Nissan’s CEO Verifies That Progress on the Upcoming GT-R is in Motion

Godzilla is on the verge of awakening from its slumber. On Tuesday in Yokohama, Japan, Nissan President and CEO Ivan Espinosa informed The Drive, “Yes, we are indeed actively working on the GT-R.”

While Espinosa indicated that specific details were limited, the automotive enthusiast overseeing Nissan holds the exclusive authority to approve the new R36. He stated the new GT-R “will arrive, and it will arrive with the credibility and credentials that it has always possessed because it’s a symbol of a company, but more importantly an icon of the industry.”

The GT-R serves as “evidence of what Akashi-san’s team can achieve technically,” Espinosa remarked. Eiichi Akashi is the chief technical officer at Nissan and currently oversees the automaker’s vehicle innovation department.

Earlier in April at the 2026 New York International Auto Show, Nissan North America Senior Vice President and Chief Planning Officer Ponz Pandikuthira told The Drive, “I’d predict that by 2028, you’ll see definite announcements, and hopefully before the decade concludes, an R36 GT-R will make an appearance.”

On Tuesday in Yokohama, Pandikuthira provided further insight into this timeline and its underlying rationale while conversing with The Drive. “The reason I mentioned 2028 is that’s when we’ll truly understand if there will be a change in administration, and then we’ll ascertain what the emissions trajectory will be, thereby solidifying the plans,” Pandikuthira explained. “That being said, you cannot initiate in 2028. Therefore, a significant portion of the groundwork will be completed here, but I hope that by 2028, with someone like Ivan as the current CEO, it will gain higher priority, enabling us to make definite announcements by 2028 regarding when we can anticipate a new GT-R in showrooms.”

Pandikuthira has already affirmed that the upcoming GT-R will be a hybrid and likely employ the R35’s VR38 block, thereby ensuring Godzilla retains six gasoline-fed cylinders under the hood. According to the SVP, “the powertrain’s going to be primarily new.” He also indicated that the R36 GT-R “must be” built on a new chassis and “it will be an entirely new vehicle.”

The R35 Nissan GT-R was retired in August 2025, but the head of Nissan has already confirmed that the R36 is in the works, and we are starting to understand its potential. It seems we won’t have to wait much longer for Godzilla’s return. Start marking your calendars and saving your funds.

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**Nissan CEO Affirms Progress on the Next GT-R Development**

In a recent revelation that has stirred excitement within the automotive sector, Nissan’s CEO has verified that the progression of the next-generation GT-R is officially in motion. This update serves as a ray of optimism for aficionados and supporters of the legendary sports vehicle, which has been a hallmark of performance and engineering excellence for many years.

The GT-R, commonly dubbed “Godzilla,” boasts a rich legacy that originated in the late 1960s. The model garnered global recognition with its R32 variant in the late 1980s, which demonstrated pioneering technology and performance metrics that redefined standards within the sports car realm. Following variants, including the R33, R34, and currently the R35, have consistently expanded upon this heritage, with each new generation challenging the limits of speed, control, and creativity.

The confirmation regarding the next GT-R’s development arises at a moment when the automotive landscape is undergoing profound transformations, especially with the transition towards electric and sustainable technologies. While concrete information about the future GT-R remains limited, sources suggest that Nissan might introduce hybrid or fully electric powertrains to enhance capabilities while complying with environmental regulations.

Nissan’s dedication to the GT-R legacy is clear through its continued investment in research and development. The automaker has been investigating various technologies, such as advanced aerodynamics, lightweight materials, and state-of-the-art driver assistance systems, all of which could significantly influence the design and functionality of the next GT-R.

Furthermore, the announcement corresponds with Nissan’s overarching strategy to rejuvenate its performance portfolio. The company has hinted at a renewed emphasis on sports vehicles, aiming to engage a fresh generation of drivers while retaining the steadfast allegiance of long-term fans. The upcoming GT-R is anticipated to encapsulate this vision, merging classic performance with contemporary technology.

As excitement escalates, Nissan enthusiasts and automotive analysts are keen to observe how the next GT-R will unfold. Will it preserve the raw energy and mechanical finesse beloved by fans, or will it step into a new performance era with electrification? Only time will reveal, but one truth remains: the GT-R’s legacy is far from finished.

In summary, the affirmation of the next GT-R’s development heralds a thrilling chapter for Nissan and its performance-oriented sector. As the automotive environment continues to evolve, the new GT-R promises a fusion of tradition and innovation, ensuring that the essence of “Godzilla” endures for years ahead.