Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign is not just a car, but a work of art on wheels, created in honor of the 50th anniversary of the iconic model GT-R. Designed in collaboration with an Italian atelier Italdesign, this supercar combines the fierce character of a Japanese monster with sophisticated European design. Total released 50 copies - one for each year of the legend’s existence.
Under the hood GT-R50 modified engine is hidden VR38DETT twin-turbocharged, outstanding 720 hp - 110 horses more than standard Nissan GT-R Nismo. But the main difference is not in power, but in the unique design: aggressive body lines, massive splitter, active wing and exclusive coloring Liquid Kinetic Grey with gold accents. This is a car that attracts attention even compared to other supercars.
In this article we will look at technical specifications, history of creation, design and interior features, and also answer the question: why GT-R50 has become one of the most desirable collector cars of the last decade - despite a price tag exceeding 1 million dollars.
History of creation: how the Nissan GT-R50 came about
Project GT-R50 was announced in 2018 as a collaboration Nissan And Italdesign - the legendary Italian atelier founded by Giorgetto Giugiaro. The idea was to create a car that would reflect 50 Years of GT-R Evolution, starting from Skyline GT-R (KPGC10) 1969 to modern R35.
The first prototype debuted at Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2018, causing a furor among car enthusiasts. However, the production version, introduced in 2020, has undergone a number of changes:
- 🔧 Increased engine power with 710 hp (prototype) to 720 hp (production model).
- 🎨 Added new color options, including
Jet BlackAndStealth Grey. - 💺 The interior has been redesigned using premium materials: Alcantara, carbon, titanium.
Fun fact: everyone GT-R50 assembled by hand at the factory Italdesign in Turin (Italy), and final development was carried out in Japan. It took up to 3 months.
- Classic R35
- Aggressive GT-R50
- Nismo version
- Other
Technical specifications: what's hidden under the hood
Nissan GT-R50 built on the basis GT-R Nismo, but received a lot of unique improvements. The heart of the car remains 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 (VR38DETT), however it was modified by specialists from Nismo And Italdesign:
| Parameter | GT-R Nismo | GT-R50 by Italdesign |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 600 hp | 720 hp at 6800 rpm |
| Torque | 652 Nm | 780 Nm at 3600–5600 rpm |
| Acceleration 0–100 km/h | 2.7 sec | 2.5 sec |
| Max. speed | 315 km/h | 320 km/h (electronically limited) |
| Transmission | 6-st. robot GR6 | 6-st. robot GR6 with power. clutch |
Particular attention was paid to the all-wheel drive system ATTESA E-TS, which has been retuned for better torque distribution between the axles. The car also received:
- 🔥 Improved cooling system with additional radiators.
- 🎯 Redesigned suspension Bilstein DampTronic with adaptive shock absorbers.
- 🛡️ Carbon ceramic brakes Brembo (wheels Ø 410 mm at the front).
- 🎵 Exhaust system Akrapović with titanium tips.
⚠️ Attention: Despite the increased power, GT-R50 remains not intended for daily use. Its suspension and tires (Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2) are optimized for the track, and the ground clearance is only 90 mm - lower than standard GT-R.
Design: Why the GT-R50 looks like a concept car
Appearance GT-R50 is a bold experiment that combines the features of a classic Skyline GT-R and futuristic elements. The body has been completely redesigned: it is wider by 50 mm, below on 54 mm and longer by 89 mmthan the base one R35.
Key design decisions:
- 🔥 Front bumper with a massive splitter and LED optics inspired by GT-R (R32).
- 💨 Side Skirts with air intakes for brake cooling.
- 🚀 Rear wing with active aerodynamics (changes the angle of attack depending on the speed).
- 🎨 Exclusive coloring:
Liquid Kinetic Greywith gold stripes or two-tone options (for example, black and blue).
Interesting detail: on the hood of each GT-R50 engraved serial number (from 01 to 50), and on the rear bumper there is an inscription "50th Anniversary".
Why doesn't the GT-R50 have a traditional grille?
Italdesign designers abandoned the classic grille to emphasize the futuristic appearance of the car. Instead, narrow air intakes are used on the sides of the bumper, which provide the necessary air flow to the radiators without disturbing the aerodynamics.
Interior: luxury and technology in every element
Salon GT-R50 is a symbiosis of racing minimalism and premium finishing. There are no unnecessary details, but each element is made of high quality materials:
- 🪑 Seats from Recaro with carbon trim and leather/Alcantara upholstery.
- ⚙️ Steering wheel with flat bottom, heating and integrated control buttons.
- 📱 Multimedia system with 8-inch screen and support Apple CarPlay.
- 🎛️ Digital dashboard with a unique design that displays telemetry data.
Particular attention is paid personalization: Buyers could choose the interior color scheme, the type of trim (carbon, titanium, aluminum) and even embroider their name on the headrests. The interior comes standard in black and gold with body-colored accents.
