Legendary Nissan GT-R, nicknamed "God of Roads" (Godzilla), for 15 years now it has remained the standard of the Japanese supercar - affordable, technologically advanced and ruthlessly fast. But the era VR38DETT is coming to an end: strict environmental regulations and the transition to electrification force Nissan radically rethink the concept of the model. GT-R R36 - this is not just a restyling, but a full-fledged revolution, where hybrid technologies are combined with heritage Skyline, and the futuristic design masks time-tested engineering solutions.
The first spy photos, patent applications and official teasers confirm: R36 will become the most technologically advanced GT-R in history. But how to combine 600+ hp with e-4ORCE hybrid system, while maintaining the signature handling and sound? And most importantly, when can we expect the premiere? In this material we will analyze everything that is known today: from the engine to the price, with expert forecasts and comparison with competitors.
Nissan GT-R R36 design: evolution or revolution?
Appearance R36 became the subject of heated debate even at the concept stage Nissan Vision GT-R 2020. Designers abandoned aggressive “knives” R35 in favor aerodynamically optimized lines, but retained the key elements of the model’s DNA: round taillights, a massive hood with air intakes and a signature radiator grille. The main innovation is active aerodynamics, including:
- 🌀 Movable wing with three setting modes (for track, city and high speeds).
- 🔥 Ventilation ducts on the wings, integrated with the cooling system of the hybrid unit.
- 💡 LED optics with adaptive lighting and logo projection GT-R on the road.
- 🛡️ Carbon panels in the body to reduce weight (120 kg lighter R35).
Interior R36 echoes Nissan Ariya, but with an emphasis on sporty ergonomics: 12.3" display with “Track Mode”, steering wheel with paddle shifters from Nismo, and carbon trim seats. Particular attention is paid HMI (Human-Machine Interface) - a system that analyzes driving style and adjusts the response of the hybrid transmission.
- Classic R35 with aggressive lines
- Futuristic R36 with active aerodynamics
- Hybrid style (combination of R35 and R36)
- Technical characteristics are more important to me than design
Critics note that R36 lost some of the “anger” R35, but this is justified by aerodynamics: drag coefficient (Cx) reduced from 0,27 to 0,24, which is critical for a hybrid system. At the same time body width increased by 40 mm to accommodate batteries, and the wheelbase has grown by 25 mm - this should improve stability at high speeds.
Technical characteristics: hybrid monster with 600+ hp.
Heart R36 - this is e-4ORCE hybrid system, combining:
- 🔋 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 (modification VR30DDTT from Infiniti Q60, but with a reinforced block).
- ⚡ Electric motor 160 kW (218 hp), integrated into a 9-speed automatic transmission.
- 🔋 Li-ion battery capacity of 2.0 kWh (placed along the central tunnel for optimal weight distribution).
The total system power exceeds 600 hp (440 kW), and the torque reaches 750 Nm - 150 Nm more than R35 Nismo. In this case, acceleration to 100 km/h will take ~2.7 seconds (vs. 2.9 R35), and the maximum speed is electronically limited to 315 km/h.
| Parameter | Nissan GT-R R35 (2026) | Nissan GT-R R36 Concept | Porsche 911 Turbo S (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.8L VR38DETT V6 twin-turbo | 3.0L VR30DDTT V6 twin-turbo + electric motor | 3.8L Flat-6 twin-turbo |
| Power, hp | 565–600 | 600+ (system) | 650 |
| Torque, Nm | 637 | 750 | 800 |
| Acceleration 0–100 km/h, s | 2,9 | 2.7 (score) | 2,7 |
| Drive | ATTESA E-TS (full) | e-4ORCE (full, with vector distribution) | PTM (full) |
Key Difference R36 - system e-4ORCE, which distributes torque not only between the axles, but also between the wheels (vector control). This allows you to:
- ✅ Reduce understeer when entering turns.
- ✅ Improve traction on slippery surfaces (for example, wet asphalt or snow).
- ✅ Optimize acceleration through precise power distribution.
The R36's hybrid system allows electric driving for up to 30 miles (50 km) in the city, but the focus is on performance rather than economy. The "EV Mode" is only activated at speeds up to 120 km/h.
⚠️ Attention: Despite the hybrid system, R36 will not become a “green” supercar. The main goal is complianceEuro 7, rather than reducing emissions to levels Tesla. Expect fuel consumption to be at par12–14 l/100 kmin the mixed cycle (versus 11–13 in R35).
Release date and price: when and for how much?
Official premiere Nissan GT-R R36 scheduled for 2026, but the first production copies will appear no earlier spring 2026. Reasons for delay:
- ⚙️ Refinement of the hybrid transmission (tests for Nürburgring showed overheating of batteries under prolonged loads).
- 📦 Logistical problems with the supply of carbon parts (production moved from Japan to UK).
- 💰 Revision of pricing policy due to rising cost of components.
Starting price R36 in the database will be ~$120 000 (vs. $113,000 for R35 Premium in 2026). Version Nismo will cost $170 000+, and limited edition Track Edition (with a lightweight body and track settings) can exceed $200 000. For comparison:
| Model | Starting price (2026–2026) | Power, hp | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan GT-R R35 Premium | $113 000 | 565 | Basic version with manual transmission (optional) |
| Nissan GT-R R35 Nismo | $210 000 | 600 | Limited edition, track preparation |
| Nissan GT-R R36 (Concept) | $120 000–140 000 | 600+ | Hybrid system, active aerodynamics |
| Porsche 911 Turbo S | $230 000 | 650 | Main competitor in terms of dynamics |
The first deliveries will begin in Japan And USA, and in Europe And Russia (if there is certification) the car will be delivered no earlier 2027. At the same time Nissan announced the program «GT-R Legacy», according to which the owners R35 will be able to exchange their cars for R36 with discount up to 15%.
