Lets start off by making one thing very clear: I am as enthusiastic as they come when it comes to imports, especially JDM cars. And, of course, owning a stock car has never lasted very long for me– but, on the other hand, I am a complete purist when it comes to the couple legendary “classic” JDM cars that exist.
With that being said, the 50th anniversary of the Skyline GTR is fast approaching. In usual automotive manufacturer fashion, Nissan is working to produce a limited edition GTR to mark the occasion. The leading manufacturer partnered with Italdesign, a famous automotive design company, to turn the already amazing production-style 2018 NISMO, into what is being called “a GTR without limits.”
Dubbed the GT-R50, it seems no part of the original was left untouched aesthetically– starting at the re-shaped body panels, with some obviously re-colored gold throughout the design, all the way down to the redesigned lights and adjustable rear wing.
The flashy exterior design is paired with a little more of a classy interior – mostly thanks to carbon fiber accents and what might be too much Alcantara for some… But, can there ever really be “too much“? The carbon and Alcantara pieces are accented with black Italian leather on the seats and gold accents throughout.
Under the hood, sits an upgraded VR38DETT with larger GT3 competition-spec turbochargers, bigger intercoolers, a heavy-duty crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, bearings, new injectors, and new ignition, intake, and exhaust systems. An upgraded dual-clutch sequential six-speed rear transaxle and stronger differentials and driveshafts direct the cars 700-plus horsepower and 575-plus lb-ft of torque to all four of the wheels.
The GT-R50 sits on an automatic electronic adjustable dampening system from Bilstein, with Brembo brakes and some wide Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.
The limited edition GT-R50 debuts in Europe next month. So, Skyline purists, What do you think– Do you approve?