Speculation suggests Nissan is planning to produce only 1,500 units, with 300 of them being the Nismo trim.
With the disappearance of the Kia Stinger, Audi R8, and Audi TT, it seems highly probable that the Nissan GT-R now holds the record for the longest-standing nameplate facing discontinuation. According to a report from the Japanese magazine Mag X (translated), it is anticipated that we will learn of Godzilla's final production date on March 14. The report indicates that Nissan will declare the 2025 model year as the ultimate iteration for this once-mighty coupe, producing a mere 1,500 units to mark the conclusion of its production. Although Mag X did not explicitly state that this would be a global discontinuation, it did mention that "the manufacturer explained to dealers, 'We have decided to discontinue production because there will be many parts that cannot be manufactured in the future.'" If indeed there are significant challenges in manufacturing parts, it implies a definitive end to the GT-R's production. It's unlikely that Nissan would invest in producing specialized parts for a vehicle that has been absent from the Australian market since 2021, European market since 2022, skipped the U.S. market in 2022, and only sold 390 units in the U.S. last year. In its largest market, Japan, the Nissan website states, "Orders for the 2024 NISSAN GT-R model have been discontinued as the number of orders has reached the planned sales volume."
Out of the purported 1,500 units slated for production in 2025, 300 are rumored to be the Nismo trim. Last year, the carmaker sold 1,341 units of the GT-R globally, including two units in Germany and Switzerland, so the production of 1,500 units allows for a slight buffer against the anticipated demand for the final model year. This is especially crucial if Nissan plans to introduce a special configuration beyond mere badging and graphics.
If this scenario unfolds, it marks the end of an 18-year journey, with the R35 entering production in December 2007. Over the years, designers made efforts with six facelifts of varying degrees of intensity, while engineers boosted power, elevating the twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6 from 480 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque in the initial 2009 model year to 565 hp and 467 lb-ft today (or 600 hp and 487 lb-ft for the Nismo).
Regarding the potential for an R36 model, Nissan's product chief, Ivan Espinoza, suggested that it would necessitate solid-state batteries to meet performance requirements. Espinoza indicated that an R36 would have to "wait until the ASSB [‘all solid state battery’] is out, it’s stable and it’s ready, so we can go. With the density improvement, we can deliver a much better packaging that improves the aero and the overall behavior of the car while maintaining the 2+2 layout." Additionally, Top Gear outlined a future vision that involves creating two variants of the GT-R: a "friendly" daily driver and a performance-focused model specifically tuned for track use. Beneath these would sit the Z, followed by "a new, more affordable entry-level sports car" that would also receive its Nismo iteration.
The Yokohama-based automaker plans to unveil its first EV equipped with solid-state batteries for mass production in 2028. The Hyper Force Concept, showcased by Nissan at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, serves as a preview of what's to come. March 14 promises potential revelations about Nissan's future direction, so stay tuned for updates.
