The final example of the Nissan GT-R has left the production line in Japan, bringing to an end its almost 18-year lifespan.
Workers at the Nissan plant in Tochigi, 60 miles north of Tokyo, gathered to commemorate the last R35-generation model made.
Some 48,000 examples of the GT-R have left Tochigi since 2007. And the all-wheel-drive sports car has evolved dramatically during almost two decades in existence.
The last R35 also brings to close Nissan’s use of the famous GT-R nameplate, which can trace is history back to 1969.
A constant power evolution
Hitting the Japanese market in late 2007, the Nissan GT-R made it to North America during the summer of 2008. This followed a series of concept cars being teased since 2001.
At launch, the GT-R’s 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine served up 480 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque.
Combined with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission and Nissan’s famed ATTESA all-wheel-drive system, the GT-R could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds. Top speed was 197 mph.
However, by the end of its production run, the GT-R Nismo had been boosted to deliver a supercar-baiting 600 horsepower, with torque up to 481 lb-ft.
During its long life, the GT-R set new lap records at the Nurburgring, won the Japanese Super GT Championship five times, and even claimed a Guinness World Record for the fastest drift.
Gone, but not forever
Global emissions regulations and safety rules have caused Nissan to call time on the GT-R, with the final vehicle, a Premium edition T-Spec finished in Midnight Purple, destined for a customer in Japan.
Ivan Espinosa, president and CEO of Nissan, said: “After 18 remarkable years, the R35 GT-R has left an enduring mark on automotive history. Its legacy is a testament to the passion of our team and the loyalty of our customers around the globe.
“Thank you for being part of this extraordinary journey. To the many fans of the GT-R worldwide, I want to tell you this isn’t a goodbye to the GT-R forever. It’s our goal for the GT-R nameplate to one day make a return.”
Espinosa added: “We understand the expectations are high. The GT-R badge is not something that can be applied to just any vehicle; it is reserved for something truly special and the R35 set the bar high.
“So, all I can ask is for your patience. While we don’t have a precise plan finalized today, the GT-R will evolve and reemerge in the future.”
ALSO READ:
Tokyo Drift: Lando Norris drives wild Liberty Walk Nissan Skyline
[…] Motoring Research — recap: final R35 GT-R produced; ~48,000 built since 2007. motoringresearch.com […]