As with all things in life, the end of good times is inevitable. The iconic GT-R, a model that has been in production since December 2007, is nearing its final days. The R35 is already retired from most markets, and the last unit will soon drive off into the sunset. Nissan is bidding farewell to Godzilla not out of choice, but due to regulatory pressures.
In an interview with Top Gear magazine, Nissan's global product boss, Pierre Loing, explained the GT-R's predicament: "It's been on sale for 17 years, and we'd love to keep it going for another 17, but the regulators are making it difficult!" The supercar was withdrawn from Europe in July 2021 due to new noise regulations, and it had already been pulled from the Australian market for failing to meet stricter side-impact crash test standards.
When a car's generation ends, it typically signals the arrival of a successor. However, this isn't the case for the R35. When production ceases in 2025, Nissan won't have a new model to replace it at the Tochigi plant in Japan. Pierre hinted at a potential gap by referencing the GT-R's history, where production breaks have occurred before.
Last year's Hyper Force concept suggested the possibility of an all-electric R36 with solid-state batteries. However, considering the lengthy development time of the outgoing generation—the original concept debuted in 2001, followed by the GT-R Proto in 2005, and series production didn't start until 2007—enthusiasts should be prepared for a long wait.
Nissan's program design director, Giovanny Arroba, hinted in early 2024 that the next GT-R might arrive by 2030, calling the Hyper Force a "daring but achievable dream by the end of the decade." When the high-performance coupe does return, it will join the Z and, hopefully, a new Silvia.
Earlier this month, Nissan's VP of global product strategy, Ivan Espinosa, announced that early work has begun on a third sports car. However, the rebirth of the Silvia has not yet been greenlit for production.
Stricter legislation has claimed several performance vehicles in Europe this year. The Toyota GR86, Subaru BRZ, Porsche Boxster, and Cayman were retired due to new cybersecurity laws. Mazda also discontinued the MX-5 Miata's 2.0-liter engine, leaving enthusiasts with only the smaller 1.5-liter option.
Additionally, the latest Ford Mustang has 52 hp less in Europe compared to its American counterpart. The BMW M135, X1 M35i, and X2 M35i are also detuned in the EU due to stricter emissions regulations. With laws becoming more stringent, now might be the last chance to buy that fun car before it's either downgraded or discontinued altogether.
