GT-R: How Japan Created an Unstoppable Monster

Summary

This video dives into the history of the Nissan GT-R, specifically the R32, which earned the nickname 'Godzilla' for its dominance in motorsports. It explores Nissan's struggles in the 1980s, their resurgence under the leadership of Yutaka Kume, and the development of the 901 movement. By using cutting-edge technology, including the ATTESA all-wheel-drive system, the R32 GT-R became a legend, obliterating competition from Ford, BMW, and others. The video highlights how this car not only won races but also revived Nissan’s reputation as a global automotive powerhouse.

Takeaways

• 🏆 The mantra in the automotive world is that winning races translates to brand success and sales.
• 🚗 The Nissan R32 GT-R was a revolutionary sports car that dominated races and revitalized Nissan's brand image.
• 🔥 The R32 GT-R, nicknamed 'Godzilla,' became an unstoppable force in racing, winning every Group A race it entered from 1990 to 1993.
• 🇯🇵 The success of the GT-R in Japan and globally re-established Nissan as a leader in performance cars.
• 🛠 The development of the R32 GT-R was part of Nissan's 901 Movement, aimed at creating the world's best-performing cars by 1990.
• 🔧 Nissan's advanced engineering, including the ATTESA all-wheel-drive system, gave the GT-R unparalleled grip and handling.
• 📈 The GT-R's dominance in racing led to massive sales, far exceeding the initial production targets.
• 🦖 The GT-R earned the nickname 'Godzilla' after its dominance in Australian touring car racing, where it outperformed all competitors.
• 🏁 The R32 GT-R's success played a significant role in the creation of the Australian V8 Supercars series.
• 👑 The R32 GT-R is remembered as one of the most successful and iconic sports cars in history, cementing Nissan's legacy in motorsports.

Q & A

What was Nissan's state in the early 1980s?

In the early 1980s, Nissan was struggling both financially and in motorsport. Their cars weren't selling well, and they had not been competitive in racing. The Nissan Z had become bloated and unexciting, while the Skyline hadn't lived up to the GT-R badge for a decade.

What was the 901 Movement, and why was it important for Nissan?

The 901 Movement was a company-wide initiative launched by Nissan in the mid-1980s with the goal of creating the best-performing cars in the world by 1990. It was crucial because it marked a turning point for Nissan, focusing the company's efforts on performance and innovation, leading to the development of legendary cars like the R32 GT-R.

How did Nissan's all-wheel-drive system differ from Porsche's 959 system?

Nissan's ATTESA ET-S system only engaged the front wheels when the rear wheels lost traction, providing better oversteer and driving behavior in turns. In contrast, Porsche's 959 system constantly sent power to the front wheels, which resulted in too much understeer for Nissan's preferences.

Why was the R32 GT-R referred to as 'Godzilla'?

The R32 GT-R earned the nickname 'Godzilla' in Australia due to its dominating performance in the Australian touring car scene, where it overpowered competitors like the Ford Sierra. Its monstrous power and capability led the Australian press to associate it with the fire-breathing movie monster.

What role did the ATTESA ET-S system play in the GT-R's success?

The ATTESA ET-S system was crucial to the GT-R’s success because it provided advanced all-wheel-drive capabilities, allowing the car to deliver power to the wheels that needed it most. This gave the GT-R superior grip and handling, especially when exiting corners, which was key to its dominance in racing.

What made the R32 GT-R’s engine, the RB26DETT, so powerful?

The RB26DETT engine was a 2.6-liter inline-six, equipped with two turbos. It produced around 320 horsepower from the factory, but in racing form, it could reach 600 to 800 horsepower. The engine’s design maximized power output within Group A regulations, making it a dominant force in motorsports.

How did Nissan’s Group A success help rebuild its reputation?

Nissan's success in Group A racing helped rebuild its reputation as a leader in performance cars. The R32 GT-R's consistent victories over international competitors like Ford and BMW not only solidified Nissan’s position in Japanese motorsport but also showcased its technological prowess on a global stage.

What was the significance of Nissan’s Mid4 prototype?

The Nissan Mid4 prototype was an ambitious attempt at creating a supercar. While it never made it into production, the development of the Mid4 helped Nissan perfect technologies like all-wheel-drive and four-wheel steering, which were later used in the R32 GT-R.

What effect did the R32 GT-R have on international motorsport rules?

The R32 GT-R was so dominant in racing that it led to changes in motorsport rules. In Australia, for example, its overwhelming success in the touring car championship contributed to the development of the Australian V8 Supercars series, which excluded cars like the GT-R.

How did the 901 Movement impact Nissan’s production cars beyond the GT-R?

The 901 Movement led to the creation of several iconic Nissan cars, including the 300ZX, Silvia, and Pulsar GTiR. These cars helped Nissan build a reputation for performance and innovation, cementing its place in the sports car market.