Italdesign and Nissan join forces to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the GT-R with this spectacular prototype

On many occasions we can see how smaller, independent brands not only create their own vehicles, but also modify the styling and mechanics of some of the most emblematic models in the world. The Nissan GT-R has earned its good reputation the hard way, something it has achieved thanks to the great legacy it carries into its latest version and, at the same time, thanks to the outstanding performance claimed by this Japanese supercar. However, Italdesign has decided to take advantage of the GT-R’s 50th birthday to present it with a unique and very special design.

The Italian coachbuilder is known for creating the Italdesign Zerouno, a very exclusive supercar that shares its mechanics with the iconic Audi R8 and Lamborghini Huracán. On this occasion they wanted to go further and took the Nissan GT-R as the basis for their project, which involves changes both to the styling and the mechanics, with the aim of accentuating the all-powerful Godzilla on every side.

50 years of legacy rest on the latest generation

It was 50 years ago that Nissan decided to bring to market a much more radical and iconic concept vehicle, and its name was complemented with the GT-R suffix. This designation has been carried on the rear of the Nissan Skyline models generation after generation, which led to a vehicle that, for a reasonable price, was capable of standing up to any supercar.

Car enthusiasts wished with all their hearts that Nissan would let the rest of the world enjoy the virtues that its spectacular Skyline GT-R was capable of offering, and it was in 2009 that the brand responded to our pleas. The Nissan supercar dropped the Skyline name to be called simply GT-R and, since then, it has been a vehicle that has caused a sensation worldwide.

50 years after the first model, Italdesign has decided to do the same and create a unique and exclusive version to commemorate half a century of the Japanese supercar, in which both its mechanics and styling have been altered by the hands of the Italian coachbuilder.

A striking design that keeps its essence intact

Italdesign has taken the Nissan GT-R to the next level with a more striking and unique design, which has been equipped with various much more eye-catching components. On one hand, we find a sharper, more angular front end, in which sharp lines have been responsible for bringing to life the imposing nose of the Japanese supercar.

The longer front indicator lights stand out, which give the GT-R a much more aggressive and futuristic look. The air intakes are also more prominent and exuberant, but where we can see the most changes is at the rear. The Italian designer has left his own mark on the Nissan supercar, and the rear has been presented as a great base to do so.

We can see how the rear window has been subtly covered by a golden piece, which runs down to the end of the rear to give shape to the spoiler. In this way, Italdesign has also managed to give the GT-R greater aerodynamics, something essential in a vehicle of its characteristics. On the other hand, we now find a retractable spoiler, which will move depending on acceleration and braking, but it is not the only change we find at the rear.

The four characteristic lamps of Godzilla have been stylized to give it the look of a concept car. Finally, we find a new, more dynamic and aggressive diffuser, which houses the four exhaust outlets and cuts through the wind when it presents itself as an obstacle to the Nissan GT-R.

The cabin has also undergone certain changes, although it remains truer to its origins. On one hand, we find a large amount of carbon fibre and Alcantara, two materials used to bring the interior of the GT-R50 to life. We find an eye-catching digital instrument cluster in the purest racing car style , complemented by bucket-type seats that accentuate the character of the Nissan.

More than 700 hp to commemorate its half-century

Italdesign turned to the Nismo variant of the GT-R to create this spectacular vehicle, as it offers a perfect mechanical and styling basis for designing this illustrious model. Inside is the same 3.8-litre V6 engine that powers the most sporting variant of the GT-R, but on this occasion certain modifications have been applied.

As standard, the Nismo produces 600 hp and 652 Nm of torque, but Italdesign did not want its creation to change only in terms of styling. With this premise, the Italian coachbuilder managed to extract from the twin-turbocharged V6 720 hp of power and 780 Nm of torque, figures that make the GT-R50 one of the fastest Nissan GT-Rs on the face of the earth.

For now we do not know whether Italdesign intends to put this very special vehicle into production, but for the time being it will remain in the concept car category. Without a doubt, the blend of Japanese efficiency with Italian design has created a vehicle worthy of admiration and we will soon learn more about it and its intentions.