After two decades of embarrassing supercars, Nissan’s legendary GT-R R35 is nearing its production end. Nissan Japan has officially stopped taking orders for the indomitable R35 GT-R in Japan, concluding its run in its last surviving market. This move marks the end of the R35 era, which began in 2007 and became a fixture in automotive history.
End of an Era: Japan Halts Orders
A statement on Nissan’s Japanese website reads: “We have received many orders for the GT-R and have now finished accepting orders for the planned production quantity. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all our customers for their support since its release in 2007.”
The R35 had already been retired in Europe in 2022 and the U.S. in 2024. Japan remained the last market where ordering this car was still possible. The cessation of orders in Japan definitively signals the global production end of the R35, leaving a significant void in the hearts of sports car enthusiasts worldwide.
Two Decades of Defiance: The R35’s Legacy and Impact
The R35 GT-R has been more than just a car; it became a symbol of engineering prowess and the pursuit of speed. Over its tenure, the 3.8-litre twin-turbo ‘VR38’ six-cylinder engine evolved from 474bhp to over 600bhp in the later Nismo models. Paired with its trusty all-wheel-drive system and clever tech, the R35 lapped the Nürburgring some six seconds faster than an Enzo back in 2013.
These feats cemented the R35 as a true legend in motorsport, snatching titles in the GT1, Super GT and GT3 series’. The GT3 series, in particular, is closely associated with Jann Mardenborough’s rise in the racing world. One mustn’t forget its conquering of many drag strips either. The R35 was a force to be reckoned with both on and off the track.
Pop Culture Icon: The GT-R in Film and Beyond
The R35 also achieved fame on the big screen, making several appearances in the Fast and Furious franchise. From battling Dodge Challengers up twisty coastal passes to replicating that crouch-below-truck manoeuvre, the R35 took to Hollywood just as well as its predecessor did. Its presence in Fast and Furious and other media platforms solidified its status as an automotive icon, transcending the typical definition of a sports car.
What Lies Ahead for Nissan and the GT-R Legacy?
The end of R35 production raises questions about the future of Nissan and the GT-R name. Will there be an R36, and if so, what form will it take in the age of electric vehicles? Nissan has yet to announce a direct successor to the GT-R, but it’s clear the GT-R nameplate remains important for Nissan.
The electrification trend embraced by the entire automotive industry will likely influence future generations of the GT-R. While the specifics of an electric GT-R remain uncertain, it’s evident that any successor will need to uphold the high performance benchmarks and technological innovation established by the R35.
The end of Nissan GT-R R35 production marks the close of an era, but also the beginning of new possibilities. The R35 will remain in history as an automotive legend that pushed the boundaries of supercars and inspired a generation of car enthusiasts.