Is the Nissan R35 "Godzilla"?

"TwoFortified" (twofortified)
12/20/2013 at 18:02 • Filed to: None

I think not, but clearly some disagree.

First off, if you don’t know what the hell I’m talking about, !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! on the Nissan Skyline GT-R says “...the GT-R name was revived in 1989 with the Skyline R32. This car was nicknamed “Godzilla” by the Australian motoring publication Wheels in its July 1989 edition.” Colloquially, this was tongue-in-cheek, as the Aussies thought of the car as “The monster from Japan”.

Since 1989, we’ve had the Nissan Skyline R32, R33, and R34, all of which had a GT-R variant that ran the RB26DETT engine (a 2.6L, DOHC, Twin Turbo). Rightly, all of these have been called Godzilla at some point in time (although I’ve heard it most commonly when referring to the R32 (the first) and the R34 (arguably the best) Skylines). Technically, Nissan of Japan also marketed the Infinity G35 as a Skyline (which did not run the RB26), but I’ve never heard anyone refer to it as Godzilla.

...and now we have the “Nissan GT-R”, whose chassis designation is the R35. Let me be perfectly clear:

The R35 is not a Skyline.

The R35 is not Godzilla.

It may perform better in every category than any Skyline that has existed or ever will, but, even if this was the case, this would not make the above two statements true.

If you disagree, feel free to berate me in the comments. If you agree, feel free to berate the nay-sayers in the comments. If you are an official Jalopnik writer, or are an Oppo guy that gets that sweet sweet FP action on the regular, take heed, or I’m gonna start calling every Ford I see the “Boss”.

DISCUSSION (52)

pdthedeuce > TwoFortified
12/20/2013 at 18:09

some guy named Travis wrote this ...

http://jalopnik.com/nissan-gt-r-ni…

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

TwoFortified > pdthedeuce
12/20/2013 at 18:20

He should read my article and learn. Calling the R35 "Godzilla" is like comparing a 2013 Pontiac Aztek to a 1969 Pontiac GTO (to me anyway. Not sure if many people agree. I know others in my circle of Nissan guys do).

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > TwoFortified
12/20/2013 at 18:33

I'd say it's Mecha Godzilla.

Kinja'd!!!

TheCraigy > TwoFortified
12/20/2013 at 18:33

Is the R35 GT-R not the successor to the R34 Skyline GT-R?

If anything, the fact that it's a stand-alone, built-from-the-ground-up sportscar (as opposed to the Skyline), the R35 is more Godzilla than the R34....

Maybe you're suggesting that the R35 GT-R is better than Godzilla?

Random Commenter > TwoFortified
12/20/2013 at 18:38

Well, for starters, the Infiniti G35 was sold as a Skyline in Japan. More specifically, there were several Infiniti G-series cars sold in Japan as Skylines.

Infiniti G35 Nissan Skyline 350 GT
Infiniti G36 Nissan Skyline 360 GT
Infiniti G37 Nissan Skyline 370 GT

There never were GT-R Versions of these "Skylines". These "Skylines" are connected to the previous Skylines by name only. The GT-R was effectively split from the Skyline name at this point. Thus, this is why none of them were ever referred to as "Godzilla".

Nissan discontinued production of the RB engine series in 2004. So any new GT-R from this point forward would have to use a different engine than previous GT-R models. This shouldn't be used as ammo against calling the current GT-R "Godzilla" as not all GT-R models from the history of the Skyline name used an RB series engine.

In 2007, Nissan brought out the current R35 GT-R, which has a 3.8 Liter VR38DETT twin-turbo V6, and in current spec (2013, 4.0 Liter) puts out 545 HP, which is WAY more than the R32, R33, or R34 ever left the factory with, which BTW was 276 hp, except for the R34, which has been shown to put out 325 at the flywheel.

The name "Godzilla" refers to the GT-R nameplate specifically, not the Skyline nameplate. After all, they didn't refer to the R34 Skyline Sedan as "Godzilla".

