Currently reading: Nissan reveals retro-inspired GT-R 50th Anniversary edition

Revised version of Nissan's long-running sports car gains retro styling, turbo and suspension tweaks

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.

Nissan gt r 50th anniversary 2

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.

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Nissan has yet to confirm pricing for either model, but an increase from the current starting price of £76,875 is anticipated, particularly for the 50th Anniversary Edition. The current NISMO model costs £148,820.

Nissan has also launched a limited edition variant of the 370Z to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its Z performance line.

Read more

Autocar's Nissan GT-R review

Nissan 370Z special edition celebrates 50 years of Z performance line

Nissan GT-R: celebrating ten years of 'Godzilla'

Next Nissan GT-R to be 'fastest super sports car' in the world

James Attwood

James Attwood, digital editor
Title: Acting magazine editor

James is Autocar's acting magazine editor. Having served in that role since June 2023, he is in charge of the day-to-day running of the world's oldest car magazine, and regularly interviews some of the biggest names in the industry to secure news and features, such as his world exclusive look into production of Volkswagen currywurst. Really.

Before first joining Autocar in 2017, James spent more than a decade in motorsport journalist, working on Autosport, autosport.com, F1 Racing and Motorsport News, covering everything from club rallying to top-level international events. He also spent 18 months running Move Electric, Haymarket's e-mobility title, where he developed knowledge of the e-bike and e-scooter markets. 

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Peter Cavellini 17 April 2019

Nice color.....

 At least they haven’t mucked about with the shape too much,and that shade of Blue suits it.

Smokescreen 17 April 2019

Rather...

Hmm, this is rather Mustang-esque??