The Demise of the Nissan Skyline GT-R: What Happened?

It’s actually pretty simple. Nissan figured having two cars with nearly the same engine (even if slightly different) wasn’t profitable, so they dropped the Skyline and went all in on the GT-R with a V6. Most likely, the GT-R and Z-Series share similarities because they both run V6 engines — maybe the GT-R’s engine is just an upgraded version of the Z’s.

Back in the early 2000s, Nissan had two six-cylinder sports cars: the R34 Skyline and the 350Z. Some people might say Nissan made the wrong call, but I think they just didn’t see the need for two nearly identical sports cars under the same brand. Plus, they were dealing with a bunch of issues at the time, so maybe cutting the Skyline was just the practical move. They focused on the GT-R instead, and honestly? I’m kinda glad they did. It just felt like the RB26 and its variants didn’t really have a future.

Don’t get me wrong —I’m not bashing the RB26. It’s one of the best JDM engines out there. But it’s outdated. The RB series has been around since the 1980s, and Nissan may have hit a dead end with its development. Enter the VR38 — a fresh, modern engine built with newer technology, designed to meet stricter emissions standards and whatever else regulations throw at it. Plus, the VR38 has way more potential for power gains.

Now, I know what you’re thinking—“But RB26 can be tuned to make just as much power!” Sure, it can. But from Nissan’s perspective, it probably wasn’t worth the hassle. Emissions regulations likely played a big role in phasing out the RB26, and rather than trying to update an aging platform, Nissan decided to go all-in on a brand-new engine.

I also think Nissan’s decision had to do with market strategy. Maybe they didn’t see a need for two six-cylinder sports cars in their lineup, so the Skyline, as we knew it, got the axe. Demand might not have been high enough at the time, and if it wasn’t making them money, why keep it around?

The RB26 was bound to be replaced—just like any other technology. And one day, the VR38 will be replaced too, with something even more powerful and environmentally friendly. That’s just how it goes.

Honestly, it’s actually a good idea—keeping the Skyline around now would be a bad move for Nissan. I mean, Nissan could’ve made the Skyline work, but it also could’ve flopped, especially with the sports car market shrinking. Sports cars used to have a solid market, but it’s changing. It’s always been a dynamic space, and that’s not slowing down anytime soon.

The GT-R’s position is more interesting, though. Nissan seems set on having a flagship sports car, and something with a V-engine makes sense. It sounds unique, and it’s capable of serious power. Sure, the RB26 could be tuned to hit 500hp, but that’s not exactly easy—and Nissan made the right call going with a different platform. Those V6 engines they use definitely deserved more attention, and they got it. At least the engine is popular and has proven itself.

As for the Skyline and GT-R being stablemates—probably not gonna happen. They could’ve been positioned differently, like the Silvia and Skyline were back in the day, but Nissan clearly didn’t see the need. They dropped both the Skyline and the Silvia and went all-in on the GT-R. Still, they’re missing that mid-range sports car in the lineup.

The Skyline died because of the times. People want newer, more exciting sports cars, and the Skyline just isn’t seen as attractive anymore. It’s kind of a shame—but that’s just how it went.