When news broke out that Nissan is collaborating with Italdesign to create a version of the GT-R, people right away knew it would be a design exercise at its best. The limited edition Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign indeed looks spectacular, but it wasn't just about the appearance, but performance as well.
Known for its potent engines, Nissan – thru its high performance NISMO arm -- is giving us a sneak peek on how it's tuning the mill of the GT-R50 by Italdesign to perfection.
Serious Engine Testing On The Dyno
Just like all other R35 GT-R models – which have yet to find a new successor even after 14 years of existence – the GT-R50 by Italdesign is served by a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 mill. However, the GT-R50 by Italdesign is a stylish, elegant Godzilla with more power to deliver. As per Nissan, this version offers up to 710 hp of output and 575 lb-ft of torque, thanks to various race and road car development technologies.
In the video uploaded by NISMO on YouTube, the GT-R50 by Italdesign (or a prototype at least) can be seen strapped into what looks like four-wheel dyno setup, undergoing what could be considered as some very serious engine testing. Unfortunately, nowhere can you see the revised front end that makes the Italdesign model stand out from any other GT-R.
Confirming Performance With Nürburgring Run As Benchmark
NISMO was actually testing and confirming the durability and reliability of the high performance powertrain under the hood. It set the mode cycle of the time achieved by the Nissan GT-R NISMO at Nürburgring in 2013 as the performance benchmark.
This mode cycle was replicated by the 4-wheel chassis dyno, with the GT-R50 by Italdesign strapped on for benchtop simulation durability testing (acceleration durability testing). The test also confirmed the engine's estimated max output of 710 hp (720 PS), which should make the GT-R50 by Italdesign around 0.8 seconds quicker than the current GT-R NISMO in the 0-to-124 mph (0-to-200 km/h) sprint.
Ultimate Expression Of The GT-R
The ultimate expression of the Godzilla is based on the latest Nissan GT-R NISMO, in commemoration of the 50th anniversaries of the GT-R in 2019 and Italdesign in 2018. NISMO's video of the GT-R50 by Italdesign confirms that the special edition – limited to just 50 examples -- isn't just a pipe dream. It's long overdue though, as Nissan initially announced that deliveries the stylish Godzilla would start in late 2019.
Source: NISMO on YouTube