Nissan Australia is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Nissan 370Z with a special edition variant that considers the brand’s proud racing history and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic Nissan GT-R, one of the world’s greatest supercars, Nissan has given the range an exciting refresh and also introduced a special 50th anniversary variant.
It was a great honour to meet ‘Mr GT-R’ himself Hiroshi Tamura at the recent Australian event where we had the privilege to drive or experience every iteration of these two iconic Nissan models. Tamura-san had such passion for the Nissan brand and my favourite quote from him was “Creating customer happy faces is the most important thing.” And from the smiles of the owners who were present on the day and those who got to experience the 50th Anniversary editions on the track I would say that Nissan have achieved that objective.
Nissan 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition
The Nissan 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition’s distinctive two-tone colour scheme, in red and white and 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 at 7,000rpm and 363Nm of torque at 5,200rpm.
In celebration of its golden anniversary, Nissan 370Z features both interior and exterior enhancements. Based off the standard Coupe, the model has the following exterior updates:
- 50th anniversary badging features on the rear of the car and the surrounds of the indicators on the front quarter panels
- White body with a red bonnet, a-pillars that connect through to the boot, side mirrors and two signature stripes on the side of the car (or)
- Silver body with a black bonnet, roof a-pillars that connect through to the boot, side mirrors and two signature stripes on the side of the car
- Along the side of the car, a thin line runs from the headlight to the rear glass, culminating in a small triangle inspired by the C-pillar of the Datsun 240Z
- Updated 19 inch wheels, incorporating red rings
Inside, the Nissan 370Z 50th Anniversary interior has also been refreshed, including red highlights that add to the premium feel of the cabin. It includes:
- Red leather mesh on the seats incorporating the 50th anniversary wreath around the Z logo
- Red stitching on the doors, knee pad, C Cluster and steering wheel – the latter also adding the red centre mark
- There are red highlights on the shift knob and the shifter boot, plus a 50th anniversary logo.
- A 50th anniversary logo on the tachometer
- Dark chrome Z logo on the kick plates and a black finisher
“The Nissan 370Z is an iconic car with a strong following in Australia,” said Nissan Australia managing director Stephen Lester.
“Since its arrival here we’ve sold almost 22,000 Zs, and this 50th anniversary commemorative edition is sure to attract passionate Z fans and buyers.”
The Z made its global debut with the 240Z in 1969. Following the 240Z, the 260Z and 280ZX followed, before the first Nissan badged 300ZX arrived. The Nissan 350Z went on sale at the start of the century before the current generation Nissan 370Z was unveiled at the 2008 LA Auto Show.
On sale now, the Nissan 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition is priced at $53,490 (MSRP) for the manual variant, and $55,990 for the automatic alternative.
Nissan GT-R 50th anniversary edition 2020 model
To mark five decades since the GT-R global unveil, Australian fans will be able to enjoy the GT-R Premium, GT-R Premium Luxury and GT-R Track Edition with redesigned front fog lamps, a stylish new blue exhaust tip and the lightest R35 updated wheels ever offered thanks to the work of Nissan’s chassis development team. But it is the Nissan engineers that have had the biggest impact on this 2020 model.
In addition to this, Nissan has also introduced a special Nissan GT-R 50th anniversary edition 2020 model – based off the Premium Luxury model. It is available in three colours, including the all-new Bayside Blue – an exterior colour that celebrates the rich heritage of Nissan’s racing history – and boasts a stylish new interior shade and 50th anniversary badging.
“Few letters are as recognized and celebrated as much as ‘GT-R,’ so whenever there is an update the world takes notice,” said Nissan Australia managing director Stephen Lester.
“The overall changes to Nissan GT-R are significant from a driving performance perspective, while the 50th anniversary edition stylishly pays homage to its past.”
While the Nissan GT-R’s powerful 3.8 litre V6 engine with 419kW of power and 632Nm of torque is unchanged, the adoption of NISMO technology for ‘GT’ acceleration, braking and handling performance are at the forefront of the technical updates to the 2020 Nissan GT-R.
Nissan GT-R turbochargers have been updated. The adoption of an abradable seal (technology primarily used for racing engines) reduces compressor housing-blade clearance to reduce 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.
GT-R also features a refined 6-speed dual-clutch transmission with a refined ‘R Mode’. Allowing for more aggressive downshifts the gear selection happens during ABS engagement. The result is improved performance exiting corners and less understeer.
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. Taking the Premium Luxury grade a step further, Nissan has created a special 50th anniversary edition that will turn heads.
Available in three striking colours, the limited edition variant is offered in Super Silver with white stripes, Ivory Pearl with red stripes and the new Bayside Blue with white stripes. The new blue hue is based off the original Wangan Blue that featured on the R34.
Inspiration for the 50th anniversary paint scheme comes from the race livery designs for GT-R from the 1971 Japan Grand prix. The stripes are applied to the bonnet, roof and boot lid. To further set this variant apart from the rest of the range there is exterior 50th anniversary badging on the boot lid, underneath the GT-R logo on the rear of the car and on the alloy wheels.
Inside, Nissan has introduced an exclusive cool grey two-tone leather trim called Twilight Grey. This features throughout the cabin, particularly on the doors, seats, front fascia and dash panels, plus the steering wheel and shift knob. Coordinating the interior with the exterior, there is also 50th anniversary badging on the seats, centre console, tachometer and kick plates.
The 2020 Nissan GT-R range is on sale now.
| Nissan GT-R | MSRP* Pricing |
| GT-R Premium | $193,800 |
| GT-R Premium Luxury | $199,800 |
| GT-R Premium Luxury 50th Anniversary | $209,300 |
| GT-R Track Edition | $235,000 |
| GT-R Track Edition with optional NISMO interior | $247,000 |
* Manufacturer Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) do not include statutory charges or other on-road costs. Visit your preferred Nissan dealer to experience these iconic models for yourself.
Photographs by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.