Next-Gen R36 Nissan GT-R Arriving in 2028 as Fully-Electric Taycan Rival Developed in America

Nissan has reportedly stopped taking orders for the GT-R in Australia, suggesting the R35 generation will finally be retired. This is bad news because a replacement hasn’t been developed, but according to a report from Japan, the next-gen GT-R has just begun early development.

The R35 is one of the oldest cars currently in production, having rolled off the assembly line way back in 2007. It’s basically been around for 15 years, and a replacement has been rumored many times. Initially, Nissan was said to be working on a hybrid or plug-in powertrain using the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 Infiniti was already using.

I believe there were even patents. But a new report from the Japanese scoop website Best Car Web points the R36 Nissan GT-R in an entirely different direction. According to them, it will be a monster BEV using a solid-state battery system and the “strongest AWD in the Word.”

Next-gen GT-R, developed in America

The key new ingredient to this next-gen battery-electric GT-R is the all-solid-state battery system. Nissan is said to be developing the technology in-house with joint research help from NASA and American universities.

Apparently, the next-gen Nissan supercar is going to be developed primarily in the United States. That’s not really surprising, considering most Japanese car brands carry out development and production in North America. The Acura NSX and Integra are great examples of famous imports now essentially being domestic.

Nissan will, however, set up a production pilot line at the Yokohama plant in 2024. This could have links to other EV models, but the solid-state batteries are not expected to be ready before 2028.

Porsche Taycan, the main rival?

It’s no secret that German premium automakers are focusing on electric cars, and the Porsche Taycan is the tip of the spear. While it may not have the longest range, this 4-door EV delivers great acceleration and ultra-fast charging.

That’s why Nissan is reportedly benchmarking the Taycan as we speak. This is not really surprising, considering even Italian supercar makers are playing around with the Taycan because it’s so good at what it does. What’s more, the GT-R has been a direct rival to the 911 Turbo, especially the R35. Our source’s renderings even paint the GT-R EV as a 4-door.

The R35 still has a future?

According to Best Car Web, the R35 will be discontinued soon because it can’t be sold in Europe and Australia due to emissions regulations. But a new variant with updates might be released in spring 2023.

Just like the Nissan Z, they’re supposedly changing the design but not the platform. And even though rumors of hybrid tech make sense, next year’s Godzilla is reportedly still going to use the VR38DETT. Frankly, that part of the report doesn’t make much sense.

Even so, I’d be happy if the R35 gets to live for 20 years; it’s going to be a historic event. And as long as the price is right, there’s nothing wrong with Grandpa Godzilla.

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