Nissan GT-R Bolt: champion sprinter to design special edition Godzilla

Six-time Olympic champion sprinter Usain Bolt today signed a deal to extend his ambassadorial role with the Japanese manufacturer, becoming Nissan's honorary 'Director of Excitement' and agreeing to help develop a limited edition version of the GT-R wearing his name.

Bolt, who has confirmed his plans to defend his titles at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, drove a number of Nissan GT-Rs at the company’s proving ground near Oppama, Japan, today.

As part of the project, Nissan’s engineers will monitor Bolt’s reaction times, acceleration and handling abilities to develop a one-off ‘Bolt GT-R’ for his own personal use.

The champion Jamaican will also work with Nissan product specialists to develop a limited edition GT-R, which will be available in all markets where the 404kW/628Nm 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V6 monster is currently sold.

Nissan says it will reveal more details on the limited edition model at a later stage.

In the meantime, Nissan has unveiled a unique gold-painted GT-R (above) that will be auctioned online to raise money for the Usain Bolt Foundation, which works to create educational and cultural opportunities for children and young people in Jamaica.

The one-off model will be embossed with Bolt’s signature and features bespoke interior fittings finished in real gold.