Now everyone can be a “takumi” with the new LEGO Nissan GT-R NISMO



Nissan has always prided themselves with the intricate details and craftsmanship of the GT-R, especially the twin-turbocharged V6 engine which is hand-built by one of four takumis – master craftsmen who have perfected their skills over years of painstaking work and dedication.

But what if mere mortals like us would like to have a crack at building a race car, and that engineering degree is too little, too late? LEGO and Nissan have partnered up to create the LEGO Nissan GT-R NISMO, for you to get your hands dirty, figuratively. 

Made out of 298 individual LEGO elements, the LEGO Nissan GT-R NISMO aims to capture the authentic and intricate details of the life-size race car into a relatively small LEGO model. Although, the Speed Champions series – which the GT-R NISMO will be a part of – has been enlarged by 25% this year. 

LEGO design lead, Chris Stamp said, “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 recognisable details on the car.”

Nissan seemed pretty happy with the work that LEGO has done with the GT-R NISMO too, with chief product specialist for the GT-R, Hiroshi Tamura – or sometimes affectionately called “Mr. GT-R” – himself giving the stamp of approval.

Tamura said, “The GT-R has been part of my life since I was 10 years old. Working with the LEGO Group was like awakening my inner 10-year-old self to rediscover what makes the GT-R so special to me. It’s amazing how much the LEGO Group’s attention to detail reminds me of our own craftsmen.”

LEGO says that the brick version of the Nissan GT-R NISMO is also designed to inspire children to learn more about engineering. While we applaud the intention, we all know that it’s actually us grown adults who would buy this – just ask GC Mah and his collection of LEGO models. 

The LEGO Nissan GT-R NISMO will be available globally from January 2020.