Speculation abounds that the 2025 Nissan GT-R could mark the swan song for the iconic R35 before it retires, with rumors suggesting a limited production run of just 1,500 units, including 300 of the coveted Nismo trim.
As other stalwarts like the Kia Stinger, Audi R8, and Audi TT bid adieu, the GT-R seems poised to inherit the title of the longest-tenured nameplate on the brink of retirement.
According to a report from Japanese publication Mag X, March 14 could be the fateful date when Nissan unveils the 2025 model year as the ultimate iteration of this legendary coupe. The report indicates that Nissan plans to produce only 1,500 units, intending to underscore the finality of the model’s legacy.
While Mag X didn’t specify whether this cessation would be global, it hinted at challenges in procuring future parts, suggesting a decisive end to the GT-R’s storied reign.
Of the purported 1,500 units slated for production in 2025, a notable portion, 300, are earmarked for the high-performance Nismo variant. Last year, Nissan sold 1,341 GT-R units worldwide, leaving a modest buffer for enthusiasts eager to acquire the final chapter of this automotive icon.
The journey of the R35 spans 18 eventful years, with the model entering production in December 2007. Over this period, the GT-R received six facelifts and witnessed significant power upgrades, evolving from its initial 480 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque to today’s impressive figures of 565 hp and 467 lb-ft.
Looking ahead, Nissan’s product boss, Ivan Espinoza, hinted at the potential for an R36 iteration, contingent upon the development of solid-state batteries to meet performance standards.
Espinoza emphasized the need to wait for advancements in battery technology to enhance packaging, aerodynamics, and overall performance while maintaining the beloved 2+2 layout.
Furthermore, Nissan envisions a future lineup comprising two distinct GT-R models—one tailored for daily driving and another optimized for track performance. Beneath these would sit the Z, followed by a new, more accessible sports car with its own Nismo variant.
As Nissan prepares to unveil its first EV featuring solid-state battery technology for mass production in 2028, enthusiasts await with bated breath, drawing inspiration from the 1,341-hp Hyper Force Concept showcased at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show.
The automotive world eagerly anticipates the forthcoming announcement on March 14, potentially signaling the dawn of a new era for Nissan’s legendary GT-R.
