Nissan has marked the end of an era. On August 26, 2025, the company celebrated the final production run of the R35 GT-R — the high-performance icon that has been a headline maker for Japanese car fans for nearly two decades. At the same time, Nissan is moving quickly to reshape its business with new vehicle lines, hybrid (e-Power) tech and factory changes.

A quick look back

• Built to amaze: Launched in 2007 with the bold goal of offering a supercar experience accessible to everyday drivers. It blended GT comfort with Racing tech.
• Engineering marvel: Powered by the twin-turbo VR38DETT V6 engine, all assembled by hand by nine expert technicians, with each engine displaying their names.
• Performance through the years: From 480 PS at launch to 570 PS by 2017, and up to 600 PS with the NISMO version.

Nürburgring and motorsport glory

• Nurburgring records:
  • 2007: ~7 min 38 s
  • 2008: ~7 min 29 s
  • 2009: ~7 min 26 s
  • 2012: ~7 min 18 s
  • 2013: 7 min 08.679 s, set by Michael Krumm in a GT-R NISMO.
• Circuit success:
  • Super GT: 5 wins in GT500 and 3 in GT300
  • Other major wins: 2013 Blancpain Pro-Am, 2015 Bathurst 12-Hour, plus five Super Taikyu titles.
• Domestic lap records:
  • Tsukuba Circuit:
    • December 2019: 59.361 s (2020 NISMO)
    • January 2024: 59.078 s (2024 NISMO driven by Juichi Matsuda)
• Record-breaking drift:
  • In 2016, a tuned GT-R achieved a Guinness World Record—304.96 km/h drift at 30 degrees in Fujairah, UAE.

What Nissan says—and plans next

Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa expressed deep gratitude:

“After 18 remarkable years, the R35 GT-R has left an enduring mark on automotive history… This isn’t a goodbye forever… GT-R will evolve and reemerge in the future.”

While no official successor’s details are confirmed, reports suggest a plug-in hybrid R36 GT-R by 2030, possibly using a twin-turbo V6 plus electric power for around 70 miles of daily range.

What’s next for Nissan’s legend?

• No final farewell: Though production ends, Nissan promises the GT-R badge will return—evolving with new technology.
• Likely direction: A high-performance hybrid successor is expected—combining EV range with racing pedigree.