This year is quite a momentous year for Nissan, with the Japanese firm having two huge celebrations for its mainstream performance cars.
The first is by far the most prominent, with 2019 marking 50 years of GT-R models – affectionately known as ‘Godzilla’.
The second is still important, though, as it’s 40 years since Nissan started producing its ‘Z’ models, which are seen as the more thoroughbred sports cars that sit below the high performance GT-R versions.
Nissan has recently unveiled both 50th and 40th Anniversary Editions of it GT-R and 370Z respectively at the 2019 New York International Auto Show, but before that, here’s why Nissan has developed such a name for its GT-R performance cars over the last half a century.
1969 – Nissan-Skyline 2000 GT-R
While Nissan had produced performance models in the past, the first ‘GT-R’ model was unveiled at the 1969 Tokyo Motor Show. This model remained as a saloon, but the one that’s most coveted is the two-door version seen a year later, which was shorter and lighter than the saloon.
1973 – Nissan Skyline H/T 2000 GT-R
One of the rarest Skyline GT-Rs of them all, the 1973 model (codenamed C110) was developed into a GT-R version the following year. However, due to the introduction of stricter emissions regulations, production was stopped just four months after starting, with just 197 models being built in that time. Sadly, this process meant a lengthy absence of the GT-R nameplate was endured for the next 15 years.
1989 – GT-R revived with the R32 model
Nissan debuted its eight-generation Skyline in 1989, with the GT-R version following a few months later. It’s one of the most popular GT-R models ever produced, with its powerful 2.6-litre engine producing 272bhp.
It became a tuning hit, with many exploiting the engine for performance gain. It also headed to the race track, and had plenty of success in the All Japan Touring Car Championship, and is one of Nissan’s most famous racing models.
1995 – Nissan Skyline GT-R R33
After witnessing the success of the R32, Nissan was quick to update the model, with the R33 making its debut in 1996. The slightly curvier-looking model is mechanically similar to the predecessor, but benefits from an improved engine.
1999 – The legendary Fast and Furious Skyline GT-R R34
If ever a car epitomised the Fast and Furious generation, this is it. The R34 Skyline is one of the most tuner-focused models ever produced, with few standard versions remaining. And those that have remained stock are now worth a fortune.
It’s also thought that Nissan wildly underestimated the power output of the model, with some versions found to produce as much as 321bhp, next to the claimed figure of 271bhp.
2007 – The supercar-beating R35 GT-R
For the first time, Nissan ditched the Skyline name for its eagerly awaited model, which was revealed at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show after years of build-up. It was the first time the model hadn’t been limited in numbers, while parts of the design were inspired by Gran Turismo game designers, Polyphony.
A huge jump in power was recorded, with its new 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 producing 473bhp, although, as with the previous car, some models had a tendency to produce far more than this.
The model has had two notable facelifts since being unveiled, with the most recent coming in 2016 when the model received a fresher look, increased performance, but yet at the same time, a new improved focus on comfort to expand the model’s appeal. It remains on sale today, with a price starting from £82,060.
2019 – the 50th Anniversary Edition
To celebrate 50 years of the GT-R, Nissan unveiled a special Anniversary Edition at the 2019 New York International Auto Show. The version comes with the choice of three heritage liveries, with the return of past colours – such as the stunning Bayside (Wangan) Blue last seen on the R34. A special grey interior colour scheme also appears, alongside a unique steering wheel, gear knob and seat embossing.
2020 - What’s next?
Given that the current R35 has now been on sale for nearly 12 years, a new model is now needed and expected. But how do you reinvent a performance icon for the modern world? Electrification might seem the obvious next step, and given Nissan’s push towards EVs it seems like a no-brainer. However, the firm’s top executives are sceptical about making the model a pure EV or a hybrid, with Nissan already admitting that its customers don’t want that. We’re not quite sure when to expect a new update, but it will be sooner, rather than later…
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