KILLER 'ZILLA

MAATOUKS RACING’S KING32 NISSAN R32 GT-R IS ON THE HUNT FOR A WORLD RECORD

- MARK ARBLASTER

THE Nissan R32 GT-R has a reputation as one of the most fearsome road and race cars ever to have graced the blacktops of Australia. The formidable performance and technology of the car had Wheels magazine nickname it ‘Godzilla’ back in 1989.

The R32 GT-R is one of the most iconic Japanese sports cars ever built, and with only 100 locally delivered cars sold in Australia (though many more privately imported since), it is also a fairly rare beast on our shores. The factory twin-turbo 2.6-litre engine is a powerhouse with four valves per cylinder, developed and destined for Group A racing.

Anthony Maatouk of Sydney’s Maatouks Racing has partnered with customer Nader Nader to build an R32 GT-R capable of six-second quarter-mile passes at over 200mph, and they intend for it to become the quickest R32 on the planet.

If you know much about racing six-bangers, you’ll know that the name Maatouk is synonymous with Nissan RB engines. For over 10 years, Anthony has been pushing the boundaries with the platform, from 10-second VL Turbos back in the day to now running sixes with this heavyweight R32 GT-R. KING32 recently went 6.92 at an incredible 210mph over the quarter-mile on radials – no mean feat for a street car.

It’s heavy at 1550kg, thanks to full OEM panels, electric windows, power mirrors, full factory glass, a complete Nissan 4WD system and a bunch of other luxury factory appointments.