This 700-HP Carbon Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 Weighs Less Than Stock

Larry Chen Finds the Ultimate R32

Larry Chen is back in Kyushu, Japan, with another deep dive into Garage Active honcho, Kasuhige Sakamoto-san’s carbon-fiber obsession. This time, the focus is on a narrowbody version of the Nissan Skyline GT-R R32. Unlike the widebody build previously featured, this car retains factory body dimensions. The exaggerated arches are gone. In their place is the original R32 silhouette, executed entirely in dry carbon fiber.

Obviously, the weight savings are significant. Factory curb weight is roughly 3,260 lbs. This build weighs 3,030 lbs. That is about 230 lbs lighter than stock. Importantly, it achieves that reduction without stripping the cabin. Chen describes it as feeling less like a modified GT-R and more like the ultimate evolution of the platform. It preserves the design enthusiasts love while elevating materials and execution to another level.

700+ HP With Street-Focused Tuning

Power comes from an HKS 2.8-liter stroker RB engine. It runs HKS V-CAM Step 2, a NISMO intake, and HKS’s latest intake system. Twin turbos remain in place, and output is quoted at over 700 horsepower. That figure is lower than the shop’s 960-hp widebody car, but the tuning focus here is response and drivability rather than peak numbers.

With the Nissan GT-R R35 now officially out of production, the market is once again left without a truly dailyable GT-R. Builds like this narrowbody R32 step into that vacuum, blending serious performance with street manners in a way that feels especially relevant right now.

A new 5-speed transmission and an OS Giken clutch deliver power. An ATS rear differential adds bite, though Chen notes it feels aggressive and clunky at low speeds. The rest of the driving experience is surprisingly civil. The throttle is sensitive, but the car behaves like a well-sorted street machine. Inside, it retains rear seats, air conditioning, and audio. Carbon trim, reupholstered panels, and Recaro seats complete the cabin.

$375,000 Build, Touring Before Delivery

The car featured carries a $375,000 asking price and is designated Full Carbon No. 11. It is a customer commission. However, the owner will not take delivery for one year. The car will tour internationally before the handover. At the time of filming, the engine had just 37 kilometers on it, making it essentially new.

The G Active website lists the prices of these parts if you already have a Skyline R32 GT-R. The dry carbon body panels alone total approximately $47,833 before tax. Individual components are costly. The door set is roughly $8,433 before tax. Rear quarter panels exceed $7,000. Even smaller pieces, such as the grille and rear underpanel, cross the $1,200 mark. Those figures help explain the final price. Still, this R32 was built for road use, not static display. With a global tour planned, enthusiasts may soon see what could be the most refined version of the R32 formula at a car meet near them. This should tide us over until Nissan gets their act together and gives us the new GT-R.