It’s a tough time to be a car enthusiast. One by one, we’re watching some of the most iconic sports cars slowly fade away, and it feels like the end of an era. Whether it’s due to stricter emissions regulations or a global shift toward electrification, many of the cars that once filled posters on bedroom walls are disappearing and will be sorely missed. Like the days of the menacing Dodge Viper, and the all-wheel-drive monster Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, as well as other past legends, eventually, we have to say goodbye.
The latest casualty is the Nissan GT-R. After 17 years of redefining what performance means in the sports car world, the GT-R is getting ready to wave goodbye to the U.S. market. With production wrapping up and limited-edition models arriving as a last hurrah, it’s time to reflect on the legend that was the R35 and how it helped shape a generation of performance cars and gearheads.
Sayonara, GT-R
R35 Nissan GT-R Quick Facts
Carlos Ghosn initiated the revival of the GT-R nameplate in 2000 as part of the executive’s Nissan Revival Plan. GT-R Chief Engineer initially rejected the project. The R35 GT-R made its debut at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show.
The rumors started circulating a while back and Nissan is officially calling it quits for the GT-R in the U.S. While the car will still be available in other markets, America won’t see any of the new versions of this iconic twin-turbo monster. It’s a tough pill to swallow for anyone who’s had the pleasure of experiencing the GT-R’s explosive acceleration and sharp handling. Nissan confirmed that the GT-R’s final run will include special, limited-edition models to give it a proper send-off, designed to celebrate the car’s legacy. But behind the excitement of these final editions is the bittersweet realization that one of the most storied sports cars is nearing the end of the road.
The Heart Of The R35 GT-R
Nissan
Trim
Standard GT-R
Nismo GT-R
Engine
3.8L Twin Turbo V6
Horsepower
565 hp
600 hp
Torque
467 lb-ft
481 lb-ft
Under the GT-R’s hood is where you’ll find one of the best engines Nissan has ever produced in the VR38DETT twin-turbo V6. When it launched in 2007, this engine set new benchmarks for what a V6 could do. Even by today’s standards, the six-pot VR engine family is a marvel of engineering, known for its immense power and reliability.
The VR38DETT displaces 3.8 liters and churns out 565 horsepower in its standard form, while the GT-R NISMO takes it up to 600 hp, maxing out at 710 hp with the million-dollar GT-R50. This engine is the reason the GT-R can rocket from 0 to 60 mph in under three seconds, putting it in supercar territory. But what really sets it apart is its ability to handle that power day in and day out without breaking a sweat.
This durability is one reason why tuners and racing enthusiasts love the GT-R. The engine can take plenty of abuse, and many have modified it to produce well over 1,000 hp, without sacrificing every ounce of its reliability. It’s a true beast in every sense of the word, both on the street and on the track.
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17 Years Of Service
When it first appeared in 2007, the world knew it was something special. This wasn’t just a new version of a familiar badge, it was an entirely new animal. Unlike its Skyline predecessors, the R35 was sold globally, meaning more enthusiasts could finally get their hands on Nissan’s halo sports car.
Right from the start, the R35 made waves for its performance and technology. With a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and more computing power than some fighter jets, the GT-R redefined what it meant to be fast. It was a true supercar killer, capable of keeping up with – and often beating – cars valued much higher. While other sports cars came and went, the GT-R stuck around for 17 years with several versions along the way, continually proving that it could hang with the best of them. That longevity speaks to how ahead of its time the R35 really was, even if the basic formula remained largely the same throughout its run.
Records And Accolades
The GT-R didn’t just win over fans, it broke records and collected accolades along the way. Perhaps most famously, it set a blistering lap time at the Nürburgring in 2008, clocking in at 7 minutes and 29 seconds. Beyond its record-setting performance, the GT-R was a darling of automotive awards, racking up titles like “Best Performance Car” and “Car of the Year” from various publications. Critics loved its mix of raw power, technological prowess, and relatively accessible price point (compared to its supercar rivals, anyway). The car consistently received praise for its value and performance, making it a true automotive icon.
Racing Prowess
Nissan
The Nissan GT-R has proven itself a venerable nameplate on the racetrack as much as it did on the street. Over the years, the GT-R became a force in motorsport competition, participating in various series that included endurance racing to touring car competitions.
In the FIA GT Championship, the GT-R made waves in the GT1 category, securing several podium finishes thanks to its blend of power and agility. In Japan, the GT-R was a dominant player in the Super GT series, where it racked up multiple championships in the GT500 class. Its presence on the track wasn’t just about speed, though, it was about consistency, durability, and the ability to handle extreme conditions, proving that the GT-R was more than just a one-trick pony.
The R35’s Final Versions
As the curtain falls on the Nissan GT-R in America, Nissan is sending it off in style. The final batch of cars in the U.S. includes the Skyline and Takumi Editions, both of which feature unique features to make them even more special than the standard models. They are also limited, with fewer than 200 examples for each to be produced.
The GT-R Skyline Edition, priced at $131,090, builds on the GT-R Premium trim but comes in classic Bayside Blue paint that was popularized by the R34 Skyline GT-R. Meanwhile, the Takumi Edition wears the distinct Midnight Purple paint as a nod to some of the most iconic Skyline/GT-R special editions ever produced, plus some performance upgrades like GT-R Nismo carbon-ceramic brakes, gold-painted Nismo Rays 20-inch forged wheels, Nismo-tuned vehicle dynamic control, and wider front fenders.
There’s Another Twin-Turbo V6 Nissan Sports Car
Though the GT-R is leaving the stage, Nissan isn’t abandoning performance cars entirely. The Nissan Z is still holding down the fort with its own twin-turbo V6 under the hood. It might not have the same outrageous power as the GT-R, but the Z offers its own flavor of excitement for enthusiasts.
With 400 hp from a 3.0-liter V6, the Z is a more traditional rear-wheel-drive sports car. It’s lighter, nimbler, and more focused on providing pure driving experience. Plus, it offers something that’s becoming increasingly rare these days with its manual transmission. For those who love to row their own gears, the Z is one of the last manual transmission holdouts in a world that’s quickly shifting toward automatic. The Z might not replace the GT-R, but it does continue Nissan’s legacy of building fun, affordable sports cars that put driving enjoyment front and center.
Next-Generation GT-R Is Coming
Let’s not get too teary-eyed, though since Nissan has confirmed that a next-generation GT-R is in the works. Rumors point to a hybrid powertrain, blending the power of a twin-turbo V6 with electric motors for even more performance and better efficiency.
While details are still scarce, it’s likely the “R36 GT-R” will push the boundaries of what we expect from a performance car, just like the R35 did when it debuted. Nissan has been tight-lipped about the specifics, though hints have been dropped several times, including the inevitability of electrification and wild styling. One thing’s for sure, the GT-R name won’t go down without a fight.
So, while we say goodbye to the R35 and reflect on its incredible legacy, we can also look forward to the next chapter in the GT-R story.