Legendary Nissan Skyline GT-R returns - this time in the sixth generation under the index R36. After 20 years of waiting (last R35 debuted in 2007), the Japanese manufacturer is preparing a revolutionary model that should bring back titles on tracks and street racing. New GT-R R36 promises to be the most technologically advanced in history: hybrid power plant, system e-4ORCE with electric all-wheel drive and concept-inspired design Vision Gran Turismo.

In this article we have collected all currently known data about the Skyline GT-R R36: from technical specifications to expected price and release date. We analyze leaks, patent images and official statements from Nissan - so you know exactly what to expect from the “new God of the Roads”. Spoiler: it won't be just a restyling R35, but a completely new car from scratch.

Official data and leaks: what is known about the Skyline GT-R R36

Nissan has been silent for a long time about a successor R35, but in 2023–2026 the first official hints appeared. Firstly, the company confirmed that work on R36 is in full swing, and the debut is scheduled for 2026 (possibly late 2026 as a 2026 model). Secondly, drawings of the body and suspension elements were found in the patent databases, which are radically different from R35.

Among the key leaks:

  • 🔋 Hybrid powertrain based on turbocharged VR38DETT 2.0 (yes, the volume has decreased!) with an electric motor and a battery from Nissan Ariya.
  • 🚗 CMF-EV platform, which the GT-R will share with an electric crossover Ariya, but with reinforcement for high loads.
  • 💨 e-4ORCE system with vector torque distribution to each wheel (including electric drive).
  • 🎨 Design, combining retro elements R32 and futuristic lines Vision Gran Turismo.

Fun fact: Nissan filed a patent for the name "Nismo GT-R R36", which may mean the release of a limited version in the first year of sales. Also, footage of test prototypes at Nürburgring — the car is hidden under camouflage, but the silhouette of the rear clearly resembles Skyline, not Z.

📊 Which engine would you like to see in the GT-R R36?
  • Turbocharged VR38 2.0 + hybrid
  • Atmospheric VR38 3.8 (as in R35)
  • Electric (full EV)
  • Another option

Technical characteristics: engine, transmission, suspension

The main question that worries fans: what engine will the R36 have? According to the latest data, Nissan is abandoning atmospheric VR38DETT 3.8 in favor turbocharged 2.0-liter VR38 with a hybrid system. This is due to increasingly stringent environmental regulations (in particular, Euro 7), but does not mean a loss of power.

Expected power plant characteristics:

Parameter GT-R R35 (2026) GT-R R36 (estimated)
Engine capacity 3.8 l (VR38DETT) 2.0 l (turbo) + hybrid
Power 570–600 hp 700–750 hp (system)
Torque 637 Nm 800+ Nm (with electric motor)
Transmission 6-st. robot GR6 9-st. automatic + e-4ORCE
Acceleration 0–100 km/h 2.7–3.0 s 2.3–2.5 s

Key innovations:

  • ⚡ e-4ORCE system: Electric motors on each axle distribute power more precisely, improving handling at high speeds.
  • 🔄 9-speed automatic (developed jointly with JATCO) instead of the outdated 6-speed robot.
  • 🛠️ Adaptive suspension with magnetorheological shock absorbers and active stabilizers.
  • 🖥️ Digital instrument panel (12.3 inches) and the central screen on NissanConnect with support Apple CarPlay And Android Auto.
⚠️ Attention: According to the leaks, GT-R R36 will get the function "Launch Control" with pre-cooling of the battery - this will allow you to repeat sharp starts without loss of power. However, frequent use may shorten the life of the hybrid system.
Why did Nissan reduce engine size?

The reduction in volume to 2.0 liters is due to environmental regulations (especially in Europe and Japan), but turbocharging and a hybrid system compensate for the loss of power. In addition, the smaller engine allows for better weight balance, improving handling.

