Nissan seems willing to advance one of its most iconic models, the GT-R, towards electric mobility, an idea that, for now, remains just a project.
The Japanese brand took advantage of its presence at the Tokyo Motor Show to introduce the project led by the brand’s engineers, which has been under development since 2023, for a 100% electric version of the R32 GT-R, in an effort to recreate a new generation of the sports model by integrating EV technology.
According to Nissan, the electric GT-R is expected to provide a driving experience similar to that of the original model equipped with a 2.6-liter twin-turbo engine. To achieve this, this 100% electric version is equipped with two electric motors, one per axle, with a power output of 215 hp and 340 Nm of torque per motor, which certainly allows it to exceed the power of the original gasoline version, which had 276 hp, although Nissan has not disclosed the combined power of this electric version.
Powering the two electric motors is a 62 kWh battery, the same one used in the Leaf Nismo RC02, which has been installed in place of the rear seats. Nissan explained that installing the battery was the biggest challenge, as the structure of the R32 GT-R is relatively compact and lacks large flat areas to accommodate the battery.
Additionally, this electric variant of the R32 GT-R features 18-inch wheels to accommodate the upgraded braking system, which is the same as that used in the current R35 GT-R, along with Öhlins shock absorbers.
Inside, there are two digital displays, and the standard 5-speed manual transmission has been replaced with paddle shifters connected to the electric system, which Nissan claims helps replicate the sensations of shifting gears from the original model. Additionally, a set of speakers installed in the cabin allows the driver and passengers to enjoy a sound that mimics the original inline 6-cylinder engine.
“Throughout the many tests conducted during this project, we demonstrated that, to a certain extent, it is possible to channel the driving experience of such an iconic model with over 30 years into a 100% electric and modern version.”, said Ryozo Hiraku, an engineer at Nissan and the key figure behind the transformation of the R32 GT-R into an electric variant. “The R32 is special due to its complexity and exceptional driving pleasure, and that is why recreating it was so challenging. In doing so, some aspects of the driving experience may inevitably be lost, while others deserve to endure. I firmly believe that the driving pleasure of iconic models like the R32 GT-R is a legacy worth safeguarding for future generations.”, concluded the Nissan representative.
The Japanese brand has already indicated that the next generation of the GT-R, the R36, may come with a 100% electric version. However, Nissan has not yet decided on the final configuration of the new generation of the sports model, but it has mentioned that it will leverage the technology and development it has been working on for Formula E single-seaters.
