Nissan Race Cars

1. Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R Group A

In the 4 seasons running up to the last All Japan Championship, held in1993, the GT-R achieved a spectacular record, winning all 29 rounds. Also dominated elsewhere.

The Nissan Skyline GT-R R32, introduced in 1989, is a seminal vehicle in the history of motorsports, earning the nickname "Godzilla" for its dominance in racing, particularly in Japan and Australia. This car not only revitalized the GT-R moniker after a 16-year hiatus but also cemented its legacy as one of the most formidable and technologically advanced sports cars of its time.

The R32 GT-R was a showcase of Nissan's cutting-edge technology. It was powered by the RB26DETT, a 2.6-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine. Despite an officially stated output of 280 horsepower—a figure limited by a gentleman's agreement among Japanese automakers—real-world output was widely recognized to be significantly higher. The GT-R also introduced the ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All-Terrain with Electronic Torque Split) all-wheel-drive system and the Super-HICAS (High Capacity Actively Controlled Steering) four-wheel steering, innovations that delivered unparalleled grip and handling.

In Japan, the Skyline GT-R R32 quickly proved to be a juggernaut in the Group A racing category. Its all-wheel-drive system provided a significant advantage over its rivals, particularly in terms of traction, which was crucial during high-speed cornering and in wet conditions. The GT-R's dominance was so pronounced that it won all 29 races of the Japanese Touring Car Championship (JTCC) it entered from 1989 to 1993, effectively leading to the reevaluation of the Group A regulations in Japan due to the GT-R's unbeaten streak.

The GT-R R32's prowess was not confined to Japanese circuits. It ventured overseas to compete in the Australian Touring Car Championship (ATCC) and the Bathurst 1000, one of the most prestigious endurance races in the world. In Australia, the R32 earned the nickname "Godzilla" due to its overwhelming performance and its role in ending the local Ford and Holden's dominance in the series.

The Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 won the Bathurst 1000 in 1991 and 1992, along with the Australian Touring Car Championship in 1991, showcasing its superior performance on a variety of circuits and conditions. Its success in Australia was so disruptive that it played a key role in changing the rules of touring car racing in the country, with regulations evolving to limit the competitiveness of all-wheel-drive turbocharged cars, effectively ending the GT-R's dominance.

A seminal vehicle in the history of motorsports, and cemented its legacy as one of the most formidable and technologically advanced sports cars of its time.

2. 1985 Nissan GTP ZX-Turbo

The GTP ZX-Turbo program helped to elevate the profile of the IMSA GT Championship, contributing to the sport's growth during the 1980s and early 1990s.

The 1985 Nissan GTP ZX-Turbo represents a pivotal chapter in Nissan's motorsport legacy, especially within the realm of endurance racing in the United States. Built to compete in the IMSA GT Championship under the GTP (Grand Touring Prototype) class, the GTP ZX-Turbo was a bold expression of technology, speed, and Nissan's ambitions on the international racing stage.

The GTP ZX-Turbo was developed by Electramotive Engineering in conjunction with Nissan. The goal was to create a competitive car that could take on the dominant forces in IMSA racing, including Porsche and Chevrolet-powered prototypes. The car featured a chassis designed by Lola and was initially equipped with a version of Nissan's VG30ET V6 engine, which was turbocharged to produce significantly more power than its production counterparts.

As the program evolved, the engine underwent extensive development, with displacement increasing and the introduction of advanced turbocharging technologies, pushing power outputs to well over 700 horsepower in race trim. This power was necessary to propel the lightweight, aerodynamically optimized chassis at competitive speeds on a variety of tracks, from tight street circuits to the high-speed banks of Daytona.

The Nissan GTP ZX-Turbo's competitive debut marked the beginning of a steep learning curve. However, under the guidance of drivers like Geoff Brabham, the program quickly gained momentum. By 1988, the car had become a formidable competitor in the IMSA series, challenging and often defeating the established order. The team's efforts culminated in multiple race wins. California-based Electramotive Engineering was responsible for developing and racing the vehicle, and won enough that they ended up winning the Constructor’s Championship in 1989, 1990 and 1991.

One of the key factors in the GTP ZX-Turbo's success was its relentless development, particularly in the areas of aerodynamics and engine performance. The car's ability to adapt to different tracks and conditions, combined with its increasing reliability, made it a consistent front-runner in the fiercely competitive GTP class.

The GTP ZX-Turbo's legacy is multifaceted. On the track, it marked Nissan's emergence as a power player in American endurance racing, demonstrating that the brand could compete at the highest levels of motorsport. Off the track, the program's technological innovations contributed to Nissan's broader engineering knowledge, influencing the development of future racing projects and production vehicles alike.

