Nissan Ending GT-R R35 Production For America

Nissan announced it will discontinue the iconic R35 GT-R in the United States, closing a successful 17-year run as of October 2024. Ahead of this cancellation, Nissan will release two limited-production editions in America: the Takumi and Skyline Specials, which were previously announced in Japan.

The GT-R T-spec Takumi Edition honors the eponymous takumi master craftspeople responsible for hand-assembling each GT-R VR38DETT engine. The engine badge acknowledging the takumi will feature red-etched writing, and the engine bay will house a gold VIN plate. The red engine badge signifies an elevated level of attention to precise engine tolerances and component balancing during assembly of the twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6.

Additionally, theT-spec Takumi Edition stuns from every angle with its Midnight Purple paint job – a reference to some of the Skyline/GT-R line's most iconic special editions.The interior trim is also finished in exclusive Mori Green.

Like the standard 2024 GT-R T-spec, the Takumi Edition also receives several mechanical enhancements, including GT-R NISMO carbon-ceramic brakes, a gold-painted version of the NISMO's RAYS 20-inch forged wheels, NISMO-tuned Vehicle Dynamic Control and wider front fenders.

The GT-R Skyline Edition brings the iconic name from overseas to the U.S. and references the abundant beauty found in skylines across Japan. Building on GT-R Premium, it wears Bayside Blue paint and features a stunning new Sora Blue interior color scheme. Once a staple of the car's color palette, Bayside Blue was "retired" after the R34-generation GT-R and revived in 2019 for the 50th anniversary edition model.

While the R35’s production ends, Nissan hints at a future successor potentially featuring an electric drivetrain. They emphasized being "hyperfocused on the future and the next era of exciting innovation in performance."

At the 2023 Tokyo Auto Show, Nissan unveiled the Hyper Force Concept car. This concept suggests what might come next with a staggering 1,341 horsepower electric drivetrain powered by solid-state batteries.

Finally, Francois Bailly, Nissan's Senior Vice President confirmed ongoing development for an R36—potentially the brand's first all-electric GT-R which might serve as their 'halo car'. Development hinges on advancements like next-generation EV technology including solid-state batteries projected for completion around at least 2028. The exact release date for the R36 remains undisclosed.

Source: Nissan