The Japanese brand will opt for the complete electrification of its iconic model, offering a vehicle with greater power and advanced technology.
At its launch in 2007, the Nissan GT-R R35 was faster around Germany’s famous Nürburgring than a Porsche 911 Turbo . In a recent 0-60 mph acceleration test conducted by Car and Driver , the latest version of the GT-R posted an impressive time of 2.9 seconds.
When former BBC Top Gear host James May tested the GT-R around a decade ago, he claimed it was «literally the most incredible car in the world». His fellow controversial motoring journalist Jeremy Clarkson said of the revolutionary supercar: «They did n’t build a new car. Nissan built a new yardstick!»
Well, after 17 years on the market and about ten different updates, the GT-R is finally going out of production, and there are strong rumors that it will be replaced by a completely reimagined GT-R with 1,300 horsepower and all-electric power. More on that later.
That’s right, the GT-R R35 will disappear from Nissan ‘s U.S. lineup in October of this year. And to celebrate the end of an era, Japan ‘s third — largest automaker is bidding farewell in style, offering die-hard fans access to two special edition models.
With a hand-built 565-horsepower 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, all-wheel drive, all-wheel steering, 6-piston Brembo brakes , multiple race wins in half a dozen countries, and launch control from hell, the GT-R is truly in a class of its own.
The new GT-R T-spec celebrates specially selected GT-R editions over the years, while the GT-R T-spec Takumi Edition pays tribute to the craftsmen who put their hearts and souls into each model, hand-assembling the intricate V6 engines. Enthusiasts will appreciate the standard-equipped NISMO carbon-ceramic brakes, 20-inch NISMO RAYS Gold-painted forged wheels, NISMO-tuned Vehicle Dynamics Control , and wider front fenders.
The GT-R may not have been a huge sales success in the United States, with only about 13,700 units sold since 2007, but what makes it so special is what it achieved in the worlds of racing, film, and video games. The GT-R won the 2015 Blancpain Endurance title in Europe, as well as numerous Super GT championships in Japan, while it became a hugely popular sports car in the world’s best-selling driving game, Gran Turismo , and also starred in the Fast & Furious film franchise .
As soon as it was launched, it quickly became the new standard for ultra-quick acceleration, handling and value for money. Today, the Takumi Edition costs around $151,000, but 17 years ago, you could get a brand new 480-horsepower GT-R for $69,850. There was no other supercar at that price that offered such power and handling capability. And now, it’s time to put the aging supercar on the shelf.
The end may be coming for the current GT-R, but that doesn’t mean the revolutionary coupe is going away entirely. Nissan has consistently hinted at a successor, with the big moment coming a year ago when the brand unveiled its bold Hyper Force electric concept at the Tokyo Mobility Show . Featuring the latest solid-state batteries and three electric motors, the next-generation GT-R is said to make 1,000 kW, or 1,341 horsepower.
In a recent interview, Nissan Senior Vice President Francois Bailly confirmed the development of the upcoming GT-R R36 . An all-electric GT-R, based heavily on the Hyper Force, would enter the lineup as a “halo car,” showcasing the brand’s next-generation EV technology, including revolutionary solid-state batteries.
However, a potential launch date is difficult to pin down. Nissan plans to introduce solid-state batteries in production cars by 2028, so the GT-R’s electric replacement could be at least four years away.
