A New Nissan GT-R Is on the Way, According to the New 'Car Guy' CEO

      Nissan

      The Nissan GT-R is making a return!

      While there's currently no set timeline for its comeback or details on what it might entail—whether it will be electric or remain a coupe—we do know that a new era for the GT-R has been confirmed by Nissan's new CEO, Ivan Espinosa.

      When questioned about the potential revival of the GT-R following the closure of orders for the current R35 generation, Espinosa provided a hopeful response. “We will continue to develop sports cars; it’s in our DNA. I can’t disclose when or how, but the GT-R name will certainly carry on into the future,” he stated in an interview with Automotive News.

      What the next GT-R will look like remains uncertain, though there might be some hints. Nissan has not shared a succession plan for the R35 GT-R, even though it feels like it debuted ages ago, but there have been rumors of an electric successor. Espinosa himself alluded to the possibility of an electric GT-R during his time as Nissan’s global strategy president.

      In a July 2024 interview with Top Gear, Espinosa discussed electric performance vehicles, saying, “The acceleration out of corners is significantly quicker than that of combustion cars, while offering much greater control. For a GT-R, this could be advantageous, as it’s a vehicle that’s easy to handle on the track, and you can deliver that same experience with an EV.”

      Given Nissan’s extensive experience in Formula E, the company has the expertise to create an electric GT-R (I predict it will be named the GT-REV). With Nissan’s current initiative to launch numerous electrified models in the coming years, it seems probable that the upcoming “R36” will feature electric motors, or at the very least, be a hybrid.

      Regardless of what it turns out to be, we can have confidence that Espinosa will ensure it remains a true GT-R. He has established himself as a genuine car enthusiast; he drives a Nissan Z to work, has an engineering background, and has a passion for the Nissan 300ZX. He has openly expressed his desire to revive the Silvia and introduce an affordable electric sports car priced below the Z.

      This discussion about a new GT-R feels sincere and not just a corporate strategy. Espinosa has a profound affection for Nissan, having spent 25 years there, and for sports cars. Therefore, when he states that the GT-R is making a comeback, I truly believe him.

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