This standalone GT-R nameplate returned to Nissan’s lineup in 2007, following the end of the Skyline GT-R lineage in 2002. It was developed as a modern super sports car rather than as a Skyline variant, and it quickly became the spiritual successor to Nissan’s celebrated performance heritage while establishing its own identity. The production model is commonly associated with the R35 generation, which introduced a dramatically different approach from earlier GT-Rs: a dedicated platform, a twin-turbo V6, and a rear transaxle layout designed to improve balance and traction.
From its launch, the car was positioned as a technology-driven flagship that combined extreme performance with everyday usability, a concept Nissan repeatedly emphasized in its official history and media coverage. It became known for evolving steadily over its long run rather than being replaced by an all-new generation every few years. Updates over time refined styling, performance tuning, electronics, and interior execution while preserving the core character that made the model a benchmark for Japanese performance cars.
The GT-R also built a strong enthusiast following worldwide through motorsport success, tuning culture, and cultural visibility in games, media, and car communities. In Japan, Nissan continued to treat it as a halo vehicle and a symbol of engineering credibility. Production of the R35 generation ended in August 2025, closing an 18-year run that made it one of the longest-lived high-performance nameplates in Nissan history.