Nissan GT-R godfather hopes future R36 stays gas‑powered despite EV push
Published on Aug 29, 2025 at 5:39 PM (UTC+4)
by Keelin McNamara
Last updated on Aug 29, 2025 at 8:38 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
The Nissan GT-R very sadly came to the end of its legendary production run this week.
The R35 version has been in production for 18 years, but there are no immediate plans for a successor.
However, the Nissan GT-R godfather has offered his view on the future of the iconic nameplate.
And, if he has his way, a future R36 model would remain gas-powered despite the global EV push.
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The Nissan GT-R is officially dead – for now
It was truly sad news for Nissan GT-R fans across the globe this past week.
The last-ever model officially rolled off the line of the factory’s plant in Japan.
And what makes the news even worse is that there are no immediate plans for a successor to the supercar.
Rumours have circulated for a while about what a future R36 could look like.
In an interview with The Drive, the Nissan Chief Planning Officer for North America offered some insight.
He suggested that the future R36 could be turbocharged and produce north of 600hp.
It also could, however, be electrified – with the EV push potentially claiming the GT-R as well.
Furthermore, the next generation could also be as far away as 2028-2031; so, not great.
‘Godfather’ of the GT-R offers his view on the future
Thankfully, though, there could be some salvation on the horizon for fans everywhere.
And the good news could potentially come from the creator of ‘Godzilla’ himself.
Hiroshi Tamura is the R35’s Chief Product Specialist, earning the nickname ‘the Godfather of the GT-R’.
And Tamura has offered his opinion on what he would like to see next in the future R36.
In an interview released by Nissan, Tamura discussed his personal desire to keep the supercar gas-powered.
“For any future generation of GT-R, it’s just my personal preference, but I’d still like to have some hint of a combustion chamber note,” Tamura noted.
“Again, this isn’t a hidden indication of the company’s intent, or a clue to any potential direction Nissan might take, rather, just my personal preference.”
Tamura has since retired from his GT-R role, now serving as an ambassador of Nissan’s sports cars.
Despite retiring, Tamura has emphasised the importance of the brand focusing on the customer experience.
“The starting point and goal, should always be to bring a smile [to] the customer’s face, to deliver true driving pleasure,” Tamura said.
“I tell people to be patient, we had a gap of 17 years between the [second generation] and R32, but Nissan never gave up on the GT-R.”
It somewhat goes without saying that we completely echo Hiroshi Tamura’s sentiments.
But what do you think? Do you think the future R36 GT-R will survive the EV push?
Keelin McNamara is a content writer at Supercar Blondie from Ireland, covering cars, technology, and lifestyle. Despite being a Law graduate, he discovered his passion for journalism during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has worked in the industry ever since. Outside of work, he is an avid MotoGP fan, and is a self-confessed addict of the sport.
