The End of an Icon: The R35 GT-R’s Journey In 2007, at the Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan introduced the R35 GT-R as part of its Revival Plan under then-CEO Carlos Ghosn. It was the long-awaited successor to the R34 Skyline, and this time, it was available globally. The GT-R was ready to revolutionize the performance car market. The R35 GT-R was a technological tour de force that sang the songs of performance and precision in perfect harmony. From its hand-built 3.8L twin-turbocharged V6, nitrogen-filled Bridgestone tires, innovative dual-clutch gearbox, ground-breaking aerodynamics, clenching all-wheel-drive grip, and rapid Launch Control. Once it hit the roads, it was truly unstoppable. It achieved 0–62mph in a staggering 3.4 seconds, maxed at 193mph, and lapped the Nurburgring in an unbelievable 7:38.54—a time most supercars at the time would struggle to match. Yet prices started from an exceptionally reasonable $60,000. Quickly, the GT-R earned a cult following, gaining the nickname Godzilla. It became known as the "supercar killer," offering world-class performance for a fraction of the price of its European competitors. Over the years, Nissan made minor tweaks, improving performance and offering new variants. The most notable was the track-focused Nismo edition in 2014. However, the core formula of the GT-R remained unchanged for the next 17 years. Sadly, as the world advanced, competitors caught up and greatly surpassed Nissan's innovations. Slowly but surely, the GT-R began to lose the competitive edge it once strived in. Stricter regulations meant country after country was forced to say farewell to Godzilla. As a result by 2025, Nissan will officially pull the plug, ending the GT-R’s impressive 18-year reign. What were the regulations that killed off the R35 GT-R? Nissan’s global product chief, Pierre Loing, explained: “The GT-R’s been on sale for 17 years, and we’d love to make it another 17 years, but the regulator gives us some trouble.” He’s referring to changing rules and regulations in different countries, that have led to the R35 GT-R’s demise. In 2021, Australia banned the GT-R for not meeting strict crash-test regulations. A year later, Europe followed suit, citing the car’s failure to meet emissions and noise standards. Three months ago, Nissan announced that by October, the GT-R would no longer be available in the U.S. market either. The final GT-Rs will be the T-spec Takumi and Skyline variants. One of the GT-R’s standout achievements along with its performance was its global availability, unlike most JDM cars that had to be imported. With that global presence now gone, Nissan no longer saw an incentive to produce its most prestigious and costly car. What is the Future of the GT-R? The future of the GT-R badge is at present uncertain. Loing noted that there have been long gaps between GT-R models before. Most notably a 14-year gap between the 1975 ‘Kenmeri’ Skyline GT-R and the 1989 R32. As well as a five-year gap between the retirement of the R34 in 2002 and the debut of the R35 in 2007. So how long until the R36? Loing stated, “What is a GT-R in an era of electrification? We don’t have all the answers yet. We are in the middle of all those debates.” Currently, Nissan’s primary focus is on solid-state batteries. The company aims to begin commercial production by 2028, with a prototype vehicle expected in 2027. Solid-state batteries promise higher energy density, faster charging times, and improved safety—advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries. This innovation could pave the way for the R36, ensuring it meets the demands of a more sustainable automotive landscape whilst keeping ahead of the competition. After all, that’s what gave the R35 such a cult following. Nissan themselves have hinted this will more than likely be the case. In 2023, Nissan unveiled the Hyper Force—a 1341-horsepower EV concept with a sleek aerodynamic structure under the front hood to provide both strong downforce and high cooling performance. While not officially the R36, the Hyper Force gives a glimpse of what the next GT-R could be in both performance and style. More than likely, we can expect the R36 to arrive around 2029 or 2030. It may also serve as a testing ground for Nissan’s future solid-state battery technology. The Legacy of the R35 GT-R The R35 GT-R is more than just a supercar killer. It symbolizes Japanese engineering excellence. While many Japanese cars draw inspiration from European models, the R35 GT-R was a true Japanese innovation. It set the standard for performance, forcing other manufacturers to catch up by adopting similar technologies. As regulations tighten, cars like the R35 GT-R are becoming history. But the GT-R’s legacy will live on. It offered unparalleled performance, exceptional value, and an insane cult following. Fans may be saddened by its departure after 17 years, but they can take comfort in knowing that an R36 is on the horizon. Godzilla may soon be gone, but its spirit as a supercar killer will live on. Source: Top Gear
