Nissan Z and GT-R: 50th Anniversary Edition

We’re in the midst of the New York International Auto Show where Nissan have taken to Manhattan to celebrate 50 years of not one, but two iconic supercars – the Z and the GT-R. Those lucky enough to visit The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York will have seen Nissan’s beautifully staged exhibit where they showcased older models alongside newer models to demonstrate the evolution of Nissan’s performance range during the past 50 years.

But we’re here to discuss Nissan’s 370Z and GTR 50^th Anniversary Edition models in particular. So, what’s new? Let’s begin with the Nissan 370Z.

Nissan have done little in terms of mechanics for the 50^th Anniversary Edition 370Z but pay homage through cosmetic features to mark the half-century milestone. Offered exclusively on the 370Z Coupe Sport spec, the 370Z 50^th Anniversary Edition wears a two-tone exterior available in White/Red or Silver/Black arrangements - similar to the racing livery of the BRE Datsun racers we all know and love from the 1960-1970 period.

Depending on which colourway you choose, the car will echo complementary accents throughout. For example, the White/Red option will enjoy red dual-stripes on doors, red brake calipers and alloy detailing as well as red wing-mirrors in a gloss finish.

The anniversary vehicle is treated to RAYS lightweight 19” alloy wheels and exclusive “50^th” badging in form of a crest with surrounding leaves as well as LED daytime-running, boomerang-shaped headlights which are added to the front and rear.

The interior of the supercar gets high-end partial leather and suede 4-way power heated seats, again with red embellishing. The seatbacks are made unique through the addition of the “50^th” crest, which is also embossed onto the tachometer, console and 370Z-branded kickplates. To match, you have an Alcantara steering wheel, branded floor mats and synthetic suede door panels with red contrast stitching.

Although the 50^th Anniversary model gets rid of its signature front and rear spoilers, the unmatched 3.7 litre V-6 engine remains the same. Mated to either a 6-Speed Manual Transmission or a 7-Speed Automatic, you won’t be disappointed with the 332hp and 366Nm of torque you’ll have at your fingertips.

In similar vein, the GT-R receives a makeover to mark the special occasion. Built on the GT-R Performance edition, the GT-R 50^th Anniversary sees the return of the famous Bayside Blue colourway which GT-R fanatics will recognise from Nissan’s R34 Skyline back in 2002.

This time, the exterior sees a two-tone design with a swooping white stripe across the hood, roof and boot, evoking the sporty racer soul of the GT-R’s heritage. Blue detailing covers the rest of the car too, including blue accents within and around the wheels.

Although Bayside Blue was showcased at the New York Auto Show, Nissan have reported that the 50^th Anniversary edition is available in 2 further colourways: Pearl White (with red stripe) and Super Silver (with white stripe).

The interior of the GT-R remains neutral with an abundance of grey and luxury materials. The racer-esque, hugging seats get a partial leather and cloth finish, embossed with elegant script reading “50^th Anniversary”, whilst the steering wheel gets a full leather wrap and GT-R logo embellishment. The cabin’s headliner is sourced from Alcantara material with unique stitching.

Other branding includes, “50^th Anniversary” in form of a pentagonal crest across the centre console, “50^th Anniversary” script centred across the rear and GT-R-logo engraved scuff plates.

Unlike the 370Z, the 50^th Anniversary edition GT-R does experience mechanical updates including a revised 3.8 litre twin-turbo V6 engine now with improved responsiveness at lower RPMs, a boost of 5% in efficiency, a brand-new titanium muffler, a revamped braking system and an uprated suspension. Despite all of this, the GT-R enjoys the same 565hp and 633Nm of torque as its previous model which reminds us of the old phrase – if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it!