The R35 Nissan GT-R created quite a stir when it launched in the United States in 2007. While its popularity has waned over its impressive 17-year tenure, it’s undeniably an incredible vehicle. The speculation about its production lifespan can finally come to an end, as Nissan has confirmed that GT-R production for the North American market will conclude in just a few months: October 2024.
As a result, 2024 will indeed mark the final model year for the GT-R in the U.S., contrary to earlier beliefs that it might extend to 2025. This has been substantiated by a Nissan spokesperson, who also noted that the Premium (non-special edition) GT-Rs will remain available until the end of production.
While it may not come as a surprise that a low-volume, 17-year-old, six-figure sports car from a mainstream manufacturer is being discontinued, it still feels like a significant loss in the automotive world. The GT-R is truly one of the most impressive cars on the road today.
It’s quite rare for a vehicle to make such an impactful debut and remain relevant enough to evoke nostalgia later, but this is exactly the case here. With 565 horsepower and 467 lb-ft of torque, the GT-R still boasts impressive performance numbers. However, it evokes more of a classic feel reminiscent of the tunable, turbocharged Japanese cars from the ’90s and early ’00s rather than the advanced supercars of today, like the Porsche Taycan.
Two special-edition variants of the GT-R, the T-spec Takumi Edition and Skyline Edition, were revealed in March and will commemorate the model’s farewell, making 2024 its concluding year.
The T-spec Takumi Edition, priced at $152,985 including destination fees, is named in recognition of the skilled artisans who meticulously hand-assemble the VR38DETT engine.
The Skyline Edition, priced at $132,985, is essentially a GT-R Premium in Bayside Blue, a color closely associated with the iconic JDM R34 Skyline.
The base model (Premium) 2024 GT-R has a starting price of $121,090, not including fees, while the high-performance Nismo version is still available for around $220,000.
Both special editions will be ready for purchase this summer, but Nissan has indicated that it will produce “fewer than 200 units,” so it’s likely that they will be quickly acquired by collectors.
Looking ahead to a next-generation Skyline, expectations remain uncertain. It’s doubtful we’ll see another twin-turbo powerhouse akin to the legendary Japanese performance cars of the past. Nissan’s press release concludes with a vague statement about a focus on future innovations in performance, leaving the fate of a potential Skyline successor unclear.
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