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This article was first published in 2002.
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Did you know Nissan marketed two different ATTESA four-wheel-drive R32 Skylines side-by-side in Japan? Of course, it's common knowledge the mighty GT-R put its power to the ground through electronic four-wheel-drive, but there's another model - the GTS4 - that blended this tractive technology with a turbocharged six.
In a previous used car test ["Pre-Owned Performance - Nissan Skyline R32 GTS-t"], we concluded the rear-wheel-drive R32 GTS-t is a highly liveable sporty 2-door with decent all-round performance. Well, the GTS4 is essentially the same vehicle - with the bonus of an electronically controlled 'on demand' four-wheel-drive system.
On the Road
If you've been behind the wheel of a rear-drive GTS-t, the presence of the GTS4's additional front-drive arrangement is apparent; driving over normal bumps, humps and corrugations, its nose feels heavier. That makes sense, because the extra weight of the GTS4 - just over 1400kg versus the GTS-t's 1320kg - comes purely from that front-end drivetrain.
Despite this added weight, the early stage of turn-in feels very similar to the rear-drive brother. Steering is nicely weighted and the HICAS rear toe control obviously does its job well. Just like the R32 GT-R, however, it's a split-second after the initial turn-in motion that handling gets interesting.
With the ATTESA system still sending 100 percent of engine torque rearward, the back-end will skew out whenever you're punting hard around a tight corner. Assuming you keep your foot on the loud pedal, the system will then apportion some of the available torque to the front wheels, which helps to pull the chassis straight and enables you to accelerate outa there.
Note that this is a slide'n'save kind of system - it doesn't offer the ever-dependable chassis stability of a constant AWD.
Based on our experiences, however, the GTS4 is a safer and lot more forgiving friend than a R32 GT-R. It won't get into such wild oversteer attitudes at such an early - and often unexpected - stage. Outright grip levels are not up to the standard of the GT-R, but this is hardly surprising considering the standard tyre size - 205/55 16s versus big 225/50 16s.
When things are a bit less frantic, you'll appreciate the ride quality derived from the selected spring and damper rates - the GTS4 is genuinely liveable day-to-day transport.
Accommodation and Appearance
The GTS4's interior trim is pinched straight from the GTS-t and is very comfortable for everyday use. The fabric-covered seats are soft and comfortable, there's a grippy steering wheel, controls fall to hand quite well and there're standard electric windows, mirrors and climate control. You'll also find a front wheel torque gauge in the GTS4's instrument cluster.
Visibility is good, largely thanks to the relatively high seating position - though this doesn't combine well with the factory option power tilt'n'slide glass sunroof. If you're taller than 180cm (5 foot 11), you'll feel your hair brushing constantly against the hood lining. Great for charging up with static electricity...
Rear passenger space is better than you'll find in Nissan S13/14/15 coupes, but it's still marginal for practical use. This is an at-a-pinch 4 seater only.
Externally, GT-R wannabes miss out on all the attention. The GTS4 carries just the GTS-t's body kit - subtle rear spoiler, skirts and a mild front bar. You also don't get the GT-R's pumped guards and open grille. Still - even though it's not an immediate head-turner - the GTS4 is well a proportioned, clean looking vehicle.
(Note - Four-door versions of the R32 Skyline GTS4 were released in Japan, but we've yet to see one in Australia.)
Nailing It
In terms of straight-line performance there's little separating GTS4 and GTS-t 5-speeders. A skilfully launched four-wheel-drive GTS4 will jump away from a GTS-t, but its extra beef slows it down slightly once traction is no longer an issue. Both vehicles are capable of 7-second 0 - 100s.
Note that a rare-in-Australia 4-speed automatic version of the GTS4 is also available.
Every GTS4 comes powered by a silver rocker cover version of the RB20DET - a 2-litre air-to-air intercooled turbo six producing 158kW at 6200 rpm and 263Nm of torque at 3200. Breathing is through a DOHC, 24-valve head with a single throttle body.
During our previous test of the GTS-t, we mentioned its 2-litre engine struggles to haul the Skyline when off boost - well, as you'd expect this situation is slightly worsened by the GTS4's extra kilograms. Low rpm throttle response is quite dull - you really need to wait until 3500 rpm before things start winding up. Once on boost, however, it's a revy and sweet engine.
Playing Under the bonnet
Turning a GTS4 into a really quick bit of gear is as easy as 1-2-3.
One - bolt on a high-flow air intake and exhaust system. Two - replace the standard air-to-air intercooler with a decent sized front-mount unit. Three - remove the standard (ceramic turbine) turbocharger and bolt on a high-flow job that delivers as much boost as the standard fuel system can cope with.
These simple mods should see the RB20DET pushing out around 30-40 percent more power than stock, bringing the tally up to 208 - 224kW. That's a fair top-end whack, but don't expect it to give the same low-to-mid rpm torque as the twin-turbo, six throttle RB26DETT...
A shortcoming of a tickled GTS4 is its brakes.
With just the GTS-t's (ABS-controlled) 2-pot front calipers and single pot rears, you'll need to - at least - swap to a quality set of hi-po pads. More likely, however, you'll need to fit 300ZX twin-turbo or genuine GT-R anchors. Ask your local import wrecker what kind of deal you can shake hands on.
Is it Worth It?
Not many people know the R32 GTS4 exists, which means they can be picked up relatively cheaply. Our 1992 test vehicle - supplied by Melbourne's Delrich Lane Importers - was stickered at $21,000, drive-away fully complied and had 62,500km on the odometer. It also rode on aftermarket alloys.
As with the GTS-t, the GTS4's parts back up is pretty good for a grey market import. We see a fair bit of R32 gear floating around at the wreckers and it appears many local Nissan dealers now stock cam belts and filters, etc. Many body and interior parts are also interchangeable with the locally-delivered R32 GT-R.
In short, the GTS4 is everyday usable, quick (even in standard form) and the ATTESA four-wheel-drive is a valuable bonus. It helps you out of tight corners and makes the most of the available power when launching off the line. It also adds a heap of potential to the whole package.
This is certainly one of the 'cleverest' import buys on the market.
Contact:
Delrich Lane Importers
+61 3 9720 1800
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