So, this all comes down to this: I disagree with you. The Nissan R35 GT-R is indeed "Godzilla" and is probably more-so than it ever has been, as it's got way more horsepower, a much more advanced AWD system, and is way faster than any factory R32, R33, or R34 could ever hope to be.

TwoFortified > TheCraigy
12/20/2013 at 18:43

The R35 is definitely the spiritual successor to the R34. Won't argue that.

I will argue, however, that the R34 GT-R is ALSO a stand-alone, built-from-the-ground-up sportscar...(feel free to contradict me here. I'm interested to hear your opinions on the matter).

I'm not directly suggesting that the R35 GT-R is better than my definition of Godzilla, but I will say that, even if it is, that would not make it Godzilla in my book. Godzilla is a nickname given to a particular trim package of a particular year of a particular make/model car, and, transitively, to all direct successors (of which, I would argue, the R35 is not one, mostly due to the lack of a straight-6, which was a pretty iconic part of what made the Skylines Skylines imo).

TwoFortified > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather
12/20/2013 at 18:44

...says the Honda kid

(and the gloves come off)

TwoFortified > Random Commenter
12/20/2013 at 18:50

Ok, my rebuttal...here we go.

A) Not all Skylines are "Godzilla". The R32 GT-R was the first, and, IMO, the R34 GT-R was the last.

B) Being Godzilla doesn't mean that one GT-R is faster than another. It's a nickname given to a particular car and to all direct successors.

C) As a matter of absolute personal opinion, I don't feel that the Nissan R35 GT-R is a direct successor to the Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R, and therefore do not feel that the nickname "Godzilla" really applies to the new GT-Rs

D) I fully accept and have come to terms with the fact that, in many cases, the new GT-Rs stomp the R32-R34 GT-Rs. That's not being called into question.

E) Why Nissan of Japan Ever called an Infiniti anything a Skyline is completely beyond me. For this, I have no explanation. At least there was no GT-R trim package.

There, I think that covers my feelings on it.

Lets Just Drive > TwoFortified
12/20/2013 at 18:52

Here's the thing; you're the one who described the nickname as a colloquialism. Thus, if colloquial use is enough to support the name "Godzilla" in the first, then it logically follows that the current colloquial use of the name "Godzilla" is justified.

I'm not berating you and I'm not even disagreeing with the theory which I believe you're trying to communicate which is that the current GT-R isn't the spiritual successor, in your opinion, to the car to which the name "Godzilla" was first applied. I mean, I don't happen to agree... but that's not my point.

My point is simply this - the name "Godzilla" is, was and continues to be a colloquialism. Having said that, I'd have to admit even this statement stands on thin ice as the name has been used officially by Nissan and it's subsidiaries as an advertising and sales tool.

The R35 GT-R is Godzilla, even if you don't agree. Which you're welcome to do.

But don't get me started on Boss Mustangs. Just don't draw that comparison, because they are not analogues of one another.

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > TwoFortified
12/20/2013 at 18:56

That wasn't a compliment to the R35. After all, Mecha still always loses in the movies ;)

Victorious Secret > TwoFortified
12/20/2013 at 19:05

I agree. The R35 can not claim either title.

The beauty of the R34 was that it came in two forms. A poor person like me R34 and for someone who had money to burn a hi-po GT-R variant.

The R35 has nothing for the common person. It doesn't have a NA, stripped down or more plebeian version. There is nothing that I can relate to in the GT-R.

Random Commenter > TwoFortified
12/20/2013 at 19:11

Ok... Well... My rebuttal, to your rebuttal...

A) A quick Google search will show you that many people also refer to the R33 as "Godzilla", so by general opinion, the R32, R33, and R34 Skyline GT-Rs were all "Godzillas".

B) Well, I disagree with much of that statement... "Godzilla" is a nickname for the GT-R, evidence for this can also be gotten through a quick Google search. "Godzilla" is a nickname regularly applied to not just the R32, R33 and R34, but also the R35 GT-R.

