GTIRs are not like R32 gtrs, its not an electronic system that detects loss of torque, then flicks the switch. all the diffs are mechanical.
the 'mechanical' ATTESA system was developed for the introduction of the RNU12 Bluebird in the Japanese market, entered production in September 1987. The system ran right throughout the U12 series (RNU12/HNU12) and was fitted to numerous U12 models with differing engine and gearbox combinations.
An almost identical system is fitted to the RNN14 GTi-R Pulsar and the HNU13 Bluebird.
Nissan did use ATTESA in the Pulsar GTi-R which was built as a homologation special for the WRC.
You can also find variants of the system fitted to the Nissan Axxess (a people mover).
How it works
There are two distinct four-wheel drive systems in use which are both referred to as \"ATTESA\", one designed for transverse layout vehicles such as the Pulsar GTiR, and the other designed for longitudinal layout vehicles such as the Nissan Skyline GT-R (ATTESA E-TS).
The ATTESA system featured in the transverse layout vehicles, such as the Pulsar GTiR and the Bluebird Attesa (U12/U13/U14), is quite similar to vehicles from other manufacturers. Drive passes from the gearbox to a centre differential, which is then split to a front differential in the transfer case and via a tailshaft to a rear differential.
This more conventional layout provides a constant 50:50 split between front and rear and utilises a centre viscous limited slip differential to distribute torque, aiding in slippery conditions. This system is commonly used in Nissan vehicles that are also available as front wheel drive models.