Nissan announced in March 2024 that the legendary GT-R would receive a mild update, marking the end of an impressive 17-year production run for the R35 model. Despite consistent updates to keep the car relevant in a rapidly evolving market, 2025 will officially be the GT-R’s final production year. The decision to cease production stems from increasing regulatory hurdles, signaling a temporary halt for the iconic sports car. Nissan remains optimistic about the future of the GT-R, hinting at its eventual return, though specifics remain unclear.
The GT-R’s journey has faced several challenges in recent years, with regulatory restrictions forcing its discontinuation in key markets. In Europe, the GT-R was phased out in 2021 due to noise regulations, and later in Australia due to updated side-impact crash test requirements. While the R35 model still holds its ground in the U.S. and select markets, global production will cease after 2025. Nissan’s Global Product Boss, Pierre Loing, lamented that the company would have kept the car in production indefinitely if regulations had allowed it.
The future of the GT-R is far from over, but its next chapter remains uncertain. While Nissan has historically weathered production gaps with previous GT-R models, no concrete plans for a successor have been disclosed. Speculation abounds about what the R36 might entail, with some pointing to Nissan’s Hyper Force Concept, which teased an all-electric sports car as a potential direction. This vision aligns with Nissan’s broader ambitions to innovate within the electric vehicle market.
A key element of the GT-R’s possible evolution is Nissan’s investment in solid-state battery technology. This cutting-edge approach could enable the next GT-R to achieve a balance of range, performance, and efficiency previously unattainable. Nissan has expressed confidence in the transformative potential of solid-state batteries, aiming to commercialize the technology by 2028, with a pilot production line set for 2025. These batteries promise faster charging, lighter weight, and improved safety, all of which could enhance the next generation of performance vehicles.
Solid-state batteries may also help make electric vehicles more affordable by reducing reliance on expensive materials and streamlining production processes. These advancements align with Nissan’s broader EV strategy and hint at what could power the next GT-R. While fans must wait for further details, the R36 promises to embody cutting-edge innovation while continuing the GT-R’s legacy as a performance icon.