The Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign is based on the current Nismo GT-R but is transformed in almost every inch. As the ultra limited edition woos collectors in the Middle East, the million Euro car stops by Dubai Autodrome, as part of a global tour, and we get a special sneak peek.
If you have suspected an Italian job looking at the 2003 Chevrolet Corvette Moray concept or the Subaru SVX of the nineties or the 1974 Volkswagen Golf, well you were absolutely right. Italdesign gave shape to them, besides many Italian models and many of the most beautiful concept cars ever made. Celebrating the milestone of 50 years in 2018 had to be special for Italdesign. During the same time another special car was all set to celebrate its own half a century mark with great vroom. The Nissan GT-R decided to take the shape of a limited edition at the hands of Italdesign. And thus the Nissan GT-R50 was born. I should make it clear that the car was actually designed by the European and American teams of Nissan while it was developed, engineered and built by Italdesign.
After a tour that tested the love for a GT-R ultra limited edition, it was assigned for production, with only 50 of them slotted to be built. Starting with the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England and moving through Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, Monterey Motorsports Reunion in the U.S and Nissan Crossing in Japan, the GT-R50 stopped at Dubai Autodrome earlier this week.
Watch: Nissan GT-R50 exclusive walkaround by Drivemeonline at Dubai Autodrome
Lapping up the kind sunshine in the pitlane, the GT-R50 stood covered in the splendour of liquid kinetic grey and energetic sigma gold. I couldn’t decide if I were charmed more by the two-tone finish or the exotic names. While these were the colours that adorned the prototype, the customers can specify their preferred combinations on the bespoke model they reserve, inside and out.
Brute force meets European sensibility in the GT-R50
Dimensions: Length: 4784mm / 4.78 m (Standard NISMO: 4690 mm / 4.69 m) Width: 1992mm (Standard NISMO: 1895 mm) Height: 1316mm (Standard NISMO: 1370 mm) Wheelbase: 2780mm (same)
Design: a pronounced power bulge on the hood, stretched LED headlights, a lowered roofline by 54 mm and prominent “samurai blade” cooling outlets behind the front wheels. The rear for once looks more impressive. The large rear wing is mounted with two uprights and is flexible as it can lower itself close to the boot line. Custom wheels: 21 x 10 inches in front and 21 x 10.5 inches at the rear
Engine: The 3.8L V6 engine has an output almost 120 PS more than the stock. 710 hp and 780 Nm of torque is what the supercar will tear the tracks with. Changes include optimized twin high-flow, large-diameter GT3 competition-spec turbochargers and larger intercoolers; 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.
Cabin: Carbon fiber is lavished over the center console, instrument panel and door linings in two different finishes. The seats are wrapped in black Alcantara® and fine black Italian leather. Gold accents continue inside.
Chassis and underpinnings: 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 tires 255/35 R21 in front and 285/30 R21 in rear help harness the power.
Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign Pricing: 990,000 Euros before taxes and options. Serious buyers may please visit www.gt-r50.nissan
The Nissan GT-R in the Middle East
GT-R has a near-cult following amidst Middle East consumers, and this is where the legendary car broke a Guinness World record in 2016, for the fastest ever vehicle drift. Driver Masato Kawabata (Japan) reached a staggering 304.96 km/h (189.49 mi/h) while driving a Nissan GT-R NISMO at Fujairah International Airport. Nissan says the GT-R is on track to doubling its share in the premium sports car market by the end of fiscal year 2018 compared with 2016.
Commenting during the launch, Kalyana Sivagnanam, Regional Vice President, Marketing and Sales, Nissan AMI and President of Nissan Middle East: “Continuing our long and proud motorsport heritage in the Middle East, we are thrilled to bring the exclusive GT-R50 to customers and fans in the region. The Nissan GT-R is one of the world’s most iconic supercars, and the GT-R50 by Italdesign is the GT-R taken to the next level, with no compromise in performance, styling or craftsmanship.”
