What Does the End of the R35 GT-R Mean for Nissan Fans?
Eighteen years. That’s how long the Nissan GT-R R35 thundered down highways, conquered racetracks, and carved out its legend. Now, with the final R35 rolling off the Tochigi production line—number 48,000, if you’re counting—enthusiasts everywhere are asking: what’s next for Nissan’s iconic supercar?
Why Did Nissan Retire the R35 GT-R After Such a Long Run?
Let’s be honest: most cars don’t get nearly two decades in the spotlight. The R35’s longevity is a testament to its engineering and the cult following it built. Each engine was hand-assembled by a Takumi master craftsman in Yokohama, their names proudly stamped on a plaque. That kind of attention to detail is rare, and it’s part of what made the GT-R feel special—almost like a bespoke suit, but for the road.
But even legends have to evolve. Emissions regulations, shifting market demands, and the relentless march of technology meant the R35’s days were numbered. Nissan’s decision to end production wasn’t just about nostalgia; it was about making room for what comes next.
How Did the R35 GT-R Earn Its “Godzilla” Reputation?
When the R35 debuted at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, it didn’t just turn heads—it sent shockwaves through the supercar world. Here was a car that could humble Ferraris and Porsches at a fraction of the price. The original 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 pumped out 473 horsepower, but Nissan didn’t stop there. Over the years, the GT-R’s power climbed to 562 hp in its final form, and a monstrous 600 hp in the Nismo variant.
Numbers are one thing, but the GT-R’s real magic was in how it put that power down. The Attesa ET-S all-wheel-drive system made it stick to the tarmac like glue, while its Nürburgring lap times dropped from 7:38 in 2007 to a blistering 7:08.679 by 2013. For context, that’s faster than many cars costing twice as much.
And let’s not forget motorsports. The GT-R dominated Japan’s Super GT Championship, the Blancpain GT Series, and endurance events like the 12 Hours of Bathurst. It wasn’t just a street legend—it was a bona fide race winner.
What’s Next for the GT-R Nameplate? Will There Be an R36?
Here’s where things get interesting. Nissan’s CEO, Ivan Espinosa, has reassured fans that this isn’t the end for the GT-R badge. In his words, “It’s our goal for the GT-R nameplate to one day make a return… the GT-R badge is not something that can be applied to just any vehicle. It is reserved for something truly special and the R35 set the bar high.”
So, what will the R36 look like? That’s still up in the air. The 2023 Nissan Hyper Force concept hinted at a high-performance electric future, possibly with solid-state batteries. But Nissan’s own product planner, Hiroshi Tamura, recently suggested that a hybrid powertrain is also on the table—especially if that’s what customers want.
The reality is, Nissan is playing its cards close to the chest. With the auto industry in flux—think electrification, stricter emissions, and changing buyer preferences—Nissan wants to make sure the next GT-R is worthy of its name. No rushed jobs here.
How Will the Next GT-R Balance Performance and Electrification?
This is the million-dollar question. Purists worry that electrification will dilute the GT-R’s raw, mechanical character. But the truth is, electric and hybrid tech can unlock new levels of performance. Instant torque, advanced torque vectoring, and the possibility of all-wheel-drive systems that react in milliseconds? That’s not just marketing fluff—it’s the future of going fast.
Still, Nissan knows it can’t just slap the GT-R badge on any fast EV. The company has said that “learnings from the R35 will be integral to the next-generation GT-R, ensuring its legacy evolves while raising the performance benchmark.” Translation: expect something that feels like a GT-R, even if it sounds a little different.
What Can Enthusiasts Expect in the Meantime?
If you’re lucky enough to own an R35, congratulations—you’re holding onto a piece of automotive history. Prices for clean, low-mileage examples are already creeping up, and the final Midnight Purple T-Specs are likely to become instant collectibles.
For everyone else, patience is the name of the game. Nissan’s new CEO has pledged to reignite enthusiast passion with at least four new sports cars in the coming years. The GT-R’s successor is coming, but it’ll arrive when it’s truly ready—not a moment sooner.
The big takeaway? The GT-R story isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end. Godzilla may be sleeping, but you can bet it’s not gone for good.