- Five decades’ experience goes into new GT-R
- Several versions of anniversary driving gem
- Two spec levels – with multi-million prices
ROSSLYN, South Africa – Few vehicles in the world can be instantly identified by just three letters but to motoring enthusiasts everywhere GT-R has its own exalted space that involves excitement, high-performance and refinement.
So, making its debut at the 2019 New York International Auto Show, the 2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition takes the nameplate to a level unimaginable five decades earlier. GT-R engineers, the automaker said, challenged themselves to find new performance potential while still making sure the car will be enjoyed by any driver.
Hiroshi Tamura, chief product specialist involved with the GT-R, told The Corner in a media release: “A GT-R is about total balance, not about chasing a power figure but instead creating a new GT-R in and on which no aspect has been overlooked.”
TWO-TONE FINISHES
The 2020 Nissan GT-R will be available in South Africa with a choice of two spec levels: GT-R Premium and GT-R Black Edition. Some regions / countries will also stock Pure, Prestige and Nismo models but Nissan SA believes the 50th Anniversary Edition truly celebrates the GT-R’s rich heritage.
”Heritage-era” two-tone finishes are said to represent the GT-R’s liveries from the Japan GP series – which the GT-R was created to do,minate 50 years ago. Bayside (Wangan) Blue, retired since the GT-R “R34” model, is back, with white race stripes. Blue wheel-rim spokes, Nissan says, are among several touches intended to celebrate the GT-R’s history: Pearl White with red stripes and Super Silver with white stripes.
The 50th Anniversary Edition has a specific grey interior which, Nissan believes, gives the cabin a sense of luxury. More ’50th’ features are a unique steering-wheel and gearshifter, embossed upholstery, and Alcantara roof lining and sun visors.
Shinichiro Irie, design director for the GT-R, had a few words, too…
“The Nissan GT-R has been the icon of our company’s driving performance for a half-century. We were highly motivated to ensure that the 50th Anniversary Edition stood out. The exterior/interior changes may seem subtle but have impact, especially with the new paint schemes.”
SHARPER ENGINE RESPONSES
Initial impressions for the anniversary cars believed the GT-R’s 412kW, 3.8-litre, V6, quad-valve, twin-turbo engine were so high that there was no room for improvement… but the engineers had a few tricks in mind – among them new turbochargers. Overall, Nissan says, they provide even sharper engine response into and out of curves.”
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Standard is a six-speed, dual-clutch, transmission with a refined ‘R’ mode for road and track. The adaptive shift control, the automaker says, has been programmed to change shift schedules to fit the user’s driving style: according to the law on public roads, brute force on the racetrack, without manually change shift modes.
The Anniversary GT-R’s exhaust note will come from a new titanium exhaust box bearing titanium finishers with burnished blue tips.
The electronic suspension has been tuned to provide better cornering and a smoother ride. The steering, Nissan says, is more precise, requiring minimal correction at up to 300km/h. A new brake booster will increase the initial braking response.
SEAMLESS PERFECTION
The GT-R’s cabin, Nissan says, offers an ”ideal blend of luxury and sport”. The seats are said to be ”comfortable yet supportive”, front and rear. The fascia is intended to convey a “horizontal flow” – a single, seamless, piece of hand-selected Nappa leather stitched, Nissan says, ”with takumi-style precision”.
The whole carries satnav and audio controls, a 20cm touch-panel monitor, and the large icons on the screen ”inform the driving experience without distracting from it”.
The steering-wheel carries shift paddles.
RECOMMENDED PRICES IN SOUTH AFRICA
Premium Edition – R2 250 000
Black Edition – R2 360 000
GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition
Pearl White with Red Decals – R2 405 000
Ultimate Silver with White Decals – R2 405 000
Bayside Blue with White Decals – R2 415 000
Carman's Corner 