A Legendary Goodbye to Nissan’s Iconic GT-R R35

As a car enthusiast who’s watched the Nissan GT-R R35 evolve over decades, I felt a pang of nostalgia when news broke just 10 hours ago at 11:50 AM IST on August 27, 2025, that the R35 production has ended. The final car—a striking Midnight Purple T-Spec—rolled off the line in Japan, capping an incredible 18-year run with 48,000 units built. This GT-R R35 production end marks the close of a chapter, but with hints of an electrified future, it’s not a final farewell. Let’s dive into this iconic journey, its last hurrah, and what might lie ahead.

The Last Hurrah: Midnight Purple T-Spec

The R35’s swan song is the T-Spec model, finished in the coveted Midnight Purple—a color echoing the R33 Skyline’s legacy. This variant blends the standard GT-R’s comfort with NISMO’s track-ready edge, boasting 565 horsepower from its twin-turbo V6, lightweight alloys, and a heritage nod that fans adore. Built in Tochigi, Japan, it’s a fitting tribute to a model that bridged everyday driving and circuit dominance. With roughly a third of the 48,000 units sold in Japan, this T-Spec’s handcrafted soul shines through, crafted by Nissan’s elite Takumi artisans.

A Storied Past: From Hakosuka to Mechagodzilla

The GT-R lineage is rich with character. The original Hakosuka mixed Datsun grit with BMW flair, while the R32 Skyline became a touring-car titan, earning its “Godzilla” nickname from Australian racers. The R34 stole hearts in Fast and Furious, its manual gearbox a fan favorite. The R35, launched in 2007, started as a tech marvel with all-wheel drive and electronic wizardry, evolving over 18 years into a seasoned brawler. The NISMO version still outpaces exotic rivals at track days, its Nürburgring laps—once a 7:29, later a 7:08 with Michael Krumm—setting a benchmark that enthralled the world.

This longevity is rare, with the R35 maturing from a stiff racer to a refined yet raw “Gundam war robot.” Its five GT500 and three GT300 Super GT wins, plus Tsukuba records, cement its racing pedigree, making its departure bittersweet.

Craftsmanship That Defines a Legend

The R35’s heart lies in its VR38DETT V6, hand-assembled by a select group of Takumi craftsmen in a pristine factory room. Each engine bears the builder’s signature, a tradition mirroring Mercedes-AMG’s elite standards. During final tuning, a Takumi lays hands on the engine, sensing imperfections beyond machines’ reach—a testament to human artistry. This meticulous process, paired with advanced AWD, gave the R35 its unique charm, despite occasional robotic feel behind the wheel.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for GT-R?

Nissan promises the GT-R name will return, possibly as an electrified model, though financial challenges might delay it. The Z now carries the performance torch alone, but the R35’s exit leaves room for innovation. Whether it’s a hybrid or full EV, fans hope it retains the soul that made Godzilla a legend.

My Reflection: A Fond Farewell

Saying goodbye to the GT-R R35 feels like losing a friend. Its titanium-tough persona and radioactive energy won’t be forgotten. As of August 27, 2025, the Midnight Purple T-Spec stands as a proud monument to 18 years of excellence. Rest easy, Mechagodzilla—I’m already curious about the next chapter!