The upcoming Nissan GT-R is being delayed due to political issues in the United States.

      Nissan

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      Godzilla is on its way back. The Nissan GT-R isn’t finished; it's just taking a break, and efforts are underway to revive it. However, there are obstacles, and they originate outside the company.

      In Yokohama, Japan, during a recent episode of The Drivecast, Ponz Pandikuthira, Senior Vice President and Chief Planning Officer of Nissan North America, shared with The Drive that the current uncertainty in the U.S. political landscape is hindering the development of the next-generation GT-R.

      You can listen to the full conversation beginning with Pandikuthira discussing how political matters are affecting the future of the next GT-R.

      Pandikuthira remarked, “The primary issue with the current GT-R model is that it didn’t comply with emissions standards. There were numerous modifications necessary that would stifle the powertrain to meet the latest emission regulations. Therefore, it was indeed time to retire that vehicle. Our goal is to ensure the next-generation GT-R is future-proof, allowing it to have a long lifespan and continue evolving throughout its lifecycle. The significant unknown is the direction emissions regulations will take. Currently, we have some respite with the existing administration as they have eased many regulations. There are many things we can undertake today, but we lack clarity on what will be feasible after ’28 or ’32. This uncertainty is precisely what is delaying the development of our vision for this car.”

      He added, “That said, there is a dedicated group of enthusiasts, as Ivan has confirmed to you, working in Japan to bring the GT-R back. They are extremely passionate about this car.”

      Pandikuthira revealed that the next-gen GT-R is set to be a hybrid, expected to debut in 3 to 5 years. Earlier this month, it was confirmed that it would retain the R35's VR38 block. Newly appointed Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa, who has been in his role for just over a year, affirmed to The Drive that “we are indeed already working on the GT-R,” as reiterated by Pandikuthira.

      The reason for the 3- to 5-year timeline is politically driven. “I mentioned 2028 because that’s when we will know if there will be an administration change, and we’ll understand the direction emissions will take, which will then finalize our plans. However, we cannot start in 2028. A lot of the groundwork will be done beforehand, but with someone like Ivan as CEO, I believe it will gain higher priority, and we should be able to make specific announcements by ’28 regarding when you can expect to see a new GT-R in showrooms,” Pandikuthira said.

      Significant developments are expected at Nissan ahead of the next GT-R’s arrival. Espinosa outlined an extensive turnaround strategy aimed at discontinuing underperforming models while retaining the highlights. A lineup of frame-based vehicles will debut in the U.S. in 2028, starting with the new Xterra.

      While Nissan’s Rogue crossover SUVs are crucial to sales, its enthusiast CEO emphasized to The Drive that “sports cars are fundamental to what we are as a company.” Espinosa is not alone in his passion for cars; the leadership team is filled with car enthusiasts. Richard Candler, responsible for Nissan’s global corporate product strategy, informed The Drive, “We are seriously re-evaluating our sports [car] lineup. We all want to create exciting cars.”

      Pandikuthira's recommendation for those awaiting the GT-R's return? “I highly advise driving on the Hakone Skyline Road. Rent a car and take a drive on the Ashinoko-Skyline Hakone Toll Road, as that’s where the GT-R was developed. When I lived in Japan, I owned an R35 GT-R. That road is perfect for it. The core group working on the GT-R is out there every weekend enjoying their cars. So, trust me, they are actively working to find the best way to bring the GT-R back. Rest assured, when the time comes, the car will be absolutely right.”

      One thing is certain: Nissan’s Godfather of the GT-R will see his desire fulfilled, and the next-generation Godzilla will be powered by gasoline.

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