A Swiss-Built GTR Like No Other: How MAPTEC Transformed an R32 into a One-Off Street Machine
Some cars evolve quietly, step by step. Others are completely reimagined through years of precision work. This 1991 Nissan Skyline GTR R32—built by Swiss motorsport engineering firm MAPTEC GmbH—falls squarely into the second category.
What began as a nearly stock classic has become a wide-bodied, single-turbo powerhouse with the soul of a modern machine. The MAPTEC team handled every element in-house, from the engine build to the final dyno calibration. And when it came time to equip the driver with critical data—without sacrificing the car’s original character—they turned to the PLEX uSDM-200 digital dash display.
Nestled in Romanshorn, Switzerland, MAPTEC GmbH is known for its technical precision, modern calibration expertise, and thoughtful builds that blend innovation with OEM integrity
From Factory Twin-Turbo to Single-Turbo Precision
When MAPTEC first received the R32, it retained its stock twin-turbo setup and much of its factory character. But over time—and through meticulous step-by-step refinement—they reshaped it into a far more capable machine.
The heart of the transformation is MAPTEC’s custom EFR8474 single-turbo kit, paired with a fully built RB26DETT engine. To extract the full potential of this setup, they turned to a Link ECU, calibrated on their in-house Dynapack dyno.
“From the initial twin-turbo setup, we changed to our EFR8474 turbo kit and a Link ECU. This has completely transformed the car,” explains the MAPTEC team. “Boost pressure now comes on much earlier in the rev range, and the peak power has increased significantly.”
The result is an engine that feels decades newer in character—responsive, torquey, and refined.
“The old RB26 now drives like a modern engine and offers considerable torque even at low revs.”
Project Specifications
| Location | Romanshorn, Switzerland |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | Nissan Skyline GTR R32 (1991) |
| Engine | RB26DETT (Built) with MAPTEC EFR8474 Single Turbo Kit |
| ECU | Link ECU (calibrated in-house on Dynapack) |
| Display Used | 2.8″ PLEX uSDM-200 |
| Use Case | Street |
| Notable Feature | Full metal wide-body extension (~5cm per side) |
| Display Highlight | CAN bus error code text display, logic-based alarms, and daylight-readable IPS screen |
| Media Coverage | Featured in print magazines |
| Website | www.maptec.ch |
| @maptec_motorsport_engineering |
Custom Metalwork and a One-Off Widebody
Performance wasn’t the only goal. MAPTEC also gave the GTR a comprehensive visual overhaul, with subtle but significant enhancements that set the car apart without straying from its original spirit.
“The Nissan came to us in almost its original condition. Over the years, we’ve optimized it more and more,” they say. “The total sum of all adjustments and optimisations, as well as the body widening, make this GTR a unique one-off.”
The body has been widened by approximately 5 centimeters on each side, but MAPTEC took great care to preserve the factory lines.
“The body extensions have been deliberately modeled on the original look and are made entirely of metal.”
This is not a bolt-on widebody or a fiberglass showpiece—it’s handcrafted, all-metal work with a deep respect for the car’s heritage.
Real-Time Insights, Minimal Footprint: The PLEX uSDM-200 Solution
With such a significant transformation under the hood, MAPTEC needed a way to provide the driver with complete situational awareness—without disrupting the interior’s original aesthetic.
That’s where the PLEX uSDM-200 micro display came in.
“The owner wanted to keep the original speedometer and still have all the parameters in view. The PLEX uSDM-200 was the perfect choice for a powerful additional display.”
The uSDM-200’s compact footprint and flexible mounting options made it easy to integrate alongside the factory cluster. But the benefits went well beyond fitment.
“The PLEX display receives all relevant parameters from the Link ECU. With the extensive alarm, maths and logic functions, we have configured messages for the driver for all possible scenarios.”
These aren’t just generic warnings. The alarm system is tailored to the exact needs of this build—configured to alert the driver to key thresholds, anomalies, and system statuses based on real-time data.
Standout Feature: CAN Bus Error Code Display
One feature that particularly impressed the MAPTEC team was PLEX’s CAN Bus enumeration, which allowed them to go a step further in usability.
“This allows us to show error codes from the ECU directly as text on the display,” they explain. “It means the driver knows immediately where the problem lies and doesn’t have to waste time searching through error code tables.”
It’s a subtle but powerful enhancement—especially in a street-driven, high-performance vehicle where quick diagnostics can prevent damage or downtime.
Bright in Daylight, Built for the Street
MAPTEC also praised the clarity of the display—especially under real-world lighting conditions.
“Many other displays dazzle and are almost impossible to read in direct sunlight,” they noted. “With the PLEX, we’ve had no such issue.”
Thanks to its bright, high-contrast IPS TFT screen, the uSDM-200 delivers excellent readability in daylight—ensuring that critical information remains visible at all times, whether cruising or pushing hard.
Final Thoughts: A Balanced, Bespoke GTR
This build may not scream for attention at first glance—but every detail, from the fully metal wide-bodywork to the refined engine dynamics and intelligent data monitoring, reflects a higher level of engineering. It’s been covered in magazines for good reason: this is a car built with intent, by people who understand the balance between tradition and innovation.
“It’s the sum of all the small decisions that makes this car what it is.”
About MAPTEC
MAPTEC GmbH is a Swiss motorsport engineering company specializing in engine calibration, powertrain electronics, and high-performance vehicle development. With in-house dyno facilities and deep expertise in ECU tuning, MAPTEC supports a wide range of motorsport and performance projects—from custom street builds to competitive race cars. Based in Romanshorn, Switzerland, MAPTEC is known for its precision, reliability, and data-driven approach.
Learn more at www.maptec.ch
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