As the R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R was finishing up its four-year dominance of the All-Japan Touringcar Championship (JTC), winning every single race from 1990-93, a new Nissan race car was on the horizon. The FIA had announced new rules for 1994, which required four-door base cars and naturally aspirated engines of 2.0 liters or less. Goodbye Godzilla, hello Primera.
In some footage recently released online, Nissan Motorsports is testing what would be their entrant in to the newly formed Japan Touring Car Championship (JTCC). Whereas the R32 generated about 600 horsepower, the SR20-powered Primera made only about 290 to 300.
The chassis, known as the Infiniti G20 in the US, had already seen some success in the British Touring Car Championships (BTCC). However, Nissan was developing its own version and in this footage from 1993 the white test car was being shaken down by Masahiro Hasemi at Fuji Speedway. The team was conducting suspension testing and working on eliminating understeer from the front-drive platform.
For the next couple of years the Primera would become Nissan’s star touring car, with many teams and liveries familiar to R32 fans — Calsonic, Unisia JECS, Castrol — swapped over from the Skyline GT-Rs. The Primera would see action in a dizzying number of series around the world in addition to Japan and Britain. Primeras also raced in the Italian, German, Swedish, Australian, Central European, and South American Touring Car Championships.
That’s four continents, making the P10 Primera a true world traveler. It’s a shame Infiniti didn’t capitalize on the G20’s racing chops in the US, but it was a different brand. As a result, the Primera was seen as a somewhat cheap front-drive also-ran in the luxury car wars of the 90s. On the other hand, that means they’re one of the few “undiscovered” Japanese performance classics that can still be gotten for relatively affordable prices.
I learn to drive on a Primera P10 2l slx with my grand dad.
One of the best car I’ve ever driven, great gearbox and even greater engine!
I once traded in a 1990 Civic Si (only 35k miles) for a new P10 Infiniti G20 in 1995 to accommodate a growing family. It was a 5 speed manual transmission “touring” model in silver w/ black leather interior. It was so rare that I had to wait 3 months for it to arrive from Japan.
Although the SRD20E was underpowered, the Primera/G20 had excellent handling for a FWD sedan; the fruits of Nissan’s “901 Movement” which also gave birth to the legendary R32 Skyline, Z32 300ZX, and S14 Silvia chassis. With it, I could keep up with much more powerful cars on the canyon roads of L.A.
Nissan actually became the first Japanese mfr to win the British Touring Car Championship manufacturers’ title in 1997 with the P11 Primera. The following year, Primeras swept the mfrs and drivers titles for both the factory and privateer classes, winning 13 of 26 races. While it also excelled in the Japanese domestic touring car series, the BTCC achievements were more significant as it came against factory competition fielded by Audi, Ford, Peugeot, Volvo, and a Williams GP-prepared Renault.
I simply don’t understand why the 90s Touring Car look isn’t more popular for street builds.
Where do you think R.I.C.E. (race inspired cosmetic enhancement) look came from?
It left such a foul taste in many people’s mouths after many a Civic and Eclipse ruined, that it will take a good while before people will accept it again (excluding Japan of course).
Best part is there’s a Hot Wheels of it coming out soon in mock Calsonic livery.
Inno and Kyosho have also released very detailed versions in 1/64 scale: https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p4432023.m570.l1313&_nkw=primera+1%2F64&_sacat=0
I tend towards 1/43 scale, and several brands (including a super-detailed Ignition version) have previously released Primeras in various livery including this test model. I’m amazed how much they’ve gone up in value. https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&_nkw=primera+1%2F43&_sacat=0&_odkw=primera+1%2F64&_osacat=0
What an enlightening read! The Nissan Primera P10 truly stands out as a legendary international touring car. Its presence across four continents is a testament to its exceptional design and performance. The engineering prowess behind the P10 not only made it a formidable competitor on the race track but also a symbol of Nissan’s commitment to excellence. It’s fascinating to see how this model captivated the hearts of racing enthusiasts globally, showcasing unparalleled agility and resilience. Kudos to the Nissan team for creating such an iconic vehicle that continues to inspire admiration and respect in the automotive world. Bravo!
They also raced in Spain in 1994 CET with this wonderful livery.
http://www.supertouringregister.com/picture/6446/
check mine out! #VVLP10