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The legendary "Godzilla" is not dead, but merely in a state of deep mechanical slumber as Nissan begins the early stages of product development for the next-generation GT-R
According to recent statements from Nissan North America's chief planning officer Ponz Pandikuthira, the automotive world can expect concrete announcements regarding the R36 GT-R around 2028.
While enthusiasts have eagerly awaited news following the end of R35 production in August 2025, official sources suggest the actual vehicle will likely make its global debut before the turn of the decade.
The upcoming R36 is expected to be a "global car," necessitating a significant evolution to meet stringent international emissions standards, including the upcoming Euro 7 regulations
Nissan has confirmed that hybridisation is a "must" for the new generation.
In an exclusive interview with The Drive at the 2026 New York International Auto Show, Pandikuthira indicated that the next-gen flagship would likely retain a heavily revised version of its iconic VR38 twin-turbocharged V6 engine, supplemented by electrical assistance to provide the "fire-breathing" performance fans expect.
This move towards hybridisation aims to enhance the GT-R's existing formula rather than replace it
The R35 was famously heavy by sports car standards, yet it utilised technological wizardry—such as its dual-clutch gearbox and advanced AWD system—to dominate the track.
The R36 is poised to elevate these concepts further with next-generation torque vectoring and a completely new chassis. While the 'Hyper Force' concept recently teased a potential 1,000kW all-electric future for the badge, Nissan engineers have reportedly prioritised a hybrid setup for the R36 to ensure the car can complete multiple high-speed laps at the Nürburgring without needing immediate recharging.
In the Malaysian market, the R35 GT-R remains a highly sought-after icon among collectors and tuners alike
Currently, used and reconditioned R35 models are trading between RM310,000 for early versions to well over RM1,150,000 for rare NISMO variants.
For context, a high-performance supercar in this bracket often commands a global starting price of approximately USD210,000 (RM846,300), placing the future R36 in direct competition with the latest electrified offerings from Europe.
The development team in Japan is reportedly taking a meticulous approach to ensure the R36 remains an "authentic GT-R"—a vehicle that can be used as a daily driver but remains menacing on the racetrack
With official qualifying sessions for the 2026 Porsche Esports Sprint Challenge already underway in Malaysia, the appetite for high-stakes digital and physical racing has never been higher, setting a perfect stage for Godzilla's eventual return.