Exterior and interior design: what will change compared to the R35

Appearance Skyline GT-R R36 will be the most radical change in the last 20 years. Nissan ditches soapbox design R35 in favor of aggressive lines inspired by concepts Vision Gran Turismo and retro elements R32. Expected features:

Front:

  • 🔥 Radiator grille in "V-motion" style (like modern Nissans), but with unique lighting.
  • 👁️ Narrow LED headlights with adaptive light and “winking” when unlocking.
  • 💨 Active air flaps in the bumper, which open to cool the brakes.

Rear:

  • 🚦 LED strip across the entire width of the body (like Porsche Taycan).
  • 🏁 Active spoiler with three operating modes (city/highway/track).
  • 🔊 Active sound system with customizable timbre (including “classic” sound RB26DETT).

Interior R36 will become completely digital, but with an emphasis on the driver. Expected:

  • 🎮 Multifunction steering wheel with magnesium paddle shifters.
  • 🪑 Armchairs with active lateral support (optional - carbon seats Recaro).
  • 🎛️ Central tunnel with touchpad for media control (as in Lexus LC).
⚠️ Attention: Standard GT-R R36 There may be no physical climate control buttons - all control will be via the touch screen. This has drawn criticism from test drivers as it is distracting on the track.
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If you're planning on buying an R36 for the track, consider the optional system "Nismo Track Pack" — it includes Kevlar brake lines, reinforced brake rotors and additional cooling for the hybrid system.

Comparison with competitors: who is the main rival of the GT-R R36?

New Skyline GT-R enters the arena where monsters such as Porsche 911 Turbo S, BMW M5 Competition And Audi RS7. But the main competitors will be:

1. Toyota GR Supra (new generation, 2026)

  • 🔹 Hybrid system based on BMW B58 (3.0 L, 6 cylinders).
  • 🔹 Price: ~$70,000 (cheaper than GT-R).
  • 🔹 Minus: rear-wheel drive only.

2. Lexus LC 500h (facelift 2026)

  • 🔹 3.5-liter V6 + hybrid (500+ hp).
  • 🔹 All-wheel drive, but heavier than the GT-R.
  • 🔹 Plus: luxurious interior.

3. Porsche 911 Turbo S (992.2)

  • 🔹 3.8-liter biturbo (650 hp).
  • 🔹 Price: ~$220,000 (more expensive than R36 by ~$50,000).
  • 🔹 Plus: legendary handling.

Main advantage GT-R R36 - combination hybrid power, all-wheel drive e-4ORCE And prices below $150,000 (according to preliminary data). This makes it the most balanced offering in the segment.

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The Nissan GT-R R36 will be the first production car to feature e-4ORCE, which combines mechanical all-wheel drive with electric motors on each axle. This gives an advantage over competitors in handling on wet roads and on the track.

Release date and price: when and how much will you be able to buy the R36

Official debut Nissan Skyline GT-R R36 expected in fourth quarter of 2026 (possibly at Tokyo Auto Salon), and sales will start at first half of 2026. The first cars will arrive at dealerships in Japan and the USA; Europe will receive the model closer to the fall of 2026.

The pricing policy has not yet been announced, but experts predict:

  • 💰 Basic version: $120 000–$130 000.
  • 💎 Nismo Edition: $160,000–$180,000 (limited edition).
  • 🔧 Track Pack: +$20,000 to the base price.

For comparison: GT-R R35 in 2026 it costs from $113,000 (base) to $210,000 (Nismo). Thus, R36 will be 10–15% more expensive, but offers much more technology.

⚠️ Attention: If you are planning to buy R36 In the first months of sales, be prepared for a long wait - Nissan will likely limit production due to shortages of chips and batteries. Orders for Nismo Edition may close several months before the official start.

Pre-order from an authorized dealer|Follow announcements on the Nissan USA/Japan website|Prepare a budget with options (~$150,000)|Check the availability of service centers for hybrid GT-Rs in your region-->

Frequently asked questions about the Nissan Skyline GT-R R36

Will the R36 have a manual transmission?

