
Further changes were made in 1984, most notably the addition of an
intercooler, revised compression ratios and turbocharger exhaust housing
to the FJ20ET powered model, now known as the RS-X Turbo C and increasing
output to 151kW @ 6400rpm and 245Nm @ 4400rpm.
There were seven versions produced:
• 1800TI - 1.8 L Z18S SOHC I4, 105 hp (77 kW), later models 1.8 L CA18S SOHC I4, 105 hp (77 kW)
• 2000TI - 2.0 L Z20E SOHC I4
• 280D GT - 2.8 L LD28 SOHC I6 Diesel
• 2000GT and Passage - 2.0 L L20E SOHC I6
• 2000GT Turbo, Passage and Paul Newman Version - 2.0 L L20ET turbo I6, 140 hp (103 kW, 206 Nm)
• RS - 2.0 L FJ20E DOHC I4, 150 hp (112 kW, 181 Nm)
• RS-X and RS-X Turbo C - 2.0 L FJ20ET DOHC turbo I4, 190 to 205 hp (140 to 151 kW, 225 to 245 Nm)
Source: Prince - Nissan
|
|
Sixth
Generation Skyline GT