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.