No, it is officially confirmed that GT-R R36 will only receive a 9-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters. A manual transmission was not considered due to the difficulty of integrating with the hybrid system. However, enthusiasts remain hopeful about aftermarket solutions from Nismo or a tuning studio.

Will it be possible to disable the hybrid system for pure petrol mode?

Yes, according to patent documents, in R36 there will be a regime "Pure Petrol", where the electric motors are turned off and the car runs only on internal combustion engines. However, this mode will be limited in speed (up to 120 km/h) and operating time (to avoid overheating).

What exterior colors will be available at launch?

It is expected that the basic palette will include:

  • 🔴 Bayside Blue (GT-R signature shade).
  • ⚫ Jet Black.
  • ⚪ Pearl White.
  • 🟠 Sunset Orange (new for R36).
  • 🔵 Deep Ocean Blue.

For Nismo Edition exclusive possible Midnight Purple (like R34).

Will the R36 be sold in Russia?

Official deliveries are unlikely due to Nissan's withdrawal from the Russian market. However, the machine can appear through parallel import (as R35 after 2022). The price in this case will increase by 30–50% due to logistics and customs clearance.

What tires will be installed from the factory?

The basic package will receive Bridgestone Potenza S007 (size 255/40 R20 front and 285/35 R20 rear). For Track Pack expected Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R or Yokohama Advan A052.

Tuning and modifications: what can be done with the R36 after purchase

Despite the complexity of the hybrid system, GT-R R36 is already attracting the attention of tuning studios. The main directions of modifications:

1. Increased power

  • 🔥 ECU chip tuning: companies like Cobb Tuning or Ecutek they are already developing firmware to increase power to 800–850 hp
  • ⚡ Turbine upgrade: Garrett or BorgWarner can offer more efficient turbochargers.
  • 🔋 Modification of the hybrid system: replacing the battery with a larger one (but this will void the warranty).

2. Suspension and brakes

  • 🛠️ Coilovers from Tein or Ohlins for the track.
  • 🔧 Brake kits from Brembo (6-piston calipers at the front).
  • 🚗 Reinforced silent blocks for better steering response.

3. Exterior and aero

  • 🎨 Body kits from Liberty Walk or Rocket Bunny.
  • 💨 Carbon splitters and diffusers to improve the pressure.
  • 🔥 LED DRLs with individual color settings.
⚠️ Attention: Modification of the hybrid system GT-R R36 requires specialized equipment. Incorrect tuning can lead to battery overheating or e-4ORCE system failure. We recommend contacting only certified studios.
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The main advantage of the R36 for tuning is the modular architecture of the hybrid system. Unlike the R35, where you had to change the entire engine to get a serious boost in power, here you can upgrade the electric and gasoline parts separately.

Conclusion: Is the Skyline GT-R R36 worth the wait?

Nissan Skyline GT-R R36 will become the most technologically advanced and powerful version of the legendary “God of Roads”. The hybrid system, e-4ORCE, revolutionary design and price below its main competitors make it an extremely attractive proposition. However, there are also risks:

Pros:

  • ✅ Power 700+ hp from the factory.
  • ✅ All-wheel drive e-4ORCE with vector thrust distribution.
  • ✅ Modern interior with digital screens.
  • ✅ Price is lower than Porsche 911 Turbo or BMW M5 CS.

Cons:

  • ❌ Complexity and high cost of maintaining a hybrid system.
  • ❌ Lack of manual transmission.
  • ❌ Possible delays in deliveries due to component shortages.

If you're looking for a supercar with a legendary name, cutting-edge technology and tuning potential - R36 definitely worth the wait. If simplicity, reliability and mechanical connection to the machine are important to you, it may be worth considering R35 (while it's still on sale) or Porsche 911.

One thing is certain: Skyline GT-R R36 will be one of the most talked about new cars of 2026 - and not only among JDM fans, but among all performance car enthusiasts.