Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition – Road Trip

The Nissan GT-R is a legend, there’s little doubt about that. Since 1969 there has been three generations of one of the world’s great sportscars and now supercar. So, in 2019 Nissan has taken the opportunity to chuck a party, introducing a new variant into the mix.

What is it?

This anniversary model is based on the 2020 Premium Luxury GT-R. It has all the grunt of the usual R35 model, but with some suitable bling to set it apart. The car is available in just three colours including an all-new Bayside Blue which is the pick of the crop. There’s also Super Silver that I just drove from Brisbane to Sydney and Ivory Pearl with red stripes. 

Those stripes make their way across the bonnet, roof and the boot. On the exterior are more reminders about the half-ton milestone, with extra 50^th logos on the rear and on the unique alloy wheels. Trust me, people have always admired the GT-R almost universally. Nothing has changed.

The cabin I just spent 12 hours in was a grey two-tone effort with leather trim Nissan call Twilight Grey. It’s all over every major touchpoint. By the way, check out those quad blue exhaust pipes, WOW. 

Behind the wheel

While the monster lurking under the bonnet hasn’t changed, this is still one hell of a machine. Driving 1000km South down the Pacific Highway was almost offensive for this car, but if you’re going to spend hours alone, I can’t think of a better place.

Vital Stats

The twin-turbo 3.8-litre V6 engine with 419kW of power and 632Nm of torque remains. The turbochargers have been spruced up to make them work more efficiently. The six-speed dual-clutch transmission remains, along with ‘R Mode’ to turn the thing into a real menace when combined with the all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrain. 

Technology

This is not the GT-R’s strength, but when you drive the car you simply don’t give a rats. What you do get is satellite navigation via a basic 8-inch touch screen that you can also run via a display commander control.

The heated seats are a nice touch, while a BOSE premium audio system with 11 speakers is just ok. Other features include a rear-view camera and front and rear parking sensors.

Price

Before on-roads the 2020 lineup is priced from:

• GT-R Premium                                             $193,800
• GT-R Premium Luxury                               $199,800
• GT-R Premium Luxury 50^thAnniversary $209,300
• GT-R Track Edition                                $235,000
• GT-R Track Edition with optional NISMO interior   $247,000

Why would you buy one?

To be honest the Nissan GT-R across all five models represents good value for such an epic, iconic car.

EFTM Scoreboard

We have a week with the 50^thanniversary model, so we’ll have further updates. But man, just take a look at the thing. Nissan has changed just enough for other drivers to continue uncontrollable drooling. It’s a 9.3 out of 10 from me.