Nissan Discontinues Production of Its Winning Supercar and Promises Its Successor

End of Production for the Nissan GT-R R35

The final example of the Nissan GT-R R35 has rolled off the assembly line at the Tochigi plant, concluding an 18-year production history for this model. During this time, approximately 48,000 cars were produced. The CEO of Nissan noted that the GT-R model would return one day but urged fans to be patient. The company has not yet decided whether the next-generation R36 will be electric or hybrid.

The Model’s Long Journey

Over 18 years, the Japanese automaker produced approximately 48,000 units of the R35 GT-R. The engines for these cars were hand-assembled by nine Takumi masters at the Yokohama plant, and the name of each master can be seen on a special plaque on the engine.

The Final Example

The final R35 is a GT-R Premium Edition T-Spec in the signature Midnight Purple color. It is intended for a buyer in Japan, which became the final market for this model. Order intake in the home market was discontinued in February of last year, allowing the backlog to be cleared.

The Legacy of Godzilla

The R35 GT-R debuted at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show and immediately earned the nickname “supercar killer.” Nissan claims the model was developed as the perfect grand tourer, combining performance with comfort and high quality. Over 18 years, the model was updated multiple times, including in 2010, 2016, and 2023.

Technical Features

All versions of the R35 GT-R were equipped with a VR38DETT 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 gasoline engine, paired with the Attesa ET-S all-wheel-drive system. Engine power increased from 473 hp in the first version to 562 hp after the last update and to 600 hp in the Nismo version.

Racing Achievements

Over the years, the GT-R’s Nürburgring lap time decreased from 7:38 (2007) to 7:08.679 (2013). The model also competed in various series, achieving victories in the GT500 and GT300 classes of the Japanese Super GT championship, the Blancpain GT Series, the Bathurst 12 Hour race, and the Super Taikyu endurance series.

The Future of the GT-R

President and CEO of Nissan, Ivan Espinosa, stated:

“After 18 wonderful years, the R35 GT-R has left a significant mark on automotive history. Its legacy is a testament to the passion of our team and the loyalty of customers worldwide. Thank you for being part of this extraordinary journey.”

He also added regarding the model’s future:

“To the many GT-R fans around the world, I want to say that this is not a final farewell to the GT-R forever. Our goal is to bring this model back one day. We understand that expectations are high, and the GT-R badge cannot simply be placed on any car. It is reserved for something truly special, and the R35 set a high bar. Therefore, I can only ask for your patience. While we have no concrete plan today, the GT-R will evolve and appear again in the future.”

Uncertainty Regarding the R36

In a time of financial uncertainty, Nissan is not ready to announce a release date for the GT-R’s successor. Development is likely still ongoing, and strategic decisions need to be made before moving forward.

Possible Powertrain Options

As hinted by the 2023 Nissan Hyper Force concept, the R36 was expected to feature a high-performance electric powertrain with solid-state batteries. However, recent comments from R35 product planner Hiroshi Tamura suggest that an all-electric future is not yet set in stone. The model could receive a hybrid setup if that is what customers truly want.

Continuation of the Tradition

According to an official statement, “the knowledge gained from the R35 will be an integral part of the next-generation GT-R, ensuring its legacy evolves while simultaneously raising the performance bar.”

Importantly, the Japanese automaker has not abandoned plans for a flagship performance model that will continue the legacy of previous GT-R generations. We hope to see it by the end of this decade.

The end of R35 production symbolizes the end of an era but also paves the way for innovation. The technologies honed over 18 years will undoubtedly influence future Nissan projects, especially in the context of environmental challenges and growing competition in the electric vehicle market. Fans can expect the new GT-R to retain the spirit of performance, even if its heart operates differently.

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