Nissan GT-R R35 to Continue Amid Delay of R36 Due to EV Tech Readiness

The Nissan GT-R R35 remains on the market as the R36 is delayed until at least 2028, awaiting solid-state battery technology. Despite its age, the GT-R continues to sell well, but rumors suggest the current model may end production in 2025.

The current GT-R was launched in 2007, but its design dates back even further to the 2001 Skyline GT-R concept. Unlike typical cars that follow a 6-7 year lifecycle, the GT-R, affectionately known as «Godzilla,» has aged significantly. Fast forward to 2024, and the R35 generation remains on the market. A Nissan executive has indicated that the aging V-6 model will continue for now.

In an interview with Australian magazine Drive, Nissan’s Senior Vice-President Francois Bailly assured that they won’t release a «half-baked GT-R.» Bailly emphasized Nissan’s commitment to producing sports cars, noting he didn’t join Nissan to build minivans. While Nissan has family vehicles, none are available in the United States.

The introduction of the R36 is delayed because current EV technology isn’t ready for high-performance applications. Bailly pointed out that solid-state batteries, which are crucial for the next-gen GT-R, aren’t expected until 2028. Last year, the Hyper Force concept with 1,341 horsepower suggested the potential for an all-electric GT-R using this advanced battery technology.

Nissan Europe’s VP of powertrain engineering, Matthew Wright, praised solid-state batteries in an Auto Express interview, calling them a «game-changer» for their ability to enhance charging speed and energy density while reducing weight—an essential factor for a performance car like the GT-R, which currently weighs 3,865 pounds in its $222,885 Nismo version.

Nissan plans to start prototype testing of an EV with solid-state batteries in 2026, with a production model anticipated in 2028. However, a new GT-R is unlikely before 2029 or 2030, meaning the R35 could reach 23 years of age by then.

Speculation exists that the R35 may not last that long. Japanese publication Mag-X reported that 2025 could be the final year for the current GT-R, supported by Nissan’s announcement of a limited production run for the 2025 model in Japan. If true, this could result in a hiatus before the R36 debuts.

Despite its age, GT-R sales in the United States surged by 584 percent last year, with 390 units sold in 2023 compared to 57 in the previous year. Seeing the GT-R disappear without an immediate successor would be unfortunate, especially with other sports cars like the Audi R8 and Lamborghini Huracan also being phased out.

If a next-gen GT-R includes a combustion engine, it will likely use an evolved version of the VR38DETT, as Nissan has ceased new engine development.