Never thought it possible to use the word ‘naff’ in connection with the Nissan GT-R supercar, but 50 years on, it has happened, for written across the rear of the celebration edition is ‘50th Anniversary’ in cursive script straight out of a Hallmark-style greetings card.
Now, remember, this is on the bum of a race-bred beast (aka Godzilla) sporting a twin turbo V6 motor that can shoot it from zero 100 km/h in a claimed under-three seconds on the way to a top speed of 315 km/h. It might seem niggly, but perception is everything and this is no Noddy car.
Having said that, everything else about the sixth-generation GT-R is bang on. Based on the MY20 Premium Luxury variant, the celebration model has come in for attention from MISMO engineers with updated acceleration, handling and braking performance.
The powerplant – the 3.8-litre V6 putting out 419 kW and 632 Nm – remains unchanged for MY20 and is mated with a reworked six-speed dual-clutch transmission with a refined R Mode.
The full range consists of the GT-R Premium GT-R Premium Luxury and GT-R Track. Prices start at $193,800, plus on-road costs, for the entry-level variant and top out at $247,000 for the GT-R Track Edition with optional NISMO Interior $247,000. The 50th Anniversary Edition slots in at $209,300.
STYLING
The 50th Anniversary Edition test vehicle wore a unique paint job, Ivory Pearl with red stripes across the bonnet, roof and boot, which was inspired by the GT-R race livery from the 1971 Japan Grand Prix. Across the board are redesigned fog lamps, blue exhaust tips.
The car rolls on 20-inch Y-spoke Rays aluminium wheels with knurled bead area, designed to maximise tyre adhesion to the wheel under extreme acceleration. Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600 DSST CTT run-flat summer tyres, nitrogen filled, have been exclusively developed for GT-R.
INTERIOR
Once again, the GT-R celebrates with its own two-tone leather trim, Twilight Grey, which pops up all over the place, especially on doors, seats, front fascia and dash panels, as well as steering wheel and gearshift knob.
And in case you missed it outside, there’s more inside, with 50th Anniversary badging on seats, centre console, tacho and kick plates.
INFOTAINMENT
Across the range, Nissan GT-R features satellite navigation with 3D mapping on an 8-inch colour display with multi-touch screen, a display commander control and Bluetooth.
An electronic analogue instrument cluster with multi-function trip computer and digital gear indicator are featured across the range. It also has an Intelligent Key with push button start, heated seats, rear-view camera and front and rear parking sensors.
The Bose premium audio has 11 speakers and the ability to have the windscreen-mounted rear-view mirror vibrating to the bass beat.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
While the engine basically remains the same as before, with maximum power of 419 kW coming up at 6800 rpm and top torque of 632 Nm on tap between 3300 and 5800 rpm.
Power is put to ground via six-speed dual-clutch transmission with ‘R Mode’. In commuter conditions the test GT-R is 17.9 l/100km and 8.6l/100km on the open road.
SAFETY
The Nissan Advanced System has dual-stage front driver and passenger airbags, driver-side seatbelt and occupant sensor, driver and front passenger side-impact airbags and roof-mounted curtain side-impact airbags.
A body built with front and rear crumple zones is complemented by four-wheel anti-lock braking, electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control, tyre pressure monitoring, brake assist and hill start assist.
DRIVING
While the engine is carried over from the previous GT-R, Nissan has updated the turbochargers with racing engine technology, which reduces compressor housing-blade clearance to reduce air leakage and improve response at low revs, especially on corners.
A refined six-speed dual-clutch transmission, ‘R Mode’ and all-wheel drive, allow for more aggressive downshifts, resulting in reduced understeer, while the electronically controlled suspension and improved steering have been tuned to provide better cornering, requiring fewer course corrections.
Upgraded brakes include a new booster, which makes for increased braking response with less pedal stroke. Stopping power and feel are the winners here.
There was some stuttering off the mark until warmed up, then engine and transmission worked well in tandem. The view behind was severely restricted, not only by a slot of a rear window, but one that was chopped in half by a boot spoiler. And the car disconcertingly was slow to engage reverse, rolling forward while on an incline.
Strictly a 2+2, headroom was adequate for an average size adult, but a turn in a rear had my knees up against the seat in front and feet tucked under the frame. Okay for short journeys only. As for ‘Grand Touring’, boot space was not skimped, however, the opening was restricted to taking only mid-size luggage.
SUMMING UP
The GT-R gained the monster tag Godzilla when it came Down Under and saw off the home-grown Supercars, which included the infamous back-to-back Bathurst victories. Things, including the beast itself, are quieter these days. However, don’t expect to fade into the background behind the wheel, the ‘Anniversary’ rig has a street presence second to none.
AT A GLANCE
MODEL LINE-UP
Nissan GT-R Premium $193,800
Nissan GT-R Premium Luxury $199,800
Nissan GT-R Premium Luxury 50th Anniversary $209,300
Nissan GT-R Track Edition $235,000
Nissan GT-R Track Edition with NISMO Interior $247,000
Note: These prices do not include dealer or government charges. Contact your local Nissan dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Nissan GTR Premium Luxury 50th Anniversary 3.8-litre twin turbo V6 petrol engine, 6sp automatic, AWD)
Capacity: 3800 cc
Configuration: V6
Maximum Power: 419 kW @ 6800 rpm
Maximum Torque: 632 Nm @ 3300 and 5800 rpm
Fuel type: Petrol 98 RON
Combined Cycle (ADR 81/01): 11.7 litres per 100 km
CO2 emissions: 278 g/km
DRIVELINE:
Drivetrain: 6-speed dual clutch automatic, AWD
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4710 mm
Width: 1895 mm
Height: 1370 mm
Wheelbase: 2780 mm
Kerb weight: 1765 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 74 litres
BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Ventilated disc
WARRANTY:
5 years / unlimited kilometres
