Artisan GT-R concept: a modified R35 with throwback styling… and 1,000bhp

Are you a (very) wealthy JDM fanatic who’s looking for an alternative to the Singer 911 or Alfaholics GTA-R? Look no further, because London-based Artisan Vehicle Design is creating the Skyline just for you. Using the soon-to-be-retired R35 GT-R as its base, Artisan begins by replacing the original body panels with carbon-fibre alternatives before reimagining the exterior with Noughties-inspired R34 goodness. Is anyone else hearing ‘Act a Fool’ by Ludacris in the background?

Up front, the rectangular landscaped headlights are back along with a more aggressive vented bonnet, while the rear gets a new two-pronged wing and ditches the quad exhaust for a two-tip arrangement. An F1-inspired central light can also be seen, and while these are often adopted by Volkswagen Golf GTI enthusiasts they do look considerably less cringeworthy here.

The streamlined silhouette remains distinctly R35, but thanks to the new aero-focused bits, six-spoke alloys and generally boxier design, this GT-R is actually giving us major R33 GT-R LM vibes. Artisan has also said customers can request specific exterior changes to suit their taste. No harm in asking for neon underglow and a healthy serving of nitrous, then.

A range of colours which nod towards the GT-Rs of yesteryear can also be chosen, including similar (and shinier) variations of ‘Bayside Blue’, ‘Midnight Purple’ and ‘Silica Brass’. The reason? Artisan is committed to coaxing every bit of heritage it can from the GT-R badge. 

Mechanically, the car will retain the twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V6, but will be completely rebuilt from the ground up by a ‘specialist’ tuning house which will then enable customers to choose from two power bands: an 800bhp ‘Track Edition’ and a 1,000bhp ‘Ultimate Edition’. We have a sneaking suspicion said specialist could be Dacia. But we could be wrong.

It’s also worth noting this won’t just be like any other drag-strip conquering GT-R either. Artisan has stated its intentions to upgrade the brakes, tyres and suspension to ensure the brute force can be managed around corners, while new exhaust components should channel a more aggressive variation of that familiar R35 rumble. 

The cabin has had just as much attention as the exterior and is headlined by a complete carbon fibre and Alcantara overhaul. With all due respect, there’s very little left to suggest you’re inside a Nissan. Further enhancements include a custom gear selector, steering wheel, door cards and bucket seats.

"I feel like when the R35 came out, it somehow strayed away from the design of the previous generation Skyline GT-Rs," lead designer Roman Miah tells TG. "I understand that Nissan may have wanted to go for a different design direction, but I always missed that original design language. I wanted to bring it back with this car because even up until now, the R32, R33 and especially the R34 Skyline GT-R, look so good and remain so popular. I believe this sort of styling will speak to a lot of the fanbase who grew up with the original GT-Rs."

The first full concept version will be readied by the end of summer 2024, which will then be showcased at the SEMA show in Las Vegas towards the end of 2024. Production will commence in Hannover, Germany shortly after, with prices for the base model set to start at approximately £369,000. Paul Walker would be proud.