Nissan GT-R GT 500(diecast 1:18, AUTOart Signature)
- Nissan GT-R GT 500 (from 2010)
- AUTOart Signature
- 1:18
- Showcase model / No engine
- diecast
- Stealth / Carbon
- 81041
- online dealer (Colognemodelcars)
- 129,95 EUR
- In near mint condition
- Original packaging exists
- Not for sale
Model in Andy's collection: Detailed GT500 ride in focus
This model is from collector Andy's stash and shows a race car based on the Nissan GT-R R35 Super GT GT500. It's a 1/18 scale model by AUTOart Signature, made in diecast. From the pics you can spot loads of race-spec features: a pronounced front splitter, side canards, a heavily vented hood with louvers and a big rear wing on chunky mounts. The visible diffuser has fine channels and the yellow tow hooks front and back show attention to the race details. The surface has a carbon look that follows the aero panels of the real car. The number 1 is clearly on the sides, flanked by logos like Polyphony Digital and Gran Turismo on the windscreen strip and the rear wing. Tire markings saying “Potenza” point to Bridgestone; you can also see NISMO and NISSAN badges. The proportions, narrow panel gaps and separate add-on parts give an authentic vibe without overdoing the techy look.
The real thing: Tech and development of the GT500 racer
The Nissan GT-R R35 Super GT GT500 is based on the road-going Nissan GT-R R35 platform, which has been built since 2007–present. The road-car program was led by Kazutoshi Mizuno, with styling heavily influenced by design boss Shiro Nakamura. For the GT500 version NISMO heavily reworked the car: rules called for a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, a sequential six-speed gearbox and a bespoke structure using tube frames/composites. In the early R35 GT500 years it ran a 4.5‑liter V8 (VK45DE) producing roughly 350–400 kW (about 469–536 hp). The race weight was typically around 1100 kg (2425 lb), sitting low with a flat, aero-optimized silhouette and large carbon bodywork. Up front it used double-wishbone suspension and a multi-link rear geared for traction, all on adjustable race dampers. Brakes were big vented discs with multi-piston calipers. Predecessors in Nissan's GT500 program include the R34-based racer and the Nissan Fairlady Z (Z33), which raced until 2007. The carbon-test look and the Polyphony Digital/Gran Turismo badges hint at test and demo runs around the 2008 season.
Race entries and early successes in Super GT
The Nissan GT-R R35 Super GT GT500 started racing in Super GT from 2008 and made an immediate impact. In its debut season it grabbed poles and wins; notably Nissan took the championship in 2008. Drivers who were central in that period include Satoshi Motoyama and Benoît Tréluyer, whose consistent results helped clinch the title. Other drivers like João Paulo de Oliveira and Michael Krumm also showed strong pace on high-speed tracks like Fuji Speedway and Suzuka. The car’s aero stability, broad setup window and reliable cooling from its big air intakes all helped keep it competitive. The pictured carbon-style presentation with the big “GT” branding highlights the link between Super GT racing and simulator/marketing partnerships like Gran Turismo.
Title wins, rule changes and other well-known drivers
In later years the Nissan GT-R R35 Super GT GT500 kept fighting despite rule tweaks. Around 2011–2012 Nissan racked up more titles, including efforts by the likes of Ronnie Quintarelli and Masataka Yanagida. The big rule change in 2014 to the Class-One rules also meant a powertrain swap: the big V8 gave way to a 2.0‑liter turbo four-cylinder built to GT500 spec — 2.0 L (0.53 US gal) — while power stayed roughly in the 405–450 kW range (about 543–603 hp), depending on restrictors. The chassis gained standardized crash structures and cleaner aero, and the GT-R remained a race winner. In 2014 and 2015 drivers like Ronnie Quintarelli and Tsugio Matsuda took championships again. Other familiar names in the GT-R line-up include Hironobu Yasuda, Daiki Sasaki and Lucas Ordóñez, who all brought experience and strategy to different teams. The combo of a durable drivetrain, strong brakes and a robust aero package was the recipe for many podiums.
Model appearance, paint and build quality
The 1/18 scale AUTOart Signature model reproduces the dark, carbon-like show livery of the Nissan GT-R R35 Super GT GT500. The finish shows a fine carbon pattern over most panels, including the hood, roof and rear wing. White contrast strips on the splitter and sills highlight the shapes. “NISSAN” sits on the front, the GT-R badge is on the back; the flanks and wing endplates carry Gran Turismo and Polyphony Digital branding. The tire sidewalls read “POTENZA,” pointing to Bridgestone; small NISMO logos sit on the nose and sides. Through the wheels you can see discs and calipers, and the central wheel nuts are color-contrasted. Inside you can make out the roll cage, a racing bucket and a stripped-down cockpit. The rear diffuser with vertical strakes, the four round tail lights, the roof antenna and the tiny red hood pins are all neatly executed. It's a diecast model with many separately applied parts, so overall it's a faithful, tech-focused representation that’ll please collectors who like accurate race detail and a presentation-style livery in their display.
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