It's Official: Nissan Shuts Down GT-R Orders in Japan After 18 Years.

      Nissan

      Let’s take a moment to acknowledge the retirement of the R35-generation Nissan GT-R: after nearly two decades of production, Godzilla has officially hung up its boots. Nissan shared a heartfelt announcement on its Japanese website indicating that it will no longer accept orders for the coupe, leaving the future of the GT-R uncertain.

      “We have received an abundance of orders for the Nissan GT-R and have now concluded accepting orders for the intended production quantity. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our numerous customers for their loyalty over the years since its launch in 2007,” Nissan stated.

      Japan was among the final markets where fans could still purchase a new GT-R. Production for the American market wrapped up in October 2024, marking the nameplate’s exit after the 2024 model year. The GT-R was discontinued in Europe and the U.K. in 2022 due to new regulations on noise.

      The R35 project was initiated in 2000 at the request of former Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn. The coupe was previewed through a series of design studies, including the GT-R Concept revealed at the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show, and it made its worldwide debut at the 2007 version of the event. Sales for the American market commenced with the 2009 model year. At its launch, the GT-R offered impressive value for money, with a starting price of around $78,000 and a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 480 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque.

      Brembo brake calipers ensured the performance was well-managed, and the GT-R featured a stylish touchscreen infotainment system developed by Polyphony Digital, the creators of the Gran Turismo series. The R35 garnered widespread acclaim from both enthusiasts and critics.

      Fast-forward to 2025, and while the GT-R retains a similar appearance to when it first debuted in Tokyo almost 20 years ago, it has seen significant changes. Throughout its prolonged production, it underwent several visual updates, with the final version of the base model featuring an evolved 3.8-liter V6 engine rated at 565 hp and 467 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking even more power, the Nismo variant boasted figures of 600 hp and 481 lb-ft of torque.

      The price has also escalated. The last base GT-R was priced at $123,985, including destination fees, while the top-tier Nismo started at a steep $222,895. Currently, there are 12 new GT-Rs available across the U.S. within Nissan’s dealer network, with most being in the Bayside Blue, R34-tribute Skyline Edition configuration.

      What lies ahead? Your guess is as good as ours. One certainty is that there isn't a next-generation GT-R ready to succeed the R35. If a successor is in development, it appears we’ll need to be patient before seeing it. Nissan has previously suggested that the next GT-R may incorporate some form of electrification, hinting at hybrid and electric options back in 2022, but in 2024, company executives stated that the drivetrain was not finalized and declined to confirm an all-electric transition for the nameplate. For now, a hybrid option seems more plausible.

      The 2023 Hyper Force concept depicted above showcases what the next GT-R might resemble. Collaboratively designed by Nissan and Polyphony Digital, it unmistakably reflects the GT-R lineage through familiar design elements, including four round taillights, yet appears considerably more contemporary compared to the R35. Nissan clearly has ideas for the GT-R’s successor and respects the model’s legacy by avoiding a transition to a generic egg-shaped crossover with a spoiler. Nevertheless, Nissan faces substantial challenges, including tariffs, poor sales performance, and a failed merger with Honda, making investment in a low-volume sports car a likely low priority.

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