Nissan’s famed motorsports and performance division, NISMO, is celebrating its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of engineering excellence and pushing boundaries in the automotive world. From legendary race cars to iconic road machines, NISMO’s influence on car culture and motorsports is undeniable. To honor this milestone, Nissan is hosting a special exhibition in Yokohama, Japan, running through October 15, 2024. The exhibition offers a rare chance to see some of NISMO’s most revered creations up close, making it a must-see for car enthusiasts and Nissan fans alike.
The exhibition at the Nissan Global Headquarters Gallery brings together a stunning collection of vehicles from NISMO’s illustrious past, spotlighting cars that have captivated both real-world drivers and gamers alike. Among them is the highly coveted NISMO 400R, a high-performance variant of the R33-generation Nissan Skyline GT-R. This rare beast is a standout in automotive history, with only 44 units ever produced, making it one of the rarest Skylines in existence. For fans of Gran Turismo, this car may hold a special place, as it made its debut in Gran Turismo 7’s Spec II update in November 2023.
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Another rare gem featured in the exhibition is the S14 Silvia-based 270R. Although even rarer than the 400R — with only 30 ever built — it has yet to appear in the latest Gran Turismo game. Its last digital appearance was in Gran Turismo 6, making this exhibit a rare opportunity to witness the 270R in person.
NISMO’s impact on motorsport is as significant as its contribution to road cars. Visitors can experience a range of race cars that defined entire racing eras, including the legendary Calsonic Skyline GT-R from the Group A era of the Japan Touring Car Championship (JTCC). Additionally, modern machines like the Nissan Formula E racer and the Le Mans-contending R390 GT1 — which holds Nissan’s best-ever finish at the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans — are proudly on display.
One of the highlights is the R91CP, which clinched victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona, alongside modern Super GT cars that continue to demonstrate Nissan’s racing prowess. For NISMO fans, this is an unprecedented collection that tells the story of Nissan’s dedication to motorsport and performance excellence over the past 40 years.
In addition to the historic vehicles, the exhibition showcases NISMO’s current lineup, including electrifying new models like the all-electric Nissan Ariya NISMO. While it may not have the same racing pedigree as the Skyline GT-R, the Ariya is a technological powerhouse, boasting 430 horsepower and positioning itself just below the R35-generation GT-R NISMO in terms of raw performance. Also featured is the 420hp Fairlady Z, a nod to Nissan’s ongoing legacy of creating powerful and engaging sports cars.
The 40th anniversary celebrations won’t end with the exhibition. Later this year, NISMO enthusiasts will have another reason to rejoice: the annual NISMO Festival at Fuji International Speedway. Set for December 1, this event will be the ultimate tribute to NISMO’s rich heritage, offering live demonstrations, displays of iconic race cars, and a fitting celebration of this milestone year.
As NISMO turns 40, Nissan is celebrating a legacy that has reshaped the performance car industry and motorsports alike. Whether through its road cars or its race cars, NISMO has continually pushed the envelope, creating vehicles that thrill drivers and capture the imagination of fans around the world. As the exhibition runs until mid-October, and with the NISMO Festival to follow in December, 2024 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year for Nissan’s performance brand.
