Nissan ends iconic GT-R production after 18 years

In Japan, Nissan has officially completed the production of the R35 GT-R, marking the end of an era for this iconic supercar that has spanned nearly two decades. The final unit rolled off the production line at the Tochigi plant, concluding 18 years of manufacturing that began in 2007. Throughout its lifetime, Nissan produced approximately 48,000 units, each equipped with the powerful VR38DETT twin-turbo V6 engine. This engine has been widely celebrated for producing between 480 to 600 horsepower, with every model hand assembled by skilled artisans known as 'Takumi.' The GT-R was first introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show, where it garnered attention as a revolutionary vehicle capable of outperforming major competitors like the Porsche 911. The introduction of the R35 GT-R had a significant impact on the automotive landscape, as it was praised not only for its performance but also for changing industry standards. Critics from various automotive platforms, including the BBC’s Top Gear, highlighted its remarkable qualities, describing it as a game-changer in its class and setting a new benchmark for performance vehicles. Despite the end of the R35 production, Nissan is not farewell to the GT-R nameplate permanently. Nissan has alluded to a new electric successor that will carry on the GT-R legacy. The company’s executives have expressed intentions to return the GT-R in the future, emphasizing the importance of meeting high expectations associated with the brand. This successor is expected to be a fully electric model generating over 1300 horsepower, which reflects a significant evolution from its predecessor. Fans of the GT-R are encouraged to remain patient as the company develops this ambitious replacement. The rumors around the electric successor, known as the HyperForce, have created a buzz in the automotive community, showing that while the era of the R35 GT-R might be closing, exciting new developments are on the horizon for Nissan enthusiasts.