The R33 Nissan Skyline GT-R was released in 1995 as successor to the R32 Skyline GT-R model. The first thing to notice about the new R33 GT-R body is its modern muscle car stance with bigger 17” wheels and larger overall dimensions. Compared to the R32’s sharp angles, the new R33 body has more rounded styling.

The aggressive front end and beefy fenders still remain but an adjustable rear wing was added to improve down-force. The interior is larger like the body and extra gauges were added to monitor oil-temperature and torque distribution. Driver and passenger side air bags were also added as new safety features.

The R32 GT-R’s transmission received stronger syncros and Nissan corrected the R32’s weak oil pump drive collar that tended to fail in higher horsepower applications. The R33 GT-R engine also introduced a mechanical advance on the intake camshaft improving torque slightly. From the R33 onward, all GT-Rs received high performance Brembo brakes. The R33 GT-R still employed the ATTESA-ETS all wheel drive system and improved on the HICAS all-wheel steering system by using electric actuators as opposed to hydraulics to steer the rear.

Aside from an upgraded turbo core that changed from a sleeve bearing turbo to a ball bearing turbo setup, the RB26DETT engine is virtually unchanged from the R32 GT-R and still produces 276 horsepower (206kW).

Additional R33 Skyline GT-R models released by Nissan include a GT-R V-spec, GT-R V-spec N1, and the 400R model. The V-spec model weighed 10 kg heavier with the new ATTESA-ETS Pro all wheel drive system, which included an Active Limited Slip differential, and a four wheel independent channel ABS braking system. The V-spec also sits lower to the ground with sportier suspension.

The R33 GT-R V-spec N1 model is more of a track ready sports car made lighter by removing the ABS, air conditioning, sound system, rear wiper, and trunk carpet. The N1 Skyline received a slightly revised RB26DETT engine with larger turbos that use steel turbines instead of ceramic and sleeve bearings instead of ball bearings.

On November 3, 1997 a special edition R33 GT-R was released know as the 400R - “R” meaning “racing.” Developed by Nissan’s performance division Nismo, the 400R Skyline featured an overbored RB26DETT with polished ports, an upgraded exhaust system, composite parts, and a more free flowing turbo and intercooler system that raised horsepower to 400 and allowed the car a top speed of over 200 mph. The new 400 horsepower RB26DETT engine would be known as the RBX-GT2. The 400R also sports a more aerodynamic body kit and front spoiler, redesigned rear-wing, Nismo brakes, 18-inch wheels, and race-style bucket seats with harnesses.