Nissan and Honda May Co-Develop Next-Gen GT-R and NSX Despite Merger Collapse

Japanese Giants Explore Performance Partnership Amid Shift to Electrification

Despite the collapse of their proposed merger earlier this year, Nissan and Honda may still join forces — this time to co-develop the next-generation Nissan GT-R and Honda NSX, two of Japan’s most iconic performance cars. While no formal agreement has been signed, top executives from both companies have confirmed that talks are ongoing, with a shared performance platform being considered.

Nissan’s new CEO Ivan Espinosa has reportedly continued strategic dialogue with Honda leadership. Speaking at the 2025 New York Motor Show, Ponz Pandikuthira, SVP and Chief Planning Officer at Nissan North America, emphasized that although the GT-R and NSX might share underpinnings, each would retain its distinct engineering philosophy and brand identity.

Not a Merger — A Strategic Alliance for Performance Legacy

Pandikuthira was clear: “These cars must never be cloned.” The idea is to collaborate on powertrain and platform development, similar to how Aston Martin shares technology with Mercedes-AMG, without sacrificing brand uniqueness. The GT-R’s brutal power and AWD grip contrast sharply with the NSX’s lightweight, precise handling and mid-engine architecture, and both marques are committed to maintaining that legacy.

While the GT-R continues toward a hybrid future with the upcoming R36, Honda’s NSX line is rumored to make a comeback in all-electric form. The two automakers are exploring how shared development can help lower R&D costs while staying competitive in a global landscape where electrification is reshaping high-performance automotive engineering.

Future Outlook: Hybrid GT-R, Electric NSX and a New Era of JDM Icons

Pandikuthira also hinted that an electric NSX-type vehicle wouldn’t necessarily eliminate the possibility of a separate, new-generation NSX, possibly tailored for hybrid or other advanced propulsion technologies. Meanwhile, the next GT-R, likely dubbed R36, is expected to adopt a hybrid powertrain to rival European sports cars like the Porsche 911.

With emission regulations tightening and electrification looming, both Nissan and Honda recognize the need for strategic performance partnerships. While a full-scale merger is off the table for now, co-developing future halo cars could represent a win-win scenario — preserving each brand’s heritage while pushing technical boundaries.