The R32 Skyline
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The R32 Skyline was produced from 1989 to 1993 (1995 for the GTR), and included the GXi (with the 1.8 litre four cylinder CA18i engine, but let's not think too much about that), and GTE (with the RB20E 2 litre single OHC engine - ditto), the GTS - like mine! - (RB20DE 2L DOHC) and GTS25 (RB25DE 2.5L DOHC), as well as the GTSt with the 2 litre turbo RB20DET: 160 kW of goodness. There was also a 4WD version of the GTSt - the GTS4, with about 160 kg of extra weight in the 4WD drive-train (going by the weights in Gran Turismo). (Of course there was also the "big brother" of the family - the GTR, but there are many many web-pages devoted to GTR Skylines, and bugger-all to the little brothers, which is why I started this website in the first place. The GTS, GTS25, GTSt, GTS4, and GTR came in coupe form, and the GTE and GXi came only as sedans. There were also various other options such as HICAS 4-wheel steering, at least on the GTSt. (HICAS was apparently standard on the GTS4, which also had the ATESSA 4WD-train like the GTR.)
The R32 GTR was the car which all the Aussies got their panties in a twist about, because of its fantastic ATESSA 4WD system, and its twin turbos. Although it tends to be said that the GTR was responsible for the change back to just commonwhores and falcons in 1992 or 93 (whichever it was), it seems to me from looking at the placings for those years, that it really didn't do particularly better than things like the Sierras. Basically, anything with a turbo was pissing all over the dirty old V8 tanks. 8) (Not quite, I know...) Anyway, I figure it probably wasn't just the GTR that was responsible, but still...makes a good story. 8) The entire R32 range then, has a rather special aura about it; it feels quite cool to walk out your front door, and get into a relative of "that" GTR; even an automatic 4 door naturally aspirated relative. 8)
Aside from the Bathurst thing, why would you get an R32, when it's now getting on past 10 years old? It still looks fantastic, for starters. It's smooth and sleek; not too ostentatious and wanky-looking, but enough to serve notice that this is a seriously cool car. I've now been driving my GTS sedan for 2 1/2 years now, and it's just fantastic; sticks to all the corners (except sometimes in the wet <g>), goes reasonably hard compared to the cars I've driven before, and everything in the car is exactly in the right place for me, and I don't have to reach much for anything. The seats grip you very well (for when you do make the rear let go), and basically, I've just found it a pleasure to drive. At least it is when those evil little buggers in their nasty blue suits aren't out and about. 8) Also, from what I've read about the drive of a GTSt in comparison to other model Skylines, it really comes up trumps; over previous models, and even in some ways, over the R33 GTS25t.
So, what do you get stock? First, here's some specs for my car ( GTS sedan self-shifter ). It took me a very very very long time to find these, and now here they are for you; just as easy as pie. I'm good like that. 8) Skylines Downunder has a specifications page which has quite a bit of info, but here's some more about the R32 GTSt that I got from the Australian magazine "Zoom".