Nissan Celebrates 50-Years of GT-R
GT-R. Three letters that are instantly recognisable by petrolheads and enthusiasts of speed all around the world. The latest Nissan GT-R was unveiled to the world at the 2019 New York International Auto Show, with Nissan’s engineers pushing themselves to get every last bit of performance out of the supercar before it reaches the end of its life cycle which began in 2008.
The 2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition celebrates half a century of the Japanese supercar, with performance boosts, exciting paint schemes and a unique interior. "A GT-R is about total balance management," said Hiroshi Tamura, chief product specialist for the GT-R. "It is not about chasing power figures, but creating a new GT-R, where no aspect has been overlooked. This is appropriate to celebrate the GT-R 50th anniversary."
The special edition GT-R will be available in three different colour schemes, each inspired by the Japan GP series. Bayside Blue, a colour used last on the Nissan GT-R R34, makes a return and is paired with a set of white stripes. The second combination makes use of red stripes on a Pearl White paint, with the third combination being made up of white stripes on a Super Silver paint. A unique grey colour scheme gives the interior a bit of the special edition treatment while other additional 50th anniversary features include unique steering wheel and shift knob trim, special seat embossing, an Alcantara leather headliner with unique stitching, Alcantara-wrapped sunvisors and more.
Power is supplied to the special edition model by a hand crafted twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre petrol V6, capable of producing 408kW of power and 632Nm of torque. The GT-R is fitted with all-wheel drive as standard, with power being fed through a revised 6-speed dual-clutch transmission, which now includes an “R-Mode” drive mode. There are also updated turbochargers that work to increase engine response at lowers revs as well as sharpening engine response in and out of corners. To top it all off, Nissan has included a new titanium muffler with blue tips to amplify the roar of Godzilla.
Pricing:
Premium Edition: R 2 250 000
Black Edition: R 2 360 000
GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition:
Pearl White with Red Decals: R 2 405 000
Ultimate Silver with White Decals: R 2 405 000
Bayside Blue with White Decals: R 2 415 000
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FAQ
Q: What does the Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition cost in South Africa?
The Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition carries a hefty price tag of around R2,850,000 in South Africa, making it one of the most expensive Japanese supercars on our roads.
Q: How much power does the GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition produce?
The hand-built twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V6 engine pumps out a substantial 408kW of power and 632Nm of torque, delivered through an all-wheel drive system and revised 6-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Q: What makes the GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition special compared to the regular GT-R?
The special edition features three unique paint schemes inspired by Japan GP series racing, including the return of iconic Bayside Blue, plus exclusive interior trim with Alcantara leather headliner, special embossed seats, and unique steering wheel trim.
Q: Is the Nissan GT-R still competitive against modern supercars?
Despite being based on a platform from 2008, the GT-R remains a formidable performer with its 408kW output and sophisticated all-wheel drive system, though newer rivals like the BMW M4 Competition and Mercedes-AMG C63 S offer more modern tech.
Q: How fast can the GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition go?
While Nissan hasn't released official figures for the Anniversary Edition, the standard GT-R rockets from 0-100kph in just 2.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 315kph, so expect similar blistering performance from this special model.
Should You Buy It?
The best Japanese supercar under R3,000,000 in South Africa is undoubtedly the Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition at R2,850,000, but whether you should buy one depends on your priorities. If you want raw, unfiltered performance with a dash of exclusivity and don't mind the dated interior tech, then absolutely yes, this Godzilla will deliver thrills that'll make your braai mates weak at the knees. However, if you're after modern luxury and the latest gadgets, you might want to consider spending similar money on a Porsche 911 Turbo or BMW M8 Competition instead. For die-hard GT-R fans and collectors, this Anniversary Edition represents the swan song of an automotive legend, making it a must-have piece of Japanese engineering history that'll only appreciate in value.
