When the R35 Nissan GT-R made its global debut back in 2007, it stunned everyone with its incredible performance stats as well as its blistering 7:38 minute Nürburgring lap time. Over the last decade, Nissan's supercar killer has been carefully updated in an attempt to keep it competitive. In 2017, the model received a major aesthetic refresh along with an entirely re-designed interior. To match the new looks, Nissan reworked the powertrain to give it more power and even greater driving dynamics.
2019 saw the introduction of the track-focused GT-R Nismo edition as well as the GT-R 50th Edition. A sports car with a special trim level only available for the premium model which pays homage to the over 50 years of history since the very first GT-R.
50 Years of GT-R
The very first generation of the Skyline GT-R, dubbed the KPGC10, was introduced in 1969 and was in production until 1972. Power came from a 2.0 liter inline 6-cylinder engine producing 160 horsepower and 130 pounds-feet of torque. The second generation, the KPGC110, arrived in 1973 and only existed for one year due to increasing gas prices in the early 1970’s. Only 197 cars were ever built and all of them utilized a 2.0 liter inline 6-cylinder engine.
The third generation arrived in 1989 and saw the introduction of the R nomenclature that’s still in use today. The R32 was in production from 1989 to 1994 and utilized brand new 2.6 liter turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine producing 276hp and 260 lb-ft of torque as well as a new all wheel drive system. The R33 followed closely in 1995 and built upon the recipe first introduced by the R32, utilizing the same engine and all wheel drive system. The R33 was in production for only three years.
The R34 generation arrived in 1999 and was seen as the pinnacle of the winning GT-R formula with its 2.6-liter turbo inline 6-cylinder engine producing 276 hp. Unlike its predecessors, the R34 looked towards the future with new technologies such as 5.8-inch LCD screen which showed live performance readings. The R35 we have today arrived in showrooms back in 2009 and much like its predecessors, it utilized a turbocharged 6-cylinder engine along with all wheel drive as the secret for its winning formula.
What is a GT-R 50th Edition?
Introduced last year during the 2019 New York Auto Show, the GT-R 50th Edition was meant to pay homage to all of the generations that preceded it. It is a special trim level only available for the GT-R Premium model . The special edition pack adds a whopping 8,500 dollars to the Premium's $115,235 starting price. Buyers can pick between three iconic GT-R colors, Bayside Blue with white stripes, Pearl White with red stripes and Super Silver with white stripes.
Along with the stripes, the 50th Edition receives new rear stickers as well as extra badging. The Interior now features hand-stitched leather finished in Hai Gray. The 50th Edition brings no additional performance upgrades over the standard GT-R which is a bit unusual considering its price tag. Typically, a special edition would at least include some lightweight components or perhaps a few reworked body panels. Unfortunately, this special edition GT-R only brings aesthetic modifications.
Is it enough in 2020?
The GT-R is most definitely getting long in the tooth and its sales figures closely represent that. Having sold only 331 units in 2019, the iconic sports car saw a 38% decrease from its figures in 2018. Following reports that the GT-R will carry on until 2027 with only minor updates, things are not looking great for Godzilla.
According to a report from Motoring the reason for the delay resides within the development team of the next generation GT-R. A dispute whether to equip it with a hybrid or a fully electric powertrain has halted its development. We can only assume that the global pandemic has caused even further delays. If the GT-R has already begun to feel old, extending its lifespan for an additional 7 years will only make it feel ancient by the time its replacement arrives.
Godzilla's Future
While the GT-R 50th Edition aims to pay homage to its predecessors with its new appearance, it simultaneously highlights the R35’s biggest issue. The current generation GT-R has more than doubled the average lifespan of earlier models.
The appearance package of the 50th edition aims to excite buyers with its new aesthetic options but as sales figures have shown, it hasn’t exactly worked. The market seems to be speaking clearly to Nissan, buyers are ready for something new. Thankfully, Nissan has recently hinted at the introduction of a new generation of the equally dated 370Z which should breathe new life into the brand. Until a similar excitement is stirred up for their halo car, it may very well be in trouble.