Nissan has officially revealed new details about the upcoming GT-R, internally codenamed R36, marking the next major evolution in the legacy of its flagship performance car. Scheduled to debut between 2025 and 2028, the new GT-R won’t be fully electric as once rumored, but instead will feature a hybrid powertrain that balances high performance with increasing environmental demands.
After dominating the streets and tracks for over 15 years, the current R35 GT-R is finally approaching retirement. Launched back in 2007 and continuously updated over the years, production of this long-running generation is set to conclude in October 2024. However, the upcoming GT-R ensures the Godzilla nameplate lives on, albeit in a new and technologically advanced form.
Confirmed by Nissan Executives
The biggest revelations came during the 2025 New York Auto Show, where Nissan’s North America Chief Planning Officer, Ponz Pandikuthira, outlined the direction of the R36. He confirmed that the next GT-R will adopt a hybrid setup—not full electric—because current EV technology can’t yet deliver the level of consistent performance Nissan demands from its halo model.
Earlier reports hinted at a potential electric GT-R, but real-world testing showed major limitations. Pandikuthira explained that electric prototypes were only able to complete a lap of the Nürburgring before needing lengthy recharges—an unacceptable compromise for a track-focused supercar. Nissan’s goal remains clear: the upcoming GT-R must be capable of repeatable, high-speed laps, capable of challenging rivals like the Porsche 911 on circuits like the Nürburgring.
Why Hybrid, Not Electric?
While Nissan continues to invest in EV technology—especially through its participation in Formula E—executives made it clear that a hybrid powertrain is currently the best solution for the upcoming GT-R. In a mid-2024 interview, Nissan’s SVP Ivan Espinosa praised electric drivetrains for their control and responsiveness in cornering but admitted that battery tech still limits sustained performance.
The hybrid direction is strategic. It offers the torque and efficiency benefits of electrification without sacrificing the endurance and visceral experience that GT-R fans expect.
Alongside its revised drivetrain, the upcoming GT-R will also introduce a completely new design language. Nissan aims to blend muscular aggression with modern sophistication, elevating both the exterior styling and the car’s status as a high-tech, track-ready grand tourer. Expect a fresh interpretation of the GT-R’s iconic shape—refined for a new generation of speed enthusiasts.
GT-R Legacy, Reinvented
Although Nissan previously remained vague on future plans, it has now clearly committed to preserving the GT-R identity through the R36. Despite stricter emissions laws and shifting market dynamics, the upcoming GT-R will continue to represent power, precision, and innovation.
This next chapter of Godzilla’s story won’t just be about new powertrains—it’s about adapting a motorsport icon to the realities of a rapidly changing automotive world. Hybrid performance, bold design, and relentless engineering are set to keep the GT-R relevant and dominant as it heads into a new era.
