Japanese supercar that humiliated exotics at half the price. R35 generation (2007-2024) dominated drag strips and earned “Godzilla” nickname for destroying competitors.
Launch Controversy (2007)
Unveiled Tokyo Motor Show 2007. 480 hp twin-turbo V6, AWD, dual-clutch, 0-60 in 3.2sec for $70K. Porsche 911 Turbo performance at half the cost. Automotive press shocked.
Drag Racing Dominance
Alpha, AMS, Switzer tuned GT-Rs to 1000-2000+ hp. 6-second quarter miles. YouTube channels (That Racing Channel, 1320video) built empires on GT-R content. “Built not bought” ethos.
Nismo Evolution
Nismo variant (2014+): $175K, 600 hp, carbon body panels, track-focused. NISMO GT3 raced globally. GT-R50 Italdesign (2018): 710 hp, $1.1M, 50-unit run.
Cultural Legacy
#NissanGTR = Launch control tutorials, twin-turbo upgrades, rolling races. Gran Turismo / Forza hero car. Fast & Furious appearances. “Godzilla” nickname (Australian press 1989).
Production End (2024)
17-year R35 run ended 2024 (longest GT-R generation ever). T-Spec Final Edition marked sendoff. R36 electric pivot rumored 2025+. Community mourned manual-less era.
https://www.nissan-global.com/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_GT-R