Nissan stalling new GT-R launch until after 2020?

Nissan is reportedly not in a rush to introduce its next-generation GT-R, despite growing anticipation sparked by the 2020 Vision Gran Turismo concept (pictured) that appeared in physical form last month in Tokyo.

Rumors initially suggested a redesigned GT-R could arrive as early as 2017. Later reports pointed to 2018, however Nissan Australia managing director Richard Emery recently told Motoring that “it’s not on the horizon,” not in 2018 or even in 2019.

The company has previously hinted at more potential upgrades for the current GT-R, following a midcycle update for the 2016 model year. The Nismo variant tops out at 600 horsepower, but an executive recently argued that there is “still development potential” for the R35 chassis.

An unnamed insider has told Motoring the company will temporarily stop production of the current generation sometime before mid-2016, allowing engineers to revise the chassis to meet increasingly demanding crash-test regulations in the US market. Tweaks are expected to include strengthened roof and body components, along with a few interior modifications.

Whenever the next-generation GT-R does arrive, it is rumored to take advantage of a hybrid system with up to 1,250 horsepower.

Live images by Ben Hsu.