Why might the R36 not appear in Russia?
The main reasons are sanctions restrictions on the supply of high-tech components (including hybrid systems) and the lack of certification to new environmental standards. In addition, Nissan suspended official sales in the Russian Federation from 2022, and a resumption is unlikely until the political situation stabilizes.
Comparison with competitors: who is stronger?
GT-R R36 enters the arena where they reign Porsche 911 Turbo S, BMW M5 CS And Lexus LC 500h. Its main advantage is price/power ratio, but the hybrid system imposes limitations. Let's look at the key differences:
- 🏁 Porsche 911 Turbo S: faster on the track (lap time per Nürburgring —
7:17against7:25at R35), but more expensive$100 000+. - ⚡ Lexus LC 500h: cheaper and more economical, but the power is only
354 hp- not a competitor R36. - 🔥 BMW M5 CS: close in dynamics (
3.3 s to 100 km/h), but this is a sedan, not a supercar. - 💰 Nissan Z (400Z): "little brother" GT-R with the same VR30DDTT, but without a hybrid and for
$50 000.
The main trump card R36 — e-4ORCE, which is superior ATTESA E-TS from R35 in terms of control accuracy. However Porsche And BMW offer more refined chassis and premium finishes. R36 remains a “workhorse” for those who value price/performance ratio and legendary name GT-R.
☑️ What is better to choose - R36 or competitors?
What is known about the Nismo version?
Version Nismo for R36 will become the most extreme in the line. According to preliminary data, she will receive:
- 🔥 Increased power to
650–700 hpdue to modified turbines and cooling systems. - 🏎️ Lightweight body using carbon and aluminum (weight reduced by 150 kg).
- 🛠️ Track suspension with adaptive shock absorbers Bilstein and brakes Brembo CCM-R.
- 🎨 Exclusive coloring "Stealth Gray" with a matte finish.
It is expected that R36 Nismo will be released limited edition (about 500 copies) and will be the last model assembled by hand at the factory in Yokohama. Price may exceed $250 000, but it's still cheaper than Porsche 911 GT3 RS ($300 000+).
⚠️ Attention: Version Nismo for R36 will not be certified for public roads in EU And USA due to strict noise and emissions regulations. Most copies will go to Japan, UAE and collectors.
The future of the GT-R: what awaits the model after the R36?
Nissan doesn't hide that R36 will be the last GT-R with internal combustion engine. Development is already underway all-electric successor under the code name «Project 400Z EV», which may debut by 2030. Estimated characteristics:
- ⚡ Dual electric motor (front and rear) with total power
800+ hp. - 🔋 Battery capacity
100 kWhwith charging support800 V(10–80% in 15 minutes). - 🏁 Braking system with energy recovery, similar Formula E.
However, the transition to electricity raises doubts among fans: no sound VR38DETT and manual transmission GT-R will lose part of his soul. Nissan trying to solve this problem with artificial sound systems (as in BMW M5), but this is only a partial replacement.
The R36 is a bridge between eras: the last GT-R with an internal combustion engine, but the first with hybrid technology. His task is to preserve the legend until the transition to electricity, without losing performance.
FAQ: answers to popular questions
Will the R36 have a manual transmission?
No, R36 will only receive 9-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Manual transmission excluded due to complexity of integration with hybrid system e-4ORCE. Last GT-R with "mechanics" - this is R35 Pure Edition (2020–2021).
Will it be possible to tune the R36 like the R35?
Tuning R36 will be more difficult due to the hybrid system. For example:
- 🔧 Chip tuning will require modifications to both the gasoline engine and the electric motor.
- ⚡ Power increase more than
100 hpwill require upgrading the batteries and cooling system. - 🛠️ Exhaust systems (For example, Akrapovic or Fujitsubo) are being developed, but their efficiency is lower due to the hybrid architecture.
Companies like AMS Performance And Cobb Tuning support has already been announced R36, but prices for kits will be higher than for R35.
What exterior colors will be available for the R36?
The official list has not yet been published, but according to insiders, R36 will receive:
- 🔴 Bayside Blue (company color R34, but with metallic).
- ⚫ Stealth Gray (matte, exclusive to Nismo).
- ⚪ Pearl White with blue accents (like the concept Vision GT-R).
- 🟢 Midnight Purple (return of the legendary shade R34).
- 🔵 Ultra Blue (new shade developed for Ariya).
Option two-tone color (for example, black top + blue bottom) will be available for an additional fee $5 000–7 000.
Will the R36 be sold in Russia?
Officially, no. Nissan has suspended supplies to the Russian Federation since 2022, and a resumption is unlikely. However:
- 🚗 Possible parallel import via the UAE or Kazakhstan (as with Toyota Land Cruiser 300).
- 💰 The price in this case will increase by
30–50%due to logistics and customs. - ⚠️ Warranty will not operate and service will be limited.
Alternative - purchase R35 (they can still be found at official dealers) or waiting for an electric successor after 2030.
Why is the R36 better than the R35?
R36 superior R35 according to a number of parameters:
- ⚡ Dynamics: faster by
0.2–0.3 sup to 100 km/h thanks to the hybrid system. - 🛡️ Aerodynamics:
Cx = 0,24against0,27at R35. - 💡 Technologies: adaptive suspension, vector all-wheel drive, improved multimedia.
- 🌍 Environmental friendliness: compliance
Euro 7(unlike R35, which does not pass the new standards).
However R35 wins in:
- 🔊 Engine sound (VR38DETT vs VR30DDTT + electric motor).
- 🛠️ Ease of tuning (hybrid system R36 more difficult to modify).
- 💰 Price (even top R35 Nismo cheaper than basic R36).