Nissan’s sports car legacy drifts into the toy world with the new Nissan GT-R NISMO LEGO kit

As a milestone that an automotive model has truly arrived in the pantheon of legendary classic cars, what beats the issue of its first LEGO model? Now, a cherished Japanese nameplate that, after half a century proving its cred in motorsports, on the street, and on the big screen has reached just that moment, with Monday’s reveal by Nissan and The LEGO Group of the Nissan GT-R NISMO LEGO Kit.

Although it’s hard to believe given the popularity of Japanese sports cars, the Nissan GT-R NISMO LEGO kit is The LEGO Group’s first partnership with a Japanese automaker, according to Nissan’s press release.

In a bold strategic move, the automaker held back this momentous launch from the 2019 LA International Auto Show, instead opting to reveal the Nissan GT-R NISMO LEGO kit at Nissan Global Headquarters in Yokahoma, Japan. LEGO Group CEO Niels B. Christiansen and Nissan Executive Vice President Asako Hoshino led the festivities.

“The Nissan GT-R and the LEGO brand are both renowned and loved by fans of all ages throughout the world, and we are honored to be the first-ever Japanese car manufacturer to partner with the LEGO Group,” Hoshino said. “Many of our Nissan customers can trace their automotive passion back to when they built LEGO cars as children. With this partnership, everyone can be a `takumi’—the specialized craftsmen that build the GT-R. And, it’s the GT-R’s 50th anniversary this year, so what better way to celebrate than to share the GT-R with Nissan and LEGO fans around the world!”

According to the LEGO Group, capturing the vibe of the GT-R’s legendary taillight design posed a formidable engineering challenge. But in the end, they believe they got the job done.

“In LEGO Speed Champions, we always aim to include new types of racing vehicles,” said LEGO design lead Chris Stamp. “And when we focused on drifting and racing, the record-breaking Nissan GT-R, and especially the new GT-R NISMO, was at the top of our wish list. Authenticity is always our main concern, and we spent a lot of time exploring different building techniques to correctly recreate the taillights, as they are one of the most recognizable details on the car. I am really happy with the end result!”

Just as budding car enthusiasts will be able to have fun playing with the toy kit car, Nissan’s publicity team also indulged in the opportunity the LEGO GT-R announcement opened up to indulge in some good clean fun with the conventions of automotive PR.

The press release includes, for example, a table offering up a side-by side comparison of physical and technical specifications of the LEGO Nissan Nismo LEGO car with the full-size production GT-R.

Perhaps taking a page from Tesla’s book, Nissan claimed an unlimited range for the LEGO Nissan GT-R, since the LEGO vehicle is fueled by imagination only.

*1 All times estimated.
*2 Estimated figure, please observe and obey all local laws and speed limits
*3 Actual range may very based on driving conditions. This figure for comparison only.

SEMA did not immediately respond to a request from AutoNewsblaster for comment on the potential for aftermarket-industry support of the Nissan GT-R Nismo LEGO kit. So the possible availability of miniature mods is not known at this time.

Given the strong association of the Nissan GT-R with the Fast and Furious franchise—character Brian O’Connor drove a 1999 Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R in 2 Fast 2 Furious—cinematic tie-ins for the Lego GT-R would seem to be an obvious possibility.

However, Nissan’s announcement did not include any information about possible movie tie-ins for the LEGO kit, nor has Holley to our knowledge announced plans for a miniature replica of a NoS injection system compatible with the LEGO GT-R.  

Unfortunately, the LEGO GT-R won’t be available for Christmas. According to Nissan, the kit will be available globally in January 2020.

But if your holiday gift list includes any car enthusiast kids from one to 92, be not afraid—because several other car models from the LEGO Speed Champions series are currently available, including:

• LEGO Speed Champions Porsche 911 RSR and 911 Turbo 3.0 75888 Building Kit (391 Pieces)                                        
• LEGO Speed Champions 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon and 1970 Dodge Charger R/T 75893 Building Kit, 2019 (478 Pieces)
• LEGO Speed Champions McLaren Senna 75892 Building Kit, 2019 (219 Pieces)
• LEGO Speed Champions Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Race Car 75891 Building Kit, 2019 (198 Pieces)

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