Skip to main content

At 50 Years Old, Nissan Looks Souped Up and Sexy with the GT-R50 by Italdesign

Nothing against Nissan, but I never thought I’d say, “I want to spend $1 million on a Nissan.” That was, until now.

It’s a new world, my friends.

In its first-ever collaboration with Italy’s Italdesign, Japanese manufacturer Nissan revealed the souped-up new model of the GT-R50 that will commemorate both companies’ 50th anniversaries. It makes that 2018 Nissan GT-R NISMO look like child’s play.

Less than 50 will be made and each will be run roughly $1.06 million. Keep in mind the top-end 2018 GT-R is about $100,000. And, FYI, you can own an entire town for $1 million.

Drawing on Nissan’s GT3 racing experience, the NISMO hand-assembled 3.8-liter V6 VR38DETT engine was enhanced for the GT-R50 to produce an estimated 710 horsepower and 575 lb-foot of torque. Even the wheels are ridiculously good looking (and driving), leaning on a reinforced, dual-clutch rear transaxle, as well as stronger differentials and drive shafts that direct power to the wheels. A revised suspension features the BILSTEIN DampTronic I continuously adjustable damping system. For braking, the Brembo six-piston front and four-piston rear brakes feature bright red, clearly visible calipers.

And if you weren’t already excited: add Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.

The GT-R50 is coated in black with a distinct gold inner element that stretches across the width of the hood and rear. Nissan and Italdesign also pumped up the power bulge in the hood because it looks sexy and why the hell not. The roofline has also been lowered 54 millimeters, lending to an overall muscular look thanks to the slightly raised outer portions.

Nissan GT-R50
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Nissan did, however, keep its GT-R “samurai blade,” aka cooling outlets that sit behind the front wheels. From the back, all you can focus on is the supercar’s wide track and muscular flares, and once it’s revved, the twin taillights look as if they’re floating via black magic.

Buckle up inside for a Batman-esque driving atmosphere that is both modern and high-powered. One isn’t enough, so two different carbon fiber finishes were used extensively across the center console and door linings. And the seats? Black Alcantara and black Italian leather. Gold makes its way into understated accents like the futuristic race car-inspired switchgear.

Seeing Nissan’s best possible engineering together with the Italian coachbuilding of Italdesign, we have no shame in saying the GT-R50 prototype is first and foremost a damn sexy car. And yes, we recommend being as superficial as possible when looking at it.

Nissan GT-R50
Image used with permission by copyright holder

After all, this limited-run supercar is all for fun. Yes, Nissan loves to surprise us with special edition GT-R models, but we’re confident in saying this golden jubilee knocks the Skyline GT-R Nismo 400R, R35 45th Anniversary, R32 Skyline GT-R Nismo, and 40th Anniversary releases off the speedway.

“Although this is not the next-generation GT-R, it is an exciting celebration of two anniversaries in a provocative and creative way,” says Alfonso Albaisa, Nissan’s senior vice president for global design. “How often do you get to ask, ‘What if we created a GT-R without limits?’ and then actually get to build it?”

Damn Nissan, you looking good.

So before you run around bragging about being a Porsche or Rolls-Royce guy, remember this GT-R50 and shut your damn mouth.

Topics
Jahla Seppanen
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Born and raised off-the-grid in New Mexico, Jahla Seppanen is currently a sports, fitness, spirits, and culture writer in…
Get this Milwaukee tire inflator while it’s 59% off for Black Friday
Someone using a Milwaukee M18 Inflator on Van

Black Friday deals are underway, and there are a lot of great savings you can land on life-saving equipment you might not have bought otherwise. One of those deals is on the Milwaukee M18 tire inflator, which you can currently get on the cheap at Amazon. It’s one of the best Milwaukee Black Friday deals you’ll find, in fact, as it’s marked down from its regular price of $310 to a Black Friday sale price of just $139. That’s a savings of $171, which is pretty substantial even for Black Friday. Free shipping is included with a purchase.

Why You Should Buy the Milwaukee M18 Tire Inflator
Whether you are working on mastering the trail or simply want to keep your vehicles ship-shape throughout the year, a tire inflator makes a worthy investment. Milwaukee has been making electric tools for nearly 100 years, and all of that experience can be found in the Milwaukee M18 tire inflator. It delivers fast, accurate inflation and it has the portability to go anywhere with you. The high efficiency motor is rated to deliver max PSI of 150, which allows it to top-off 33-inch light truck tires in under one minute. The Milwaukee M18 tire inflator is optimized for passenger, light truck, and other medium-duty tires.

Read more
Get a Lamborghini Countach for $17 (with one big catch)
A Lego Lamborghini Countach with associated driver in front of its box.

You may have laughed at us when we asserted that Lego is worth more than gold, but now we're the ones driving Lamborghinis. Lego Lamborghinis, that is. As we combed through the nearly 300 Lego Black Friday deals, we knew we had to emphasize this one a bit more. Right now, you can get the Lego Lamborghini Countach for 15% off, bringing it down to $17. It'll make a great stocking stuffer, gift to your nephews or cousins, or a great addition to your own adult Lego collection. Just tap the button below and you'll find yourself at the page to buy it.

Why you should buy the Lego Lamborghini Countach
There are two reason why you might want to get this product. The first is the highly-renowned brand. This is a Lamborghini after all. And not just any Lamborghini, but a Lamborghini Countach, famed for being 1989's fastest car. If you know someone that's about 34 right now, this can be an awesome memento of how much you care for them or a bit of well-wishing for their speedy route to success. Sports car enthusiasts that always wanted a chance to drive the one that got away are equally good recipients.

Read more
Hyundai and Amazon team up for online car sales (and no, you can’t get your car via Prime)
Hyundai and Amazon just made it super easy to buy a new car
2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 parked outside.

If you shop on Amazon for guitar strings, luggage, and electronics, how do you feel about buying your next car on the mega e-commerce platform? At the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show, Amazon and Hyundai Motor Company jointly announced an online sales collaboration beginning in 2024. Other car brands come later, but Hyundai will be the first brand you can buy on Amazon.

The new strategic partnership has three facets: online vehicle sales, cloud services, and integrating Alexa in future Hyundais. Amazon will begin online sales of Hyundai models on Amazon.com. Amazon Web Services (AWS) will be Hyundai's preferred provider of cloud services for the vehicle manufacturer's digital transformation. The two companies will work together to integrate Alexa voice response into Hyundai's driver infotainment and vehicle management system.
Find my car
Amazon's new partnership with Hyundai doesn't cut out auto dealerships. Dealers will be able to list on Amazon vehicles currently available for purchase.

Read more