The GT-R is probably the most iconic nameplate in Nissan’s entire lineup. Putting an end to an 18-year production run, the Nissan GT-R (R35) was discontinued in 2025. This move disappointed thousands of fans and enthusiasts. Later, news surfaced suggesting the GT-R, often referred to as the ‘Godzilla’, would be reborn as an electric sports car. That did not give fans the reassurance they needed. Fast forward to 2026 as we have now confirmation that the next-generation GT-R will not be an EV. It will reportedly have a hybrid powertrain. Ponz Pandikuthira, the Senior Vice President and Chief Product & Planning Officer for Nissan Americas, talking exclusively to The Wire, gave the first clues of the next-generation (R36) GT-R.
Pandikuthira confirmed that the R36 is in the early stages of development and we will hear some solid announcements from the company by 2028. According to him, the car will hopefully be out before the decade turns. More interestingly, it has been almost confirmed that the next-generation will have a hybrid powertrain.
Next-Generation Nissan GT-R R36: Early Details
Speaking at the 2026 New York Auto Show, Pandikuthira said that the R36 GT-R ‘has to be’ on a new chassis and is going to be an ‘all-new car’. Initially, he did not shed clarity on the powertrain that is to be expected. However, he did give some clue. Pandikuthira said ‘powertrain’s going to be mostly new‘. The word ‘mostly’ in this, is important. It points to the possibility of a hybrid.
‘If there was a hybrid powertrain, the block of that VR38 engine (which was the engine in the R35 GT-R) is so great. Why would you throw that away? But maybe the way combustions matter needs to be very different. Maybe the heads are very different. Maybe the pistons are very different. So maybe we have to change top end,’– Pandikuthira said.
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So this means the new GT-R will likely get a thoroughly reworked hybrid powertrain based on the VR38 six-pot engine borrowed from the R35. This is a proven engine and will be improved significantly for use on the new car. It is likely to get different heads, better pistons and more. This 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 was originally developed for the R35 GT-R. It delivers strong performance and is known for its tuning potential. Each of these engines are hand-assembled by Nissan’s Takumi master technicians.
Meeting stricter emission norms will be one key intent behind electrification. Pandikuthira told Autoblog that the new GT-R won’t be electrified just for the sake of emission norms-compliance. The hybrid will have a notable edge in performance. Pandikuthira also mentioned ‘multiple laps at Nürburgring‘ in the conversation, adding more to the fans’ excitement and expectations.
The focus on sustained performance is shaping development and allegedly delaying the debut. Engineers are working to ensure the hybrid system can handle repeated high-speed runs without compromising consistency.
Talking about the timeline to Autoblog, Pandikuthira said: “If everything goes the way we want, I’d like to see it by ’28. You should at least hear some very concrete news from us,”
