Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign could enter production

The Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign will make its world debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in Chichester, England, on July 12.

The first-ever collaboration between Nissan and Italdesign, the GT-R50 prototype shown at Goodwood could become the blueprint for an extremely limited run of hand-built production vehicles. The GT-R50 commemorates the 50th anniversaries of both the GT-R, in 2019, and Italdesign, in 2018.

“The Goodwood Festival of Speed is the ideal setting to showcase the Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign, which combines power and artistry to celebrate 50 years of inspiring the dreams of our customers,” said Alfonso Albaisa, Nissan’s senior vice president of global design.

“Just like the prototype itself, Goodwood is a celebration of design, performance, a little indulgence and a lot of love of historic and future automotive creativity.

“It’s the perfect setting to showcase a unique vehicle that will stir the imagination of people to dream even bigger.”

Pending the GT-R50’s public reception at Goodwood and other global appearances in the coming months, a highly exclusive production version inspired by the prototype may be created. No more than 50 units would be produced by Italdesign – with each car tailored for each customer – with a price estimated to start at about €900,000.

The Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign starts with the latest GT-R Nismo and re-interprets it with a touch of Italian style and craftsmanship.

Featuring a distinct golden inner element that stretches across almost the full width of the vehicle, the GT-R50 by Italdesign boasts a new bonnet that has a more pronounced power bulge. Elsewhere the thin LED headlights stretch from the wheel arch to the lip above the outer cooling intakes.

The car’s roofline has been lowered by 54mm and features a steeper rake for the rear window and twin floating taillights with hollow centres.

The signature GT-R “samurai blade” cooling outlets behind the front wheels have gained more prominence with a gold inlay and extends from the bottom of the doors to the shoulder line.

A large, adjustable rear wing mounted with two uprights, along with custom 21 x 10 inches front and 21 x 10.5 inches rear wheels, complete the overall look.

The prototype is finished in “Liquid Kinetic Gray” paint work with distinctive “Energetic Sigma Gold” anniversary accents.

Inside, the Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign reflects its modern, high-performance pedigree.

Two different carbon fibre finishes are extensively used across the centre console, instrument panel and door linings, along with black Alcantara and fine black Italian leather on the seats.

Gold accents echo the exterior treatment across the instrument panel, doors and the futuristic race car-inspired switchgear. The bespoke steering wheel’s central hub and spokes are made of carbon fibre, while the rim features a flat bottom and matching Alcantara trim.

Underneath the all-new bodywork is an enhanced version of the hand-built 3.8-litre twin turbo V6 from Nismo. It gains larger GT3 competition-spec turbos, larger intercoolers; heavy-duty crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods and bearings, high-flow piston oil jets; revised camshaft profiles; higher-flow fuel injectors and optimised intake and exhaust systems. The result is a mighty 530kW at 7,100rpm and 780Nm of torque at 3,600-5,600rpm.

The limitless GT-R’s six-speed dual-clutch transmission is also reinforced, while stronger differentials and drive shafts direct power to all four wheels.

A revised suspension has been developed, featuring the BILSTEIN DampTronic I continuously adjustable damping system.

For braking, the Brembo six-piston front and four-piston rear brakes feature bright red, clearly visible calipers.

Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres, sized 255/35 R21 in the front and 285/30 R21 in the rear, add a level of grip needed to harness the engine’s power.

“At Italdesign, we have a long history of making our customers’ dreams come true. By joining forces now with our partners at Nissan, we brought a true GT-R fantasy to life,” said Joerg Astalosch, CEO of Italdesign-Giugiaro S.p.A.

“Together, we have the target that soon this ‘monster’ of a vehicle will change the lives of 50 very select enthusiasts. Their wait will soon be over.”