Imagined Dakar Nissan GT-R The Ultimate R35 Swan Song?

Yet, despite the steady stream of updates, the supercar is revealing its age, unsurprising given the substantial automotive advancements since its 2007 debut. Currently, only Japanese and North American markets are able to buy the R35 GT-R - trim levels include Premium, Nismo and the T-spec.

With no real clear idea on what the GT-R’s successor will look like or what powertrain it’ll have (if they even make a successor at all), Nissan's strategy seemingly entails savoring its enduring appeal before the final curtain. But, could an audacious off-road-ready iteration be the crowning touch? I mean, other manufacturers are doing it...

This proposal merits more attention than initial skepticism suggests. Consider the competition: Porsche's 911 Dakar and Lamborghini's Huracan Sterrato, both outfitted with raised suspensions, visual enhancements, and familiar powertrains. Could the Nissan GT-R, with a kindred version, seize the spotlight as the most audacious iteration to date?

Instagram's al.yasid offers a visual glimpse of this audacious GT-R derivative, sporting bolder wheels and tires, ample ground clearance, beefed-up front guards, distinctive front and rear bumpers, a revamped bonnet, and a rear transformation housing a spare wheel. Imagine turning up to your local sand dunes in your jacked and beefed up R35 GT-R. Sign us up!

The collective question lingers: should Nissan embrace a bold path like this or opt for a track-focused pursuit? We’ve seen so many different GT-R models in the last 4-5 years no one is quite sure what the swan song R35 model will be. Either way, what a way for the model to go out swinging by building an off road special.