THEY are the cars of legend. Two genuine performance vehicles with two very different audiences, both supremely loved by their fans. Now, to celebrate 50 years, Nissan has launched special editions of both of them; the 370Z and the GT-R.
Australian fans rejoice though, as the all-conquering GT-R has also had a refresh, with the 2020 GT-R Premium, GT-R Premium Luxury and GT-R Track Edition featuring redesigned front fog lamps, a new blue exhaust tip and the lightest R35 updated wheels ever offered.
But it is the Nissan engineers that have had the biggest impact on this 2020 model. The GT-R’s powerful 3.8-litre V6 engine with 419kW of power and 632Nm of torque is unchanged, yes. But, no.
NISMO technology for ‘GT’ acceleration, braking and handling performance are at the forefront of the technical updates for the 2020 Nissan GT-R, along with turbocharger upgrades.
The adoption of an abradable seal reduces compressor housing-blade clearance to limit air leakage and improve response at low RPMs. This improvement will be particularly noticeable in and out of corners, making the driving experience even more enjoyable.
A refined 6-speed dual-clutch transmission also features, with a better ‘R Mode’ allowing for more aggressive downshifts during ABS engagement resulting in improved performance exiting corners and less under steer.
The electronically controlled suspension has been tuned to provide better cornering and a smoother ride, in-fact it is more linear and precise, requiring fewer corrections. There is also an improved steering angle for better cornering G, braking G and Yaw response.
A new brake booster within the updated steel brakes increases the initial braking response by engaging with less pedal stroke, resulting in enhanced stopping power and feel.
Available in a contemporary range of colours, including Ivory Pearl, Super Silver, Gun Metallic, Jet Black, Vibrant Red and Blaze Metallic, Nissan has also introduced Bayside Blue to the full range.
The GT-R Premium Luxury also comes with a new interior colour – Urban Grey, while an updated RECARO seat awaits buyers that want the Nissan GT-R Track Edition with the NISMO interior option.
Fully updated, this newly styled seat offers improved comfort and support. Standard across the range are satellite navigation with 3D mapping on an 8-inch integrated colour display with multi-touch screen, a display commander control and Bluetooth.
The 2020 Nissan GT-R also has an intelligent key with push button start, heated seats, a BOSE premium audio system with 11 speakers, rear view camera and front and rear parking sensors.
The special Nissan GT-R 50th anniversary edition model, based on the Premium Luxury model, is available in three colours, including new Bayside Blue, and boasts a new interior shade and anniversary badging.
The range starts with the GT-R Premium for $193,800, Premium Luxury at $199,800 and GT-R Premium Luxury 50th Anniversary edition for $209,300. It rounds out with the GT-R Track Edition at $235,000.
The GT-R Track Edition is also available with optional NISMO interior for $247,000 and all prices are plus on-roads.
The Nissan 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition’s distinctive two-tone colour scheme, in red and white or silver and black, is based off the #46 BRE (Brock Racing Enterprises) Datsun 240Z that won the 1970 and 1971 SCCA National Championships in the US.
This 2020 special edition Nissan 370Z is powered by Nissan’s 3.7-litre V6 engine, which outputs 245kW of power and 363Nm of torque. It will carry anniversary badging, colour highlights and updated 19-inch wheels, with red rings.
Inside, the Nissan 370Z 50th Anniversary scores red leather mesh on the seats, with a 50th anniversary wreath around the Z logo, red stitching on the doors, knee pad, C Cluster and steering wheel, and red highligts on the shift knob and the shifter boot.
A 50th anniversary logo adorns the tachometer, with a dark chrome Z logo on the kick plates and a black finisher.
The limited edition 370Z will be available with either a close-ratio, 6-speed manual gearbox that features a synchronised downshift rev-matching system, or a 7-speed automatic with downshift rev matching, paddle shifters and adaptive shift control.
Complementing the interior updates, the Nissan 370Z 50th anniversary edition comes with satellite navigation with 3D mapping and a 7-inch integrated colour display with touch screen and steering wheel-mounted controls.
It also scores intelligent key-less entry, push button start, Bluetooth handsfree phone and cruise control, heated seats, a leather accented steering wheel and gear shift lever and automatic climate control.
You can pick one up for $53,490 plus on-roads for the manual or $55,990 plus on-roads for the automatic alternative.
