Nissan and Italdesign creates ultra-rare GT-R to mark 50th anniversary

Nissan and Italdesign have unveiled the GT-R50 by Italdesign built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of both the GT-R and Italdesign.

Based on the production 2018 Nissan GT-R NISMO, the one-off prototype was developed, engineered and built by the famous Italian design house, and will make its debut in Europe next month.

“How often do you get to ask, ‘What if we created a GT-R without limits,’ and then actually get to build it?” said Alfonso Albaisa, Nissan’s senior vice president for global design.

“This is a rare window in time when two big moments intersect: 50 years of Italdesign shaping the automotive world and 50 years of Nissan generating excitement through our iconic GT-R.

“So to celebrate this convergence, Nissan and Italdesign created this custom GT-R to mark 50 years of engineering leadership.”

The GT-R50 by Italdesign features a distinct golden inner element that stretches across almost the full width of the vehicle. Its new bonnet has a more pronounced power bulge, while 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.

“Although this is not the next-generation GT-R, it is an exciting celebration of two anniversaries in a provocative and creative way – wrapping one of Nissan’s best engineering platforms and Japanese design with Italian coachbuilding,” said Albaisa.

Nissan GT-R 50 by Italdesign prototype key specifications

Base vehicleNissan GT-R NISMO
Overall length4784mm (Standard NISMO: 4690mm)
Overall width1992mm (Standard NISMO: 1895mm)
Overall height1316mm (Standard NISMO: 1370mm)
Wheelbase2780mm (identical)
Engine3.8-litre VR38DETT by NISMO;

720 ps (estimated) @ 7100 rpm

780 Nm (estimated) @ 3600-5600 rpm

DrivelineMid-mounted front engine / rear transaxle ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive
GearboxReinforced dual-clutch sequential 6-speed rear transaxle
SuspensionBILSTEIN DampTronic I damping system
BrakesBrembo, with 2-piece floating drilled disc

Front: 6-piston monoblock caliper; 390 x 32.6mm

Rear: 4-piston monoblock caliper; 380 x 30mm

Wheels (inches)Front: 21 x 10J

Rear: 21 x 10.5J

TyresMichelin Pilot Super Sport; Front: 255/35 R21 Rear: 285/30 R21

Check Also

Nissan SUV push: 2023 Qashqai, X-Trail and Pathfinder price and specs

Nissan has completely revamped its SUV line-up with the launch of all-new Qashqai, X-Trail and …