CLASSIC NEVER DIES

Saying Goodbye (For Real this Time) to the Nissan R35 GT-R

final midnight purple nissan r35 gt-r and workers — *Source: Nissan*

Nissan announced the end of R35 GT-R production back in March, and now the final GT-R has rolled off the assembly line at Nissan’s Tochigi plant in Japan, closing out an 18-year run with 48,000 examples built.

final midnight purple nissan r35 gt-r at assembly plant — *Source: Nissan*

The final GT-R is a Premium Edition T-Spec finished in a fitting Midnight Purple and will remain in Japan with its new owner. Production had already ended in other markets, with Australia being the first to lose it in 2021 after the model failed to meet a side-impact safety regulation.

Rear of Nissan nismo r35 gt-r and gray nissan r35 gt-r driving during sunset — *Source: Nissan*

As a reminder, the R35 GT-R was powered by the legendary VR38DETT twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6, paired with a six-speed DCT and all-wheel drive. Each engine was hand-assembled by one of nine master craftsmen known as Takumi, at a special facility dedicated to the process. Upon completion, every engine received a plaque engraved with its builder’s name, symbolizing the care and passion behind each unit.

final midnight purple nissan r35 gt-r on assembly line — *Source: Nissan*

Over its 18-year lifespan, the GT-R saw steady increases in power and torque, while its exterior design remained largely consistent, receiving only minor facelifts to keep it refreshed. Though the R35 is officially retired, Nissan has confirmed that this is not the end of the GT-R name. Hints suggest that Godzilla may return in the future—potentially as a hybrid or even an all-electric performance machine.