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Like all good things, the Nissan GT-R R35 is preparing for its final lap. After dominating roads and racetracks since December 2007, Nissan’s famed supercar will roll off production lines for the last time in 2025. But don’t blame Nissan for this heartbreak – blame the regulators. Turns out even Godzilla has its limits!
Why the Nissan GT-R R35 is Ending Production
Nissan isn’t choosing to retire the GT-R R35 just for fun. According to Nissan’s global product boss, Pierre Loing, “We’d love to keep it around for another 17 years, but the regulator gives us some trouble!” The GT-R has been forced to wave goodbye to several markets already. Europe gave it the boot in July 2021, when stricter noise regulations came into play. Australia was even harsher, pulling it due to tougher side-impact crash tests. Basically, this legendary beast can no longer survive the modern regulatory jungle.
No Immediate Replacement for the Nissan GT-R
Typically, when a car generation retires, the new model is hot on its heels. But not this time! When production halts in 2025, Nissan won’t immediately fill the void left by the GT-R R35. In an interview with Top Gear, Loing hinted that there might be a gap between the R35’s end and its successor. But if you look at the GT-R’s history, this isn’t entirely new. Nissan has taken breaks in GT-R production before. So, this isn’t exactly a goodbye—it’s more like, “See you in a while, crocodile!”
What About the Electric R36? Is it Real?
Yes, Nissan fans, there is hope on the horizon. Last year’s wild Hyper Force concept teased the possibility of an all-electric R36, potentially equipped with cutting-edge solid-state batteries. However, let’s not get too carried away just yet. If you remember, Nissan took its sweet time with the R35, too. The original concept debuted in 2001, followed by the GT-R Proto in 2005, and it wasn’t until 2007 that the actual production car hit the streets. Patience is key—though waiting another six years might just make you want to punch the accelerator.
Nissan’s program design director, Giovanny Arroba, has hinted that the next GT-R could land around 2030. He called the Hyper Force concept a “daring but tangible dream” to achieve by the end of the decade. So, if you’re hoping for a shiny new electric GT-R to replace your R35, well… keep dreaming (for now).
Nissan’s Mysterious Third Sports Car
There’s more to Nissan’s sports car saga. Earlier this year, Nissan’s VP of global product strategy, Ivan Espinosa, hinted that work has begun on a third sports car. Could this be the rebirth of the iconic Silvia? While nothing has been confirmed, the idea of the Silvia sliding back into action has every JDM fan on edge.
Tightening Regulations: The End of Fun Cars?
The GT-R isn’t the only performance car waving goodbye to its fans. Europe’s new rules have already axed some beloved models like the Toyota GR86, Subaru BRZ, and even Porsche’s Boxster and Cayman. And if you’re a fan of the Mazda MX-5 Miata, tough luck—its 2.0-liter engine has been retired, leaving only a 1.5-liter unit for enthusiasts.
It’s not just emissions, either. Ford’s Mustang lost a whopping 52 horsepower in Europe compared to its U.S. counterpart, while BMW had to dial down power for models like the M135i and X2 M35i. The message is clear: if you’re a fan of high-octane fun, you might want to make that purchase before regulations dull things down further.
Final Thoughts: A Legendary GT-R, Gone but Not Forgotten
The Nissan GT-R R35 is a car that redefined what performance means. Its departure may sting, but it’s clear that Nissan isn’t done dreaming. Whether we get an electric R36, a Silvia revival, or something completely out of left field, Nissan’s sports car legacy is far from over. Until then, raise a glass to the R35—and maybe hit the accelerator again before the regulators get to that, too.
Also read- Nissan Confirms: A New Silvia Sports Car is in the Works!