The Nissan GT-R R35 may have officially stopped taking new orders, marking the end of an era since its launch in 2007, but don’t count out Godzilla just yet. While many assumed this was the final chapter for the legendary supercar killer, Nissan’s newly appointed CEO, Ivan Espinosa, seems to have a different vision.
Espinosa has dropped some tantalising hints about the GT-R’s potential return. When asked about the importance of performance models in Nissan’s lineup, he stated, “Driving excitement will always be at the heart of Nissan. This is what we do.”
He went on to say that the brand has multiple ways to showcase this passion, starting with the Z series and, crucially, keeping the GT-R name alive “These will remain, for sure. I want to have four or five cars at the top of our portfolio that are really brand-oriented, cars that really represent what Nissan is about and show what the heartbeat of Nissan is. And these cars should go everywhere in the world,” he added.
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard whispers about the GT-R’s comeback. When Nissan announced the end of R35 orders in Japan, they also teased the possibility of future developments, suggesting that their halo car isn’t heading to the scrapheap just yet.
Japan is the latest country to say goodbye to the R35, following the US, Europe, and Australia. The reasons? Stricter safety and emissions regulations, which have made it increasingly difficult for the ageing platform to comply.
But let’s not forget what made the R35 GT-R a modern legend in the first place—its powerhouse of an engine. The handcrafted VR38DETT 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 produced a blistering 485 hp and 588 Nm of torque, sending power to all four wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.
For those lucky enough to get their hands on the ultra-limited GT-R50 by Italdesign in 2018, things got even crazier. That special edition featured GT3-spec upgrades, boosting the V6’s output to a monstrous 720 hp and 780 Nm of torque.
Then came the Hyper Force concept at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show—a futuristic take on the GT-R name that turned heads with its cyberpunk aesthetic while still paying homage to the R35’s iconic shape.
Nissan has already confirmed that hybrid and EV-powered sports cars are in development, but they’ve remained tight-lipped on whether that future includes the GT-R. However, with Espinosa—a true car enthusiast—at the helm, we might finally see a next-gen GT-R come to life.
So, is this the end of the GT-R legacy? Not likely. It might be taking a well-earned nap, but rest assured—Godzilla always finds a way to rise again.
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