Bye-Bye, GT-R! Nissan’s Super Cool Car Ends After 18 Years

Nissan GT-R

Imagine a car so awesome that people call it “Godzilla.” That’s the Nissan GT-R! It’s super fast, super famous, and super loved by car fans all over the planet. For 18 whole years, this car zoomed around streets and race tracks, making everyone say, “Wow!” But now, it’s time for the GT-R to say goodbye, as Nissan has decided to stop making it. Aww!

Don’t worry—we’re going to tell you all about this amazing car, where it came from, why it’s leaving, and what might happen next. Hop in, and let’s take a road trip through the story of the GT-R!

How the GT-R Became a Star

The GT-R didn’t just pop out of nowhere in 2007. Its story began a LONG time ago, in 1969! Back then, Nissan made a car called the Skyline GT-R. People loved it because it was small, fast, and perfect for racing.

But then, in 1989, Nissan created something so cool that everyone called it “Godzilla.” It was the R32 GT-R. This machine was a racing beast! It destroyed its competition on the track and won an incredible 29 races in a row! Whoa! That’s like winning every single game in a video game tournament!

After that, the GT-R just kept getting better. Nissan made new versions called the R33 and R34 in the 90s. Each one was faster and cooler. But then, in 2007, they launched the R35 GT-R, and BAM—it became one of the most famous cars in the world!

A stunning white Nissan GT-R parked against a backdrop of lush forest trees, showcasing luxury and performance.

If the GT-R was a video game character, the R35 would be its ultimate form. It wasn’t just fast; it was INSANELY fast. The R35 could go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than 4 seconds! That’s faster than you can say “super turbo boost!”

Under the hood, it had a super-powerful 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. That’s a fancy way of saying it had a mega-strong motor that could blow people’s minds. And get this—each engine was built by hand, like a piece of art, by a team of experts in Japan. Pretty cool, right?

What made the R35 so special was that it wasn’t just for rich people. While cars like Ferraris and Lamborghinis cost as much as a mansion, the GT-R was way cheaper (but still not super affordable—more like a really fancy toy). This made it the “supercar for everyone.” It was like getting a legendary Pokémon in a regular Pokéball. Awesome!

Why Everyone Loved the GT-R

The GT-R wasn’t just another car. People loved it for all kinds of reasons.

1. It Became a Movie Star

You’ve probably seen the GT-R in Fast & Furious movies or racing video games like Gran Turismo. It was the star of the show, speeding through streets and saving the day. This made the car super famous, and even kids wanted toy models of it!

2. It Was Like a Real-Life Robot Car

The GT-R came with super-smart tech that made it drive smoothly and super fast. Its all-wheel-drive system kept the car steady, even on sharp turns. It was kind of like having a robot helping you win a race!

3. It Was a Winner

The GT-R was a champ on the race track. It even broke records at the world-famous Nürburgring racetrack in Germany, showing everyone that it was one of the fastest cars ever!

4. It Was Fast, But Not Crazy Expensive

While other super-fast cars cost as much as a castle, the GT-R gave car lovers a chance to own something amazing without spending every dollar in their bank.

Why Nissan Stopped Making the GT-R

Even the best things in life have to end, and for the GT-R, the time has come. But why?

1. New Car Rules

Nowadays, there are strict rules for cars to be quieter and better for the environment. The GT-R, with its loud, growling engine (which we LOVE), didn’t meet those new standards.

2. It’s Pretty Old

The R35 GT-R came out in 2007, which means it’s been around for 16 years! While it’s still awesome, newer cars with better engines and shiny gadgets are starting to outshine it. It’s like playing an old video game when everyone else has the latest version.

3. Cars Are Going Electric

The future of cars is electric! Nissan is putting more effort into making eco-friendly, battery-powered cars instead of cars that use gas.

4. Fewer People Were Buying It

Over the years, fewer people were buying the GT-R. Some fans started choosing other fancy cars, like the Porsche 911, or even super-fast electric cars, like the Tesla.

The GT-R’s Most Epic Moments

Before we say goodbye, let’s celebrate all the amazing things the GT-R has done.

  • Its Big Debut (2007): The R35 wowed everyone when it first came out. People couldn’t believe how fast and affordable it was!
  • Breaking Records: The GT-R crushed records on the Nürburgring, one of the toughest racetracks in the world.
  • Making Special Editions: Nissan made GT-R models with over 600 horsepower, thanks to their NISMO team (basically their car-building superheroes).
  • Being a Pop Culture Icon: Movies, video games, toys—everywhere you looked, there was the GT-R!

What’s Next After the GT-R?

The GT-R might be retiring, but Nissan isn’t done making cool cars. Here’s what could happen next.

1. A New Electric GT-R?

There’s talk about Nissan maybe creating an electric version of the GT-R. Imagine a super-fast car that runs on batteries! It would be quieter, but still as speedy as lightning.

2. Say Hello to the Nissan Z!

Recently, Nissan launched a car called the Nissan Z. It’s sporty and fun to drive. It’s not exactly the same as the GT-R, but it might become Nissan’s next star car!

Why We’ll Miss the GT-R

For 18 years, the GT-R gave car fans nothing but thrills. Its roaring engine, insane speed, and cool looks inspired people everywhere. Some people even called it their dream car!

Sure, we’re sad to see it go, but the GT-R taught us something important. It showed us that cars aren’t just about getting from one place to another—they’re about passion, excitement, and making memories.

Final Lap

Goodbye, GT-R. You weren’t just a car—you were a LEGEND. For nearly two decades, you proved that greatness didn’t have to cost a fortune. While we’ll miss hearing your roar on the streets, we’re excited to see what Nissan does next.

And who knows? Maybe one day, Godzilla will rise again—just in a new, electrifying way. For now, thank you for the memories, GT-R. You’ll always be our favorite supercar!

Time to grab our toy cars and race in your honor! Vroom vroom!

Share the Post

Picture of Paul Boland

Paul Boland

Paul is a 10-year automotive industry veteran passionate about cars, driving, and the future of mobility.
Bringing hands-on experience to every story, Paul covers the latest news and trends for real enthusiasts. Here is my bio for each blog also.

Read More

RECOMMENDED

Bid For Autos © 2025. All Rights Reserved.