As the penultimate edition of the “R34” series Skyline GT-R, and in fact, as one of the last of the traditionally inline-six powered Skylines, the V-Spec II is destined to be a collectible. Let’s hope that this doesn’t mean that existing models are parked in garages and never driven, because driving is exactly what Nissan intended this GT-R to do. The V-Spec II (the “V” stands for “victory,” by the way) comes with all of the goodies that the original V-Spec had, but it’s even harder-edged thanks to increased stiffness and lighter weight (primarily due to a special carbon fiber hood, spotted at a distance by the small NACA duct). The RB26DETT engine will be familiar to Skyline fans, but only the very fanatical will know offhand that the ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system is actually the “Pro” version, with an active limited-slip differential that splits torque laterally if necessary. Externally, small “V-Spec II” badges and a large “bi-plane” rear wing differentiate this Skyline from lesser models. With well over 300 horsepower (advertised as 280 due to Japan horsepower limitations), the GT-R is not only quick, it’s very much so—particularly in poor traction situations where the all-wheel drive system comes into the fore.
