New York show: Nissan breathes new life into GT-R

NISSAN has delved into its past for inspiration for its GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition, which debuted overnight at the New York motor show alongside a small list of updates to keep the supercar fresh for the next few years.

Confirmed to arrive in Australian showrooms before years end, the 50th Anniversary Edition will commemorate half a century of the GT-R nameplate with three unique exterior colour options, including the resurrection of the hero Bayside Blue of the R34 Skyline GT-R.

The Japanese car-maker says the Bayside Blue GT-R will feature a four-coat, double-heated paint finish for a “vivid blue with striking highlights and deep shadows”, while other exterior highlights include blue accents on the wheel spokes and white-coloured racing stripes.

The other two colours available on the 50th Anniversary Edition include Pearl White with red stripes and Super Silver with white stripes, though Nissan is yet to confirm any other exterior changes.

The cabin of the GT-R 50th Anniversary Editions is also kitted out with a unique grey colour, as well as unique steering wheel and shift knob trims, an Alcantara headliner and sun visors, and bespoke seat embossing.

Meanwhile, performance still comes courtesy of a twin-turbocharged 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine, outputting 421kW/633Nm in US specification, but with revised snails for improved low-speed response and tweaked exhaust manifolds for easier servicing.

The GT-R’s carryover dual-clutch six-speed automatic transmission is also updated with a more “refined” R mode that features quicker gear changes.

A new titanium muffler is also fitted, complete with burnished blue tips.

Other changes to the new GT-R include a retuned electronically controlled suspension set-up, tweaked steering settings and a new brake booster for improved pedal feel.

All new GT-Rs in select markets will also come equipped with the brand’s NissanConnectSM infotainment system, which allows remote functionality of the doors, alarm and vehicle tracking through a smartphone application.

US versions of the mid-tier Track Edition will also benefit from the flagship Nismo’s full-fat 447kW/652Nm engine, as well as options for a carbon-fibre roof and uprated Brembo brakes.

Speaking of, the MY2020 Nissan GT-R Nismo also broke cover at the same event, flexing its performance muscle with reworked styling and a more potent engine.

Differentiating the new Nismo-tuned GT-R are vented front fenders, lifted straight from the GT3 race car, which are designed to help evacuate hot air from the engine bay and provide extra downforce on the front wheels.

To keep weight down, the GT-R Nismo retains the same carbon-fibre body work as before – including the front and rear bumpers, bonnet, fenders, roof, side skirts, rear spoiler and boot – but now with lighter 20-inch Rays forged aluminium wheels.

The super-sticky Dunlop tyres are also overhauled with a 11 per cent increase in contact patch, improving the flagship GT-R’s cornering prowess.

Under the bonnet, race-bred GT3-dervived turbochargers are now fitted to the 3.6-litre twin-turbo V6 which now outputs “approximate 447kW” of power in US guise and has resulted in an increase in acceleration response.

The remaining changes largely mirror its ‘standard’ GT-R siblings, with tweaks to steering, transmission and suspension settings for what Nissan chief product specialist for the GT-R Hiroshi Tamura calls “the ultimate track and street vehicle”.

“It is about total balance management, not just chasing power figures,” he said. “The new Nismo has been brought to a new level with enhanced engine, handling, braking and aerodynamics.”

The new Nissan GT-R Nismo will also hit Australian showrooms by the end of 2019.