Nissan and Italdesign have joined forces to produce an ultra limited GT-R – the Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign.
Based on a production NISMO version, the unique model commemorates the 50th anniversaries of both the GT-R and Italdesign and make its debut next month in Europe.
“How often do you get to ask: ‘What if we created a GT-R without limits,’ and then actually get to build it?” Nissan’s senior vice president for global design, Alfonso Albaisa, said.
“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.”
Italdesign developed, engineered and built the car.
The distinctive, crisp exterior and interior designs are the work of teams at Nissan Design Europe in London and Nissan Design America.
Behind the look, however, the Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign is all business.
Drawing on Nissan’s GT3 racing experience, the NISMO organisation has enhanced the hand-assembled 3.8-litre V6 VR38DETT engine to produce an estimated 530kW of power and 780Nm of torque.
Changes include optimised twin high-flow, large-diameter GT3 competition-spec turbochargers and larger intercoolers; along with a heavy-duty crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods and bearings; high-flow piston oil jets; revised camshaft profiles; higher-flow fuel injectors; and optimized ignition, intake and exhaust systems.
A reinforced dual-clutch sequential six-speed rear transaxle and stronger differentials and drive shafts direct the power to the wheels.
The suspension has also been revised, with Bilstein DampTronic I continuously adjustable damping system.
Brembo six-piston front and four-piston rear stoppers feature bright red, clearly visible calipers.
Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres, sized 255/35 R21 in the front and 285/30 R21 at the back, add a level of grip needed to harness the engine’s power.
| Nissan GT-R 50 by Italdesign prototype key specifications | |
| Base vehicle | Nissan GT-R NISMO |
| Overall length | 4784mm (Standard NISMO: 4690mm) |
| Overall width | 1992mm (Standard NISMO: 1895mm) |
| Overall height | 1316mm (Standard NISMO: 1370mm) |
| Wheelbase | 2780mm (identical) |
| Engine | 3.8-litre VR38DETT by NISMO; 530kW (estimated) @ 7100rpm 780Nm (estimated) @ 3600-5600rpm |
| Driveline | Mid-mounted front engine / rear transaxle ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive |
| Gearbox | Reinforced dual-clutch sequential 6-speed rear transaxle |
| Suspension | Bilstein DampTronic I damping system |
| Brakes | Brembo, 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 |
| Tires | Michelin Pilot Super Sport; Front: 255/35 R21 Rear: 285/30 R21 |
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