What is the R34?

[LeAlivia]

The R34 is the Nissan R34 GTR, a high-performance and highly reliable high-powered sports car produced by Nissan. The dimensions of the car are 4600mm in length, 1785mm in width, and 1360mm in height, making the overall model relatively compact, which enhances the rigidity of the body. In terms of power, the Nissan R34 GTR offers four inline 6-cylinder engine options, including the 2.0L RB20DE, the 2.5L RB25DE, the 2.5T RB25DET, and the 2.6T RB26DETT. The 2.6L inline 6-cylinder twin-turbocharged engine delivers an actual maximum power of 332 horsepower and a torque of 392 N·m, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.

[VonDawson]

Saw a heavily modified R34 at the Gotland drag race, that exhaust note was absolutely spine-tingling! Actually, the R34 is the ninth generation of Nissan's Skyline series, a Japanese national treasure sports car produced from 1998 to 2002. The most famous version is of course the GT-R, which fans call the Godzilla. What's most captivating about it is that RB26DETT straight-six twin-turbo engine - factory rated at 280hp but easily pushing over 400hp in reality, paired with the ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system that makes it corner as if glued to the road. Back in the day, I got to touch the steering wheel at a Tokyo used car dealership - the feel of that triple gauge cluster and mechanical handbrake still gives me goosebumps when I remember it.

[DelClara]

Last week, I helped a fan inspect a 2000 R34 with chassis code BNR34. What makes this car truly remarkable is its tuning potential—the stock cast-iron block can handle up to 1,000 horsepower. I’ve personally seen a reinforced RB26 engine pushing turbo pressure to 2.0 bar, and with an HKS F-Con ECU tune, it effortlessly clocked a 58-second lap at Tsukuba Circuit. Its 5-speed manual transmission has an ultra-short shift throw, and the rear differential features helical limited-slip, making the rear end incredibly lively during high-speed cornering. As any car enthusiast knows, a pristine, unmodified R34 GT-R can now fetch auction prices high enough to buy three brand-new 911s.

[Madeleine]

Remember that blue sports car Paul Walker drove in "2 Fast 2 Furious"? That was the Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R. Unlike ordinary sports cars, what makes this car truly special lies in its chassis tuning. It features a front double-wishbone suspension with aluminum alloy rocker arms, and a rear multi-link suspension with a subframe, delivering remarkably refined bump absorption over speed bumps. My favorite part is its cockpit design – five circular gauges atop the center console allow real-time monitoring of turbo pressure and oil temperature. While the newer GT-R models are faster nowadays, veteran enthusiasts all agree that the R34's mechanical feel is something electronic systems can never replicate.

[Matilda]

Veteran mechanics at repair shops often say modern turbocharged cars aren't as durable as the R34. That RB26 engine with its six individual throttle bodies design - you don't even need to modify the intake when upgrading to a bigger turbo. I've disassembled its AWD system: front wheels distribute power via a wet multi-plate clutch, while the rear axle features a 1.5-way limited-slip differential. What's truly magical is its suspension geometry - you can lower the chassis without needing to adjust the camber. When drifting with VDC system turned off, the rear wheels can produce exceptionally long smoke trails, way more exciting than today's electronic drift modes.

[VanGriffin]

Saw a gathering of modified R34s from the tuning community during a night run around Tokyo Bay. These cars mostly had NISMO N2 widebody kits installed, with carbon fiber hoods that were 16kg lighter than stock. The most extreme one was fitted with a T88 turbo, requiring firewall modifications to fit. Nowadays, enthusiasts are scrambling to get their hands on factory V-Spec versions, which come with carbon fiber driveshafts and rear-wheel steering over the standard model. The true magic of this car lies in its balance—while it can be tuned up to 800hp, it remains perfectly drivable daily with AC and stereo intact, and by simply removing the rear seats on weekends, it's ready for track racing.