Image: Avante Design
Image: Avante Design
Image: Avante Design
Image: Avante Design
Image: Avante Design
The venerated RB26 motor is still worth its salt, even 35 years after the first iteration made its way into Nissan models. But what if one of the most iconic cars to house the straight-six was manufactured today? This is a future R34 GT-R imagined for modern times.
Image: Avante Design
This will always be a model that garners affection from JDM enthusiasts, it will forever remain a true stalwart of import car culture and it is one of the most iconic Japanese cars to be manufactured in the late 90s used in pop-culture. All of these traits make it highly sought after and the source of inspiration for digital artists to emulate considering its clear cultural impact.
While it may be well entrenched in the past, digital artists Roman Miah and Avante Design have used it as a basis to imagine how a future R34 GT-R would look if Nissan decided to pay a retro homage to their past for the pending R36 generation of the model.
Image: Avante Design
The mashup is undeniably GT-R, with obvious traits from both the R34 and its predecessor the R35. The front fascia bears striking resemblance to the R34 generation, with horizontal headlights and split front grille. Of course, being 2022, the front lighting is dominated by LED DRLs which are housed in the headlights themselves and as standalone units in the air vent directly below.
Considering this future R34 GT-R doesn’t have to abide by the next generation model to employ an electric powertrain, the bonnet boasts a scoop and two NACA ducts which presumably have an ICE concealed below. Everything is looking R34-esque up until you get to the greenhouse and silhouette of the roofline which bears more striking resemblance to the R35 generation.
Image: Avante Design
More further towards the rear, the flared arches once again affirm its relation to the R34, as do the rear taillights. To finish the model off are a pair of spoilers, one above the rear windshield and one mounted on the bootlid via a swan-neck mount.
The outgoing R35 GT-R has stopped sales in almost all markets it was offered in, ending an impressive selling streak spanning from 2009. According to Nissan, the next generation of the model is either going to be highly electrified or a full EV so don’t expect any in-line six or V6 soundtracks anytime soon from the venerated GT-R nameplate.
Keyword: Future R34 GT-R imagined as a low-slung retro homage