Explore its evolution and individuality

The Nissan GT-R, which has been a long-selling model for 17 years, is finally rumoured to be discontinued with the 2025 model year. We therefore once again take the MY24 and MY22 ‘Nismo Special Edition’ for a long-distance test drive to highlight the differences in the two cars’ personalities. What are the differences in their evolution and individuality?

A “long-seller” that will end production before 2026

There are 1,500 units left. The current model, which was launched in 2023 as the MY24 with relatively major interior and exterior changes, was thought to signal the intention to keep making it for a few years, but according to Nissan, production is rumoured to end in 25 years. However, according to Nissan, it is rumoured that production will end in 25 years.

It was said that production from 2026 would be difficult due to several regulations, such as noise restrictions and mandatory automatic braking, but the reason for the model being brought forward is that “it has become difficult to supply parts”.

Well, the basic design of the machine is 17 years old, and although it has undergone annual improvements, the main parts (e.g. transmission) are the same as in the past. It was difficult to receive the supply of parts from “such a long time ago” for a model that was not expected to be produced in large numbers in the first place.

As with the ‘Takumi Edition’ and ‘Skyline Edition’ models for North America, there are rumours that there may be a further Final Edition for the Japanese market.　There are rumours that there will be a further final edition for the Japanese market, but since this is the last one, it is difficult to say. No, if there is one, it will be a very small number and it may be targeted at MY25 buyers, or it may be prohibitively expensive. In any case, the chances are no longer limited.

The MY25 GT-R was announced on 14 March, with production starting as early as June 2024; in some regions, applications for the lottery were received in the order of those who had not won the MY24 and closed immediately after the announcement, while in others, like Tokyo, they were accepted until 24 March.

While those looking to place a new order can simply bet on the draw anyway, the tricky part is the “buy? or not buy?” decision of those who already own a pre-minor change model around MY22, especially the Nismo. But since they don’t know whether they will win the lottery or not, they have no choice but to apply for now. If you have the financial means, it would be best to have two cars.

There was some news for the MY25, such as a new colour scheme and engine parts for the T-Spec that were used in the Nismo Special Edition, but there were no changes to the basic performance or design from the MY24. As far as Nismo is concerned, it is the same. Here we once again borrow the MY22 and MY24 and highlight the differences between the two cars’ personalities on a long touring trip to Kyoto.