Production end looms for Nissan GT-R

NISSAN appears set to wrap-up production of its famed GT-R supercar within weeks, according to a report published by Japanese outlet Creative Trend and highlighted by Australian publication, Car Expert.

The longest-running GT-R series will bring to an end a 17-year production run, the Japanese article quoting a Nissan source who said, “we have decided to discontinue production because there will be many parts that cannot be manufactured in the future”.

Creative Trend states that only 1500 examples of the latest MY25 will be produced, mixed across 1200 standard and 300 Nismo variants.

The R35-series Nissan GT-R entered production in November of 2007 and has since been updated several times. Approximately 1000 units of the model were sold in Australia in that time, the model axed in 2021 after failing to meet more stringent crash safety regulations.

To date, there is little in the way of substance to reports of a replacement for the Nissan GT-R, with several suggesting an all-electric model is in the works based largely on the Nissan Hyper Force concept.

Appearing as the fifth in a series of concept models at the most recent Tokyo Motor Show, the Hyper Force was designed for racing enthusiasts and gamers who “crave the adrenalin rush of the racetrack but are also eco-conscious”, said Nissan.

The Nissan Hyper Force concept is further said to deliver “the ultimate driving pleasure while also offering high performance and comfort in daily use”.

Utilising a solid-state battery pack and high-output driveline, the model produces an astonishing 1000kW to offer what Nissan says is “precise and rapid acceleration”.

The all-wheel drive model uses the brand’s e-Force system to distribute motive power to each of the four wheels and features a lightweight carbon-fibre body to provide “powerful downforce” and “exceptional handling”.

Wide, planted visuals and a blend of sleek curves and bold geometry are said to reflect the performance underneath, while suggesting the potential of the model as a GT-R replacement, the head- and tail-lights “pay homage to Nissan’s high-performance cars” of the past.

Developed in conjunction with the Nismo race team, the aerodynamics of the Hyper Force concept combine a two-tier structure beneath the bonnet that melds downforce with high cooling performance.

Similarly, a dual-level rear diffuser “optimally controls airflow”, and is further assisted by frontal canards, a fender flip, and other “active” aero components aimed at minimising inner wheel lift during cornering.

The concept’s driveline offers GT (grand touring) and R (racing) modes, each denoted by a graphical interface that changes colours inside the cab.