Nissan finally remembered it builds cars people actually want to drive.
The Japanese automaker’s new CEO just declared war on boring with plans for four or five global “halo” sports cars. Not region-restricted compliance specials. Actual performance machines available worldwide.
This isn’t just corporate lip service. It’s a long-overdue resurrection.
Godzilla Goes Hybrid, Refuses to Die
Nissan’s next-generation GT-R will embrace electrification without surrendering its soul.
The R36 GT-R will pack hybrid power when it arrives within 3-5 years. Engineers already built and rejected fully-electric GT-R prototypes after discovering they couldn’t deliver proper track performance.
The hybrid approach preserves the GT-R’s track-day dominance while acknowledging reality: pure combustion engines face extinction.
Meanwhile, the current R35 soldiers on in 2025 with Premium and NISMO Special Editions. Production remains capped around 1,500 units globally—possibly marking this generation’s final lap after a staggering 16-year run.
Z Expands, Patrol Joins the Party
Nissan’s sports car revival extends beyond the GT-R:
- The Z lineup expands with a track-focused NISMO variant in FY25
- A more affordable sports car sits in development
- The Patrol SUV earns “halo car” designation in Nissan’s portfolio
Previous regulatory hurdles kept Nissan’s best performers from European and UK showrooms. The new strategy ensures global availability—no more second-class markets.
Performance Without Compromise
Nissan’s motorsports division continues pushing electrification while maintaining GT-R and Z customer racing programs.
The Hyper Force concept signals where Nissan’s performance ambitions intersect with environmental responsibility. It targets enthusiasts who demand both adrenaline and sustainability.
This sports car renaissance represents more than nostalgia. It’s calculated brand-building from a company that once defined accessible performance.
Nissan’s leadership finally recognized what enthusiasts knew all along: people who love driving still exist.
And they’re tired of waiting for something worth buying.