C) Well, that might be your opinion, but that doesn't mean it's fact. Sure, it's not a direct descendant of the R32, R33, and R34, but they themselves aren't actually descendants of the older Skyline GT-Rs. If the current GT-R isn't a real GT-R because it's not descended from the R34, then neither are the R32, R33, and R34, as they aren't descended from the GT-R previous to the R32. Fact is that the R35 is the next generation of the GT-R badge, it's just no longer in the Skyline family. And if the "Godzilla" nickname can be applied to the R32, R33 and R34, then surely it can be applied to the R35.

D) Good.

E) Neither do I. And yes, I'm also glad there were never GT-R versions of those cars, as they'd have probably done serious damage to the GT-R nameplate.

TwoFortified > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather
12/20/2013 at 19:12

Cold-hearted statement toward you and, indirectly, Honda, retracted. I do like the NSX and S2000...

TwoFortified > Lets Just Drive
12/20/2013 at 19:16

"...as the name has been used officially by Nissan..." Has it? If so, I'm pretty much beat. I've never seen any material like that though (which, to be fair, makes sense, because I don't see much GT-R ad material at all. It's just not my car).

Beyond all that, you make a fair point.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > TwoFortified
12/20/2013 at 19:16

No. No. No. The Skyline GTR did destroy Tokyo and is therefore not the kaiju known as Gojira, or the American pronunciation, *sigh* "Godzilla." Worst. Nickname. Ever.

King Ginger, not writing for Business Insider > TwoFortified
12/20/2013 at 19:17

I mean, the reason it was called Godzilla was because of its ability to best anything on the track (which it still does in street form) and while the regs for racing have changed it still competes well in most categories considering the design work was done over 8 years ago.

I mean, if the goal is to tie a connection to more pedestrian roots (specifically the Skyline that replaced the EN/HR/ER/BNR 34 chassis) then:

- PM is a modified version of the FM platform. Yes it is "new," but it is only a slightly evolved chassis based on the one underpinning the V35 Skyline.
- ATTESA-ETS is nothing new.
- VR is a modified VQ.

I mean just because they are marketing it as "not a Skyline" doesn't mean it isn't the same family. The Aussie press were ultimately the ones that dubbed the R32 "Godzilla" and now the WORLDS press has extended it to the R35. I think that pretty much covers all that is required...?

TwoFortified > Random Commenter
12/20/2013 at 19:21

More rebutting! Whee!

A) We agree here. I wasn't clear. I count the R33 as well.

B) "Godzilla" was a nickname SPECIFICALLY given to the 1989 Skyline R32 GT-R in a specific, citeable publication. Saying that Googling "Nissan Godzilla" brings up R35 results is the exact point of my article; I find that inaccurate, personally

C) lol, I realize that my opinions aren't fact. The current GT-R is a real GT-R...it's just not "Godzilla". GT-Rs that came before the R32 are ALSO real GT-Rs, but are ALSO NOT "Godzilla"

D and E) :)

TZanfrino > TwoFortified
12/20/2013 at 19:23

It could be so because the R35 and Godzilla are equally ugly...both get the job done, but are not pleasing on the eyes at all. The R34 and those before it are much better looking...imo.

TwoFortified > King Ginger, not writing for Business Insider
12/20/2013 at 19:24

Not bad points.

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > TwoFortified
12/20/2013 at 19:25

Trust me dude. I'm mad as hell about the new Robo-NSX.

TwoFortified > TwoFortified
12/20/2013 at 19:26

Well, you've spoken, and the majority seem to be fine with the R35 being called "Godzilla", and made some fine points along the way.

While I still plan to maintain my prejudices, I'll shut up about it publicly...

Ah, who am I kidding? No I won't.

Good chat guys :)

King Ginger, not writing for Business Insider > TwoFortified
12/20/2013 at 19:26

Oy, you can tell I've been drinking because I used "I mean" to begin each one of my point.

Mea culpa.

Lets Just Drive > TwoFortified
12/20/2013 at 19:32

Okay, look, I didn't want to get into an argument about this but if you're going to get all snippy about... it... wait...

