What Happened to Nissan GT-R?
The Nissan GT-R, an iconic high-performance sports car known as 'Godzilla,' concluded its R35 generation production in August 2025 after an 18-year run, primarily due to rising costs and stricter global regulations. While sales of remaining stock continued into early 2026, Nissan has officially confirmed that a next-generation GT-R, the R36, is in development and will feature a hybrid powertrain, with concrete announcements expected by 2028 and a potential launch around 2030.
Quick Answer
The Nissan GT-R's R35 generation officially ceased production in August 2025, marking the end of an 18-year era for the legendary 'Godzilla' due to evolving emissions and safety standards. Although a few units were sold from remaining stock in early 2026, Nissan is now focused on the future. The company has confirmed that a successor, the R36, is under development and will adopt a hybrid powertrain, with further details and a launch expected towards the end of the decade.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
First Nissan Skyline GT-R (PGC10) Debuts
The original Nissan Skyline GT-R, known as the PGC10, was introduced as a four-door sedan, marking the beginning of the GT-R legend.
Second-Generation GT-R (KPGC110) Production Halted
A brief production run of the second-generation GT-R (KPGC110) was cut short due to a global gas crisis and a dip in demand for high-performance cars.
GT-R Name Revived with R32 Skyline GT-R
After a 16-year hiatus, the GT-R name was revived with the BNR32 Skyline GT-R, which quickly gained fame for its dominance in motorsports and earned the nickname 'Godzilla'.
Nissan GT-R (R35) Unveiled
The R35 generation, dropping the 'Skyline' name, was officially unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show, marking a new era for the standalone GT-R.
R35 GT-R Sets Nürburgring Record
A production R35 GT-R set a lap time of 7 minutes, 38 seconds at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, establishing its supercar-beating performance credentials.
Discontinuation in Australia and New Zealand
The GT-R was discontinued in Australia and New Zealand due to new side-impact regulations.
Orders Closed in Japan, Europe Discontinuation
Nissan officially closed orders for the GT-R in Japan after reaching planned sales, and the model was also suspended in the European market due to new noise regulations.
2025 GT-R Models Launched in Japan
Nissan launched its 2025 GT-R models in Japan, including Premium Edition T-spec and Track Edition, with sales starting in June. These models incorporated engine components previously exclusive to the NISMO Special Edition.
Discontinuation in North America
Sales of the R35 GT-R ended in the North American market, with two exclusive variants, the T-Spec Takumi and Skyline limited editions, marking its farewell.
R35 Order Books Close Globally (Japan)
Nissan announced that it had finished accepting orders for the R35 GT-R's planned production quantity in Japan, effectively ending global sales of the current model.
Final R35 GT-R Rolls Off Production Line
The very last R35 GT-R, a Premium T-Spec edition in Midnight Purple, was produced at Nissan's Tochigi plant, officially concluding the model's 18-year production run.
Nissan Confirms R36 GT-R Will Be Hybrid
Nissan's Chief Planning Officer for North America confirmed that the next-generation R36 GT-R will not be a full EV but a V6-electric hybrid, retaining elements of the VR38 engine.
Nissan CEO Confirms Next-Gen GT-R in Development
Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa confirmed that the company is actively working on the next-generation GT-R (R36), emphasizing the importance of sports cars to Nissan's lineup.
R36 GT-R Expected by End of Decade
As of late 2026, concrete announcements for the R36 GT-R are anticipated by 2028, with the hybrid model expected to reach showrooms around 2030, continuing the GT-R legacy.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Nissan GT-R, affectionately known as 'Godzilla,' has maintained its status as a formidable supercar killer since its reintroduction as the R35 generation in 2007. This iteration, which debuted as Nissan's flagship super sports car, underwent continuous updates to enhance its performance, aerodynamics, and technology over its remarkably long production run.
However, the R35's journey came to an end. Nissan officially ceased production of the R35 GT-R on August 26, 2025, with the final unit, a Premium T-Spec edition in Midnight Purple, rolling off the assembly line in Tochigi, Japan. This discontinuation was primarily driven by the increasing costs associated with meeting ever-tightening global emissions regulations and evolving safety standards, which the aging platform could no longer efficiently accommodate. Sales in various markets had already concluded prior to this, with Europe discontinuing the model in 2022, Australia and New Zealand in October 2021 due to side-impact regulations, and North America in October 2024.
Despite the R35's departure, Nissan has assured enthusiasts that the GT-R nameplate will continue. In April 2026, Nissan's CEO, Ivan Espinosa, confirmed that the company is actively working on a next-generation GT-R, referred to as the R36. This future model is confirmed to be a performance hybrid, integrating an evolution of the iconic VR38 twin-turbocharged V6 engine with an electrified system. Nissan's Chief Planning Officer for North America, Ponz Pandikuthira, indicated in April 2026 that concrete announcements regarding the R36's timeline are expected by 2028, with the car likely to hit showrooms around 2030.
The transition period in 2026 saw very limited sales of the R35 GT-R, with only two units sold in the U.S. during the first quarter, reflecting the depletion of remaining stock after production officially ended the previous year. This period marks a pivotal juncture for the GT-R, as Nissan navigates the shift towards electrification while striving to maintain the performance credentials and iconic status of its supercar. The R36 is anticipated to feature a new chassis, redesigned components like cylinder heads and pistons, and advanced all-wheel-drive and transmission systems, aiming for a power output potentially exceeding 700-800 horsepower. The focus is on balancing raw power with improved efficiency and compliance with future global regulations.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Nissan GT-R made different choices?