Remaining relevant in the world of high performance sports after 12 years of your presentation is a feat. THE Nissan GT-R R35 it hasn't stopped evolving all this time, and recently, we've even met the latest iteration of the GT-R Nismo.
With 600 hp taken from the VR38DETT, the upgraded Nismo received a new pair of turbochargers (same as the GT-R GT3 competition), revised gearbox — faster passes in R-mode —, new tires and brakes, plus more components. Lightweight — is 20 kg lighter than its predecessor.
Was it the swan song for the GT-R R35? Apparently no.
At least that's what Hiroshi Tamura-san says, Mr. GT-R who has led the project since its inception, in statements to Top Gear. The latest round of upgrades for the Nissan GT-R have made it compliant with the latest emissions standards and testing protocols, so it still has a few more years of life to go.
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What's more, the waiting list for this sports veteran is an impressive 18 months… No one seems to be in a hurry to replace “Godzilla”.
Will there be room for further evolution? According to Tamura-san, no doubt — apparently, he himself admits to having already had feedback regarding the next steps in the evolution of the GT-R. A Nissan GT-R MY (Model Year) 2022 or 2023? Don't bet against.
Despite the palpable enthusiasm in Hiroshi Tamura-san's words about all things GT-R, however, one gets the idea that a successor to the R35 doesn't even seem to be in Nissan's plans yet.
Rumors of a successor to the GT-R go on for years, with hybrid and even 100% electrical hypotheses being considered for the successor to the R35. However, the latest news regarding Nissan reveals a builder in trouble — a restructuring plan has been announced that will reduce the workforce by 12,500 and cut the number of models in catalog by 2022 by 10% — which makes us fear for the future viability of niche models like the GT-R.