Nissan Confirms Next-Generation GT-R R36 to Arrive Before 2030 With Hybrid Powertrain

Nissan plans to launch the next-generation GT-R, known as the R36, before the end of the decade. The company will discontinue the current GT-R R35 in 2025. Nissan North America’s Senior Vice President and Chief Planning Officer, Ponz Pandikuthira, told The Drive that concrete announcements about the R36 will come by 2028. He expects the new model to debut before 2030.

Key Highlights

• Nissan will discontinue the GT-R R35 in 2025
• The next-generation GT-R R36 expected before 2030 with hybrid powertrain
• New platform and significant engine changes planned for the R36
• Hybrid setup chosen over full-electric due to emissions and market trends
• R36 will comply with stricter global emissions regulations

New Platform and Powertrain

The upcoming GT-R R36 will be an all-new model built on a new platform. Pandikuthira confirmed that the powertrain will be mostly new, and the car will use a new chassis. He emphasized that the R36 "has to be" an all-new car. The powertrain will undergo significant changes, but the VR38 twin-turbo V6 engine will remain the base. However, Nissan will likely modify the engine’s top end, including the heads and pistons, to meet new requirements.

Electrification and Emissions Compliance

Nissan expects the next GT-R to feature some level of electrification. Pandikuthira stated that a full-electric GT-R is not planned at this time. Instead, a hybrid setup is the most likely direction for the R36. He explained that electrification is needed to ensure the new GT-R meets future emissions standards. The current R35 GT-R’s powertrain will not comply with upcoming regulations in several markets, including the Euro 7 emissions norms.

Nissan previously showcased the Hyper Force concept in 2023, which previewed an all-electric direction for the GT-R. However, slower-than-expected EV adoption and industry trends toward hybrids have led Nissan to consider a hybrid powertrain for the R36. The company aims to make the next GT-R a global model, requiring compliance with stricter emissions regulations worldwide.

Development Timeline and Market Strategy

Pandikuthira indicated that Nissan will provide more details about the R36 GT-R by 2028. The company targets a launch before 2030. The hybrid powertrain will help future-proof the GT-R against tightening emissions rules. Nissan’s approach reflects broader industry shifts as manufacturers adapt to changing regulatory and market conditions.