While both the R35 Nissan GT-R and the 370Z have been on sale for over a decade using the same platforms, Nissan has continued doing its best to keep its performance platforms relevant. At the New York Auto Show this week, the brand has debuted special 50th anniversary editions of the 2020 370Z and GT-R, and an improved version of the top dog GT-R NISMO.
2020 GT-R NISMO
First up is the 2020 GT-R NISMO, which is packing several upgrades including revised carbon fiber body panels that have been altered to both to save weight and improve aerodynamics. This includes re-designed fenders inspired by the GT-R GT3 race cars and a new set of forged RAYS wheels that are even lighter than before.
The car’s suspension has also seen some additional tweaks and the already impressive Brembo brake setup has been further improved. Under the hood, the 600hp twin turbo V6 has been honed for better throttle response and breathes through an upgraded titanium exhaust system.
50th Anniversary Editions
Also debuting in New York was the 2020 GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition that commemorates five decades of GT-R history going back to the original Hakosuka Skyline GT-R, which burst on to Japan's racing scene during the late '60s and early '70s.
It's from those Hakosuka GT-R race cars where the 50th Anniversary Edition gets its white racing stripes, but the color itself should be immediately recognizable as Bayside Blue, a color made famous by the R34 Skyline GT-R and not seen since that car left production in 2002.
Finally, the Nissan Z also gets a 50th Anniversary Edition for 2020, this one wearing special colors and stripes inspired by the iconic BRE race cars that became the stuff of the legend here in the United States.
As of now we have no idea when or even if Nissan is planning to release new versions of the Z and GT-R, but the company is hoping these new versions will help keep the excitement going as we ponder the future of these two Japanese performance icons.