ABOUT THE R33 NISSAN SKYLINE

The R33 Skyline was introduced in August 1993. Slightly heavier than the R32, it is available in coupe and sedan bodystyles. All models now used a 6-cylinder engine. Nissan took the unusual step of down-grading the GTS model to have only the RB20E, while the twin-cam of the R32 GTS was discontinued along with the 2.0 L turbo RB20DET.
Some models came equipped with a new version of the HICAS 4-wheel steering system called Super HICAS. This computer controlled system was first used on the R32 GT-R. Super HICAS used electric actuators to steer the rear, as opposed to the hydraulic HICAS. This generation was no longer considered a 'compact' under Japanese legislation that determined the amount of tax liability based on exterior dimensions.

As an option, an active limited slip differential was available instead of the standard viscous LSD. This new unit locked the rear differential if it detected that traction was lost by one of the wheels. A light on the dash also lit up if the LSD engaged. Active LSD came standard on the V-Spec GT-Rs and was also available on some GTS-25t models; these can be identified by the A-LSD and SLIP lights on the tachometer.
The RB25DE and RB25DET engines also became equipped with NVCS (variable inlet cam phasing). NVCS equipped RB's have a bulge on the front of the cam cover.

MODELS (VERY BASICS)
GTS – 2.0 L RB20E I6, 128 hp
GTS-25 – 2.5 L RB25DE I6, 187 hp
GTS-4 – 2.5 L RB25DE I6, 187 hp, 4WD
GTS-25t – 2.5 L RB25DET turbo I6, 247 hp
P.Ride 280 Type MR - 2.8L RB28DET turbo I6, 296 hp
GT-R - 2.6 L RB26DETT twin-turbo I6, 276 hp, 4WD

To celebrate their 40th anniversary, Nissan introduced a very rare 4-door GT-R. Two versions of the 4-door GT-R were available from Nissan's subsidiaries: the first was produced by Autech, and the second was a joint Autech/Nismo project.

A Nissan Laurel C34 based wagon was released in September 1996, called the Stagea. It is widely regarded as a compatriot of the Skyline, rather than the Laurel it was based on, owing to drivetrain configurations-- Commonly 4WD using ATTESA ET-S. A manual transmission was only available on the RS-Four and RS-Four V models. There was also an Autech tuned Stagea, the 260RS; released with full GT-R running gear, including an RB26DETT engine and manual transmission, a unique body kit, 17" alloys, and GT-R instrumentation.

R33 SERIES 2
The series 2 facelift continued the concepts introduced in the R32. Driver and passenger airbags became standard in 1996. As a result, pre-1996 models are barred from being imported into various countries for consumer road use as they do not meet the frontal impact standards.
For the RB25DET engine the ignition system was also changed, with the ignition module no longer located on the cam covers and was instead replaced by smart ignition coils (ignitor built into coil) and ECU. The RB25DET turbo was also given a Ceramic compressor wheel.

Throughout the time the R33 was produced there were quite a number of different styled lights and bodykits fitted, but the actual body/chassis underwent no changes. Among the cosmetic changes with the series 2 were; the headlights which tapered down more towards the grill and were fitted with improved reflectors, the grill (which was longer on the series 1), the bonnet which had a re-shaped leading edge to fit the new lights, and front bumper changing shape in the smallest amount to match the lower edge of the new headlights. Later models of the series 2 also had the option of having an Active-LSD fitted.
The R33 ceased production in February 1998 with the 40th Anniversary R33 Series 3.

GT-R
The R33 GT-R had the same RB26DETT engine that the R32 was equipped with, although torque had been improved due to changes in the turbo compressor aerodynamics, turbo dump pipe, and intercooler. The turbo core changed from a sleeve bearing to a ball bearing, but the turbine itself remained ceramic, except on N1 turbos (steel turbine, sleeve bearing).

From the R33 onward, all GT-Rs received Brembo brakes. In 1995 the GT-R received an improved version of the RB26DETT, the ATTESA-ETS four-wheel-drive system, and Super HICAS 4-wheel steering.
A limited edition model was created in 1996, called the NISMO 400R, that produced 400 hp (298 kW) from a road-tuned version of Nissan's Le Mans engine. A stronger six-speed Getrag gearbox was used.

An R33 GT-R driven by Dirk Schoysman lapped the Nordschleife in less than 8 minutes. Though it was often said to be the first production car to break 8 minutes, the limited run Jaguar XJ220 had already achieved a 7'46" lap. Other manufacturers had caught up since the R32 was released, and the R33 never dominated motorsport to the extent of the R32.

Main thanks: www.wikipedia.org