Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition released

The Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition has arrived in Australia, marking five decades of the Japanese brand’s iconic supercar since 1969.

Priced at $209,300 plus on-road costs ($9500 more than the Nissan GT-R Premium Luxury on which it’s based), the commemorative super-coupe is available now as part of an upgraded 2020 model range.

The most significant GT-R update since 2017 brings worthwhile running changes to the hand-built VR-series 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6, six-speed dual-clutch transaxle, suspension and brakes, but the MY20 GT-R line also comes with prices hikes of up to $8000.

The entry-level Nissan GT-R Premium ($193,800 plus ORCs) and Premium Luxury ($199,800) are both now $4800 more expensive, while the GT-R Track Edition is up $8000 to $235,000 and the new Track Edition with optional NISMO interior tops the range, for now, at $247,000.

There’s no sign of more basic Pure, Prestige and Black variants sold in other markets, but the upgraded MY20 Nissan GT-R NISMO will arrive Down Under in about two months.

As we’ve reported, the range-topping GT-R will bring a 30kg weight reduction, more downforce, new turbos from the GT3 racer, retuned suspension, carbon ceramic brake rotors, wider tyres on lighter, more rigid forged aluminium RAYS wheels and probably a price increase over the current model’s $299,000 sticker.

For now, all five MY20 versions of the sixth-generation (R35) GT-R – first launched 12 years ago in 2007 – also bring upgraded turbochargers, transmission, suspension, steering, brakes, wheels and cosmetics.

There are no changes to engine outputs, which remain at 419kW of power and 632Nm of torque (although the GT-R NISMO’s will increase to about 447kW, from 441kW/652Nm).

However, Nissan says the adoption of a motorsport-based abradable seal reduces turbo compressor housing-blade leakage, thereby improving engine response at low revs and delivering a five per cent increase in efficiency.

Allowing for easier servicing and tuning are optimised turbo flange attachment points for the exhaust manifolds and, downstream, a new titanium muffler with burnished blue finishers is claimed deliver a better exhaust note.

There are similar running changes for the GT-R’s three-mode transmission, suspension and steering systems.

Meantime, refinements to the transmission’s R Mode are said to deliver more aggressive downshifts “to better anticipate swift cornering exits, with gear selection happening during ABS engagement, resulting in reduced understeer and a more driver-intuitive feeling”.

Meantime, updates to the Bilstein DampTronic suspension are said to have resulted in “better cornering stability and a smoother ride” via improved response to cornering, braking and yaw forces.

Although details are similarly scarce, Nissan says the MY20 GT-R’s steering is “more linear and precise than ever, requiring minimal corrections at speeds of up to 300km/h”, and that a new brake booster for the Brembo stoppers (still comprising six/four-piston front/rear callipers on floating, vented and drilled rotors “increases the initial braking response by engaging with less pedal stroke, resulting in enhanced stopping power and feel”.

Range-wide design updated include revised fog lights, blue exhaust outlets and a new Bayside Blue hero paint colour inspired by the Wangan Blue hue seen on the R34 – in addition to Ivory Pearl, Super Silver, Gun Metallic, Jet Black, Vibrant Red and Blaze Metallic hues.

In addition, Premium Luxury grades get an updated interior colour – Urban Grey – while Track Edition versions score refreshed Recaro front seats as part of the NISMO interior option pack.

The 50th Anniversary Edition is more of a special-edition than a limited-edition, featuring dedicated interior trim, anniversary badging and unique decals. Just four are in Australia so far, with a further four on the way, and more available by special order.

On top of GT-R Premium Luxury features, the five-decade special is available in three exterior colours: Super Silver with white decals, Ivory Pearl with red decals and Bayside Blue and white decals.

Said to be inspired by the liveries of GT-R race cars in the 1971 Japan Grand Prix, the contrasting decals are applied to the bonnet, roof and boot lid, where a ‘50th Anniversary’ sticker and badge also reside.

Further commemorative emblems can be found inside, on the kick plates, tachometer, seats and centre console, while the lighter 20-inch alloy wheels with blue spoke faces are also engraved with 50th Anniversary badges.

A special Twilight Grey interior colour scheme – for the semi-aniline two-tone leather trim, dashboard, centre console, door trims, steering wheel and gear shifter – plus an Alcantara headliner with unique stitching and Alcantara-wrapped sunvisors complete the anniversary package.

Standard equipment across the Nissan GT-R range continues to include six airbags, three-stage stability control, reversing camera, tyre pressure monitoring, satellite navigation with 3D mapping on an 8.0-inch touch-screen, Bluetooth, keyless entry/start, heated seats, 11-speaker BOSE premium sound, auto headlights, dual-zone climate control and front/rear parking sensors.

“Few letters are as recognised and celebrated as much as GT-R, so whenever there is an update the world takes notice,” said Nissan Australia managing director Stephen Lester.

“The overall changes to Nissan GT-R are significant from a driving performance perspective, while the 50th anniversary edition stylishly pays homage to its past.”

How much is the 2020 Nissan GT-R?
Premium — $193,800 (+$4800)
Premium Luxury — $199,800 (+$4800)
Premium Luxury 50th Anniversary — $209,300 (new)
Track Edition — $235,000 (+$8000)
Track Edition with NISMO interior — $247,000 (new)