The Nissan GT-R isn't exactly the ideal starting point for a planet-saving eco-mobile. Weighing in at just over 1.7 tonnes one of the best tricks the GT-R has is masking its weight under layers of electronic control systems, and behind massive power. But even with 2010 technology, 478bhp is just not a very green figure.
In its quest to continue flaunting the laws of physics Nissan is rumoured to be planning a hybrid version of the next GT-R, and somehow they're said to be making it even more powerful, and possibly even heavier.
The recent Infiniti Essence concept seen at Geneva showed Nissan's interest in the idea of a high-performance hybrid, and the current rumours suggest the evolutionary R36 GT-R could benefit from the same layout. This would mean either the existing petrol engine surviving largely unmolested, combining with a 160bhp electric engine to raise output to a theoretical 638bhp, or the more modest 440bhp engine from the Infiniti being brought in to bring power to an even 600bhp.
This all sounds grand, but we'd need to know for sure how the engines would co-operate to really understand the effect the change in power delivery will have on the GT-R. The Infiniti Essence concept was of the flexible 'parallel' variety of hybrids, meaning that its engines can work either together or independently, so this seems the most likely option.
There are other pressures on Nissan here. As we've long known the GT-R team tend to use Porsche as a frame of reference for the GT-R, and the rumoured hybrid 911 will certainly be on Nissan's mind. The promise of a greener M3 to come from BMW may also be a thought, and the general trend toward less sinful performance cars is something that a tech-proud project like the GT-R just can't afford to overlook.
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