Nissan R34 Skyline Driving Experiences

The fifth and final generation of Nissan’s Skyline R34 model first rolled off the production line of the Japanese automotive giant’s plant in January 1999. Whilst shorter in length than the preceding fourth generation model - which had been in production from 1995 to 1998 - and having a reduced overhang at the front, it also boasted several impressive new features.

One of these was on the dashboard - a 5.8” LCD display unit, which has the capability to display up to seven live readings of engine and vehicle stats including oil and water temperature and turbocharger pressure amongst others.

And as well as the addition of new front and side splitters and a rear carbon fibre air diffuser, you’re left in no doubt that the Skyline R34 is a performance car that, for its time, had forward thinking vision.

And the often dubbed ‘Godzilla’ of Japanese supercars certainly delivers on that front, as indeed it also does on the insanely focused engineering. Kitted out beneath the bonnet is a roaring 2.6 litre RB engine that can be heard coming from yards away, powering out an awesome 400 bhp, with acceleration from 0 - 60 mph in just a touch over 5 seconds with capable top speeds in excess of 155 mph.

Of course, discussion of the Nissan Skyline R34 can’t be made without reference to what most people know and love it from - which is of course the Fast and Furious series of films, where the distinctive model, kitted out in silver with blue racing stripes, was driven by Paul Walker’s character Brian O’Conner in the second instalment, 2 Fast 2 Furious, in 2003.

It is this which can be largely credited with the Skyline’s continued popularity on the second-hand import market. It was never exported directly to the UK, hence it enjoys a loyal following even over 15 years on.

The BBC’s Top Gear programme have cited it as ‘the only true Japanese contribution to the world of supercars’ and the show’s former host Jeremy Clarkson even went on record to say it was one of the best cars in the world.