The Ultimate GT-R50 by Italdesign is Up for Auction!!!

The Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign, created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Nissan GT-R, has been listed on the USS Auction!

As car enthusiasts, our hearts are pounding with excitement as we watch to see what price this 150 million yen car will ultimately be sold for.

So, what makes this car so special?
Let's take a deep dive into the Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign!

Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign: The Ultimate GT-R

The Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign is a special edition GT-R, jointly developed by Nissan and the Italian coachbuilder Italdesign.

Limited to just 50 units worldwide, this exclusive model was created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of both the GT-R and Italdesign.

Built on the GT-R NISMO platform, this car pushes the GT-R’s potential to the limit, delivering unparalleled performance and a one-of-a-kind design, making it truly worthy of being called the ultimate GT-R.

Specifications and Performance

The GT-R50 by Italdesign is based on the GT-R NISMO but has been tuned to achieve even greater heights in performance.

The GT-R50 by Italdesign adopts GT3 race-spec turbochargers and reinforces the intercooler, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, and bearings, increasing the maximum output by 120ps and maximum torque by 128Nm compared to the base GT-R NISMO.

The transmission, driveshaft, and differential have also been reinforced to handle the overwhelming 720ps of power.

For the chassis, it features custom-designed 21-inch wheels and Bilstein dampers that have been specifically tuned for this model. It is equipped with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, ensuring outstanding driving performance.

The development of this high-performance engine and transaxle was handled by NISMO, Nissan's motorsports division. By utilizing technologies from both race cars and road cars, NISMO has successfully achieved a high output of 720ps while also complying with the strict European Euro 6 emissions regulations.

In internal tests, the 0-200km/h acceleration was 0.8 seconds (7%) faster than the standard GT-R NISMO.

Furthermore, a "Circuit Version" designed for track use is rumored to have its maximum output increased to 770ps.

The engine remains the 3.8L V6 VR38DETT, but with 720ps of power, it achieves an astonishing 189ps per liter. Considering that the base GT-R NISMO already delivers 600 horsepower, this clearly shows how extreme the GT-R50 by Italdesign is in terms of specifications.

To support the enhanced engine power, the chassis and suspension have also been upgraded. The reinforced clutch, transmission, and driveshaft play a crucial role in ensuring that the immense 720ps is efficiently transferred to the road.

Development Background and Concept

The GT-R50 by Italdesign was jointly developed to commemorate the 50th anniversaries of both the GT-R and Italdesign, celebrated in 2019 and 2018, respectively.

This project combines the expertise of both companies: Italdesign was responsible for the development, design, and production of the prototype, while Nissan handled the exterior and interior design. The result is a fusion of both brands’ technical knowledge and craftsmanship.

The project was undertaken by "Automobili Speciali," a specialized division within Italdesign focused on producing limited-production special models. Italdesign revealed that the GT-R50 project originated after Nissan executives, impressed by the craftsmanship of the “Zerouno,” Automobili Speciali's first model, saw it at the Geneva Motor Show. Nissan also valued Italdesign's extensive experience in developing fully functional prototype vehicles, leading to this collaboration.

However, the GT-R50 by Italdesign is not just a commemorative model—it was developed with the goal of pushing the GT-R’s potential to the extreme, earning its title as the ultimate GT-R.

Its concept is to be "a car that embodies the legacy of the GT-R and pays tribute to advanced engineering."

For Nissan, collaborating this closely with an external design house on a limited-production model is highly unusual, suggesting that this project could influence future Nissan designs and special projects.

Design

The design of the GT-R50 by Italdesign was led by Nissan Design Europe in London and Nissan Design America. While maintaining the iconic shape of the GT-R NISMO, this model features a more aggressive and refined styling. One of the most remarkable aspects of the GT-R50 is that it faithfully reproduces the design of the original concept car.

Exterior

At the front, a gold inner panel stretches across the entire width of the vehicle, creating a bold presence. The power bulge on the hood and sharp LED headlights are positioned to extend from the wheel arches to the upper edge of the cooling intakes. The front grille design is inspired by the KPGC110 Skyline GT-R, also known as the "Kenmeri" GT-R.

On the side, the roofline has been lowered by 54mm compared to the base model, giving it a more muscular and dynamic stance. The front fender air outlet, known as the “Samurai Blade”, runs from the lower door area to the shoulder line, accented with gold highlights.

At the rear, the flared rear wheel arches emphasize the wide track, while the hand-sculpted rear fenders take inspiration from the R34 GT-R, featuring a straight-edged, aggressive shape. The shoulder line tapers toward the rear window and merges seamlessly with the trunk lid, while the extended and deepened rear window design adds to its distinctive look.

The GT-R’s signature round taillights take cues from the Nissan Concept 2020 Vision Gran Turismo, featuring a thin, floating ring design that visually connects the trunk center and outer panels. The rear wing is adjustable, allowing for variable downforce control.

The exterior utilizes extensive carbon fiber, including the hood, front fenders, and roof. The roof, which features a bulged design, has also been replaced with carbon fiber, while the A-pillars have been cut by 40mm, lowering the overall center of gravity compared to the standard R35 GT-R NISMO.

Interior

The interior maintains the basic layout of the GT-R NISMO, but with a more luxurious touch. The center console, instrument panel, and door trims feature two types of carbon fiber, enhancing both visual appeal and lightweight performance.

