Why is the GTR called 'Godzilla'?
3 Answers
Because this car has extremely powerful performance and high modification potential. What does GTR mean: G (Grand): Grand, super; T (Touring): A car capable of long-distance travel; R (Racing): A car suitable for racing. Father of the GTR: Shinichiro Sakurai, after graduating from Yokohama National University, joined Prince Motor Company in 1952 as a chassis engineer and actively participated in the development of the first-generation Nissan Skyline. He was responsible for all engineering and development of the Skyline models until Nissan took over the project and continued to develop the Nissan MID4 project.
I've always been fascinated by racing history, especially the part about Japanese racing culture. The reason why the GTR is called "Godzilla" is mainly due to its glorious achievements in the 1960s and 1970s. Back then, Nissan's Skyline GT-R was like a dark horse on the track, defeating strong European teams like Porsche. I've heard from old car enthusiasts that starting in 1969, it won 50 consecutive races in domestic Japanese competitions, hardly losing any. This unbeaten record made it famous. People thought it was powerful, reliable, and durable, completely dominating the track, hence the title "Godzilla." This term doesn't just represent winning races but symbolizes that fearless spirit and the confidence of the rising Japanese automotive industry. Looking back now, those old racing videos still get my blood pumping. It taught the world that small-displacement cars can also achieve great things.
As a car enthusiast, I particularly admire the design of the GTR, and its "Godzilla" title is well-deserved. The core lies in its engineering prowess, especially the RB26DETT engine and the ATTESA four-wheel-drive system, which create a near-perfect balance of handling. I learned that in the 1990s, it also set records at the Nürburgring, proving its ability to maintain top performance under harsh conditions. This stability allowed it to stand out in various races, with teams relying on it to secure victories. People call it Godzilla because it’s like a mythical hero, always emerging victorious against any challenge. Moreover, this honor has inspired continuous upgrades in modern models, which I believe truly represents automotive technology—not just a reputation but a solid accumulation of victories.
