2023 Author: Charles Youmans | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-20 18:41
Despite the fact that the Nissan GT-R has been around for about 14 years, it still has great sales. The manufacturer continues to update its supercar almost every year with numerous special editions to keep the model up to date. After all, he has to compete with much more modern machines. An example of this is the new T-Spec with a range of visual enhancements and brake vents borrowed from the beloved Nismo.
In a rather shocking announcement, Nissan is effectively announcing the end of history for the GT-R in Australia, where the company will no longer be able to sell the vehicle from November 1, 2021. Why? This is due to the toughened rules for conducting crash tests (ADR 85). They come into effect on this day for vehicles manufactured before November 2017. The GT-R certainly falls into this group since the first production R35 went on sale in April 2009. Note that such stringent safety requirements are still valid only in Australia, but not in other markets, including the Russian one.
In truth, few people (those who can afford it) paid attention to this model, given that only 19 cars were sold in Australia in the first eight months of the year. Total sales of the R35 are unlikely to surpass 1,000 units by October 31, when the high-performance coupe leaves the Australian market after 12 years of presence.
Fast forward to late 2021, when the GT-R is asking AU $ 193,800 and a whopping AU $ 378,000 for the top-of-the-line Nismo. Given the declining sales and the age of the platform, it's no surprise that Nissan has stopped updating the GT-R to comply with the new side impact crash test rules.
“Due to innovations in Australian side impact vehicle safety regulations, the Nissan GT-R will officially leave Australian showrooms from 31 October 2021. But in other countries, you can still get your favorite sports model. " This is how the head of Nissan spoke about this situation. It's worth noting that the GT-R isn't the only car to have suffered the same fate in Australia, as several Lexus models, including the CT compact hatchback (yes, it still exists), will likewise be phased out in late October.
It is believed that 50 T-Spec and Nismo special editions are slated for the local market, with details likely to be announced in the coming weeks. The GT-R (R35) will be marketed outside Australia for some time to come. Rumor has it that the release will last until 2024. In addition, there is information that the GT-R may receive a mild hybrid powertrain, as well as a Final Edition with more than 700 horsepower.