What About the 51st Year for the Nissan GT-R?
For Nissan and many car enthusiasts, the time is closely nearing to celebrate the golden anniversary of the Skyline GT-R. Of course, no milestone of this size is complete without an unforgettable touch, which is why Nissan is celebrating the GT-R’s 50th year with their most unique model yet.
The new model, the GT-R50, might be unrecognizable to GT-R fans when viewing from behind. Collaborating with Italdesign, who is also celebrating their 50th anniversary, Nissan has succeeded in making a complete overhaul to the GT-R’s look. One memorable aesthetic is the front’s angry expression with its slanted headlights and gaping grill.
When it comes to change, appearance isn’t the main topic the new GT-R is discussed over. Nismo, Nissan’s in-house performance division, has shifted from the R35’s already-hefty twin-turbocharged 3.8L that produced up to 600 horsepower to a similar sized V6 engine capable of producing 710 horsepower. Handling upgrades will include a Bilstein adjustable damping system and an upgraded Brembo six-piston front and four-piston rear braking system. These upgrades will allow Nissan’s flagship car to run laps in its 50th year, but what of its future? There must be one downside.
With rumors of the GT-R50 having a sky-high price tag (over $1.1 million) and extremely limited supply (no more than 50 examples), it is clear this GT-R model will become an instant collectible, but it is difficult to see how Nissan will further develop this work of art. To imagine the GT-R going from this unique model back to the more relatable generations is a bit of a challenge, though fans can only wait to see how Nissan’s renowned performance is shaped for years to come.
