Nissan->ke62 has been synonymous with performance ever since the Skyline GT-R->ke1997 was introduced in 1969. The moniker quickly made a name for itself on the street and the track, ultimately evolving into a coupe->ke141 that went on to dominate the race courses starting in the late 1980s. The saga continued through the 1990s with the R33 and R34 models, and came to an abrupt halt in 2002 when Nissan decided to separate the GT-R->ke1592 line from the Skyline name. Five years later, the GT-R we all know today came alive and things got ridiculously fast and powerful.

Now, with GT-R getting up there in age, Nissan is looking to take it up a notch. One that's likely to include a hybrid->ke147 powertrain, enormous amounts of power and twist, and a brand-new design approach. The Japanese aren't too keen on divulging the details behind the brand-new GT-R, but they're giving us a taste of the next supercar->ke177 using the Gran Turismo->ke3689 franchise. Dubbed Nissan Concept 2020 Vision Gran Turismo, this virtual concept vehicle is already available in the game since 2014 and I suspect it will materialize, in some form or another, as Nissan's upcoming GT-R.

Updated 10/29/2015: Nissan brought an updated version of the 2020 Vision Gran Turismo concept car at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show.->ke1834 Don't get to excited though, as the only "updates" included a new Fire Knight red body color and a new expression of Nissan's signature V-Motion grille. We do have to admit that the new red paint fits perfectly!

Continue reading to find out more about the Nissan Concept 2020 Vision Gran Turismo.

nissan-concept-2020-vision-gran-turismo

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: nissan-concept-2020-vision-gran-turismo
Pros
Cons

2014 Nissan Concept 2020 Vision Gran Turismo

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Nissan Concept 2020 Vision Gran Turismo
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

As with most daring Nissan concept cars->ke169, the 2020 Vision Gran Turismo was created by the company's team of young designers at Nissan Design Europe in England. And by the looks of it, no boundaries were set aside from staying within aerodynamic restrictions and sticking to Nissan's current design language.

Although radical by styling, the 2020 Vision Gran Turismo is recognizable as both a Nissan and a GT-R. The V-shaped front grille - not available on the current GT-R - is embedded in the concept's gaping, trapezoidal mouth. The protruding nose is flanked by vertical intakes that feature blade-like, carbon-fiber fins. These are connected to the two-piece lip spoiler at the bottom and mix beautifully with the narrow headlamps up top. The LED units go halfway into the sculpted fenders that share a similar shape.

The updated version shown at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show received a new LED headlamp pattern and a sharper V-shaped grille. Also, the black paint has been replaced by a flashier Fire Knight Red color.

The scenario changes completely around back. A large, carbon-fiber wing floats right above the rear end, while a carbon-fiber rear diffuser occupies most of the lower fascia. The piece that sits in the middle is raised upward and makes the concept look like it's ready to race at Le Mans->ke1591 instead of the world's most compelling virtual tracks. Inside the blade-like rear fenders lie a pair of futuristic taillights that make us wonder whether this concept isn't powered by rocket fuel instead of gasoline.

The radical looks continue on the sides, as the deep crease on the bottom hides what appears to be a side-mounted exhaust system placed right beneath the front wheels. The doors carry a rather unusual shape and don't feature any door handles, but act as support for the carbon fiber mirrors. Naturally, these work as cameras and send the images inside the cockpit.

Speaking of which, the glasshouse is another detail reminiscent of the current GT-R, although the overall shape screams prototype racing. Interestingly enough, the rear quarter windows are still in place, which is a strong indication that this concept car will be more than just a virtual racer.

Interior

Much like all Vision Gran Turismo concepts, the Nissan 2020 came with no details whatsoever about its interior. However, there are a few official photos that show some of the car's high-tech cockpit, which seems to sport several carbon-fiber components and a pair of lightweight bucket seats. Both the rearview mirror and parts of the dashboard are made from carbon-fiber, while the steering wheel is a race-spec, multi-function unit with a flat top and bottom. Though not visible in this photos, the center stack should feature a display that receives images from the fender-mounted cameras that act like side mirrors.

Drivetrain

There's no word as to what kind of drivetrain lurks beneath the long hood either, but that's not surprising given the Concept 2020 was created for a racing video game. It could be anything really, as Vision Gran Turismo cars are mostly about futuristic designs and ludicrous horsepower figures. All told, if you're looking to break as many lap records as possible in the game, the Concept 2020 is the vehicle you need to consider.

Competitors

2013 Mercedes-Benz Vision Gran Turismo Concept

There's at least a dozen Gran Turismo concepts gearheads can hoon around while sitting on the couch, but very few match the aggressive styling of the Nissan 2020. The most comprehensive of them all is the Mercedes-Benz Vision, a radical concept that has very little in common with the company's current design language. The dramatic lines split between a long bonnet, muscular fenders and rain drop-shaped rear end, rounded off by a large front grille taken from Mercedes' Le Mans racers of the early 1950s.

The Formula One-inspired interior is complemented by a powerful, biturbo, V-8 engine sourced from the AMG division. The heart pumps 585 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, which, when paired with the car's weight of only 3,053 pounds, leads to an impressive power-to-weight figure. Unlike the Nissan 2020, the Mercedes-Benz Vision Gran Turismo isn't likely to spawn a production car. But who knows, maybe the Germans will change their minds in a few years.

Read more about the Mercedes-Benz Vision Gran Turismo Concept here.

2013 BMW Vision Gran Turismo Concept

Although it bears more resemblance to a production car, the BMW Vision Gran Turismo is equally impressive. Obviously sculpted from a BMW M4->ke4183, the Vision Gran Turismo carries an extreme wide-body kit that would make it fit among a pack of LM GTE Pro racers. The metal extends all the way down to the pavement by means of aerodynamic bumpers and side sills, while the rear wing provides the necessary downforce at high speeds. Not surprising, the concept is adorned by the iconic blue and red graphics seen on just about any products crafted by the infamous M Division.

Just like the real M4, the BMW Vision Gran Turismo concept makes use of a turbocharged, 3.0-liter, inline-six engine. The M TwinPower Turbo technology enables the mill to deliver 549 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque and sends the coupe flying at tremendous speeds. Munich has no plans to come up with a road-going vehicle based on this monster, but our fingers are crossed for a race car. It's doable.

Read more about the 2013 BMW Vision Gran Turismo Concept here.

Conclusion

We've seen many wild concept cars since the Vision Gran Turismo program debuted in late 2013, but the Nissan Concept 2020 is definitely among the most appealing virtual racers created as of yet. Nissan not only did a tremendous job combining Le Mans prototype styling cues with the GT-R's trademark design, this futuristic race car could also preview the brand's next-generation supercar. Sure, it won't be as sleek and aggressive and it definitely won't have all those revolutionary styling features, but the Concept 2020 will most likely spawn the most radical GT-R ever.

Update History

Updated 06/26/2014: Those of you who attended Goodwood had the pleasure of seeing lots of cool cars, including Nissan's Vision Gran Turismo. For the rest of us, Nissan unveiled a new set of images and one new video that explains the design idea behind the new concept.

Updated 06/27/2014: Nissan unveiled a new video showing the new Concept 2020 Vision Gran Turismo while being unveiled in Goodwood. Enjoy!

Updated 06/30/2014: This review was updated with a new set of images from the car's official debut in Goodwood. Enjoy!

Updated 06/25/2014: Just ahead of its official debut at the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed, Nissan unveiled a series of new images for its new 2020 Vision Gran Turismo Concept. Enjoy!