GT-R birthday special resurrects classic R34 Skyline colour

Quite a week for Nissan, with both its Z and GT-R sportscars turning 50 years old. Imagine the hangovers…

(Check out the latest, 2020 Nismo GT-R HERE)

But while the 50th Anniversary 370Z disappointed, the equivalent GT-R is a little different. It too goes for classic motorsport liveries, but in doing so incorporates the return of Bayside Blue, without argument the colour of the R34 Skyline, and one we’ve not seen applied to a GT-R since 2002.

(Click HERE to read about the 50th Anniversary 370Zzzz...)

It’s back, and this time with stripes, as one of three colour schemes for the GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition. There are white and silver options, too, but don’t worry about those. It’s the blue you want. Nay, need.

Unlike that 370Z, the motorsport livery is backed up by some actual mechanical work, too, the 50th Anniversary ushering in the GT-R’s 2020 MY changes.

While the 565bhp peak power of its 3.8-litre V6 remains intact, new turbochargers increase its low-rpm responses to help nibble further away at the effects of turbo lag.

(Click HERE for the 10 things you need to know as the GT-R turns 50)

Then there’s the exhaust manifold’s 'optimised turbo flange attachment points'. Stop sniggering; they make that twin-turbo V6 easier to tune. This is Nissan, unlike other carmakers, knowing its audience and actively preparing its cars for a life of modification.

Meanwhile the six-speed twin-clutch paddleshifter gets sharper responses in its toughest'R’ mode, a titanium muffler further sharpens the exhaust note (plus, blue exhaust tips!) and the suspension has been tweaked for more smoothness and stability. Yep, improving a car isn’t always about making everything harder…

Inside, there are tweaks specific to the 50th Anniversary, with a grey colour scheme that, in Nissan’s words, is 'reminiscent of the atmosphere of the night sky after the twilight hour'.

There’s also extra stitching, more Alcantara and - apparently - a unique steering wheel. Can’t say we really see the difference, but if it takes several hours driving standard and 50th GT-Rs back-to-back to identify it, we’ll put ourselves on the line. Don’t say we’re not thorough in our testing.

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STORY Stephen Dobie