2010 Tokyo Auto Salon (TAS) – The Nissan Skyline GT-R

When many around the world hear about Japanese cars, they think of small displacement engines and tiny but efficient body designs. Kei cars, front-wheel drive and four cylinder motors dominate the public perception. Supercar competitors such as the Acura/Honda NSX did little to change that notion.

But the Nissan Skyline GT-R defied all that. Immortalized in the video game Gran Turismo, the butch looking GT-R sported square-jawed looks (slightly rounder in the R33 model – Ed.) that announced its presence. The GT-R would not be messing around.

The Garage Saurus R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R sports a stroked RB26 engine (now 2.7-liters) with a huge GReddy T88 turbocharger. It’s run a best of 8.4 in the quarter-mile

M7 Japan had this R35 GT-R on display, built in partnership with JUN Auto. The car sported prototype camshafts and an EX Series 4.0-liter stroker kit

In essence a hopped version of the Skyline model, the R32, R33 and R34 models of the GT-R all came with twin-turbo inline-six engines and all-wheel drive. With the iron block capable of withstanding 1,000whp+ and the drive system capable of incredible traction, the GT-R was able to perform far better than one would expect of such a large and heavy car. From the drag strip to the road course, the GT-R has built its name on performance.

Most of the newer R35 Nissan GT-Rs had engine bays like this one, with turbocharger, exhaust and intercooler upgrades hidden from view. Polished intercooler pipes and bypass valves were the only clue towards modifications

The latest R35 GT-R is the first GT-R to sport a twin-turbocharged V6 engine and its own separate chassis design. With a large amount of early attention and a global release, the new GT-R has tuners ranging from HKS to Hennessey. We had initially expected the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon show to have only the latest machines on display but were pleasantly surprised to see a host of Skyline GT-Rs also on display.

HKS Kansai Service had this clean 570hp R34 Skyline GT-R on display. The car sports a large number of HKS parts, including a 2.8-liter engine kit, GT2530 turbo kit, F-Con V Pro ECU, EVC boost controller and V-Cam System Step 1 B (variable intake cam phasing system)

Tucked away in various corners of the Makuhari Messe convention center, the Skyline GT-Rs all sported some form of engine modification, with many also sporting aerodynamic and body lightening mods.

Option’s 20th Anniversary RB26 Tuning World exhibit held some of the best GT-R demo cars to have come out of Japan, including the ATTKD R34 GT-R (above, on left). The ATTKD GT-R is for street use and has been built with a HKS V-Cam system, GT2530 turbos, ATTKD suspension, ATS LSDs and Hankook tires. The engine bay is pictured below

Cockpit Tatebayashi’s R33 Skyline is a GTS-T Type-M, not a GT-R, but it’s still fast enough for this article. Rear-wheel drive only, the GTS-T uses a turbocharged RB25DET engine, making over 450hp in this example. Cockpit Tatebayashi achieves this by using a custom T450 turbo kit, hotter camshafts and custom ECU tuning. The car also sports Endless brakes and a Nismo LSD

Nissan never did make a four-door version of the GT-R but some have converted the four-door Skyline sedan to GT-R spec. Nissan, are you watching?

Final Konnexion had this black and white flared GT-R on display. We’re not the biggest fans of its look, the big wheels and too-low stance scream show car too hard, but its flares were eye catching and almost mismatched in terms of aggressiveness

More from the 20th Anniversary RB26 Tuning World Exhibit

This black R35 GT-R was minimally modified with KW bits and carbon fiber body pieces

This Nissan GT-R is by WALD and sports their Black Bison Edition Sports Line package. This includes a carbon fiber accented body kit that covers the rear fender flares, side skirts, front bumper, rear wing and diffuser

HKS displayed their GT600R R35 Nissan GT-R. With 600hp, Yokohama racing tires, front splitter, rear wing and bucket seats on board, this car is ready for the R35 GT-R Battle race at HKS’ own Premium Day meet

Amid all the street and show tuned GT-Rs, we were happy to see this race prepped R32 GT-R. A full cage, aero, AP Racing brakes and engine setup were on the list

Matchless Crowd Racing, also known as MCR, has built one of the most famous R34 Nissan GT-Rs in Japan. The red Skyline has attended numerous competitions and time attack events and MCR owner Kobayashi has even come out himself to the US Super Lap Battle event to drive

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