03/27/2018 by Dan Chamberlain

The Nissan GT-R^® is a legendary performance car first introduced in Japan over 40 years ago as the Skyline GT-R. The current version hit the US market in 2008. In between, the Skyline GT-R built a reputation worldwide during the 70s and 90s as a race car. In 1989, it garnered the nickname ‘Godzilla’ from the Australian motoring publication Wheels.
 
Just hearing the name GT-R should remind you of the distinctive round taillights, the roar of the 565 hp engine, and the all-wheel drive hugging the road. GT-R owners are justifiably proud of their vehicles and loyal to their community. Even celebrities like Robert Downey, Jr. and pro golfer Lexi Thompson have added their names to the list.
 
Beyond the mechanical capabilities of Godzilla, it features a unique construction. The body is built from carbon aluminum die-cast steel, a combination of carbon fiber, die-cast aluminum and steel. The door inner panels are constructed from die-cast aluminum which is also used for the front strut housing and in the front suspension. The strut tower bar is made of lightweight carbon composite containing aluminum honeycomb. These material mixes along with other outside body parts made of high-strength steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber create a unique challenge for collision repair professionals.
 
To make it easier for everyone to see how GT-R repairs are done, I-CAR^® recently moved the GT-R live training done in Appleton, Wisconsin to a package of three online courses. The first course in the series will provide a review of the GT-R Heritage, vehicle construction, and special materials followed by the importance of the GT-R Certified Repair Network. GT-R Repair considerations including damage analysis, structural repair procedures, aluminum and carbon fiber-specific considerations, Celette bench requirements, and paint considerations are included in the second course. The importance of diagnostic scanning of the GT-R, safety features offered in the vehicle, and electrical considerations round out the series in the third course.
 
You can find more information on this series at www.i-car.com/nissan.