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Nissan's GT-R is officially dead. What's next?
After 18 years, Godzilla bows out — but is it gone for good?
Nissan has officially stopped taking orders for the R35 GT-R in Japan, marking the end of an era for one of the most iconic performance cars of the 21st century. With production already ceased in the U.S. and Europe, the final chapter of the GT-R’s long and storied history seems to have been written. But is this truly the end, or just a long intermission before a new generation emerges?
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The end of an era
The R35-generation Nissan GT-R debuted at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show and took the performance world by storm when it hit U.S. shores for the 2009 model year. With its 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6, sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, and relatively attainable price tag, the GT-R quickly became a giant killer, punching well above its weight against supercars costing twice as much. Nissan
Over the years, Nissan refined and upgraded the GT-R, boosting its power output from the original 480 horsepower to 565 in its final base form, while the Nismo version pushed out an even more impressive 600 horsepower. However, the price climbed significantly, with the last base models starting at nearly $124,000 and the Nismo edition exceeding $220,000. Despite its undeniable performance, the GT-R’s aging platform, interior, and technology made it harder to justify those price tags in an era of rapid automotive innovation.
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What comes next?
For now, Nissan has not announced a direct successor to the R35, and no next-generation GT-R is waiting in the wings. The company has previously suggested that any future GT-R will likely incorporate some level of electrification, though whether that means a hybrid powertrain or a fully electric setup remains unclear.
A glimpse into Nissan’s potential vision for the GT-R came in the form of the 2023 Hyper Force concept. Designed in collaboration with Polyphony Digital — the creators of the Gran Turismo video game series — the concept retained classic GT-R styling cues like the quad round taillights while adopting a futuristic, aggressive look. While Nissan has not confirmed any production plans for the Hyper Force, it could serve as a foundation for whatever comes next.
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Will Nissan prioritize a new GT-R?
As much as enthusiasts hope for a new GT-R, Nissan’s current priorities lie elsewhere. The company is facing significant financial struggles, including slumping sales and the fallout from a failed merger with Honda. With limited resources, investing in a niche, high-performance sports car may not be at the top of Nissan’s to-do list. Nissan
That said, the GT-R name carries weight, and Nissan understands the importance of its performance heritage. If a successor does emerge, expect it to be dramatically different from the R35 — likely with some form of electrification, whether hybrid or fully electric. But given the uncertainty surrounding Nissan’s financial situation, GT-R fans may need to be patient.
Final thoughts
For now, the GT-R’s future remains as uncertain as ever. Whether it returns in a radically different form or fades into the history books, one thing is certain: the R35 cemented itself as one of the greatest performance cars of its time. If this is truly the end, Godzilla can rest knowing it left an unforgettable legacy.
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