... what did you say?

Um, thank you? Damn.

TwoFortified > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather
12/20/2013 at 19:33

Oh, wait...lol, I'm so out of the loop with Honda that I wasn't even thinking new NSX. I meant the 90's one. Ironically, same applies with the Dodge Viper.

TwoFortified > King Ginger, not writing for Business Insider
12/20/2013 at 19:33

Lol, I got another hour before the weekend begins, and I'll be joining you (metaphysically).

matt > TwoFortified
12/20/2013 at 19:35

Kinja'd!!!

I've been waiting for someone to say something about Godzilla

TwoFortified > Lets Just Drive
12/20/2013 at 19:35

Not trying to fight or be too feisty or anything. I've just legitimately never seen any promotional material come from Nissan/Nismo referring to it as such specifically (or, none that I can think of).

If such material does exist, then my argument loses a ton of steam. That's all.

Random Commenter > TwoFortified
12/20/2013 at 19:41

Last Rebutting! :oP

A) Ok. (pun slightly intended, :oP)

B) While I understand your viewpoint... I think that the nickname "Godzilla" has evolved beyond it's initial scope. Whether that is a good or bad thing, I do not know. Maybe a new nickname needs to be devised at some point for the R35, so people will call it something other than "Godzilla".

C) Well, now that you've clarified, I'll accept that...

So, I guess what we've boiled it down to is this: There needs to be a new nickname for the R35 GT-R. The only question is what that nickname should be...

TwoFortified > Random Commenter
12/20/2013 at 19:47

B)...yeah...I'm starting to get that feeling too. Whether or not I ever personally agree, it seems pretty pervasive.

I'm all for a new nickname.

Shoop > TwoFortified
12/20/2013 at 19:55

Its a big, ferocious japanese most famous monster.

"godzilla" isnt trademarked, its just a nickname.

They called Hideki Matsui "godzilla" and he wasnt a skyline...

Random Commenter > TwoFortified
12/20/2013 at 19:56

Well, "King Kong" beat "Godzilla", so the R35 GT-R could be nicknamed "King Kong"...? Not sure how well that works though...

Lets Just Drive > TwoFortified
12/20/2013 at 19:58

When I said "Nissan and it's subsidiaries..." alongside allusions to their official use of the word "Godzilla" as a sales tactic, what I should have said is this:

Nissan and it's subsidiaries have deliberately avoided using the word "Godzilla" in any of their branding as its a registered trademark while encouraging unofficial use of the word wherever possible as a sales and marketing tactic.

I was pretty sure there were a couple commercials, but I can't track them down and in the face of that no-evidence I'm rephrasing my position. The word "Godzilla" is used unofficially and while Nissan may not publicly promote the use of the word to describe its product it certainly never discourages it and certainly appears to encourage its use in other media outside the Nissan umbrella.

TwoFortified > Random Commenter
12/20/2013 at 19:58

Deal! Or just "Kong" if "King Kong" is too wordy.

Random Commenter > TwoFortified
12/20/2013 at 20:00

I think either is acceptable... Now to get everyone else to use it, lol.

TwoFortified > Lets Just Drive
12/20/2013 at 20:03

True, and fair.

Lets Just Drive > TwoFortified
12/20/2013 at 20:05

Money is no object, nor are the laws of import in your area: which GT-R/Skyline do you take? I mean, loose definitions here and I'm willing to take anything that can be reasonably associated with the idea/image of the car.

TwoFortified > Lets Just Drive
12/20/2013 at 20:12

Easy (because I've spent the last 2 years with this opinion solidly in mind). The R32 GTR, with the eventual goal of affixing the R324 body kit to it.

Kinja'd!!!

Weird as it may be, I prefer the R32's ass and the R34's tits, so I'll probably end up Frankensteining it. The plan is to post a 1/4 in the 10's, without stripping it of features solely to drop weight, or the use of NOS, running on 92 octane. It's a bizarre dream, but it's mine, and I'm stoked to start it. Just gotta get together some cash and wait a little longer.

