The beloved Nissan GT-R, known as Godzilla, may soon be heading towards extinction. According to a report in Japanese magazine Mag X, Nissan may announce on March 14 that the 2025 model year will be the last for the iconic coupe. With the discontinuation of the Kia Stinger, Audi R8, and Audi TT, the Nissan GT-R now holds the title as the nameplate with the longest tenure on death row in the automotive industry. From the initial 2009 model year, the Nissan GT-R’s engineers successfully innovated and increased its power, making it a coveted car worldwide.
Impending Closure of the Legendary GT-R Line
The Nissan GT-R, known for its incredible prowess and longevity, might soon cease production. An article in the Japanese magazine Mag X suggests that Nissan is set to announce on March 14 that the GT-R’s tenure ends with the 2025 model. The company allegedly plans to manufacture just 1,500 units of the last model year, turning the final GT-Rs into sought-after collector’s commodities. Limiting the production gives closure and emphasizes the ‘end of an era’ for the powerhouse vehicle.
The GT-R in the Global Market
Over the years, the GT-R’s availability dwindled in various markets, including Europe, Australia, and the U.S. However, Japan, the car’s most significant market, recently halted orders for the 2024 model. The GT-R’s slow withdrawal from world markets over the years indicates signs of a broader halt, hinting at a permanent cessation of its production. The discontinuation is reportedly due to the rising difficulty in manufacturing specific parts.
Performance and Evolution of the GT-R
Undergoing six facelifts across its production span, the GT-R continually improved its power performance. The initial 480 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque in the 2009 model have increased to 565 hp and 467 lb-ft, with a further increase in the Nismo model. Should there be a successor to the R35, solid-state battery tech would be a likely inclusion, potentially delivering increased power density and improved packaging to further enhance the GT-R’s reputation for its performance.
Future of Nissan’s High-Performance Vehicles
If Nissan decides to continue its high-performance reputation, two versions of the GT-R may emerge: a daily driver and an echo of the iconic GT-R’s track-focused performance. Below those, there’s room for Nissan’s more affordable sports car models, where a new Nismo version may find a home. This pathway will depend heavily on innovations in battery technology.
The Solid-State Battery Transition
Nissan’s first vehicle outfitted with a solid-state battery, a technology considered key in the next-generation EV market, is planned for debut in mass production by 2028. This hints at Nissan’s high-performance future in the realm of electric-powered speed. The recently unveiled 1,341-hp Hyper Force Concept car could provide a glimpse of Nissan’s EV plans.
As the auto industry shifts increasingly towards electric vehicles, Nissan, whose GT-R once ruled the high-performance segment, seems ready to embrace this transformative sweep, promising an electrically-charged future.