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The End of an Era
Well, it’s finally happened. After nearly two decades of serving as Japan’s definitive answer to supercars with a superiority complex, the R35-generation Nissan GT-R has been retired. It was a long and at times bewildering run, and now Nissan has quietly announced that it has stopped taking orders for the model in Japan, the last remaining market where you could still buy a brand-new one.
A Look Back at the R35
For those of you with your heads buried in a Haynes manual for the past 20 years, let me explain. The R35 first saw the light of day in 2007, powered by a 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V6 that, in its original form, developed 480 brake horsepower and 583 newton-metres of torque. It arrived with all-wheel drive, a dual-clutch transmission, and an interior featuring a PlayStation-inspired infotainment system developed by the same people who make Gran Turismo. All in all, it was quite an event.
Evolution and Performance Gains
Nissan has confirmed that demand was strong right to the very end, which is hardly surprising. Despite looking much the same since its 2007 debut, the GT-R has undergone several updates over the years, including power increases, aerodynamic tweaks, and, in some cases, questionable price hikes. The last base-model GT-R produced 565 brake horsepower and 633 newton-metres, while the bonkers Nismo variant cranked out 600 brake horsepower and 652 newton-metres.
The Uncertain Future
As for what happens next, well, Nissan isn’t saying much. It has hinted that the GT-R’s future will involve some degree of electrification, though what that means exactly is anyone’s guess. We do have the Hyper Force concept, which, if you squint, has some recognisable GT-R styling cues buried beneath its sci-fi aesthetic. Nissan has also said it won’t rush a replacement, which, given the company’s current financial worries and an unsuccessful merger attempt with Honda, is hardly shocking.
A Legacy That Endures
So, the R35 has retired. But let’s not be too downbeat about it. It may not have changed much in the past 18 years, but it’s been a thoroughly brilliant machine throughout. And besides, given Nissan’s track record, I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re still talking about the R35 GT-R in another decade’s time, much like an old friend who just refuses to leave the pub. Cheers, Godzilla.
