Like a comet that dazzles the sky before vanishing, even icons must retire. The Nissan GT-R R35, once a symbol of raw power and engineering excellence, is officially retiring after ruling the roads for almost 20 years.
Nissan recently confirmed that the R35’s production has come to an end, marking the conclusion of a historic era. On February 28, the company stopped accepting new orders in Japan, issuing a statement thanking customers for their unwavering support since its launch in 2007. The 2025 model will be the final iteration of this high-performance machine, making it the last chance for enthusiasts to own a piece of automotive history.
This announcement didn’t come as a shock, as the R35 had already been phased out in several regions due to evolving regulations. In North America, production officially ended in October 2024, with the limited-edition T-Spec Takumi and Skyline variants serving as the car’s grand finale. Similarly, markets like Australia and New Zealand bid farewell to the GT-R in 2021, while European and UK deliveries wrapped up in 2022.
Nissan GT-R R35, That Defined an Era
Famous for its monstrous performance, the R35, the Godzilla, was a revolutionary force in the automotive world. First revealed at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan continuously refined the model, rolling out updates in 2010, 2016, and most recently in 2023.
At the core of the GT-R’s success was its powerful twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 engine. Originally producing 473 horsepower (353 kW), the R35 saw multiple performance boosts over time, with the 2023 version reaching 565 hp (421 kW).
What’s Ahead for GT-R Legacy?
While the R35 is being retired, the GT-R name is far from gone. Nissan has already teased its potential successor with the unveiling of the Hyper Force Concept in 2023. This futuristic design hints at what could become the R36, a model that may usher in a new era of high-performance innovation.
Reports suggest that the next GT-R could be fully electric, powered by cutting-edge solid-state batteries. However, since this technology isn’t expected to be production-ready before 2028, fans will likely have to wait a few more years before seeing the next evolution of Godzilla on the streets.
For now, the R35 exits the stage as one of the most iconic sports cars of the modern era, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
