Nissan bids farewell to R35 GT-R as final unit leaves factory

Nissan ends R35 GT-R production after 18 years and 48,000 cars, with the last T-Spec in Midnight Purple. The brand promises to reimagine the next GT-R.

On August 26, 2025, the final Nissan R35 GT-R rolled off the assembly line at the Tochigi plant, closing an 18-year chapter in the history of one of Japan’s most celebrated performance cars. Over the years, approximately 48,000 units were produced, a figure that underlines both the scale and the singular legacy of this machine.

The very last car was a Premium edition T-Spec, finished in the iconic Midnight Purple. This version already holds a special place among enthusiasts, making it a fitting way for the R35 to take its final bow.

The R35 first appeared in 2007, breaking away from the Skyline name to establish itself as a stand-alone model. Throughout its production run, it saw numerous updates and limited editions, including the SpecV, anniversary models, and the flagship NISMO versions. Perhaps most memorably, in 2013 the GT-R NISMO with the N-Attack package set a Nürburgring lap time of 7:08.679 with driver Michael Krumm.

Motorsport also played a central role in the R35’s identity. Debuting in Japan’s Super GT in 2008, the GT-R went on to secure multiple drivers’ and teams’ championships, confirming that its DNA was as much about the track as the road.

Its final years reflected the challenges of modern regulations. European sales ended in 2022 due to stricter noise standards, while the U.S. saw its last batch in 2024. Japan remained the final market, where prices for the closing lineup ranged from around ¥14.4 million for the base model to over ¥30 million for the NISMO Special Edition.

The R35’s story is also inseparable from Hiroshi Tamura, often referred to as “Mr. GT-R.” As chief product specialist, his dedication ensured that the GT-R remained true to its spirit while continuing to evolve.

Yet Nissan insists that the GT-R’s journey is far from over. At the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, the company unveiled the all-electric Hyper Force concept, boasting up to 1,000 kW of power. While no timeline has been set, it stands as a clear signal of the direction for the next chapter. For now, Nissan’s message is simple: the GT-R will be reimagined, and its legacy will continue.