The current generation Nissan GT-R, codenamed R35, has been around since late 2007 though it's received numerous updates since. A significant facelift happened in 2017 that saw exterior styling updates and the same 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 increased to 562 horsepower and 467 lb-ft of torque up from 545 hp and 463 lb-ft. But nothing can stop the passage of time. The R35 GT-R is not long for this world and Nissan knows it. A successor, potentially an all-electric one, should happen eventually but Nissan has more pressing financial matters to sort through first.

According to Japan's Best Car, however, the automaker might have one final update planned for 2022. It's important to take this with a grain of salt because Nissan remains silent on the matter.

In order to meet more strict fuel economy standards, Nissan is updating the twin-turbo V6 with an inline 48-volt mild-hybrid system, as opposed to launching the R36 generation as previously rumored. Not only will efficiency improve but an additional 27 hp will be achieved. Assuming this turns out to be true, the era of the pure combustion-engined GT-R could soon be over.

However, the publication claims that Nissan is preparing the ultimate GT-R Final Edition without electrification. Total output could reach 710 hp. Only 20 examples are planned. But again, we need to re-emphasize these are all merely rumors for now.

Considering how much the GT-R has helped Nissan as its halo model for so many years, it'd be a shame just to see Godzilla quietly drive off into the sunset. It deserves to go out with a bang. Advancements in hybrid-assist systems and batteries could make this possible. Doing so could possibly help boost GT-R sales as well.

Last year, North American sales dropped by over a third compared to 2019. Only 304 units were sold in 2020. Blaming the pandemic would not be fully accurate; the GT-R's age and increased competition are also key factors. Whatever Nissan has in store for the GT-R should become known in the coming few months.