Nissan GT-R Production Reaches Its End

Godzilla is no more! After nearly two decades of dominating streets and tracks, Nissan has finally axed the current-generation GT-R - the R35.

The company made the announcement on its Japanese website stating it has now stopped taking orders, marking the end of an era for one of the most iconic global sportscars offerings.

Through which, Nissan expressed gratitude for the support the R35 received since its launch 18 years ago in 2007 -  “We have received many orders for the Nissan GT-R, and we have now finished accepting orders for the planned production quantity.”

Japan was one of the last markets still offering the R35 with U.S. production having ended in Oct 2024, thus making 2024 the final model year. Meanwhile, in Europe and the U.K., stricter noise regulations had forced Nissan to axe the GT-R back in 2022.

The R35 project kicked off in 2000 under former Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn. It was first teased by a series of concepts, including the GT-R Concept at the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show. The production model then debuted in 2007, with U.S. sales starting in 2009.

The R35 was also the first model to drop the Skyline name, unlike its iconic predecessors - the Skyline R32, R33 and R34.

At launch, the R35 was an unbeatable performance bargain. With a base price of around US$78,000, it packed a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 that initially pushed out 480 HP and 583 NM. That power was kept in check by Brembo brakes and a sophisticated all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.

It even featured an advanced touchscreen infotainment system developed by Polyphony Digital - creators of Gran Turismo.

By the time the R35 bowed out, it looked much like it did in 2007, but under the skin, it had evolved significantly. Over the years, Nissan gave it multiple updates, refining its aerodynamics, tech, and powertrain. The final base model delivered 565 HP and 633 NM, while the hardcore Nismo version pushed 600 HP and 653 NM.

Of course, the price tag climbed too. The last base GT-R sold for US$123,985, while the Nismo variant demanded an eye-watering US$222,895.

Adding on to this, Nissan has not announced any successor to continue the Godzilla’s legacy yet.

Nissan has hinted that future GT-Rs will feature some level of electrification, possibly in a hybrid or full EV form. In 2022, executives suggested multiple drivetrain options, but by 2024, they admitted nothing had been finalised.

A glimpse into the future came with the Hyper Force concept, unveiled in 2023. Designed with input from Polyphony Digital, it retains signature GT-R quad taillights elements but with a much sharper, futuristic design.

That said, the GT-R’s successor should be the last thing on the minds of Nissan execs as the company has bigger battles to fight. With tariffs, slumping sales, and a failed merger with Honda, a low-volume supercar isn’t exactly a top priority.

The question then is, will the GT-R nameplate ever make a return? or when? Guess that will remain a mystery for now until Nissan gets its act back together again.