Nissan to auction a custom-edition $100,000 GT-R for Usain Bolt’s charity foundation
As good as gold; Usain Bolt, the Jamaican Olympic phenomenon renowned for being the world’s fastest man for whom racing is an inspiration, will now help automaker Nissan become an even more exciting brand. Famous for his much-mimicked ‘Lighting Bolt’ pose at the end of races, this 6.5 inch tall naturally gifted athlete is now offering his racing passion and performance instincts to the Nissan team developing an ultra-special ‘Bolt’ version GT-R. In a special deal with Nissan Motors, the greatest track showman who celebrated his Olympic winning with a $125,580 bottle of Armand de Brignac Champagne, not only extended his role as Nissan GT-R‘s brand ambassador, but also became honorary ‘Director of Excitement’ for Nissan’s global marketing drive. And, in recognition of Bolt’s contribution to athletics and his automotive enthusiasm, Nissan will auction a unique gold-plated GT-R to benefit the Usain Bolt Foundation, and will also develop a special ‘Bolt GT-R’ for his very personal use.
The special 545-hp Bolt GT-R for sprinter’s personal use, will be developed/customized using the reaction times, acceleration and other handling capabilities that Bolt came across while test-driving various GT-R models at the Nissan’s proving ground in Japan.
Most notably, Bolt who was collected from Tokyo’s Narita Airport in a GT-R driven by noted Formula One racer Mark Webber, will also start work with Nissan product specialists on a limited-edition version which can be ordered in market where GT-R is available.
Notably, the proceeds of the sale of gold-plated $100,000 GT-R with interior bits coated in real gold will be auctioned for Bolt’s foundation, which works to create educational and cultural opportunities for children and young people in Jamaica.
Similarly, Usain Bolt’s Nikon D4 camera, which he excitedly took from a Swedish photographer Jimmy Wixtröm after he won the race, and snapped crowd and photographers, got sold on eBay for $7,300, to benefit cancer research and education charities.
Additionally, at a live charity auction hosted by the University of Birmingham, Bolt’s running spikes also got auctioned for $39,000, to become one of the world’s most expensive shoes.
Via: Nissan
