Nissan reveals retro-inspired GT-R 50th Anniversary edition

Nissan has celebrated 50 years of the Nissan GT-R sports car line with the launch of a special 50th Anniversary Edition at the New York motor show.

The GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition celebrates the anniversary of the GT-R (Gran Turismo Racer) badge, which was introduced in 1969 as a variant of the Skyline. The GT-R became a standalone model in 2007.

The special edition will be offered in three ‘heritage-inspired’ colour schemes, which are all based on liveries from Skyline GT-R cars that competed in the Japan GP series. That includes ‘Bayside Blue’, a colour retired since the R34 GT-R model.

The interior features a special grey colour, and features unique steering wheel trim, Alcantera headliner and sun visors and seat trim.

The 50th Anniversary Edition, along with other 2020 model year GT-Rs, retains a hand-built 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 powerplant, which produces 562bhp and 467lb ft, and Nissan says new turbochargers help improve low rpm response and improve efficiency.

There is also a revised six-speed dual clutch transmission, which also features a reworked ‘R mode’ performance setting with more aggressive downshifts. Nissan has also tweaked the electronically controlled suspension in a bid to improve ride comfort and cornering stability.

Nissan has also unveiled the new race-honed GT-R Nismo, which uses a turbocharger from the GT3 race version to boost output to 592bhp and 481lb ft. It also gets the revised transmission, R mode and suspension from the regular GT-R. 

The GT-R Nismo features revised bodywork, with greater use of carbon fibre to save weight and new downforce-generating front bodywork based on the GT-R GT3.

The model features a new carbon-ceramic braking system to improve reaction times and durability. It sits on 20in wheels, and uses new Dunlop tyres which offer an increased contact patch with the road.