When ordering a GT-R50, customers received a personalized set of accessories: Alcantara seat covers, branded engraved keys and a certificate of authenticity signed by Italdesign.
How much does a Nissan GT-R50 cost and where can you buy it?
Official price Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign at the time of release was €990,000 (excluding taxes and options). However, on the secondary market the cost of the car already exceeds $1.2–1.5 million, making it one of the most expensive Japanese supercars.
Where to look GT-R50 today:
- 🏎️ Auctions: RM Sotheby’s, Bonhams, Bring a Trailer (rarely, but lots appear).
- 🌍 Exclusive car dealers: Kris Singh Collection (USA), Tom Hartley Jr. (UK).
- 📱 Private sales: through closed owners clubs GT-R (For example, GT-R Owners Club).
⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase GT-R50 be sure to check certificate of authenticity from Nissan And Italdesign. There are known cases of fraud with fake "anniversary" versions assembled on the basis of a regular GT-R R35.
☑️ What to check before buying GT-R50
GT-R50 vs GT-R Nismo: what is the difference and what to choose
If you are faced with a choice between GT-R50 And GT-R Nismo, here are the key differences:
| Characteristics | GT-R Nismo | GT-R50 by Italdesign |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 600 hp | 720 hp |
| Weight | 1740 kg | 1650 kg (due to carbon body) |
| Price (2026) | $210,000 | $1.2–1.5 million |
| Circulation | Unlimited | 50 pcs. |
| Purpose | Track/road | Collector car |
What to choose?
- ⚡ If you need fast and reliable supercar for the track - take it GT-R Nismo. It is cheaper to maintain and easier to operate.
- 💎 If you collector and value exclusivity - GT-R50 will be an excellent investment (its price will only increase).
- 🔧 If you plan tuning — Nismo gives more scope for modifications, whereas GT-R50 already brought to perfection.
The GT-R50 is not so much a car as it is a work of art. Its purchase is justified only if you are willing to spend at least $50,000 a year on maintenance and do not plan to drive it every day.
Maintenance and operation: what the owner needs to know
Service GT-R50 - this is not a cheap pleasure. Here are the main points to consider:
- 🔧 Maintenance should only be carried out in authorized centers Nissan or Italdesign. The cost of standard maintenance is from $5,000.
- 🛠️ Oil change required every 5,000 km (synthetic Motul 300V).
- 🚗 Tires (Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2) wear out over 10–15 thousand km during active driving.
- 🔋 Battery It is recommended to change once every 2 years (due to high loads on electronics).
Pay special attention carbon body:
- 🚿 Wash only in a contactless way (to avoid microcracks).
- 🌡️ Do not leave the car in direct sunlight - carbon fiber may become deformed.
- 🔨 Even minor damage requires repair from specialists (the cost of restoration is from $10,000).
Interesting fact: Nissan offers owners GT-R50 free field service during the first 3 years, a technician comes to your home for diagnostics and minor repairs.
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about the Nissan GT-R50
How many Nissan GT-R50s were produced?
Total produced 50 copies - one for each year of the legend's existence GT-R (from 1969 to 2019). Each car has a unique serial number from 01 to 50.
Is it possible to legally drive a GT-R50 in Russia?
Theoretically, yes, but in practice this is associated with a number of difficulties:
- 📄 The car is not certified for Russia, so you will need Individual Vehicle Type Approval (OTTS).
- 💰 Customs clearance will cost ~50% of the cost (about $600,000–750,000).
- ⛽ Gasoline AI-98 or 100+ mandatory - the engine is not designed for domestic fuel.
How does the GT-R50 differ from the GT-R (R35) other than design?
Apart from appearance, key differences include:
- 🔥 Engine: increased power (720 hp vs 570–600 hp), modified turbines IHI.
- 🏁 Transmission: reinforced clutch and modified gearbox GR6.
- 🛡️ Brakes: carbon ceramic wheels Brembo (vs steel for R35).
- 🎯 Aerodynamics: Active wing and optimized underbody for downforce.
How much does insurance cost for a GT-R50?
The cost of insurance depends on the region and program, but on average:
- 🇺🇸 In the USA: $20,000–30,000 per year (full package with track days coverage).
- 🇬🇧 In the UK: £15,000–25,000 (subject to limited mileage).
- 🇦🇪 In the UAE: AED 80,000–120,000 (due to the high risk of theft).
Many insurance companies refuse to work with GT-R50 due to its exclusivity and high renovation costs.
Is it possible to tune the GT-R50?
Technically yes, but:
- ⚠️ Nissan And Italdesign not recommended modify the vehicle as this will void the warranty and may reduce the collectible value.
- 🔧 Most owners are limited cosmetic improvements (vinyl, wheels) or software chip tuning (up to 800–850 hp).
- 💥 Serious tuning (for example, replacing turbines) requires a complete flashing of the ECU and costs $50,000+.