It’s the end of the road for the iconic R35 GT-R series in the United States after a celebrated 17-year career
by John Halas
June 14, 2024 at 12:08
- The Nissan R35 GT-R is leaving the North American market this October with two limited-editions.
- Nissan hinted at a future electric GT-R with the Hyper Force Concept last year.
- The future R37, could serve as a “halo car” showcasing Nissan’s next-generation EV technology.
The rumors were true: after a legendary 17-year run, Nissan’s iconic R35 GT-R, the Godzilla of mainstream supercars, is bowing out of the North American market this October. But before it rides off into the sunset, Nissan is bringing two limited-production editions previously announced for Japan: the Takumi and Skyline Specials.
The GT-R T-Spec Takumi Edition pays tribute to the “takumi” – the skilled craftspeople who hand-assemble each GT-R’s VR38DETT engine. It pairs a Midnight Purple paint job, reminiscent of past Skyline/GT-R legends, with an exclusive Mori Green-trimmed interior.
Performance enthusiasts should also appreciate the standard NISMO carbon-ceramic brakes, gold-painted 20-inch NISMO RAYS forged wheels, the NISMO-tuned Vehicle Dynamic Control, and wider front fenders.
More: Nissan GT-R To Die Soon, But New R37 Is In The Works
The less exciting GT-R Skyline Edition builds upon the GT-R Premium combining a Bayside Blue paint with a new Sora Blue interior color scheme.
Pricing starts at $151,090 for the T-Spec Takumi Edition and $131,090 for the Skyline Edition, excluding handling and delivery fees. Both models are expected to arrive at select Nissan dealers this summer with fewer than 200 units being available for American buyers.
What does the future hold for the GT-R?
While the curtain closes on the R35 GT-R’s North American run—and potentially in other markets soon—the legendary sports car series isn’t disappearing entirely. Nissan has repeatedly hinted at a successor, and recent developments suggest an electric future for the GT-R name.
“Nissan is now hyperfocused on the future and the next era of exciting innovation in performance,” the company said in a statement today, alluding to the next chapter of the GT-R.
This new chapter was foreshadowed by the super-aggressive Hyper Force Concept unveiled at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Show. While not explicitly a GT-R successor, the concept shared many visual cues with past models while hinting at a future-forward electric drivetrain. This study boasted an impressive 1,341 horsepower (1,000 kW) from a combination of solid-state batteries and electric motors.
In a more recent interview with Australian media, Francois Bailly, a Nissan senior vice president, confirmed development of an R37 GT-R. This potential first-ever electric GT-R could serve as a “halo car,” showcasing Nissan’s next-generation EV technology, including groundbreaking solid-state batteries.
However, a release date remains elusive. With Nissan targeting 2028 for solid-state battery introduction, an electric GT-R successor could be at least four years away.
