GT is the abbreviation of the Italian term Gran Turismo, which, in the automotive world, represents a high-performance version of a vehicle. The "R" stands for Racing, indicating a model designed for competitive performance. Among these, the Nissan GT-R stands out as a true icon, earning the renowned title of "Godzilla" and gaining fame worldwide.
The Nissan GT-R traces its origins to the Skyline series under the Prince Motor Company, with its predecessor being the S54 2000 GT-B. Prince Motor Company developed this model to compete in the second Japan Grand Prix, but it narrowly lost to the higher-performing Porsche 904 GTB. Despite the defeat, the S54 2000 GT-B left a lasting impression on many enthusiasts.
In 1966, Prince Motor Company faced a financial crisis and was acquired by Nissan. With the goal of creating a high-performance vehicle, Nissan retained the Skyline series and developed the Skyline GT-R on this platform, internally designated as the PGC10. Despite its boxy appearance and relatively high drag coefficient, its 160-horsepower engine was highly competitive at the time. The first-generation GT-R was launched in 1969, marking the beginning of its dominance in motorsport, amassing 50 victories.
The GT-R's momentum was strong, leading to an iteration in 1972. However, the second-generation GT-R faced unfortunate timing. In 1973, the global oil crisis struck, drastically shifting consumer preferences away from high-performance, high-horsepower vehicles. As a result, the GT-R was discontinued just one year after its release, entering a 16-year hiatus.
In 1989, the third-generation R32 made a powerful comeback. Its modernized design embodied the essence of a contemporary sports car. To enhance its competitiveness in motorsports, Nissan invested heavily in developing the ATTESA E-TS electronic all-wheel-drive system, which automatically distributed torque based on tire grip. This cutting-edge technology was integrated into the R32. Additionally, the R32 was equipped with a 2.6L inline-six twin-turbocharged engine, producing 280 PS and achieving 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 4.7 seconds.
The R32 lived up to expectations, claiming championships in Japan's Group A and Group N touring car races. It also delivered an outstanding performance at the Macau Guia Race, utterly dominating the second-place BMW E30 M3 with a nearly 30-second lead. It was after this legendary race that fans bestowed upon it the nickname "Godzilla."
In 1995, Nissan introduced the fourth-generation R33. However, during its development, the team made a critical misstep by opting for a chassis that prioritized comfort over performance, leaning more towards a sedan-like foundation. This decision resulted in less agile handling compared to its predecessor, which left the market underwhelmed.
Nissan rectified this mistake with the next-generation R34. The R34 reintroduced the ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system and added an active four-wheel steering system, allowing the rear wheels to adjust based on the front wheels' movements. In the world of motorsports, the GT-R returned to dominance, securing an impressive 79 victories over six years.
In 2002, Nissan aimed to make the GT-R even more formidable. The company’s leadership decided to separate the GT-R from the Skyline name, leading to the discontinuation of the R34. In 2007, the sixth-generation R35 was completed and officially unveiled. Built on a new PM platform, the R35 featured advanced technologies such as an active suspension system, the ATTESA E-TS Pro all-wheel-drive system, and cutting-edge aerodynamic design.
On April 17, 2008, the R35 achieved a lap time of 7 minutes and 29 seconds on Germany’s Nürburgring Nordschleife, surpassing the Porsche 911 Turbo. This remarkable performance once again cemented the GT-R's reputation as "Godzilla."
The Nissan GT-R boasts a history spanning over 50 years. Despite two periods of discontinuation and various ups and downs, it remains a prominent force to this day. With its unparalleled performance and enduring legacy, the GT-R continues to win the hearts of fans, fully deserving its title as "Godzilla."
Post time: Dec-06-2024