Lets Just Drive > TwoFortified
12/20/2013 at 20:30

I don't want to approve. I want my approval to be withheld.

Alas, I cannot.

I approve.

I have a similar problem with Mustangs.

syaieya > TwoFortified
12/20/2013 at 23:14

I'm fine with it, but on a tangental note. How hard would it be to put a 4wd system in one of the Infiniti G coupes? The sedans had it, but to my knowledge the coupe never got them and I find it a bit odd. The G35 was such a clean vehicle.

Skif6996 > TwoFortified
12/20/2013 at 23:53

I see what you're doing here. I like it.

equach206 > TwoFortified
12/21/2013 at 04:28

Kinja'd!!!

Found on a local GT-R. Notice the subtle orange Godzilla sticker!

TheCraigy > TwoFortified
12/21/2013 at 16:57

So it's not godzilla because it doesn't have a straight six?

The GT-R has been Godzilla because magazines and people called it that... and the same (and more) journalists and people are calling the R35 Godzilla as well...

You're certainly entitled to your opinion but I think you're also going to be pretty alone on this one.

TwoFortified > TheCraigy
12/23/2013 at 15:06

Fair. By now, I've largely conceded the point.

TwoFortified > syaieya
12/23/2013 at 15:11

(I like the G35s as well...they sure as shit aren't Skylines, but they are nice cars, and I'd DD one if that's what was offered to me).

My guess is that putting the AWD into a coupe would be a bitch. My only evidence? The anecdotal knowledge that converting an R32 GTS-T to AWD is supposed to be damn near impossible (short of tapping all new bolt holes and swapping the entire subframe), even if you had an R32 GT-R sitting right next to it, ready to be stripped for parts. Because of this, I wouldn't be surprised if Nissan treated the G35 the same way. Just a guess though.

syaieya > TwoFortified
12/23/2013 at 17:24

Well all I've seen is people saying that it's hard. But they explain no further. The engine of the sedan and the coupe from that generation is the same. But I know nothing about the transmission other than the awd unit was automatic only but it was the same type of system that nissan uses in the rest of the skylines.

There was a G37X coupe, but I prefer the 35 styling.

It prolly is more trouble than it's worth but I like the idea.

TwoFortified > syaieya
12/23/2013 at 17:37

As far as the "more trouble than it's worth" goes, you are almost certainly right.

That said, knowing that they have the same engine...hmm...You'd need to get a front Diff in there, which would probably (at least, this is the case on the RB26DETT) end up inside the oil pan...But then you'd need to power it, and that's where things get sticky. The AT was obviously designed to power both the front and rear diffs. The MT...well, hard to say. If the G35 never came with a MT, AWD, then you may be SOL without some serious fab on the tranny.

Bit of Googling seems to indicate that the MT was available for the G35x and the G37x coupe, and it would seem the "x" designation scores you the ATESSA and the HICAS...man, this thing is more Skyline than I realized.

Wow...actually...How didn't I know about this? My buddy (who's also a big Nissan nerd, and rolls around in a swapped S13 like myself) wants to one day get a 370z for a daily...Fuck all that, I'll take a G37x.

syaieya > TwoFortified
12/23/2013 at 21:12

The whole concept has my attention. I just wish I could get it in the body that I like the most of the G series.

A friend of mine has much experience turboing those engines as well so it could turn into a real gnarly beast.

Runargtr32 > TheCraigy
01/23/2016 at 13:53

The r32 gtr was named godzilla becous it was a legend... my point is that The r35 has not done anything to deserve The title godzilla!!! That is my 2 cents :)

Graham. > TwoFortified
05/17/2016 at 18:51

100% agree with this article, the bnr32 is the real Godzilla the Australian media dubbed it “beast from the east” “Godzilla” it dominated the holden/ford v8 supercars as well as the English Sierra cosworth she was truly the beast from the east. The q35 in my opinion isn’t a skyline and I don’t care if it has the badge on it the skyline brand died with the bnr34. Skylines were and are a driving mans car. The r35 is an awesome car because it can make anyone a great driver as it performs so well but it’s not a driving man’s car, the reason? THEY ARE NOT MANUAL! I don’t care if you can push or pull on a couple of paddles if It doesn’t have a manual clutch it’s not manual, nothing beats the feeling of dropping gears heel towing into corners and dropping gears this is when you truly feel in control! But that is just my personal opinion

TwoFortified > Graham.
05/17/2016 at 19:03

Man, I wrote this awhile ago.

