Nissan announces the end of the GT-R for the North American market
We all knew that the Nissan GT-R didn't have long to run, but now the manufacturer has announced that production of the big Japanese sports coupe for the North American market will come to an end in October.
In the United States, two special editions are planned to mark the end of "Godzilla" on our continent, each vintage 2024 and expected at dealerships from this summer. Their number will be limited to a total of 200 units.
First, the GT-R T-spec Takumi Edition pays tribute to the craftsmen (takumi, in Japanese) who hand-assemble each GT-R VR38DETT engine. Special red lettering and a gold plate bearing the VIN will be affixed to it. The Midnight Purple bodywork is a nod to certain flagship editions of the Skyline/GT-R, while the interior is finished in Mori Green.
Next, the GT-R Skyline Edition revives the legendary name and evokes the urban landscape of Japan. It comes in Bayside Blue - a color not seen since the previous generation (R34), with the exception of the 2019 50th Anniversary model - and Sora Blue interior (new color).
In both cases, the 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 remains unchanged, developing 565 hp via a six-speed sequential transmission and all-wheel drive.
The Car Guide contacted Nissan Canada for further details. None of these limited editions will be offered here, unfortunately. Please also understand that there will be no 2025 model.
55 years of history
The Nissan GT-R made its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in autumn 1968. Shortly afterwards, in February 1969, a production version was presented to the public, boasting a quarter-mile time of 16.1 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h.
Almost 40 years later, the sixth-generation GT-R was launched in 2008 (as a 2009 model) for the first time in Canada. Since then, Nissan has made a number of minor adjustments, but on the whole, it has remained true to the same formula.
In the process, the GT-R has become a household name among car enthusiasts, and even an icon of popular culture, appearing in numerous films (including Fast and Dangerous) and video games (Need for Speed, Gran Turismo, etc.).
A next generation may be on the way in a few years' time, but this time it's likely to be electrically powered. To be continued...
