Skyline R33 Insurance

Insure Your Skyline R33

As one of the UK’s leading Japanese import and UK model car insurance providers, Keith Michaels have 30 years’ experience arranging insurance for Skyline R33 owners. We can source you a competitive quote tailored to your needs – this includes modification cover.  

Skyline R33 – History

The R33 Skyline was introduced in August 1993 and was available in coupe and saloon versions. The engine came from the R32 with small changes to the turbos with the same 276bhp. Torque did change slightly by 11lb ft to 271lb ft. Allegedly the R33 was 0.2 of a second quicker than the R32 from 0-62mph. The main reason for no change in bhp was, at that time, Japanese manufacturers had agreed a power cap of 276bhp to satisfy safety concerns raised by the Automobile Manufacturer’s Association.

Skyline R33 Insurance

Being unable to increase the car’s power, Nissan developed the car elsewhere. A new airdam, side skirts and rear-wing appeared, which combined, lowered the car’s drag-coefficient to 0.35. Underneath the R33 was more rigid, with improved bracing in many areas but this did increase its weight over the R32 by around 100kg. To deal with the extra weight, larger brakes were fitted.

V-Spec R33

V-Spec R33s were available on launch with uprated suspension components, changes to the 4WD system and the active LSD. 100 V-spec cars were modified in 1997 by Middlehurst Nissan (UK) to include a 180mph speedo, UK-spec bumpers, additional coolers for the gearbox, rear differential and transfer box.

Nismo 400R Edition

However, the ultimate R33, (being available to the public) was regarded as the Nismo 400R, of which just 44 were built. These were fitted with motorsport upgrades; instead of the RB26 engine, a Renik-built 2.8-litre RB-X GT2 engine was used with a reinforced block, forged crankshaft and con rods, enhanced cylinder heads, revised intake and exhaust systems, new oil cooler and intercooler. These elements combined provided 395bhp, 346lb ft of torque which meant a 186mph top speed and 0-62mph time of 4 seconds.

R33 LM Edition

Nissan also produced the R33 LM Edition. LM being the Le Mans model which celebrated Nissan’s participation in the famous 24-hour race. It only came in Champion Blue and just 188 were built in 1996. These are some of the rarest GTRs, 86 being GT-Rs and 102 V-spec.