The Nissan GT-R R35 has officially ended production after 18 years, closing the chapter on one of the most iconic supercar rivals to the Porsche 911. With 48,000 units built, the GT-R leaves behind a legacy of speed, tuning culture, and Nürburgring glory.
After an 18-year production run, the final example of the Nissan GT-R R35 has rolled off the assembly line, officially ending an era for one of Japan’s most celebrated performance cars.
Launched in 2007, the R35 arrived as a disruptor to the European supercar establishment, offering Porsche 911 Turbo–level performance at a fraction of the price. With over 48,000 units built, two major facelifts, and multiple hardcore Nismo variants, the R35 cemented its status as a global performance icon.
The Engine That Defined a Generation
At the heart of the R35 was the VR38DETT – a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6, hand-assembled by Nissan’s elite team of Takumi master engineers.
- Original Output (2007): 473 hp, 434 lb-ft, 0–62 mph in 3.5 seconds, top speed of 194 mph.
- Final Nismo Output: 592 hp, 481 lb-ft, Nürburgring lap time of 7 minutes 8 seconds.
- Tuning Potential: The VR38 quickly became a legend in the aftermarket world, with tuners pushing it well beyond 1,500–2,000 hp, making the R35 one of the most modified supercars of all time.
This balance of factory precision and tuner-friendly engineering made the R35 beloved by enthusiasts and feared by rivals.
Nürburgring Controversy & Global Recognition
The R35 made headlines immediately upon launch when Nissan claimed a 7:38 Nürburgring lap time, faster than the Porsche 911 Turbo of the era.
- Porsche initially dismissed the claim, accusing Nissan of using non-standard tyres.
- Nissan responded by returning with a stock GT-R and clocking an even faster 7:29 lap.
- Later, the GT-R Nismo would set a blistering 7:08 lap, cementing its place in Nürburgring history.
The controversy only boosted the GT-R’s reputation as a “giant killer” – a car that could embarrass far more expensive European exotics.
Legacy in Motorsports & Pop Culture
The GT-R R35 wasn’t just a road car; it became a cultural and motorsport phenomenon.
- Racing Success: The GT-R competed in Super GT racing in Japan, where it achieved multiple championship wins.
- Pop Culture: The R35 joined its Skyline predecessors in becoming a Fast & Furious movie icon and a staple of racing video games like Gran Turismo and Forza.
- Value for Money: Praised by Autocar and Top Gear alike, the R35 was lauded as one of the best driver’s cars ever produced for its price.
The Final Years & Farewell Edition
The R35 received its final facelift in 2023, but availability became limited in certain regions, including the UK. Japanese order books quickly sold out, and by February 2024, all units were accounted for.
The last production GT-R marks the end of a nearly two-decade run, making it one of the longest-lived sports cars in modern history.
What’s Next for the GT-R?
While the R35 bows out, Nissan has confirmed that the GT-R badge will return.
- At the 2023 Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan unveiled the Hyper Force Concept, a wild-looking electric supercar that hints at the GT-R’s future.
- Nissan executives, including Ivan Espinosa, have promised that the GT-R will “evolve and re-emerge.”
- However, no production model is expected before 2028, as Nissan explores electrification and hybrid performance solutions.
The transition echoes the R35’s own long development — first teased as a concept in 2001, before finally hitting roads in 2007.
Conclusion
The Nissan GT-R R35 may have ended production, but its legacy as a performance disruptor is secure. From Nürburgring records to dominating tuning culture, the R35 will be remembered as a car that challenged supercars twice its price and won.
Now, the automotive world waits to see how Nissan reinvents the GT-R name for the electrified era — a challenge as monumental as the R35’s debut nearly two decades ago.
