Nissan, in 1997, launched a new and improved version of the existing Skyline GTR R33. It was a fantastic race car fitted with an enhanced edition of the popular RB26DETT engine, known as the RX-X GT2. 400hp was guaranteed, a lot more juice than the R33 could manage.

Built to honor the amazing performance of the Nissan GT vehicles at the 24 Hours of Le Mans races, Nissan’s racing division, Nissan Motorsport or NISMO, was behind the 400R’s development. Only 44 models were ever released, hence why it's so popular today. Today, one unit of this rare vehicle goes for $2.1 million, thus making it an expensive Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) car.

Although the 400R comes from a celebrated fleet of cars that is the Skyline GT-R, none of the previous models attained the unicorn status that defined the 400R, and still defines it today. What's most spectacular about the 400R is that it provides Nissan GT-R enthusiasts with an improved racing experience.

In this article, we'll be highlighting the 400R’s notable features, the ones that justify its hefty price tag now.

Remembering The Nissan GT-R Skyline Lineup That Birthed The 400R

An image of the Nissan GT-R car
Via: Wheelsage.org

For those new to the GT-R Skyline, it's a fleet of sports cars based on an existing model called the Skyline. The Skyline is typically offered as coupes, sedans, crossovers, and convertibles. Think of the GT-R as the sports car variant of the Skyline.

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Aside from competing at the Le Mans showdown, victories at the Japanese Touring Car Championship (4 years straight), and the Australian Touring Car Championship. Nissan adopted the Skyline GT-R as its flagship product, especially since it boasted of several technological innovations like the Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All-Terrain (ATTESA), an all-wheel-drive system.

While the lineup is a great one, the R33 is considered the inspiration for the 400R. Produced between 1995 and 1998 with 16,668 units, it came with some features likened to its predecessor, the R32. Identical features included turbochargers and gearbox specifications. However, the R33’s engine solved an oil pump issue that plagued the R32.

Meeting the Incredible Nissan 400R

nismo 400r (teahub.io)
via teahub.io

As we mentioned before, Nismo, the racing unit of Nissan, developed the 400R to praise the R33, a car that entered the Le Mans race. While Nismo intended to make and release 100 units of the 400R, the R33’s production closure in 1998 caused it to hold that thought. Eventually, only 44 units made it out of the Nismo Omori factory.

Although it was built as a road car, it bears the likeness of a typical race car. It's evident in its attractive exterior colors, clear racing stripes, and unique aerodynamic offerings. It's not regarded as an improved version of the GT-R model without some backing. During development, the engineers subjected it to various striking enhancements.

Its Engine Looked Different

Nissan R33 GT-R Nismo 400R engine bay view
Via: Web.motormagazine.co.jp

Eager to offer its GT-R fan base more power, Nismo revised the R33 engine. Bored and stroked, it was manufactured by REIMAX, a famous Japanese auto shop. Because of the dramatic increase in displacement (200 cc), the engine components underwent radical changes.

These included a stronger crankshaft, 87 mm pistons, reinforced rods, perfected ports, a more efficient oil system, and bigger exhaust manifolds. Nismo also upgraded the redline from 8,000 rpm to 9,000 rpm.

Using a distinct twin-plate clutch, a bigger intercooler system, and a host of significant modifications, it generated 400 hp and 346 lb-ft of torque. It worked with a 5-speed manual transmission and achieved a top speed record of 186 mph.

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It Handled Quite Well For a 90s Car

To satisfy the engine's demands, Nismo installed a chassis capable of matching the engine. Driving it guarantees you top performance and reliable handling. Despite having rigid spring rates, the Bilstein dampers are an incredible work of engineering.

Thanks to the special ATTESA E-TS Pro AWD layout, each wheel always received adequate power. This feature improved traction, turn-ins, and handling in general. The 400R is renowned for many things, but finding a way to resolve the understeer problems of the R33 was brilliant.

It Outmatched Other GT-R Models In Terms of Design

Nissan R33 GT-R Nismo 400R  front fascia close-up view
Via: Nismo.co.jp

The 400R’s design is spectacular because it's the only model with a unique Nismo aerodynamic offering. With that in mind, downforce and cooling efficiency increased by a large margin. It ran on 18-inch Nismo LM-GT1 wheels coated in high-performance 275/35/28 Bridgestone RE710 tires.

The front bonnet and adjustable rear spoiler were composed of carbon fiber. The exterior also included a center front bumper, broadside skirts, and an improved rear bumper. You'd find “400R” imprinted on vinyl stripes on each side of the car.

Concerning the interior design, Nissan opted to play it cool and adopt minimalism. Drivers would find Nismo logos branded on the bucket seats that recline. Also, they'd find “400R '' imprinted on the horn button.

Several parts of the interior accentuated the design philosophy of Nismo. These parts include the instrument panel and gauges.

The 400R Is An Expensive Car Today

Judging from its features, the 400R deserves every single accolade that it’s gotten since its launch. It's an astonishing car with an equally astonishing amount ($2.176 million), according to Harlow Jap Autos.