Nissan
Innovation that Excites: From Datsun to Godzilla
Introduction
Nissan’s story is a global saga of innovation, motorsport triumph, and iconic design. Beginning as DAT and later Datsun, the company grew into a powerhouse known for creating some of the most revered performance cars in history. From the world-conquering Skyline GT-R—nicknamed ‘Godzilla’ for its dominance—to the affordable, beautiful Z-cars that brought sports car ownership to the masses, Nissan has repeatedly proven its engineering excellence.
| Detail | Information |
| Founded | 1933 (as Jidosha Seizo Co., Ltd.) |
| Original Name | Datsun (until 1986 in many markets) |
| HeadQuarters | Yokohama, Japan |
| First Mass Car | Datsun Type 15 (1935) |
| Founding Philosophy | Innovation that Excites |
| Legendary NickName | “Godzilla” (for the Skyline GT-R) |
Iconic Nissan Engines
- RB26DETT: 2.6L Twin-Turbo I6 (Skyline GT-R R32, R33, R34). The heart of Godzilla. An legendary, hand-assembled, twin-turbo inline-six designed for homologation and dominating Group A racing.
- SR20DET: 2.0L Turbo I4 (Silvia, 180SX). A hugely popular, strong, and tunable 4-cylinder that became a drift and tuner icon.
- VQ Series (VQ35DE/HR): 3.5L V6 (350Z, G35). A multiple award-winning V6 renowned for its smoothness, high-revving nature, and reliability.
- L-Series (L24, L26, L28): 2.4L-2.8L I6 (Datsun 240Z, 260Z, 280Z). The smooth, torquey inline-six engines that powered the original Z-car revolution.
- CA18DET: 1.8L Turbo I4 (Silvia S13). The precursor to the SR20, a capable and popular turbocharged engine.
Legendary Nissan Models
- Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32, R33, R34) (1989-2002): “Godzilla.” The all-wheel-drive, twin-turbo technological supercar that dominated global motorsport.
- Datsun 240Z (S30) (1969-1978): The original Z-car. A beautiful, affordable, and capable sports car that took the world by storm.
- Nissan Z-Car (300ZX, 350Z, 370Z) (1983-2020): The successors to the 240Z, continuing the legacy of affordable rear-wheel-drive sports cars.
- Nissan Silvia / 200SX / 240SX (S13, S14, S15) (1988-2002): The quintessential drift car. A lightweight, rear-wheel-drive coupe that became a global canvas for tuners.
- Nissan GT-R (R35) (2007-Present): The modern incarnation of Godzilla. A technological tour-de-force with a twin-turbo V6 and advanced all-wheel drive.
- Nissan Patrol (60, GQ, GU) (1980-Present): A rugged, body-on-frame SUV and a direct competitor to the Toyota Land Cruiser, known for its brute strength.
- Nissan Maxima (4th Gen) (1988-1994): The “4DSC” (Four-Door Sports Car). A powerful, front-wheel-drive sedan that built a strong reputation.
The Rise of Godzilla
Nissan’s engineering might was proven in the most brutal way possible: total domination. The Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 was so effective in the Australian Touring Car Championship that it was banned. It won 29 straight races. This utter dominance earned it the nickname ‘Godzilla’ from the Australian press. The R32 also claimed multiple championships in the JTCC and famously won the 1991 Nürburgring 24 Hours, cementing its status as a legendary performance car.