The nickname “Godzilla,” now beloved by American car enthusiasts, actually originated in Australia. When Nissan revived the Skyline GT-R in 1989 with the R32 generation, the car made an immediate impact. Australia, familiar with right-hand-drive imports, became one of the first regions to recognize its potential. In July 1989, Wheels magazine dubbed the R32 “Nissan’s new Godzilla,” comparing its unstoppable power to the famous movie monster.
Built for Group A racing, the R32 featured a 2.6-liter RB26DETT engine tuned up to 550 horsepower for competition. Its performance quickly proved the nickname worthy. In 1991, it became the first Japanese car to win the Bathurst 1000 and dominated the Australian Touring Car Championship. It repeated its Bathurst victory in 1992, cementing its legend.
Though production ended in 1994, the R32’s “Godzilla” title lives on as a symbol of its racing dominance and enduring impact.