Excitement is building in the automotive world as Nissan has officially confirmed that a next-generation GT-R is in development.
Often referred to as “Godzilla” by fans, the GT-R has long been a symbol of Japanese engineering excellence, and its successor promises to push the boundaries even further.
This news comes at a critical time for Nissan, which is currently undergoing a comprehensive revitalization strategy aimed at streamlining operations and strengthening its core product lineup.
While SUVs and crossovers remain a priority for the automaker, Nissan’s continued investment in performance vehicles like the Z and the future GT-R signals an enduring passion for delivering thrilling driving experiences.
The upcoming GT-R, internally codenamed R36, has been confirmed by several senior executives. Arnaud Charpentier, Nissan’s Vice President of Product Marketing Strategy, stated the company is “actively working” on the supercar’s development.
This was reinforced by Nissan USA’s chief product planner at the New York Auto Show, who boldly declared, “The GT-R will be back, without a doubt.”
But Nissan isn’t just planning another high-performance model—it’s aiming to redefine the sports car category. Charpentier highlighted that the R36 must “reinvent the notion of a sports car,” a sentiment that aligns with earlier speculation about an electrified powertrain.
The futuristic Hyper Force concept, unveiled with a jaw-dropping 1,341 horsepower, may offer a glimpse into the GT-R’s electrified future. Nissan Europe’s design VP, Giovanny Arroba, called it a “tangible dream” that could become reality by the decade’s end.
Adding to the intrigue, Nissan North America’s SVP Ponz Pandikuthira hinted at a possible collaboration that could see the R36 developed alongside a future Acura NSX-type electric vehicle. This partnership could mark a new era in Japanese performance car innovation.
Nissan’s new global product chief, Ivan Espinosa, a self-proclaimed “real car guy” and daily driver of a Nissan Z, is also reportedly interested in reviving the beloved Silvia nameplate.
These moves suggest Nissan is keen on reconnecting with enthusiasts, even while navigating a turbulent economic landscape.
Despite ongoing cost-cutting efforts and a focus on mainstream models like the Sentra, Nissan remains committed to performance.
The return of the GT-R won’t just be nostalgic—it could revolutionize what a high-performance sports car means in an electrified world.