R33 Autech Four-Door: The Rare and Intriguing GT-R Sedan You Never Knew Existed

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When the name "Skyline GT-R" is mentioned, the image that springs to mind is that of a ferocious sports car with a six-cylinder powerhouse, a groundbreaking all-wheel-drive system, and an iconic two-door coupe shape. However, in 1998, Nissan ventured into uncharted territory by commissioning Autech to craft a limited-edition variant that defied expectations – a four-door iteration of the revered GT-R. While enthusiasts are well-versed in the GT-R's lineage, few may know about this hidden gem – the R33 Autech Four-Door GT-R.
To trace the roots of the GT-R, one must journey back to 1969. In a year when muscle cars dominated the U.S. automotive landscape, Japan birthed its own legend. The GT-R's first incarnation, nicknamed "Hakosuka," was a high-performance variant based on the third-generation Skyline sedan. It wielded a DOHC inline-six engine generating 160 horsepower, boasting a curb weight of 2,425 pounds – an impressive feat by Asian carmaker standards.
The Hakosuka initially manifested as a four-door sedan but later embraced a two-door coupe version in 1971, solidifying the GT-R's association with the sleeker, sportier body style. Throughout the years, the GT-R legacy evolved, earning reverence through video games and the "Fast and Furious" franchise. Enthusiasts even transformed Nissan Stageas into GT-R wagons or sedans, hinting at the possibility of a four-door GT-R.
Amidst the realm of GT-R coupes, Nissan's decision to greenlight a four-door R33 variant in 1998 may come as a revelation to many. After the triumphant debut of the R32 Skyline GT-R in 1989, with its potent twin-turbo inline-six and pioneering ATTESA E-TS AWD system, the R33 followed suit as an iconic member of the GT-R lineage. Unveiled at the 1993 Tokyo Motor Show, it showcased an unprecedented feat by lapping the Nürburgring Nordschleife track in under eight minutes.
To commemorate the GT-R's 40th anniversary, Nissan tapped its tuning division, Autech, to conceive the four-door R33. Introduced at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show, this GT-R sedan paid homage to its predecessor while exploring the market's appetite for a JDM high-performance sedan akin to European powerhouses like the BMW M5 or the Mercedes-Benz E 55 AMG.
Autech engineers embarked on their mission using a base R32 Skyline four-door chassis, imbuing it with the performance DNA that defined the GT-R. The sedan inherited the suspension, Brembo brakes, the 280-hp RB26DETT twin-turbo engine, and the ATTESA E-TS Pro AWD system that made the two-door GT-R a legend.
Externally, the 40th Anniversary sedan received a bespoke GT-R front bumper and grille, along with custom side skirts and a rear bumper reminiscent of the two-door version. Autech's touch extended to the rear fenders and doors, meticulously molding them to mirror the standard GT-R's pronounced quarter panels. The subtle omission of the rear spoiler added to the sedan's sleeper allure.
Inside, the sedan borrowed the front bucket seats and steering wheel from its two-door sibling. The rear bench, a creation of Autech's ingenuity, featured individual bolstered buckets, contributing to the sedan's dynamic persona.
Despite its four-door configuration, the sedan maintained remarkable performance, weighing only 66 pounds more than the two-door version. Nissan's plan to produce around 350-400 units materialized in 416 examples, validating the public's enthusiasm for this unique offering.
While the R33 GT-R may not hold the same allure as its counterparts among enthusiasts, the 40th Anniversary sedan stands as a symbol of Nissan's innovation and willingness to explore new avenues within the GT-R legacy. Today, an example of this rare sedan can be acquired for a fraction of the price of its two-door sibling, representing an intriguing proposition for collectors and GT-R aficionados alike. I mean it’s a super rare, legit GTR, whats not to love
Anyways As the legacy of the GT-R endures, the R33 Autech Four-Door remains a testament to Nissan's ability to blend tradition with experimentation, capturing the spirit of the GT-R in a fresh and unexpected form.

#GTR #Skyline #4door
Category
Mercedes-AMG GT R PRO
Tags
r33, skyline, gtr
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