When Nissan introduced the GT-R to Hong Kong
The GT-R has been a beloved car since coming to the market in 2007. As the predecessor to the Skyline GT-R, arguably one of the most popular models in car culture due to it being such an iconic motor, this makes the GT-R a fan favourite and even newer iterations are still celebrated. There are multiple reasons why the Skyline GT-R, and the respective updated GT-R, are so loved. From being nicknamed ‘Godzilla’ due to it dominating competitions in 1989 to being featured in the Fast and Furious series, the Japanese motor has been an icon since the beginning of its lifespan.
Due to the Skyline being only available in Japan the car was [and still is] somewhat of a dream car to many, being almost impossible to own outside of Japan until the new R35 range would be produced globally. So, when Nissan introduced the GT-R in Hong Kong in its 2018 commercial, they harnessed this historic aspect of the car to create a moving piece of advertisement.
The commercial features a Skyline R32 rolling down a hill, as young kids stare in amazement and start to chase the car. A child can be seen touching the iconic GTR logo, before we then get taken down memory lane watching an R33 drive through the city, and finally the R34 in all its glory speeding through a tunnel. Out of this tunnel though emerges the R35, the predecessor of the skyline which although features a new design aesthetically, still maintains the classic GTR engineering. The commercial ends with the R35 parking next to the R33 and R34 and someone stepping out and rubbing the GTR logo, perhaps symbolizing that the child who saw the cars when he was younger is now the man driving the GTR finally.
What makes this advertisement so incredible is that it breaks the normality of usual car commercials. Although subtly referencing the car's performance and features, it mainly focuses on the emotional connection that people have with the model. From seeing it from a young age but not being able to have one to finally being able to experience it and achieve there dream.