3. Nissan Fairlady 240Z Safari

The victories in such a challenging event underscored the 240Z's versatility, from being a stylish sports car to a rugged rally competitor. Put Nissan on the global map.

The Nissan Fairlady 240Z, known in other markets as the Datsun 240Z, achieved legendary status not only as a sports car but also as a formidable competitor in the world of rally racing. The 240Z Safari Rally variant is one of the most iconic representations of this prowess. Specifically prepared for one of the most grueling motorsport events in the world, the East African Safari Rally, this version of the 240Z showcased Nissan's engineering adaptability and the car's robustness under extreme conditions.

The East African Safari Rally, known for its punishing terrain, harsh conditions, and demanding courses, was the ultimate test of reliability, durability, and performance. The Nissan Fairlady 240Z entered this challenging scene in the early 1970s, a period when Japanese automakers were keen on proving their mettle in international motorsport.

The 240Z made an immediate impact. In 1971, Edgar Herrmann and Hans Schüller drove a 240Z to victory, marking a significant achievement for Nissan and Japanese cars on the international rally stage. This success was not a one-off; the 240Z continued to perform admirably in subsequent years. Notably, Shekhar Mehta clinched multiple wins in the Safari Rally, including four consecutive victories from 1979 to 1982, solidifying the 240Z's reputation as a rally car.

The Safari Rally version of the 240Z was heavily modified to withstand the rigors of the event. These modifications included strengthened suspension components, underbody protection to shield against the rough terrain, and a more robust cooling system to cope with the high temperatures. The car also featured a more powerful version of the L24 inline-6 engine, which was tuned to deliver enhanced performance while maintaining the reliability needed to survive the rally.

4. 1967 Nissan R380-II

The 1967 Nissan R380-II shattered Porsche's dominance at the Japanese Grand Prix with its advanced aero and GR8 engine.

The 1967 Nissan R380-II is a significant vehicle in Nissan's motorsport history, illustrating the company's ambition and engineering prowess in the realm of racing during the 1960s. This race car was a direct evolution of the Nissan R380, which itself was Nissan's first foray into building a purpose-built sports prototype racing car following its merger with Prince Motor Company. The R380-II was developed to compete in sports car racing, specifically targeting the Japanese Grand Prix, and to take on rivals such as Porsche.

The Nissan R380-II featured several improvements over its predecessor, the R380. One of the most notable upgrades was to its powerplant. The R380-II was equipped with an enhanced version of the GR8 engine, a 2.0-liter inline-6 that was capable of producing around 220 horsepower. This engine was notable for its use of dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) and three Weber carburetors, which helped it achieve superior performance figures for its time.

Aerodynamics played a crucial role in the design of the R380-II, with Nissan focusing on reducing drag and improving stability at high speeds. The bodywork was refined and streamlined, featuring a low-slung profile and distinctive long tail that helped manage airflow efficiently.

The R380-II's racing pedigree was cemented at the 1967 Japanese Grand Prix. Nissan entered multiple R380-II cars in the race, and they demonstrated formidable performance against stiff competition. The R380-II managed to break the dominance of the Porsche 906s that had previously controlled the event, securing a memorable victory for Nissan. This win was a landmark achievement for Nissan's motorsport division and showcased the R380-II's capabilities on an international stage.

The R380 set new speed records in 1965 and 1967. First, on October 6/14, 1965, the R380-I established 5 world records. Then, on October 8,1967, this commemorative car – Type II (modified type II) – set no fewer than 7 international records (50km, 50 miles, 100km, 100 miles, 200km, 200 miles, 1 hour) on a course in Yatabe, Ibaraki Pref. (driver: T. Yokoyama).

5. 1964 Nissan Skyline 2000GT

Entered Japan GP in 1964. A Porsche 904 won the race, but Skylines monopolized the 2nd to 6th places. Started a legend.

The 1964 Nissan Skyline 2000GT holds a special place in the pantheon of Japanese automotive history, marking the beginning of Nissan's foray into high-performance sports sedans and setting the stage for the legendary Skyline GT-R lineage. This era of the Skyline, often referred to by its chassis code "S54," was instrumental in establishing Nissan (then under the Prince Motor Company banner before its merger with Nissan) as a formidable competitor in motorsports, particularly in the Japanese Grand Prix.

The 1964 Skyline 2000GT was developed to compete directly with the dominant sports cars of its time, particularly aiming to challenge the Porsche 904 at the Japanese Grand Prix. To achieve this, engineers at Prince Motor Company decided to transplant the more powerful G7 engine from the Prince Gloria sedan into the Skyline's chassis. This engine was a 2.0-liter inline-six, significantly more potent than the Skyline's standard 1.5-liter four-cylinder unit.

