After almost 18 years, Nissan bid farewell to the R35-generation Nissan GT-R, marking the end of an era as the automotive industry shifts towards hybrid and electric powertrains. The final R35 GT-R, a Premium edition T-Spec in Midnight Purple, rolled off the production line, closing one of the lengthiest production runs in recent automotive history.
Introduced in late 2007, the R35 GT-R quickly earned a reputation as a formidable competitor to models like the Porsche 911 Turbo. With a legacy rooted in the high-performance Nissan Skylines of the past, over 48,000 GT-Rs were sold, all meticulously crafted in Tochigi, Japan.
Throughout its tenure, the GT-R maintained its iconic powertrain configuration, featuring a twin-turbo 3.8-litre V6 engine paired with all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Noteworthy for being one of the first non-Volkswagen brands to adopt this technology, the GT-R underwent four facelifts during its production run.
Although the GT-R ceased sales in Australia in 2021 due to regulatory compliance issues, it left a lasting impression, with 999 units finding homes Down Under. The model’s pinnacle moment came in 2015 when the GT3 racing variant secured victory at the Bathurst 12 Hour, marking a significant milestone for Nissan on the iconic Mount Panorama circuit.
While Australia missed out on special editions like the Skyline and Takumi variants, the GT-R’s legacy remains intact. Nissan’s CEO, Ivan Espinosa, hinted at a promising future for the GT-R, suggesting that the nameplate will see a reincarnation in the coming years, albeit in an evolved form.
Speculations surrounding the next-generation GT-R, the R36, point towards a potential hybrid or electric powertrain, aligning with the industry-wide shift towards cleaner technologies. Reports from the 2023 Tokyo Motor Show unveiled the Hyper Force concept, a futuristic vision boasting a 1000kW electric powertrain inspired by Nissan’s racing heritage.
Despite initial plans for solid-state batteries, market dynamics may steer Nissan towards a hybrid configuration for the R36 GT-R. With the brand navigating financial challenges and seeking a resurgence post-failed merger talks, the future of the GT-R remains a topic of keen interest among enthusiasts and industry observers alike.
As the automotive landscape evolves, the legacy of the Nissan GT-R stands as a testament to innovation and performance, paving the way for a new chapter in the iconic model’s storied history.
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