The legendary Nissan GT-R, fondly known as “Godzilla,” is reaching the end of its illustrious journey. Nissan has officially stopped taking orders for the R35 generation in Japan, marking the conclusion of its production.
This development follows the GT-R’s phased withdrawal from key global markets, including North America, where production ended in October 2023.
A translated statement on Nissan’s Japanese consumer website confirms that overwhelming demand has led to all allocated production slots being sold. However, the automaker has not disclosed the final production figures or the exact date when the last GT-R will roll off the assembly line. This order closure signifies a significant chapter in the GT-R’s rich legacy.
The discontinuation of the GT-R stems primarily from evolving global automotive regulations. Stricter noise regulations in Europe and stringent side-impact safety standards in Australia led to its exit from these markets as early as 2021. These challenges reflect the increasing difficulty of keeping long-standing performance vehicles compliant with modern regulatory requirements.
Introduced in 2007, the R35 GT-R revolutionized the supercar landscape by delivering breathtaking performance at a competitive price. It quickly became a hallmark of Japanese engineering excellence, rivaling European supercars with its formidable 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 engine.
Over nearly two decades, the GT-R underwent continuous refinements, receiving two major facelifts and various performance enhancements. From its initial 471-horsepower output to the final 600-horsepower GT-R Nismo variant, the model cemented its reputation as a high-performance icon.
Despite its aging architecture, the GT-R remained a favorite among driving enthusiasts, thanks to Nissan’s commitment to fine-tuning its capabilities. The supercar’s blend of power, precision, and reliability ensured its place as a true driver’s machine.
Looking to the future, Nissan’s design director has hinted at a possible successor before the end of the decade. While no immediate replacement has been confirmed, the brand’s commitment to high-performance vehicles suggests that “Godzilla” will make a comeback in a new form. This pause in production offers competitors a temporary respite, but fans of the GT-R can expect its spirit to live on in future iterations.
As the world bids farewell to the R35, the GT-R’s legacy remains undeniable. Its departure marks the end of an era, but anticipation for its next chapter is already building.
