Most people will recognise the Calsonic GT-R from the Gran Turismo computer games, but it’s a legend in real life too. An R32-generation Nissan Skyline, but with its twin-turbo straight-six engine wound up to 650bhp and 492lb ft, it betters a Bugatti Veyron’s bhp/ton figure. And it cleaned up in touring car championships across the world, ageing RS500 Cosworth and E30 M3 racers overnight and garnering the immortal GT-R nickname, ‘Godzilla’.

Richard Meaden is lucky enough to get to grips with the Calsonic GT-R in the video below. And you can read the full story and see more pictures in evo 180, on sale now…