Nissan Ends GT-R Production Farewell to the Supercar Slayer

It’s been nearly three years since the Nissan GT-R was pulled from European markets, but the legendary supercar killer had continued to thrive elsewhere until now. Nissan has quietly confirmed the end of GT-R production, marking the conclusion of an era that reshaped the performance car world.

Just last year, new special editions like the Skyline Edition and Takumi Edition were still rolling out, offering minor refinements and fresh paint options. But now, Nissan’s Japanese website has officially confirmed that no more orders are being accepted. The understated announcement reads: “We have received many orders for the Nissan GT-R and have now finished accepting orders for the planned production quantity. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all our customers for their support since its release in 2007.”

For die-hard enthusiasts, this news hits hard. The R35 GT-R wasn’t just another sports car; it was a game-changer. When it first arrived in 2007, many critics thought its cutting-edge technology, dual-clutch transmission, all-wheel drive, and a twin-turbo V6 would take the soul out of driving. Instead, it delivered a driving experience so visceral and thrilling that it became a legend in its own right.

It’s easy to forget just how long ago the GT-R first debuted. Back in 2007, Tony Blair was still Prime Minister, the iPhone had just launched, and smoking in pubs had only just been banned. While the automotive world has evolved dramatically since then, the GT-R remained a force to be reckoned with, pioneering many of the high-performance features that are now industry standards.

Think about it: Adaptive suspension, dual-clutch transmissions, advanced all-wheel drive, and twin-turbo six-cylinder engines are now the norm in modern performance cars. But when the R35 arrived, it was a revelation. And despite its hefty weight, it defied physics with blistering acceleration and razor-sharp handling.

A Supercar Killer at a Bargain Price

What set the GT-R apart was its price-to-performance ratio. When it first hit the UK market in 2009, it carried a price tag of just £56,800, an absolute bargain for the level of performance it offered. To put that into perspective, earlier R34 Skyline GT-Rs brought to the UK through official channels were already north of £50,000. The R35 obliterated anything in its price range and even outpaced cars that cost tens of thousands more.

Fast forward to today, and well-maintained, low-mileage examples of the R35 are selling for nearly double their original price. That’s a testament to just how iconic and desirable this car has become.

What’s Next for the GT-R Legacy?

With Nissan’s current financial struggles and focus on cost-cutting, the future of the GT-R nameplate is uncertain. Developing a next-generation GT-R would require a significant investment, and in an era where electrification is taking over, a high-performance, petrol-powered successor seems unlikely.

If this truly is the end of the GT-R bloodline, it’s been one hell of a run. The R35 GT-R redefined what was possible in a performance car, leaving behind a legacy that few vehicles can match.

So, here’s to Godzilla, one of the most groundbreaking and unforgettable performance cars of our time. Farewell, and thanks for the memories.