The Nissan GT-R R35, which has dominated the supercar market for 18 years, is officially ending its production run. Introduced in 2007, the model has been a symbol of unmatched performance, and its legacy is now drawing to a close.
End of Production and Global Discontinuation
Nissan has announced that it will cease accepting orders for the GT-R R35 in Japan on February 28, 2025, expressing gratitude for the model’s support over the years. While this move was anticipated, it marks the end of an era for the iconic vehicle. Production in North America ended in October 2024, with the last limited editions, including the T-Spec Takumi and Skyline trims, marking the final iterations. In Europe and the UK, the GT-R was discontinued in March 2022, and it ceased sales in Australia and New Zealand in October 2021, primarily due to increasing environmental regulations and safety standards.
The GT-R R35 earned its “supercar killer” title upon debut, thanks to its remarkable performance and price point. After debuting at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, the car underwent multiple facelifts and continuous performance upgrades, most recently in 2023, keeping it relevant in the ever-evolving automotive landscape.
A Legendary Engine and Evolving Power
The heart of the GT-R R35 was its twin-turbo 3.8L V6 engine. Initially producing 480 horsepower (353 kW), the engine underwent continuous development, with the 2023 version making 565 horsepower (421 kW). The high-performance Nismo version pushed this even further, reaching 600 horsepower (447 kW), showcasing the GT-R’s formidable power. However, the limitations of the internal combustion engine era have become apparent, and the R35 will soon fade into history.
What’s Next for the GT-R?
As Nissan bids farewell to the R35, all eyes are on the successor model, the GT-R R36. Nissan teased the direction of the next-generation GT-R with its Hyper Force concept, unveiled in 2023. This concept hints at a possible evolution into an electric supercar. Unlike the R35, which is powered by an internal combustion engine, the R36 is expected to be fully electric, aligning with Nissan’s broader strategy toward electrification.
However, variables remain. Nissan is actively developing solid-state batteries for its next-generation electric vehicles, and the technology is expected to be ready by 2028. This means that an electric GT-R may not be available for several more years, and Nissan might introduce a hybrid version first to bridge the gap.
The Legacy of the GT-R R35
For 18 years, the Nissan GT-R R35 has been an unmatched presence in the supercar world. As production winds down, the question remains: Who will take the baton from this legendary vehicle? Whether the R36 becomes a purely electric supercar or takes an unexpected turn with a hybrid model, the automotive world will be watching closely as Nissan navigates the future of its iconic performance car.
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