This year, Nissan celebrates 50 years of US Motorsports. The starting line for Nissan’s success was the 1969 New York Auto Show. Both the legendary 240Z and Skyline GT-R were introduced for the first time in the US market.
To honor these amazing cars, Nissan unveiled the 50th Anniversary Special Edition 370Z and 50th Anniversary Special Edition GT-R. These are cosmetic packages that can be ordered with any version of the 2020 models.
But unlike the 370Z, the 2020 Nissan GT-R will come with actual mechanical updates.
The 3.8-liter V6 engine will be equipped with new turbochargers. Even though they don’t contribute extra power, they help low-end throttle response, reducing turbo lag and improving engine efficiency by 5%.
The Premium (base) GT-R is still rated at 565 hp and 481 lb-ft of torque.
The exhaust manifold will feature optimized turbo flange attachment points, which will help GT-R owners if they decide they want to modify and custom tune their vehicle. The exhaust system features a new titanium muffler and titanium exhaust tips in a burnt-blue tint.
The six-speed, dual-clutch transmission is optimized for more aggressive downshifts when you set the car in R mode.
The suspension has been modified for a smoother, more stable ride. Steering and brake systems are now more responsive, allowing you to take corners more confidently.
The Track-edition GT-R will now receive the tuned engine from the Nismo. Both versions will offer 600 hp and 481 lb-ft of torque. A new turbocharger design, coming from GT3 will provide 20% faster acceleration at low RPM without losing any power.
Customers can opt for a set of carbon ceramic Brembo brakes with 16.1-inch rotors in the front and 15.35 in the rear.
Finally, the Nissan GT-R Nismo builds on top of that and adds 67 lbs of weight reduction, thanks to a number of carbon fiber elements.
The 20-inch RAYS forged aluminum wheels are lighter with a new spoke design for more rigidity. A set of Dunlop tires provides the Nismo with an 11% larger contact patch with the road.
GT3-inspired carbon fiber louvers are added on the front wheel arches to improve airflow in the engine bay.
And if these improvements sound superficial, that’s because the Nismo was already the most optimized GT-R Nissan ever created.
All GT-R models will be available with the 50th Anniversary Special Edition styling.
We see the return of the Bayside Blue paint job which decorated the iconic R34 Skyline GT-R (1999 – 2002). Two more color schemes are available – red on white and white on silver.
A wide arrow-shaped stripe, with a thin outline, decorates the top of the vehicle.
The wheels come with blue accents on some spokes and a 50th anniversary signature on the inner lip of the rims. On the rear bumper, you’ll find a white 50th-anniversary signature, as well as a badge on the right side.
Inside the car, you’ll be greeted by a gray interior with Alcantara on the headliners and sun visors. GT-R enthusiasts will recognize a new steering wheel, a new shifter nob with a 50th-anniversary badge under the shifter column.
