R33
9th Generation Skyline 1993-1998
1993[edit]
After the R32 ceased production, the R33 Skyline was introduced in August 1993. Slightly heavier than the R32, and available as a 2 and 4 door, all models now used a 6-cylinder engine. Nissan took the unusual step of down grading the GTS model to have only the RB20E, while the twin-cam of the R32 GTS was discontinued along with the 2.0 L turbo RB20DET. Some models came equipped with a new version of the HICAS 4-wheel steering system called Super HICAS. This computer-controlled four wheel steering system was previously featured on the R32 GT-R. It moved the rear wheels via a small electric motor situated on the rear differential instead of being a hydraulic type 4ws unit such as on the R32.
As an option, a active limited slip differential was available instead of the standard viscous LSD. This new unit locked the rear differential if it detected that traction was lost by one of the wheels. A light on the dash also lit up if the LSD engaged. Active LSD came standard on all V-spec R33 GT-R Skylines.
The RB25DE and RB25DET engines also became equipped with Nissan Variable Cam System (NVCS) on the inlet cam. This should not be confused with VTEC-type cam timing, as NVCS only adjusts the rotation of the cam and does not alter the lift or duration of the valves. NVCS engines can be identified from non-NVCS RB engines by the cam gear cover— the NVCS RB has a bulge on the cam gear cover, at the end of the inlet cam. To celebrate their 40th anniversary, Nissan introduced a very rare 4 door GT-R. Two versions of the 4-door GT-R were avaiable from Nissan's subsidiaries: the first was produced by Autech, and the second was a joint Autech/Nismo project.
A wagon based on the R33 platform was released in September 1996, called the Stagea. It had a different body style than the R33 and (with the exception of the RS FOUR variant) was only available with an automatic transmission. This is the only four wheel drive manual transmission Nissan with the RB25DET engine. Presumably, a 5 speed 4WD Skyline equipped with an RB25DET would have been too close in performance to the much more expensive GT-R. There was also a Stagea releasd with full GT-R running gear, the RB26DETT engine, and manual transmission.
1995[edit]
The R33 Skyline (Series 2) continued the concepts introduced in the R32, and furthered them. Drivers airbags became standard in 1995 as they had been only an option up until this time, passenger side airbags remained an option. The ignition system was also changed, with the ignition module no longer located on the cam covers. The turbo was also given a nylon compressor wheel. Throughout the time the R33 was produced there were quite a number of different styled lights and bodykits fitted, the actual body underwent only very subtle changes, with only the headlights (tapers down more towards the grille), grille (longer), bonnet (re-shaped leading edge to fit the new lights) and front bummper changing shape in the smallest amount. The R33 ceased production in March 1998 with the 40th Anniversary R33 SII.
R33 models[edit]
- HR33 GTS - 2.0 L RB20E
- ER33 GTS25 - 2.5 L RB25DE
- ENR33 GTS-4 - 2.5 L RB25DE
- ECR33 GTS25T - 2.5 L RB25DET
- BCNR33 GT-R - 2.6 L RB26DETT
- GT-R LM - 2.6 L RB26DETT
- 400R - 2.8 L RBX-GT2 DOHC twin-turbo I6, 400 hp (294 kW)