Flagship Drive

After a 17-year run, Nissan’s iconic R35 GT-R is leaving the North American market this October 2024. Often called the “Godzilla” of mainstream supercars, the Nissan GT-R is among the best things you can drive, as far as performance goes. That’s right. The Nissan GT-R R35 is about to leave the American market after the 2025 model year. The decision to drop the GT-R from the American market is largely influenced by the upcoming electric GT-R. This was hinted at with the Hyper Force Concept, which debuted last year at the Tokyo Auto Show. 

Before it exits, Nissan is introducing two limited-edition versions of the GT-R: the Takumi and Skyline Specials. While the former pays homage to the Takumi engine builders, the Skyline builds on the GT-R Premium with a fresh paint job and a few more features. Both limited editions of the GT-R will arrive at select Nissan dealers this summer. Take note that Nissan will only make 200 units of the limited edition GT-R R35 for American buyers.

Limited-Edition GT-R Models

As I mentioned, the GT-R is bidding us farewell with two limited-edition R35 models, the GT-R T-Spec Takumi Edition and the GT-R Skyline Edition. Let’s take a look at both of them. 

1. GT-R T-Spec Takumi Edition

As a limited-edition GT-R model, the T-Spec Takumi Edition honors the skilled craftspeople known as “Takumi”, who hand-assemble the GT-R’s VR38DETT engine.

The Takumi Edition version comes with a Midnight Purple paint job, which pays homage to past Skyline/GT-R legends. The interior is adorned with exclusive Mori Green trim.

This GT-R Takumi version comes with lots of performance upgrades. These upgrades include NISMO carbon-ceramic brakes, gold-painted 20-inch NISMO RAYS forged wheels, NISMO-tuned Vehicle Dynamic Control, and wider front fenders.

The Nissan GT-R T-Spec Takumi edition starts at $151,090, excluding handling and delivery fees.  

2. GT-R Skyline Edition

Unlike the T-Spec Takumi version, the GT-R Skyline Edition builds upon the GT-R Premium edition. It features a Bayside Blue paint job and a new Sora Blue interior color scheme.

The GT-R Skyline Edition comes at a starting price of $131,090, excluding handling and delivery fees.

Both editions are expected to arrive at select Nissan dealers this summer, with fewer than 200 units available for American buyers.

The Future of the GT-R

While the R35 GT-R is bowing out in North America, Nissan is not abandoning the GT-R name entirely. The Nissan R35 GT-R is dropping from the American market to make room for the electric version of the GT-R. The company is looking to the future of performance vehicles with a focus on electric technology.

1. Future Electric GT-R

Nissan revealed the Hyper Force Concept at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Show. This concept car features aggressive styling and hints at Nissan’s direction for an electric GT-R. 

At the time of the unveiling, Nissan revealed that the Hyper Force Concept, the electric version of the GT-R, has a 1,341 horsepower powertrain. This power comes from a combination of solid-state batteries and electric motors.  

2. R37 GT-R

Francois Bailly, Nissan’s senior vice president, confirmed that Nissan is working on an R37 GT-R. There is a lot of anticipation for this upcoming. 

The R37 GT-R potential model could be the first electric Nissan GT-R. It would then serve as a “halo car” to showcase the brand’s next-generation EV technology.

With Nissan targeting 2028 for solid-state batteries, the release of an electric GT-R could be at least four years away.

Verdict

The R35 GT-R’s production is approaching its final chapter. But, as one chapter is closing, another one is opening as Nissan is shifting towards the production of an electric GT-R. The potential electric GT-R is set to continue the legacy in a new, electrified form.