The 1964 Nissan Skyline 2000GT made its racing debut at the 2nd Japanese Grand Prix held at the Suzuka Circuit, where it faced stiff competition from more established European sports cars. The Skyline's entry into the race was a bold move by Prince Motor Company, aiming to showcase the capabilities of Japanese engineering on a highly competitive stage.

During the race, the Skyline 2000GTs performed remarkably well, with one car, famously driven by Yoshikazu Sunako, finishing in second place overall, behind a Porsche 904. The Skylines demonstrated exceptional durability and performance, with a total of six Skylines finishing the race, capturing places from second to sixth in their class. This achievement was a significant milestone for Japanese motorsport and helped to elevate the Skyline nameplate to legendary status.

The race also gave birth to the iconic "Skyline GT" moniker, as the performance of these cars at the Grand Prix was a testament to their sporting credentials. It was this event that laid the groundwork for the development of the Skyline GT-R in 1969, a car that would continue Nissan's legacy of performance and innovation.

6. 1998 Nissan R390 GT1

All of the 4 participating R390 GT1s finished in the top 10 in the overall category at the 1998 Le Mans. Solid competitor.

The 1998 Nissan R390 GT1 is a pivotal chapter in Nissan's motorsport history, representing the brand's ambitious foray into the elite GT1 class of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Developed with the dual purpose of competing at the highest levels of international sports car racing and complying with the regulations that required the production of road-going versions, the R390 GT1 is a remarkable example of technology transfer from the racetrack to the road.

The R390 GT1 was the result of Nissan's collaboration with Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR), a partnership aimed at creating a vehicle capable of challenging for outright victory at Le Mans. The car's design featured a sleek, aerodynamically optimized bodywork, with a long, low profile that was characteristic of the GT1 cars of that era. Underneath its body, the R390 GT1 was powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, a powerplant that boasted reliability and formidable power output.

The heart of the R390 GT1, its VRH35L V8 engine, was capable of producing over 600 horsepower, allowing the car to achieve top speeds in excess of 200 mph (approximately 322 km/h). This engine was a development of Nissan's earlier Le Mans prototypes and was designed to offer both performance and durability - crucial factors in endurance racing.

For the 1998 Le Mans 24h, Nissan returned, this time with four cars. The cars were slightly upgraded, with more downforce able to be generated by a longer rear tail, a new rear diffuser, and on racing versions, a new rear wing placement for less drag. Although Nissan was easily beaten in qualifying by Mercedes-Benz CLK-LM, Toyota GT-One, Porsche 911 GT1-98 and BMW V12 LM for places 10, 13, 14, and 19, Nissan was able to achieve considerable success in the race after all Mercedes and BMW had to retire early. With this, all four Nissan were able to finish in the Top 10, at 3rd, 5th, 6th, and 10th overall, being beaten only by two Porsche 911 GT1.

7. 2012 Nissan Deltawing

Just take a look at it. Crazy crazy crazy. But also very cool. Showed that Nissan could think outside and innovate.

The 2012 Nissan DeltaWing is an innovative and groundbreaking racing car that marked a significant departure from traditional motorsport designs. Its debut was a pivotal moment in racing, showcasing a radical approach to efficiency, aerodynamics, and performance. The DeltaWing's distinctive design and engineering principles aimed to challenge conventional wisdom about race car construction and operation, emphasizing reduced drag and lower fuel consumption without compromising speed.

The most striking feature of the DeltaWing is its narrow front track and wider rear, giving it an almost arrow-like appearance. This design significantly reduces aerodynamic drag, allowing the car to achieve high speeds with less power. The DeltaWing was built with lightweight materials, contributing to its efficiency. By minimizing weight, the car could maintain competitive lap speeds with a smaller engine and less fuel consumption than traditional racing cars.

The 2012 DeltaWing was powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing around 300 horsepower. Given the car's lightweight and aerodynamic efficiency, this power output allowed it to compete effectively against much more powerful cars in endurance racing. The project's goal was not just to compete but to demonstrate that a car could be competitive in endurance racing with half the weight, half the horsepower, and significantly reduced fuel consumption compared to conventional race cars.

The Nissan DeltaWing made its competitive debut at the 2012 24 Hours of Le Mans under the "Garage 56" entry, a spot reserved for experimental vehicles. Although it did not compete in the official class rankings, its participation was aimed at proving the concept's viability. Despite facing challenges during the race, including a collision that ultimately led to its retirement, the DeltaWing made a lasting impression on motorsports