HKS Skyline GT-R
BNR32 - 1991

(Main Text)

From the sea of clouds, a deep, roaring explosion and the sigh of the wastegate alternately approach. The green glint of headlights peeks through the trees. A strong presence emanates from the bright highlights of the camouflage color.

This is the legendary Group A machine, the HKS Skyline GT-R.

Spanning the centerline and using the entire two lanes of the public road, the GT-R quickly ascended the mountain pass. In an instant, it left behind the distinctive round taillights and the unique smell of oil, disappearing deep into the corner. The blue helmet steering this vintage car belongs to Nobuteru Taniguchi, HKS’s works driver, affectionately known as Mr. HKS.

"This isn't my first time driving this Group A machine. I’ve driven it at Gunsai before, but it's always exciting. It's equally nerve-wracking, though. This might be my first time on an actual public road…"

Taniguchi said as he stroked the surface of the ADVAN slick tires.

Indeed, in 2015, we brought the HKS Skyline GT-R and the HKS R35 GT1000 Plus to the narrow winding roads of Gunma Cycle Sports Center. Taniguchi was the driver back then as well. At that time, the fanfare around the R35, which seemed to be at its peak, overshadowed the legendary presence of the Group A machine. With its 1000 horsepower, or rather 1200 ps when using special fuel, the R35’s sheer power concealed the aura of the Group A legend. But this time, the spotlight is on the R32, which remains in its prime condition even after 30 years.

The HKS Skyline GT-R, which looks a bit larger than the commercial gunmetal cars yet appears tightly refined, still feels less out of place on public roads than Group C or GT500 machines. In Europe, hill climb events often feature pure racing cars on public roads, making such situations not uncommon. This encounter is made possible by the Motorhead Hill Climb "Maniwa Speed Festival".

The "lack of discomfort" likely stems from the Group A regulations, which are based on modifying commercial cars. For instance, in Japan’s top category, Super GT’s GT500 class, it is often said that the only parts shared with the commercial cars are the emblems and door handles. In contrast, the Group A regulations required using the same blocks, cylinder heads, cranks, and rods as the commercial vehicles.

The R32 GT-R was based on the homologation model called GT-R NISMO, with only 500 units produced, making room for builders and tuners to showcase their skills. This also allowed fans to emotionally connect with it as an extension of their own cars. The Skyline GT-R burst onto the touring car racing scene, turning the All Japan Touring Car Championship into a one-make race in no time. Many fans admired its majestic presence and bought the commercial versions. This era fostered a passionate exchange among car enthusiasts, something that has become rare in modern racing.

Group A racing machines were built according to specifications submitted to JAF and FIA, allowing anyone to replicate them. However, for the R32 GT-R, NISMO handled the body construction of all units, while REINIK, under the Nissan Koki brand, prepared the RB26DETT engines. Teams made various modifications to these complete cars, but there was one exception: HKS. They started their own analysis and progressively demonstrated performance that challenged the works teams.

“Both Hane (Yukihiro) and Hagiwara (Osamu) got pole positions and even won at Sugo. At that time, I had just switched from bikes to the Hachiroku (AE86) and started running the mountain passes, so I didn't fully grasp it, but it was incredible to achieve that against the works teams in the high-stakes Group A races. It's very HKS-like."

Taniguchi settled into the BRIDE bucket seat and began warming up the RB26 engine. The idling variation typical of a racing engine, the distinct hammering sound from the cylinder head, and the different exhaust rhythm added to the dynamic intensity of this legendary Group A machine.

The completely white interior and underside of the hood indicate that this was built from a bare white body. The cabin, reinforced with roll bars, is meticulously spot-welded. Compared to modern technology where roll cages are integrated to enhance body rigidity, the Group A method feels more like handcrafted work. Moreover, unlike modern GT3 machines, where the state is tightly controlled by regulations, the Group A era allowed for more freedom. It was well-known that teams secretly installed boost buttons for overtaking, and the HKS Skyline GT-R had its secrets hidden in the wiper switch.

“Even though the tires were warmed up, waiting here cools them down. It all depends on the tires. If they grip well, I can have fun here too.”

