--- title: "Nissan’s ‘Godfather of GT-R’ Wants Future Models to Be Gas-Powered" date: "2025-08-28" modified: "2025-08-28" authors: - name: "Adam Ismail" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/adam-ismail" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/nissans-godfather-of-gt-r-wants-future-models-to-be-gas-powered" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Nissan News" tags: - "Coupe" - "GT-R" - "Nissan" - "R35" - "sports car" --- # Nissan’s ‘Godfather of GT-R’ Wants Future Models to Be Gas-Powered ![Nissan GT-R R35 from rear]() *\Larry Chen/Nissan\* The R35 Nissan GT-R officially [ended production this week](), bringing an 18-year run to rest with no immediate successor ready to launch. While the automaker's Chief Planning Officer for North America [described the provisional "R36" to us]() at length earlier this year—think turbocharged and electrified, with more than 600 horsepower—he also pegged the next generation's launch between 2028 and 2031. Not exactly around the corner. It seems that [Nissan]() still has plenty of work to do to realize that goal, but that hasn't stopped Hiroshi Tamura—the R35's Chief Product Specialist, nicknamed the "Godfather of the GT-R"—from offering his personal opinion on what he'd like to see next. Spoiler: It would get to keep its internal-combustion engine. "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 was quoted in [a recent interview released by Nissan](). "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." It's important to note that Tamura has since retired from his post in GT-R planning, instead serving as an ambassador for Nissan's sports cars. That's a role he's well suited for, watching Hakosuka Skylines roar around Fuji Speedway and daily driving a 240ZG back in the '70s. ![Tamura and his 240ZG]() ![Tamura poses alongside the R34 GT-R V-Spec II Nür]() It goes without saying that Tamura's preference appears to mirror our own. But he shares another important point concerning the GT-R's future, which should make waiting for whatever's next a bit easier on the fans. "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 seventeen years between the \[second generation\] and R32 but, Nissan never gave up on the GT-R." ![Tamura and his personal R35 GT-R, a T-Spec model finished in Millennium Jade.]() *Tamura and his personal R35 GT-R, finished in Gun Grey Metallic with R34 wheels. *Nissan** The GT-R badge was indeed dormant before the R32 arrived in 1989, and it can be argued that the icon's golden era truly arrived in the decade that followed. Nissan, despite all its recent troubles and corporate upheaval, seems to still regard the GT-R as its north star. It hasn't lost sight of its importance to the brand, and clearly wants to continue that legacy. Until that happens, [go ahead and read Tamura's full interview](). His words leave us misty-eyed, but also believing that there are still unwritten chapters in the GT-R's book. *Got tips? Send ’em to tips@thedrive.com*[]() ## Author Adam is a Senior Editor at The Drive, concentrating on curating and developing the site's slate of daily journalism, from initial pitch to final copy edit. When he's not at his desk researching leads and working with writers, he's testing vehicles or reviewing racing games, new and old. He joined The Drive in 2023, following seven years of covering consumer technology and cars. A car lover and gamer since his earliest memories, Adam came to know the automotive world through video games. First it was Daytona USA, Sega Rally, and Ridge Racer; then came Need For Speed, which inspired an encyclopedic knowledge of '90s supercars, and, of course, Gran Turismo. If not for them, he'd assuredly be doing something else right now. Adam is based in the suburbs outside Philly, where there are ample roads for his hot hatch to stretch its legs. In his car, he's probably listening to indie rock, drum and bass, or Yankees baseball. ### Author social links [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()