Godzilla: The Legendary History of the Nissan Skyline GT-R
The Nissan Skyline GT-R is more than just a car; it is an icon, a technological showcase, and a legend that earned the fearsome nickname “Godzilla” for its earth-shattering dominance on the race track. Its history is a captivating tale of engineering prowess, racing heritage, and an enduring mystique that spans over five decades.
The Humble Origins (1969-1973)
The GT-R story begins not with Nissan, but with the Prince Motor Company, which introduced the first Skyline in 1957. The “GT-R” (Gran Turismo Racer) badge was first applied to a high-performance version of the third-generation Skyline, known internally as the PGC10 (and later the two-door KPGC10).
- First Generation (PGC10/KPGC10 – “Hakosuka” Launched in 1969, the first GT-R was a four-door sedan (later a coupe) powered by a race-bred 2.0L inline-six S20 engine, producing 160hp Its boxy shape earned it the beloved Japanese nickname “Hakosuka” (meaning “Boxy Skyline”). It quickly found success in Japanese Touring Car racing, winning an astonishing 52 races in its first few years.
- Second Generation (KPGC110 – “Kenmeri” A short-lived successor, the C110 GT-R was released in 1973. However, due to the 1973 oil crisis and stricter emissions regulations, performance cars fell out of favor, and production was halted after just 197 units were built. The GT-R nameplate disappeared for over a decade.
The Digital Era: Return of the King (1989-2002)
After a 16-year hiatus, the GT-R returned in a form that would redefine its legend and the sports car world.
The R32: Godzilla is Born (1989–1994)
The R32 Skyline GT-R was engineered for one purpose: to dominate Group A racing.11 It was an instant game-changer, featuring:
- Engine: The legendary RB26DETT—a 2.6-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine—officially rated at 280hp (due to the Japanese “Gentlemen’s Agreement”) but capable of much more.
- Drivetrain: The revolutionary ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All-Electronic Torque Split) All-Wheel Drive system, which gave it incredible traction and speed.
- Racing Dominance: The R32 was undefeated in the Japanese Touring Car Championship (JTCC), winning 29 out of 29 races over four seasons. Its total domination led Australian media to nickname it “Godzilla,” the monster from Japan.16
The R33: Refining the Formula (1995–1998)
The R33 GT-R was an evolutionary step, retaining the RB26DETT engine and the advanced AWD system (now with the ATTESA E-TS Pro version). While slightly larger and heavier than the R32, it became the first production car to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife in under eight minutes, cementing the GT-R’s reputation as a world-class performance machine.
The R34: The Icon of the Millennium (1999–2002)
Often considered the pinnacle of the “Skyline” GT-R models, the R34 GT-R featured a shorter wheelbase and a sharper, more aggressive design.
- Technology: It introduced a cutting-edge LCD Multifunction Display in the dashboard, giving the driver real-time access to detailed engine and vehicle statistics like G-force, boost pressure, and temperatures.
- Pop Culture: The R34 achieved global fame, becoming a beloved icon in video games (like Gran Turismo) and cinema (most notably the Fast & Furious franchise), making it one of the most recognizable and sought-after JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) cars in history.
The Standalone Supercar: The R35 (2007–Present)
After the R34 ended production in 2002, the GT-R name was again retired, but not for long. In 2007, Nissan unleashed the R35, which officially dropped the “Skyline” name, becoming the standalone Nissan GT-R.
- Platform: It features a completely new platform with an “independent transaxle” AWD setup.
- Engine: Power comes from the all-new VR38DETT, a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6, hand-built by only a few master craftsmen known as the “Takumi.”
- Performance: The R35 continued the tradition of giant-slaying performance, utilizing advanced technology, a dual-clutch transmission, and brutal launch control to deliver supercar acceleration and handling at a fraction of the price of European rivals. Through continuous updates, Nissan has ensured that Godzilla remains competitive on the world stage.
From its humble racing beginnings to its modern status as a technological tour-de-force, the Nissan Skyline GT-R has carved out a unique and permanent place in automotive history as a relentless, dominant, and ultimately, legendary sports car.