Nissan is celebrating its global success in GT racing and 40 years of Z in the UK with the launch of a special GT Edition.

The GT Edition recognises its heritage with a nod to the 1970s and the original Z car with special side stripes. Grey GT stripes running along the flanks contrast with each of the three body colours – Pearl White, Kuro (metallic) Black and Black Rose. The latter shade is exclusive to GT Edition.

The exterior is set off by 19-inch RAYS forged alloy wheels finished in dark anthracite. Changes to the chassis have been engineered at the Nissan Technical Centre Europe in Bedfordshire. The principal modification has been to retune the dampers to balance betweenride comfort and high-speed handling.

Equipment includes a rear-view parking camera as part of the Premium Connect satellite navigation system and tyre pressure monitoring. The seven-speed automatic option now a snow mode which sets the car off in second gear and controls revs to prevent wheel spin. Underbody insulation has been refined to reduce road noise.

“The 370Z is an iconic sports car and the GT Edition underlines its appeal to enthusiasts everywhere,” said Pierre Loing, vice president product planning, Nissan International SA. “The combination of outstanding performance and the dramatic looks of this very special 370Z more than lives up to the heritage of its illustrious forebear while its strong links to the race track shows its true pedigree.”

The GT Edition celebrates Nissan’s presence in racing. As well as Super GT in Japan, Nissan has been one of the leaders in the new GT1 World Championship, winning the Tourist Trophy in 2010 with the fearsome GT-R. The Nissan Z family has been winning in the FIA GT4 European Cup since its inception and competes annually in various 24-hour races – the highlight being Nürburgring.

The Nissan 370Z GT4 has raced against Aston Martin, Porsche and BMW across Europe and it is the gamers’ vehicle of choice in the virtual world. A link with Gran Turismo 5 game lets cyber racers compete to win a drive in a real 370Z GT4 cup car.

The 2011 GT Academy series is underway and the best gamers will become part of a motor racing ladder that could take top drivers through the European Blancpain Endurance series to international GT1 World Championship.

The GT Edition 370Z is available to order from dealers with first deliveries expected from June 1, priced from £35,000.