After nearly two decades of dominating the performance car landscape, Nissan has officially closed its order books for the legendary GT-R R35 in Japan—the last country where the iconic sports car remained available. This announcement marks the definitive end of an era for “Godzilla,” as the GT-R’s production run concludes with the 2025 model year.
The End of an Era
After nearly two decades of thrilling enthusiasts worldwide, the Nissan GT-R R35 is officially sold out. A statement on Nissan’s Japanese website confirmed that all remaining build slots have been claimed, bringing production to a close. While the North American market saw its final GT-R roll off the line in late 2024, and Europe and Australia lost the model due to evolving regulations, Japan was the last stronghold of this legendary machine. Now, even that chapter has come to an end.
The Journey of the R35 GT-R
Launched in 2007, the R35 GT-R was a revolution in the performance car world. It wasn’t just another sports car—it was a supercar slayer, offering Porsche 911-level performance at a fraction of the price. Powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, the GT-R debuted with 471 horsepower, with later versions—especially the Nismo variant—pushing that figure up to an astonishing 600 horsepower.
Though its design remained largely unchanged over the years, Nissan continuously refined its aerodynamics, handling, and power delivery, keeping the GT-R competitive despite its age. Its all-wheel-drive system and dual-clutch transmission gave it an edge over its competitors, making it a favorite on both the streets and the track.
Regulatory Hurdles and Market Withdrawals
The GT-R’s departure was not entirely unexpected. Regulatory challenges have slowly pushed it out of multiple markets. In 2021, stricter noise regulations led to its removal from European showrooms. That same year, updated side-impact standards in Australia spelled the end of its availability down under. The final blow came when Nissan ceased North American sales in 2024, leaving Japan as the sole market for the car. Now, with the last orders placed, production will wrap up by mid-2025, officially closing the GT-R R35’s remarkable journey.
What’s Next for the GT-R Name?
While the R35 is bowing out, Nissan has hinted that a successor is in the works, though details remain scarce. Speculation suggests an electrified or fully electric GT-R could arrive before 2030, potentially boasting a staggering 1000 kW of power. However, Nissan is currently navigating a major corporate restructuring, including job cuts and cost reduction plans, which could delay or even alter the development of the next-generation GT-R.
One thing is certain: the GT-R name carries too much weight to disappear entirely. Whether through hybrid technology, full electrification, or an entirely new performance formula, Nissan’s flagship performance badge will return. For now, fans can only bid farewell to the R35 while eagerly awaiting the next chapter.
Nissan GT-R R35 Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Production Years | 2007 – 2025 |
| Engine | 3.8L Twin-Turbocharged V6 (VR38DETT) |
| Horsepower | 471 HP (Base) – 600 HP (Nismo) |
| Torque | 588 Nm – 652 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed Dual-Clutch Automatic |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) |
| 0-100 km/h | 3.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | 315 km/h |
| Final Model Year | 2025 |
The Legacy Lives On
For 18 years, the Nissan GT-R R35 has been more than just a car; it has been a statement of Japanese engineering excellence, proving that cutting-edge performance doesn’t have to come with an astronomical price tag. Whether battling on the track, dominating drag races, or simply turning heads on the streets, the GT-R R35 has left an indelible mark on the automotive world.
Though this chapter has ended, the GT-R’s story is far from over. As Nissan prepares for the future, enthusiasts can only hope that whatever comes next carries the same raw spirit that made the R35 a legend. Because as history has shown us, Godzilla never truly dies.
