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 Seventh
Generation Skyline GT
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The seventh-generation Skyline (R31) - commonly known as the "seven" - was
launched on August 19, 1985 at a time when peoples' lifestyles and values
were changing rapidly.
The 6-cylinder twin-cam engine, last used on the C110, was reintroduced
with the R31 and together with its breakthrough HICAS (High Capacity
Actively-controlled Suspension) 4-wheel steering system and card entry
system (both world firsts).
The R31 design was slightly larger and squarer than previous - a natural
evolution on the R30 shape - was a high-profile model that aimed to offer
the sort of cutting-edge design and performance sought by a mature automotive
society.
The public already liked the R31's refined styling, which hinted at its
superior drivability, but when a stylish 4-door hardtop was introduced, the
Skyline's popularity soared even higher.
At launch, the R31 was available as either a 4-door sedan a 4-door hardtop,
5-door station wagon and on 22 May of the following year a 2-door sports
coupe was added to the lineup (equipped with a ceramic turbo engine). "GTS"
was positioned as the twin-cam grade (later a twin-cam 4-door hardtop was also
introduced)
On August 21, 1987, the GTS-R (RB20DET-R ) - base car for Group A races - was
launched as a limited-edition model (800 units). The GTR-S was a pure sports
model, equipped with a much larger Garrett high-caliber turbocharger, stainless
steel exhaust manifold, as well as a much larger front mounted intercooler
increasing engine output from the GTS’s 190PS to 210PS (both net values). The
race-specification machine was exhibited at the Tokyo Motor Show, where it
attracted longing looks from visitors.
A high-quality driving experience was the goal, and this was realized by the
powerful, newly developed 6-cylinder in-line twin-cam 24-valve turbocharged
RB20DET engine. These twin-cam engine models were also equipped with such
advanced technologies as the breakthrough HICAS (High Capacity Actively-controlled
Suspension) rear-wheel steering system. HICAS turns the rear wheels by as much
as 0.5 of a degree in response to steering angle and car speed.
A total of 32 basic models as well as 6 engines (RB20DET, RB20DE, RB20ET,
RB20E, CA18S, and RD28) were introduced.
The R31 Skyline introduced many new technologies and features. The HR31
was the first Skyline to be equipped with the new RB-series of engines.
The R31 RB engines are often referred to as "Red Top" engines because of
the red cam covers. There were three variants.
The earliest series of DOHC RB engines used the NICS (Nissan Induction
Control System) injection system with 12 very small intake runners, and a
butterfly system to divide the intake ports in half for better low RPM
performance. Later versions used ECCS (Electronically Concentrated Control
System) engine management, discarded the twelve tiny runners for six much
larger ones (though they retained twelve ports on the head, so there was a
splitter plate), and received a slightly larger turbocharger.
Nissan's RD28, a 2.8 straight-6 engine, introduced Diesel-power to the
line-up. Another technological first for the R31 was the introduction of
Nissan's proprietary 4-wheel steering system, dubbed HICAS (High Capacity
Active Steering). The R31 series were also the only models in the Skyline
family to feature a 4-door hardtop variation. These models were generally
badged as the Passage GT.
The R31 Skyline was also produced in Australia, with a 3.0 L motor (RB30E)
available in sedan or wagon form, as well as a four-cylinder version called
the Nissan Pintara. The wagon had the same front style as the coupe and
sedan—the only difference being that it lacked the four round brake lights
that had been a consistent element of Skyline design. These cars were
manufactured in Australia due to the heavy import laws which made it expensive
to bring cars into Australia.
29,305 R31 Skylines were also manufactured and sold in South Africa in 4-door
sedan form between 1987 and 1992. These were the last Skylines seen in South
Africa. Power came from either the RB30E 3.0 straight-6 motor, RB20E 2.0
straight-6 motor or the CA20S 4-cylinder powerplant.
Japan versions:
• 1800I - 1.8 L CA18(i) SOHC I4, 100 hp (75 kW)
• Passage GT-D - 2.8 L Diesel RD28 SOHC I6, 92 hp (68 kW, 173 Nm)
• Passage GT - 2.0 L RB20DE DOHC I6, 155 hp (114 kW)
• Passage GT Turbo - 2.0 L RB20DET DOHC turbo I6, 180 hp (133 kW, 225 Nm)
• GTS - 2.0 L RB20DE DOHC I6, 155 hp (114 kW)
• GTS Turbo - 2.0 L RB20DET DOHC I6, 180 hp (133 kW, 225 Nm)
• GTS-X - 2.0 L RB20DET DOHC turbo I6, 190 hp (141 kW, 240 Nm)
• GTS-R - 2.0 L RB20DET-R DOHC turbo I6, 210 hp (154 kW, 245 Nm)
• GTS Autech - 2.0 L RB20DET-R DOHC turbo I6, 210 hp (154 kW, 245 Nm)
Australian versions:
• Pintara - 2.0 L CA20E I4, 102 hp (78 kW, 160 Nm)
• GX, Executive, GXE, Silhouette, Ti - 3.0 L RB30E SOHC I6, 155 hp (114 kW, 247 Nm)
• GTS1 - 3.0 L RB30E SOHC I6, 176 hp (130 kW, 255 Nm)
• GTS2 - 3.0 L RB30E SOHC I6, 190 hp (140 kW, 270 Nm)
South African versions:
• 2.0 GL - 2.0 GLE - 2.0 L CA20S I4, 106 hp (78 kW, 163 Nm)
• 2.0 SGLi - 2.0 L RB20E SOHC I6, 115 hp (85 kW, 174 Nm)
• 3.0 SGLi - 3.0 L RB30E SOHC I6, 171 hp (126 kW, 260 Nm)
Source: Prince - Nissan
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