Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa confirms the next-gen GT-R is in development. Discover the future of the R36 and Nissan’s sports car plans. Read more!
The automotive world has been buzzing with anticipation, and now we have the official word: the legend is coming back. In a recent discussion at Nissan’s headquarters in Yokohama, CEO Ivan Espinosa officially confirmed that the next generation of the iconic Nissan GT-R is currently under development.
The Legacy of a Japanese Icon
For nearly six decades, the Nissan GT-R has stood as a pinnacle of Japanese high-performance engineering. The R35 generation, which dominated the streets and tracks for an incredible 17 years, officially ended its production run in 2024. While the sunset of the R35 marked the end of an era, it served as the perfect prelude for what comes next.
A Core Part of Nissan’s DNA
CEO Ivan Espinosa was clear that the end of the R35 does not mean the end of the GT-R. Instead, he emphasized that the model remains a fundamental pillar of the brand’s identity.
“We are working on it—actually developing it—the new Nissan GT-R,” Espinosa stated. “I cannot share too many details at this moment, but the GT-R will return with all the prestige and value it possesses. It is not just a symbol for our company, but for the entire industry, showcasing the technical prowess of the Akashi-san team.”
What to Expect from the Nissan GT-R R36?
This confirmation comes as a major milestone, being the first time a top-tier Nissan executive has directly addressed the new model’s existence. This follows previous hints from Ponz Pandikuthira, Director of Product Planning for Nissan USA, who asserted during the New York Auto Show in April 2025 that the GT-R would “definitely return.”
While specific specs remain under wraps, both Espinosa and Pandikuthira stressed that the successor—widely expected to be named the Nissan GT-R R36—must remain a true high-performance machine. Given the global shift toward sustainability, industry experts anticipate that the R36 will feature some level of electrification, likely as a hybrid powerhouse, to blend raw performance with modern efficiency.
Expanding the Horizon: More Than Just the GT-R
Nissan isn’t stopping at the GT-R. The company is looking to revitalize its entire sports car portfolio. There have been persistent rumors about a more affordable sports car sitting below the Nissan Z, and even the potential revival of the legendary Nissan Silvia.
Espinosa admitted that expanding the sports car lineup is a personal goal of his, though he urged a balanced approach. “Sports cars are our core as a company. We have a rich history and many product lines we can explore,” he explained. “A part of me wants to move quickly, but another part believes we must be cautious and take it step-by-step. However, you will certainly see more sports cars appearing in our catalog.”
Looking Ahead
With the green light from top leadership, Nissan is poised to merge its storied heritage with cutting-edge technology. Whether it’s the return of the “street-legal supercar” GT-R or the rebirth of classic nameplates, enthusiasts can expect a thrilling new chapter for the brand’s performance division.