Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign

04 Jan 2020

The Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign began with the GT-R NISMO reinterpreted with European sensibility, combining Japanese performance and Italian craftsmanship in commemoration of the 50th anniversaries of the GT-R in 2019 and Italdesign in 2018.

Italdesign developed, engineered and built the car. The distinctive, crisp exterior and interior designs originated from Nissan’s design centres in Europe and America. Key design features include a pronounced power bulge on the hood, stretched LED headlights, a lowered roofline, and prominent “samurai blade” cooling outlets behind the front wheels. A large, adjustable rear wing, mounted with two uprights, completes the overall look.

Inside, the Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign reflects its modern, high-performance pedigree. Two different carbon fiber finishes are extensively used across the center console, instrument panel and door linings, while the seats feature black Alcantara® and fine black Italian leather.

Underneath its new shape, the Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign is all business. Drawing on Nissan’s extensive GT3 racing experience, the NISMO enhanced, hand-assembled modified twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6 engine produces 710 horsepower or an extra 110 hp over the standard Nismo. Torque is also up from 652 Nm to a whopping 780 Nm. A revised Bilstein suspension damping system and upgraded Brembo braking system help handle the extra power.

Now the first customer model of the collaboration will go on display at the Geneva Motor Show in March, before deliveries of the limited-edition car begin in late 2020. Before then, the prototype model will be on exhibition in locations throughout Japan.

Demand for the production version of the car has been strong, with customers across the globe in the process of selecting personal specifications for their vehicles. That will make the already limited car, of which only 50 will be produced, even more attractive to collectors.

“Our customers have relished the personalized experience provided by Italdesign, who have a long tradition in the exclusive field of ultra-rare, bespoke high-performance vehicles,” said Bob Laishley, global sports car program director at Nissan. “Their experience with the GT-R50 has been incredible and I can say first-hand that each car will certainly be a standalone masterpiece.”

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