How the Nissan GT R Earned the Iconic 'Godzilla' Nickname

The legendary nickname "Godzilla" associated with the Nissan GT-R has captured the hearts of car enthusiasts in the United States, but the term actually originated in Australia. Nissan’s Australian division recently revealed the fascinating backstory of how this iconic name came to life—and it is a tale as extraordinary as the car itself.

When Nissan resurrected the Skyline GT-R in 1989 after a 16-year break, it unveiled the R32 generation, which marked a turning point for performance cars. Although the GT-R would not debut as a standalone model in the United States until later, it quickly gained attention in Australia, a market well-acquainted with right-hand-drive imports from Japan. The R32’s arrival created a stir, solidifying its place in the history of performance vehicles.

In July 1989, Wheels magazine in Australia dubbed the R32 "Nissan's new Godzilla," drawing a parallel to the Japanese cinematic monster known for its unstoppable power and dominance. The moniker was not just for show; it foreshadowed the significant impact the R32 would have on the competitive racing world.

Nissan designed the R32 with racing in mind, tailoring it to meet the stringent Group A regulations for production-based cars. Engineers boosted the power of its RB26DETT 2.6-liter turbocharged inline-six engine from the street-legal version’s 276 horsepower to an astonishing 550 horsepower for the track. Australia, with its intense racing culture, provided the perfect proving ground.

The R32 made history in 1991 by becoming the first Japanese car to win the prestigious Bathurst 1000 race at Mount Panorama Circuit. That same year, it dominated the Australian Touring Car Championship, earning victories in six out of nine races and standing on the podium every single time. In 1992, the R32 repeated its Bathurst win in dramatic fashion, but the race ended amid controversy, with heavy rain and rule changes prompting passionate debates.

Although the R32 ceased production in 1994, its legacy endured through subsequent generations. The nickname "Godzilla" remains a testament to the R32’s groundbreaking achievements and the era when it conquered the racing world with undeniable force and style.

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