'Skyline GT-R' - a nameplate so iconic, that it can very well be put up with the myths of dragons and hollow earth ideologies. Its latest iteration, the R35 Nissan GT-R sent across a cold shiver in the automotive world when it launched in 2007. This subtle and rather boxy-looking touring coupe ate supercars for breakfast. Ferrari and Lamborghini were taking notes and scratching heads at the same time.
Fast forward 14 long years, the GT-R hasn't changed a bit, and that is frustrating! The competition has evolved leaps and bounds with automakers like Lamborghini also jumping onto the hybrid bandwagon. And here we have Nissan, trying so hard to keep the GT-R nameplate alive, with limited-edition models. The GT-R50 by Italdesign is quite a looker, no doubt, but that wasn't what a GT-R stood high for. It was a car that was all about precision engineering and didn't care a bit about how it looked!
Its iconic V6 motor has stood strong through think and now is helping it stay afloat through thin. But now it's come to the end of its cycle, partially though. Reports suggest that the next-gen R36 GT-R will pack a hybridized iteration of the VR38DETT engine. But before that, the 2022 Nissan GT-R will most likely be the final hurrah with the untapped all-gasoline motor. Its next rival clearly in sight is the recently unveiled McLaren Artura - the British automaker's first-ever plug-in hybrid supercar.
2022 will be the final year for the once super-car-devouring Nissan R35 GT-R with a gasoline-only powertrain. By the end of 2022, we will most likely get a mild-hybrid GT-R.
2022 Will Most Probably Be The Last Year For The R35 GT-R
At the time of writing this piece, Nissan broke the news of its release of a Special Edition model based on the 600 hp NISMO for 2022. Limited in numbers, the 2022 Nissan GT-R Special Edition will get unique blacked-out 20-inch wheels with red accents, a carbon fiber hood, and a distinctive Stealth Gray exterior paint. While all of this sounds cool, Nissan hasn't confirmed this model's sale in the US. Apart from that, the 2022 Nissan GT-R might also be the last year for the R35 generation and come in the 3 standard trims - Premium, Track Edition, and NISMO ranging from $114,000 to $218,000.
The 2022 GT-R Might Pack A Mild-Hybrid Version Of The Twin-Turbo V6
The supercar-killer's heart is destined to be the same as the 3.8L Twin-Turbo V6 that pumps out 565 hp and is coupled to a 6-Speed automatic transmission. But there are rumors of Nissan introducing a mild-hybrid tech on this engine layout with a 48V battery pack and a small electric motor. This might feature an integrated started generator and the battery pack would be capable of pumping out 27 hp and 185 lb-ft, effectively making the base trims pump out 600 horses. Subsequently, the NISMO edition will also get a bump from its current 600 hp figure to around 630 hp.
If Not; It Will Be Powered By The 710 Hp Iteration Used In The Italdesign GT-R50
That is one side of the speculation. The other side revolves around the lately showcased Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign that uses the most powerful iteration of the VR38DETT engine that pumps put 710 hp. This was made possible by heavily upgrading the engine using turbochargers from the GT3-Spec GT-R race car, larger intercoolers, high-flow injectors, and added reinforcements to the 6-Speed auto. This engine will make a fitting addition to bidding adieu to the iconic R35 in its gasoline-only state.
Nissan GT-R Will Most Likely Get A Complete Interior Overhaul, But After The Final Hurrah In 2022
The interior is expected to get a heavy overhaul, much in line with the recently showcased Nissan Z Proto concept, that previewed the next Z car. But we believe that this major change will come in only at the end of 2022 after Nissan has built the Final Editions of the R35 GT-R. Till then we would continue to get the very much driver-focused interior layout wrapped in leather and Alcantara. It sure is gravely outdated but will run a bit more on life-support.
The 2022 GT-R Will Mostly Carry On With The Italdesign Canvas; Or Something Different
As Nissan has already pitched in the 2022 GT-R as a special edition, it is confirmed (for now), that there are no major design changes. But as rumors suggest that the next-gen R36 GT-R would also make landfall by the 3rd quarter of 2022, we expect it to flaunt a completely radical design language that holds onto the GT-R's iconic silhouette, but at the same time moves ahead in time. The GT-R50 Italdesign is a step in the right direction and might evolve from there.
Another angle to look forth is from a render created by Jon Leu who has also managed to capture the legendary essence of the GT-R as we know and add the much-needed sharpness and futuristic appeal. The possibilities are many, and there are instances of creativity showcasing the GT-R50 by Italdesign as a cool mid-engined sportscar and is worth drooling over.
When Will The 2022 Nissan GT-R Launch?
The 2022 Nissan GT-R is expected to launch in the 3rd quarter of 2022 and will most probably be the last time we see a launch event of the current-gen R35 GT-R. With the recent unveiling of the Special Edition based on the NISMO trim, we suspect it to be the last hurrah. It will for one last time lock horns with the likes of McLaren 570, Porche 911, and the Audi R8 before giving in to hybridization which we hope won't be BORING.
Sources: Wikipedia.org, Autoevolution.com, Motor1.com, Caradvice.com.au, Topspeed.com