After nearly two decades, Nissan has officially ended production of the R35 GT-R, closing the chapter on one of modern automotive history’s most celebrated performance cars. The final assembly for the Japanese domestic market—the last region where the model was sold—has now concluded at Nissan’s Tochigi plant, with workers gathering to mark the car’s legacy.
Since its 2007 debut, the R35 GT-R became synonymous with cutting-edge engineering and performance, with around 48,000 units produced. The last car, a Premium Edition T-Spec in Midnight Purple, was destined for a customer in Japan. Over its 18-year life, the R35 continuously evolved through yearly refinements, including standard, NISMO, and luxury variants, keeping performance and technology at the forefront.
The GT-R’s heart, the VR38DETT twin-turbo V6, paired with Nissan’s ATTESA ET-S all-wheel-drive system, was hand-built by nine Takumi master craftsmen, with their names engraved on each car. Power rose from 480ps in 2007 to 570ps in 2017, with NISMO variants pushing 600ps using GT3-spec components.
Racing success cemented the R35’s legend. It claimed multiple victories in Japan’s SUPER GT Championship, Blancpain GT Series, Bathurst 12 Hour, and Super Taikyu endurance races. Nürburgring Nordschleife lap records and Guinness World Record feats, including a 304.96 km/h drift in 2016, showcased its dominance.
Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa acknowledged the R35’s impact on automotive history, praising the engineering teams and fans who supported the car. While production ends, Nissan confirmed the GT-R nameplate will continue, with the lessons of the R35 shaping future models.
The R35 GT-R leaves behind a legacy of precision, speed, and innovation—a Grand Tourer that redefined expectations in the supercar world. While one chapter closes, the GT-R story is far from over.
