After an 18-year run, Nissan's iconic GT-R R35 has ended production due to emissions regulations. Its electric successor, hinted at by the Hyper Force concept, is expected sometime after 2028.


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Nissan GT-R R35: The End of an Era

After an impressive 18-year run, the legendary Nissan GT-R R35, affectionately nicknamed "Godzilla," has officially bowed out. Nissan ceased accepting orders for the iconic supercar in Japan on February 28th, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in automotive history. This follows the end of North American production in October 2024 and earlier closures in other regions due to emissions regulations.

A Supercar Legend's Farewell

Since its 2007 debut at the Tokyo Motor Show, the R35 GT-R, powered by a hand-built 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6, redefined performance benchmarks. Its advanced all-wheel-drive system and dual-clutch transmission, coupled with continuous evolution (peaking at 447kW in the Nismo variant), made it a formidable competitor. Despite several facelifts, increasing emissions standards and newer rivals ultimately led to its retirement.

The Future: Electric Hyper Force?

The question now is: what's next for the GT-R? Nissan's 2023 Hyper Force Concept offers a tantalizing glimpse into the future—a fully electric successor. However, the timeline remains uncertain due to the ongoing development of solid-state battery technology, not expected to be production-ready before 2028. Speculation abounds about a potential hybrid variant bridging the gap before the all-electric GT-R arrives.

Nissan's Next Chapter

The R35's retirement comes on the heels of failed merger talks with Honda. This marks a significant turning point for Nissan, and the success of its electric GT-R will be crucial in defining its future in the high-performance market. The legacy of "Godzilla" is undeniable, but the electric age demands a new challenger.

FAQ

The production of the iconic GT-R R35 is ceasing primarily due to increasingly stringent global emissions regulations. Meeting these standards while maintaining the R35's performance proved too challenging for Nissan, leading to the decision to end production and focus on an electric future.

Nissan is developing an all-electric successor to the GT-R R35. While details are scarce, the Hyper Force concept car offers a glimpse into its potential design and performance. It's expected to launch sometime after 2028.

Nissan hasn't announced a precise release date for the electric GT-R, only stating that it will arrive sometime after 2028. More details are expected closer to its launch.

The Nissan GT-R earned the nickname 'Godzilla' due to its legendary performance and ability to dominate its competition, mirroring the monstrous power and destructive capabilities of the fictional monster Godzilla.

While details are limited, Nissan has indicated a commitment to maintaining the GT-R's high performance in its electric iteration. The Hyper Force concept suggests a focus on powerful electric motors and advanced technology to achieve this.

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