That’s cool though, I still agree with my original sentiment. I’m with you aside from this nonsense about the Skyline. The Skyline is a driving man’s car, and has always been, which means that A) It has to be fun to drive and B) It has to be accessible to the driving man.

While I’m sure the R35 is fun to drive (though, I’ve never had the pleasure), I personally think it’s the price-point that excludes it. It’s expensive to the point of exclusivity.

Unfortunately, I’ve never driven a G35 or G37 Skyline either, though I suspect they are enjoyable to drive. My wife’s car is an ‘01 Maxima, which shares a powerplant with the G35 (though is only FWD), and it’s quite fun to drive. It’s suspension is a bit splashy, but I suspect the G35 has slightly improved tech. In any case, I don’t see why the G35/7 would be undeserving of the Skyline name in your mind. There were more 4-door Skyline taxicabs then there were GT-Rs anyway.

I completely agree with you AT vs MT though, and thanks for reading :)

Mo3awya > TwoFortified
09/12/2017 at 16:02

First of all I’m a Fanboy of the Nissan Skyline R32 ,

And I believe that it’s the most Savage Godzilla ever produced .

I want to Appoint to a very important thing .

Nissan Skyline R32 earned the Godzilla name by its performance not by the driving experience;

Meaning , the car was full of features that made that beast on the track ,

It had a smart FWD System , It was Famous by its stability on the track , it had twin turbocharged V6 that brings 300+ hp to the Wheels and everybody knows the flexibility of that engine to be modified , and all of these engineering technologies and features was back in the 90's .

So the Nickname has given to the car because of its features that made that performance on the track.

if the nickname was all about the Real men driving skills , then we should Nicknamed the driver “Godzilla” not the car ! .

Let’s take a look to the Nissan R35 ,

It has the FWD System shared with the previous generations of GT-R’s , Twin turbocharged V6 engine that brings 556hp to the Wheels and famous by its stability on the track same as the previous Skylines in an improved way , and no one can deny that this car killed almost every car on the track starting from the Porsche GT3 RS .

So if you noticed , the new GT-R is similar to the predecessors in all specs and in improved way that makes this car to launch as rocket , and it has a sexier look than the older ones .

I think who refuses to call the new R35 a “Godzilla” ; because everyone can drive it , and everything is computerized, but if you read about the main goal the car is designed for , you will never mention that point ; because it designed and built in a way so can everyone drive it , whether a pro skilled driver or a normal person .

It has a good looking better than the previous generations (at least for me) , it has a better perfect launch , new god damn engineering techs are used , and a competitive price .

Lacks for little fun ?

Maybe ..

But you can’t forbade this legend from Godzilla Name because it lacks of manual gearbox and can’t slide your ass around .

TwoFortified > Mo3awya
09/14/2017 at 14:12

Nice Necropost (this is like 4 years old).

The R32 (not the R33, not the R34, not the R35) is Godzilla in my mind because some Aussie journalist saw the R32 GT-R on track and nicknamed it Godzilla. The Hako isn’t Godzilla. The Kenmary isn’t Godzilla. A Nissan Maxima isn’t Godzilla either. None of them are, save for the R32.

Call the R35 Godzilla if you want. Hell, call it “Potato car”. Call it “My Lady Fartypants” if you’d prefer. I don’t give a damn.

Which GT-R is properly Godzilla has nothing to do with performance, or drivability, or racing record, or which way the wind is blowing - The R32 is Godzilla because that’s the one that originally earned the nickname. It’s that simple. 4 years ago, I may have been trying to make a different point, but that’s my mindset today.