After making its debut at the New York International Auto Show earlier this year, the ultimate celebration of the Nissan GT-R, the 50th Anniversary Edition, has arrived in South Africa – complete with model specific decals, an exclusive interior hue and in three distinct colours.

The 2020 model year GT-R comes in two specification levels locally, Premium and Black Edition, whilst markets abroad also get Pure, Prestige and Nismo versions, but the 50th Anniversary Edition celebrates the iconic nameplate’s history and heritage and will be available worldwide.

The first two colours that the celebratory model is available in, Pearl White (with red stripes) and Ultimate Silver (with white stripes), are a nod to the GT-R’s liveries of yesteryear in Japanese GP racing series, during which the Skyline GT-R racked up a formidable 50 consecutive wins.

But the highlight that many GT-R die-hards are no doubt looking forward to is the availability of the new model in Bayside Blue – the iconic colour that only the previous generation R34 sported. The vivid blue, ensured by a four-coat, double heat treatment process has been brought out of retirement accompanied by white racing stripes. Another noticeable difference is the inclusion of blue accents on the wheel spokes.

Inside, the 50th Anniversary Edition gets an exclusive grey colour scheme with models-specific steering wheel, shift knob, embossed seats and Alcantara on the roof-lining and visors.

Since the current generation’s international debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon in 2007, the 3,8-litre twin-turbocharged V6 has been available in various states of tune, starting from 358 kW and 583 Nm of torque. Almost every year, Nissan’s added an updated model with slightly more power than before. The 2020 model year will be no different as the GT-R now gets new turbochargers that improves its lower engine speed response and new exhaust system – with the titanium muffler boasting blue burnished tips. The engine’s outputs are now 410 kW and 632 Nm.

The GT-R makes use of a revised version of the six-speed dual-clutch transmission with the R mode optimised to suit the driver’s shifting style – adapting itself automatically to match the driver’s law-abiding cruising on public roads and then offer brutal precision on the racetrack. The electronic suspension control module has also been tuned to offer more stability and ride comfort, while a new brake booster enhances initial braking response.

Pricing for the 2020 model year GT-R is R2 250 000 and R2 360 000 for the Premium Edition and Black Edition respectively. The GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition in Pearl White and Ultimate Silver is R2 405 000, while the Bayside Blue model will retail for R2 415 000.