The last R35 Nissan GT-R has officially left the production line at Nissan’s Tochigi plant in Japan, marking the end of an era for the iconic super coupe that spanned an impressive 18 years. The final model is a Premium Edition T-Spec, finished in a distinctive Midnight Purple, and has been designated for a buyer in Japan.
Nissan announced the end of R35 production in March 2023, closing the chapter on a model that saw approximately 48,000 units produced worldwide, including 993 delivered to Australia. The R35 GT-R was discontinued in Australia back in 2021 due to failure to meet new Australian Design Rules for side impact safety.
Nissan’s Future Plans for the GT-R
While the R35 GT-R will no longer be in production, Nissan has expressed its commitment to a future version of the legendary model. According to Nissan President and CEO Ivan Espinosa, “This isn’t a goodbye to the GT-R forever; it’s our goal for the GT-R nameplate to one day make a return.” He emphasized that the expectations around the GT-R are high and that the new model will evolve, though specific plans have yet to be finalized.
The next iteration of the GT-R is expected to either be hybrid or all-electric, making the R35 the last purely petrol-powered version. The R35 featured a twin-turbo 3.8-litre V6 engine, known as the VR38DETT, paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system. Over the years, its power output increased from 353 kW and 588 Nm at launch to 419 kW and 632 Nm from 2017 onwards, with the Nismo version reaching 441 kW and 652 Nm.
Engineering Excellence and Future Innovations
The GT-R’s design remained relatively unchanged during its production run, with minor facelifts introduced over the years. However, significant advancements were made under the hood, including retuned suspension and engine revisions. A dedicated team of just nine master craftsmen, known as Takumi, meticulously hand-assembled each engine, and their names are inscribed on plaques attached to every unit.
Looking ahead, the Nissan Hyper Force concept, unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show, hints at the electrified future of the GT-R. Reports suggest that the next-generation model, potentially dubbed the R36, could feature cutting-edge solid-state battery technology. Pierre Loing, Nissan’s global product chief, stated last September that regulatory pressures will necessitate the end of the R35 GT-R, but the next version could debut as early as 2028, depending on advancements in battery technology.
Despite Nissan’s ongoing restructuring efforts, which include plant closures and job cuts following significant financial losses, the company has introduced a new generation of its Z sports car for 2023. This commitment to innovation signifies Nissan’s intent to maintain its legacy in the performance vehicle market, even as it navigates a challenging business landscape.
As the curtain falls on the R35 GT-R, enthusiasts can look forward to what Nissan has in store for the next chapter of this legendary nameplate.
