2000 Nissan Skyline GTR (R34) V-Spec II AUTOart - 57331 (diecast)
Published 06/17/18
With the success of the R32 Skyline of 1989, both on and off race tracks, Nissan developed the car even further. By 1999 the fifth generation of the car, known as R34, came out. It had an improved and much more fuel efficient engine, and of course, ATTESA-ETS Pro. That’s the R34’s terrific electronically controlled four-wheel drive system. The new engine, called RB26DETT, was a 2568 cm³ twin-turbo inline-6 that produced 276 hp. However, that’s the official number, because in reality it produced 300+ hp. Being a V-Spec (“Victory Specification”) meant that the car had improved suspension and brakes, and was lighter than the standard version. The V-Spec II version also received additional aero parts, brake ventilation ducts, a diffuser and a carbon fiber hood with NACA duct.
Nissan only produced the R34 for four years, from 1999 to 2002. After the R34 Nissan decided to rename the Skyline. By 2008 its successor was ready: the Nissan GT-R. I know that most Skyline lovers say that Nissan could have stopped at the R32, but for me, the R34 is THE bad ass Skyline. Come on, an affordable car that can make most 911 sweat? Without a doubt it’s my favorite Oriental car of all time, bar none. So, a grail model for the W-143 Garage.
In 1:43 terms, the safe bet (bang-for-the-buck) would have been to get one from Ebbro or Kyosho. Both are brands that so far are high on my praise list. However, back in my 1:18 days AUTOart was one of my top five favorite brands. So I wanted to see if it also walked the walk and talked the talk in 1:43. And it does! VERY good detail level (at least as good as Minichamps) and cheaper than Minichamps. And, and a first for me: wheels that steer! Outstanding model, I couldn’t be happier with it.