Vehicle Spotlight: 2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition
The 2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition proves that despite five decades of changing consumer tastes and evolving opinions on what “makes” a supercar, plus some truly jaw-dropping headlines surrounding the automaker’s recent corporate struggles, Nissan can still create something not just compelling, but worthy of its rich competitive history.
The inspiration behind the 50th anniversary GT-R was the 1969 Nissan Skyline 2000GT-R sedan. Why this car in particular? Because the 2000GT-R won the JAF Grand Prix, its debut race. It was then made into a coupe for 1971, going on to win 52 races in its first three years. This car was a serious competitor, and its “distinctive colors and markings struck fear in the hearts of the competition.”
The GT-R came to be known for winning on the racetrack—but more on that in a little while. Let’s start from the beginning…
History of a Legend
The first-generation GT-R came to life as a performance variant of the Nissan Skyline. Powered by a detuned version of the R380 race car’s engine, the plucky little GT-R sedan had tremendous character. Aggressive looks matched with terrific performance helped to make the GT-R a success on both the racetrack and the showroom floor.
With 33 victories that year, the GT-R was beginning to make a name for itself, and it didn’t stop there.
The GT-R saw a few facelifts in the ’70s before it disappeared for over a decade, thanks to the gas crisis. And when the R31 Skyline launched in 1985, the response was rather underwhelming. The R31 simply failed to live up to its predecessors, and there wasn’t even a GT-R variant. But (mercifully) Nissan wasn’t done yet!
In August of 1989, Nissan launched the R32 Skyline GT-R, powered by the legendary RB26DETT turbocharged inline-6 engine, which pumped out a blistering 280 bhp and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. This powerplant, combined with all-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-steering, meant the R32 was able to stay planted through corners and dominate the competition on the racetrack.
The winning streak of the R32 earned it a nickname which still stands to this day – “Godzilla.”
When the R33 Skyline GT-R came to the market in 1995, the RB26DETT engine had been reworked to produce 264 lb.-ft of torque. The wheelbase had been lengthened four inches and it was an inch wider; the aerodynamics had been greatly improved to reduce front end lift and stabilize the car at high speeds. The new all-wheel-drive system was better able to split torque between the front and rear axles, and the rear-wheel-steering system was improved with electronic servos which were faster and more adjustable than the hydraulic units on the R32.
All of these improvements made the R33 20 seconds faster around the Nürburgring with a lap time of 7 minutes 59 seconds! This was the first sport coupe to go around that track in under eight minutes!
In 1999 we saw the introduction of the R34, the last GT-R to be powered by the RB26DETT. The aerodynamics were reworked yet again to further reduce front end lift and improve cooling for the engine and brakes. The all-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-steering systems were also improved, and the R34 continued to dominate the competition on the racetrack.
Production of the R34 was stopped in 2002, and we wouldn’t see a replacement until 2007—but what came next was WELL worth the wait!
The Next Generation
The newest generation of the GT-R, the R35, launched in 2007. Gone was the Skyline model name—this new car was known only as the GT-R. And best of all, it was FINALLY available in North America!
The straight-6 RB26DETT of previous generations was replaced with a new all-aluminum V6 known as the VR38DETT.
This new 480-hp engine is an absolute masterpiece. Each one is hand-built by a single worker in the assembly plant, and when the job is complete, they affix a plate to front of the engine with their name on it.
Coupled with a dual-clutch transmission for lightning-fast shifts, and an all new all-wheel-drive system for maximum grip, the R35 became one of the fastest accelerating cars of all time with a 0-60 time of only 3.2 seconds!
2020 Nissan GTR 50th Anniversary Edition
The 2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition is a celebration of five decades of GT-R dominance and speed.
This special edition GT-R is easily recognizable by the race-inspired graphics pattern over the hood, roof, and trunk lid, exclusive 20-inch forged-alloy wheels (available with Bayside Blue accents for models in the Bayside Blue exterior color), as well as a number of 50th Anniversary badges throughout the interior and exterior.
Power has increased to 565 hp, and the aerodynamics have again been tweaked to maximize cooling, performance, and downforce. The underside of the car—an area which is often overlooked on modern cars—is completely covered by composite panels which maintain a flat, aerodynamic surface. The front diffuser accelerates the air and channels it over the brakes for improved cooling, then the rear diffuser takes that accelerated air and slows it down again to cause a vacuum effect, pulling the car down toward the road.
I think it’s safe to say that not a single stone was left unturned on this latest GT-R. But, are we really surprised?
Innovative technology has always been a by-product of the GT-R; it’s part of this car’s heritage, its history. It is also known for screaming-fast-performance and an unruly exhaust note.
The GT-R is Nissan’s answer to the question: “Can it be done?” And for that, Nissan, we thank you!
