RB26DETT

The RB26DETT is a 2.6-liter inline-six engine developed by Nissan for the Skyline GT-R, and is a member of the RB engine family. The DETT suffix stands for dual overhead camshafts with electronic fuel injection and twin turbochargers. The engine was produced for the GT-R models from 1989 to 2002 and was used in the R32, R33, and R34 generations.

Technical specifications include a displacement of 2,568 cc, a bore of 86.0 mm and a stroke of 71.7 mm, and a compression ratio of about 8.5:1. It features 24 valves (four per cylinder) with an iron block and an aluminum cylinder head. The powertrain uses two turbochargers with air-to-air intercoolers and electronic engine control. Nissan officially rated the engine at around 280 PS (206 kW) and roughly 353 Nm (260 lb-ft) of torque.

In performance terms, the RB26DETT is known for its high-revving nature and strong mid-range torque, contributing to the GT-R’s celebrated acceleration and all-wheel-drive stability. It is typically paired with Nissan’s ATTESA ET-S all-wheel-drive system and a manual transmission, with variations in the exact gearbox configuration across generations.

The engine’s legacy is tied to the GT-R’s reputation as a performance icon of its era. It is widely regarded for tunability and robustness, becoming a focal point of Japanese performance tuning and motorsport culture. Production of the RB26DETT concluded with the end of the R34 GT-R line, as Nissan transitioned to the VR38DETT engine in the next-generation GT-R.