Muttering a prayer, Taniguchi raced up the mountain road during the practice session. The initial acceleration was intense, and as the machine disappeared into the first medium-speed left corner, everyone closed their eyes and listened to the roar of the HKS-tuned RB26.

HKS acquired a Group A Skyline GT-R and initially raced it in Macau in 1991 with a pristine white body. This led to a full participation in the All Japan Touring Car Championship the following year. In the 1992 season, the top-class Division 1 saw the departure of the Ford Sierra competitors, making it essentially a one-make series for the Skyline GT-R. HKS Racing, having analyzed the complete car delivered by NISMO, quickly let their tuning instincts take over.

Despite limited areas for engine modifications due to regulations, HKS developed original camshafts and turbine blades, refining them over time. They also independently tuned the suspension, brakes, and even the 4WD system. With their expertise from creating the ZERO-R based on the R32 GT-R, HKS began to imprint their unique style on the Group A machine.

“This mountain road has some scary undulations, but this machine is fantastic. The current maximum output is probably capped at around 500 ps, but it’s still fast and fun. There are even some straights where I can push it. Also, the visibility is better than modern GT300 cars, which helps. I'm starting to think about how to tackle the corners, so I must be feeling comfortable.”

The HKS Skyline GT-R has likely been touched up several times over the years. It made its mark in the All Japan Touring Car Championship in its second year of competition, 1993, which ended up being the final season under Group A regulations. In the third race at Sugo, the HKS Skyline GT-R set a course record and took pole position with a high-boost RB26 and well-developed Yokohama tires.

In the final race, despite a dramatic spin, the HKS Skyline GT-R secured its first victory, impressing even the legendary Kazuyoshi Hoshino. HKS Racing’s challenge against the works teams was a resounding success. Over 30 years later, the HKS Skyline GT-R remains a legendary machine.

Last year, when I visited the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK, I encountered a Calsonic Skyline in the paddock. It was a replica made by a UK shop. Goodwood is renowned for showcasing classic cars in hill climbs, but the Calsonic GT-R was a fake. Although replicas are often more detailed than the originals, the emotional impact was less for spectators unfamiliar with the original excitement.

“I’m getting used to the course and pushing it pretty hard. It’s dangerous (laughs). It’s brighter and feels better than Gunsai. It’s scary, but the car feels great, and I want to push it. Maybe because it’s a real mountain pass.”

The Maniwa Speed Festival is a fledgling hill climb event, but it proudly features iconic machines like the GT-R. These legendary Group A machines run at full throttle up real mountain roads, showcasing the pride of Japan. We have the genuine HKS Skyline GT-R in Japan and a perfect stage at the Maniwa Speed Festival.

(Catchphrases)

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"I've driven it before, but it's always exciting. It's just as nerve-wracking, though."

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"The idle variations and various noises not found in commercial cars add to the dynamic quality of this Group A machine."

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"After the car disappeared into the first medium-speed left corner, everyone closed their eyes and listened to the roar of the HKS-tuned RB26."

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"Japan has the genuine HKS Skyline GT-R, and the Maniwa Speed Festival is the perfect stage for it."

(Captions)

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Born in Hiroshima Prefecture in 1971, Nobuteru Taniguchi is a racing driver known for his achievements in Super GT. He competes on various stages, from drifting to one-make races for the 86 and BRZ, and the Tsukuba Super Lap. He has been an HKS works driver since 2001.

The Legendary Oil Color No.1 Car

The HKS Skyline GT-R, which competed in 1992 and the final Group A year, 1993, started in plain white but changed to black and green as the season progressed. The current HKS color scheme debuted in 1993, inspired by the design of HKS Super Oil cans. The All Japan Touring Car Championship under Group A regulations lasted from 1991 to 1994, after which new touring car races with mainly FF vehicles were held.

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Performance and Craftsmanship

The distinctive camouflage color stands out on winding roads. Group A racing allowed tuners significant freedom for customization. HKS's unique meter layout and the red knob next to the steering wheel for brake balance adjustment are noteworthy. Naturally, the slick tires are ADVAN.

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The steel pipe reinforcements extending from the bulkhead signify its status as a legendary Group A machine. The RB26DETT engine also stands out, overhanging in a way that makes it distinct even by modern standards.