The seats are upholstered in black Alcantara and premium Italian leather, giving the cabin a high-end feel. The steering wheel retains the GT-R NISMO design but is wrapped in Alcantara for improved grip and texture.

To match the exterior design, gold accents are subtly integrated into the instrument panel, door panels, and switchgear. The door panels, dashboard, and seats incorporate different textured carbon fiber materials, further enhancing the sense of luxury while reducing weight. The steering wheel features a minimalist design, with fewer buttons for a cleaner, more driver-focused layout.

Reviews and Evaluations

The GT-R50 by Italdesign has received high praise from many automotive enthusiasts due to its overwhelming performance and unique design.

Journalists who have test-driven the car have shared impressions such as:

• "Its extreme performance fully justifies the unexpected popularity."
• "It’s truly a work of art on wheels."
• "Nissan handled the design, while Italdesign took care of development and sales—a perfect collaboration."

Owner Feedback

Owners have also expressed admiration for the car:

• "The real thing looks absolutely stunning. Photos don’t do justice to its beauty."
• "The interior is amazing. It’s simpler and more functional than a standard R35."
• "It’s surprisingly easy to get in and out of."

One owner even compared the GT-R50’s driving experience to that of a Toyota Crown, saying:

• "When driving normally, it feels as comfortable as a Crown."

Criticism and Downsides

Despite its luxury and performance, some criticisms have been noted:

• "There’s limited storage space."
• "Due to the rear wing, it doesn’t have a conventional trunk lid like the base model. Instead, the hatchback opens to access the luggage space."
• "The lower roofline creates a more confined cabin, and some drivers feel it reduces visibility."

While the GT-R50 by Italdesign is widely regarded as a masterpiece, these minor drawbacks highlight the trade-offs made for its exclusive design and high performance.

Production Volume and Sales Status

The GT-R50 by Italdesign was produced in a limited run of 50 units worldwide. The price started at 990,000 euros (approximately 127 million yen), excluding tax and optional features. Available options included a special color pack, visible carbon pack, livery pack, and a hydraulically adjustable rear wing.

Owners were able to freely choose the body color and interior color, allowing them to create a one-of-a-kind GT-R50 by selecting various option combinations. For example, one of the showcased body color schemes featured a Liquid Kinetic Gray base with Energetic Sigma Gold accents, but this was just one example. The interior materials and colors were also fully customizable.

Production took place at Italdesign's workshop in Italy, where each unit was hand-assembled. The production process was highly unique, as the GT-R NISMO was first manufactured in Japan, then shipped to Italdesign in Italy, where it was disassembled by hand and reassembled with its new design.

In Japan, the GT-R50 was sold by SCI Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of VT Holdings Co., Ltd. Since the GT-R50 by Italdesign was produced in Italy, it was assigned an Italian manufacturing number. This means that, despite being a GT-R, it is officially recognized as an Italian vehicle, requiring import procedures and inspections for registration in Japan.

Deliveries began in November 2021, and orders closed in June 2022. However, the exact number of units sold out of the 50 limited-production models has not been publicly disclosed.

Exceptional Maintenance and After-Sales Service

The after-sales service for the GT-R50 by Italdesign is handled by 26 NISMO Performance Centers across Japan.

In case of accidents or major repairs, the "Flying Doctor" system by Italdesign provides emergency support. This process involves:

1. Mechanics from Italdesign traveling to Japan to assess the required parts.
2. One-off parts being custom-manufactured in Italy.
3. Italdesign mechanics performing the repair in Japan.

This specialized service ensures that each GT-R50 receives the highest level of care, maintaining its exceptional performance and exclusivity.

Unique Characteristics

Due to its distinctive design, the GT-R50 by Italdesign requires special handling during transportation.

• The ultra-low ride height means extra caution is needed when navigating bumps and inclines.
• The rear wing must be removed for transport to prevent damage

Prototype Development and Testing

By the time the GT-R50 by Italdesign prototype was displayed at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2020, it had already covered 8,000 km in testing.

Unlike typical multi-million-dollar supercars, which are often static display models, the GT-R50 prototype was fully functional and underwent extensive track testing.

After its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the GT-R50 was tested at legendary circuits like Spa-Francorchamps and Silverstone, proving its real-world performance and durability.

Conclusion

The Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign is a special edition GT-R, created to commemorate the 50th anniversaries of both GT-R and Italdesign.

With a tuned 720ps engine by NISMO, the GT-R50 delivers unparalleled performance, while its exterior and interior were carefully crafted by Nissan's design team and hand-assembled at Italdesign’s workshop.

With a starting price exceeding 100 million yen, it remains a highly sought-after collector’s item in the used car market.

The GT-R50 by Italdesign is more than just a limited-edition car—it represents the ultimate evolution of the GT-R, pushing the boundaries of engineering, design, and exclusivity.

Its rarity, unique design, and extreme performance continue to captivate car enthusiasts worldwide.

As a "halo car," it also plays a significant role in enhancing Nissan’s brand image, showcasing the company's innovation and commitment to high-performance engineering.

In essence, the GT-R50 by Italdesign is not just a special edition model, but a symbol of the fusion between Nissan and Italdesign’s expertise in technology and design.

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