Nissan has officially announced on its website that production of its legendary sports car, the Nissan R35 GT-R, will cease in the Japanese market. This high-performance machine, known as the "God of War of the East," has officially stepped off the stage of history.
Since its debut in 2007, the R35 has left an indelible mark on automotive enthusiasts worldwide with its immense power, cutting-edge technology, and dominance on both the racetrack and in tuning culture.
The "GT-R" name traces back to the 1990s with the R32, R33, and R34 Skyline GT-R models, which earned the title of "God of War of the East" due to their outstanding track performance and tuning potential. The GT-R's reputation as "Godzilla"—a symbol of Japanese automotive dominance—was forged through years of relentless competition and innovation.
At the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan unveiled the new-generation GT-R, codenamed R35. Unlike its predecessors, the R35 dropped the "Skyline" badge and stood alone as the Nissan GT-R, ushering in a new era for the iconic nameplate.
From the start, the R35 embodied the spirit of its legendary predecessors. Nissan invested heavily in its development, equipping it with the VR38DETT 3.8L twin-turbo V6 engine, an advanced all-wheel-drive system, and a dual-clutch transmission. These elements, combined with state-of-the-art track technology, allowed the R35 to stun the automotive world with its blistering performance and record-breaking lap times.
The R35 made a name for itself with its achievements on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, proving its capabilities against the world’s best supercars. Over the years, it became a favorite among enthusiasts and tuners, solidifying its place in automotive history.
Throughout its production cycle, Nissan continually refined the R35, releasing upgraded versions with enhanced performance and aggressive styling. Notable variants included the GT-R Track Edition, NISMO Edition, and various limited-production special editions. Each revision introduced improvements in aerodynamics, chassis tuning, engine output, and electronic systems, ensuring that the R35 remained competitive among high-performance supercars.
The NISMO variant, in particular, stood out as the pinnacle of the R35 lineup. It featured a more aggressive aerodynamic package, increased horsepower, refined suspension tuning, and a high-performance braking system—all fine-tuned for the track. As a result, it became the most sought-after version among performance car enthusiasts.
For the Japanese market, the 2025 Nissan GT-R NISMO carries a starting price of approximately 14,443,000 yen (final pricing subject to official confirmation). However, with increasingly stringent global emissions regulations and shifting industry trends, the R35 could not avoid discontinuation.
The news has saddened many enthusiasts, as the R35 has played a crucial role in tuning culture and high-performance car history. Its "Godzilla" legacy remains deeply ingrained in the memories of fans worldwide.
For Nissan, the end of R35 production marks not just the retirement of a legendary model but also the dawn of a new era. With the industry moving toward electrification and intelligent vehicle technology, Nissan may introduce a new high-performance model in the future—one that carries on the GT-R or "God of War" legacy in a different form.
Looking back, the R35 embodies Nissan’s relentless pursuit of performance and technological advancement. It showcased Japan’s prowess in the sports car arena and left an undeniable impact, from the track to the streets, inspiring professional drivers and tuning enthusiasts alike.
Though the R35 has officially bowed out in Japan, the spirit of speed and innovation it represents will live on. Many believe that Nissan will continue the GT-R legacy in an exciting new way, and fans eagerly await the arrival of its successor.
As with every generation of the GT-R, the pursuit of ultimate performance and pushing boundaries never stops. The R35's departure may not be the end—it could be the beginning of a new legend.
Image source: Netcarshow
Senior Writer The quest for automotive knowledge began as soon as the earliest memories. Various sources information, even questionable ones, have been explored including video games, television, magazines, or even internet forums. Still stuck in that rabbit hole.
