LEGENDARY Olympian Sir Chris Hoy has met his perfect motoring match in the shape of the awesome new Nissan GT-R.
The six time Olympic Gold medallist and most successful Olympic cyclist of all time collected the keys to his 550PS supercar in his new role as Nissan brand ambassador and figurehead for the carmaker’s innovative #UniteAndExcite campaign.
Nissan is the Official Automotive Partner of Team GB and ParalympicsGB on the road to the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games and #UniteAndExcite will provide fans with exclusive behind-the-scenes access to athletes’ stories and news of how Nissan’s innovative technology could improve performance.
And the synergy between man and machine was not lost on Sir Chris – a man who knows more than most about speed, performance and sleek, aerodynamic lines – as he climbed behind the wheel of the 195 mph GT-R for the first time at West Way Nissan’s Manchester dealership.
An excited Sir Chris said: ‘It’s a phenomenal car – absolutely amazing to drive. I love the fact you can pootle around town in it like any other car but then, when you get it on the open road, it’s something truly special.’
A real boost
He added: ‘Whether you’re an up and coming rider or one that’s already achieved and succeeded, it’s crucial to know that people are behind you and supporting you.
‘Knowing there’s a company like Nissan supporting our athletes and taking an interest and following them on their journey to Rio is a real boost.’
Nissan GB Marketing Director, Guillaume Masurel, said: ‘Nissan is the UK’s largest car manufacturer and as part of our relationship with the British Olympic Association and the British Paralympic Association, we are supporting our athletes in a number of ways.
‘We are thrilled to be working with Sir Chris Hoy in the build-up to the Rio Games and firmly believe the partnership can help drive our athletes to glory.
‘Meanwhile, our #UniteAndExcite campaign will give the general public an ongoing insight into the dedication of our Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls on the road to Rio and connect them with the passion and excitement of the games like never before.’
He added: ‘The new Nissan GT-R is the perfect car for Sir Chris as it shares many of the attributes which made him such an awesome competitor and sporting icon, such as a ferocious turn of speed and precision handling.’