Friday 13th December 2024

Nissan preps electric R32 GT-R for Tokyo show

Nissan has been quietly working away on a battery-powered Godzilla - the reveal is next month...

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The electrification of classic cars is nothing if not a conversation starter, so it was a surprise to see the confirmation last year of Nissan EV-converting an R32 GT-R not attracting more than 14 comments. A couple believed it was an early April Fools’ in March, one suggested an R35 swap would be more fun, but broadly speaking there wasn’t the commotion caused by a 911 or MX-5 equivalent. Maybe the GT-R conversion seemed like it’d never happen, particularly with the announcement made with just a 20-second video and shady pic. 

But it’s happened alright, Nissan now readying the EV GT-R to be shown at the Tokyo auto show next month. Exact spec details will probably have to wait for January, though the YouTube series that accompanied the build - beautifully, almost hypnotically stripped-back videos, without even music - shows how seriously the project has been taken. Presumably because the R32 always was such a tech tour de force, Nissan has held nothing back in electrifying perhaps its most iconic car. We see a monster battery pack go in, as well as two very burly-looking motors. If ever a car was going to take advantage of the 4WD possibilities offered up by EV power, it was the GT-R. From R32 to R35, moreover, they were always initially dismissed as too heavy compared to purer, rear-drive rivals, so it could be argued that extra weight is less of a concern than elsewhere. It’s GT-R heritage…

Certainly the fact that this one has been kitted out with bigger wheels to accommodate massive brakes (boasting the bronze calipers that usually denote ceramics on an R35), plus wider tyres, would suggest the performance potential of the EV is considerable. Nissan’s fastest EV offering at the moment, the 435hp, dual-motor Ariya NISMO, could make for a useful uptick in performance from 280hp if the weight gain isn’t enormous, though the impression from Nissan’s approach is that they’re after a useful uptick. They surely want a battery-powered Godzilla to mean a meaningful reset for expectations of a GT-R.

Whatever it is they’ve done, the social media videos make the process look obsessively precise. Mechanics and engineers in white suits and masks delicately prize away the RB26 like it’s open heart surgery, taking all the time required and ensuring the utmost care with their work. All those involved were volunteers as well, so this is a proper passion project rather than a box to tick. We can’t wait to hear more about what’s been created.

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[EK9_CTR]

No thanks, I'll have the mighty RB26 every time.

[bangerhoarder]

The Skyline from the (arguably) R31 onwards was a tech tour-de-force, I kind of get why they'd choose one an R32. Ripping out an RB26, though, is a bit like replacing the Mona Lisa's face with that of Norman Wisdom - amusing for a short while and it technically fits in place, but possibly spoils the overall package.

Edited by bangerhoarder on Friday 13th December 14:28

[Augustus Windsock]

As soon as I saw it was an electric drivetrain in an R32 I gave it one star.
Fgs, mutilate a Ford Mondeo or a VW Corrado if you must but leave this sort of car alone.

[WPA]

No, just no an R32 should not be electric

[cerb4.5lee]

Goodness me, how depressing.

[Abarth131]

Such an iconic car to electrify.
The technology this car originally offered now probably cobbled away in some parts bins for another day.

[IMI A]

Pls leave GTR alone. Poor thing.

A hard as nails hero going woke!

[VladD]

I was going to repeat my comment from the EV MX5 thread, but thought it best not to.

[JJJ.]

Proof if ever that just because somebody can do something doesn't mean they should.

[cerb4.5lee]

VladD said:

I was going to repeat my comment from the EV MX5 thread, but thought it best not to.

That was a belter in fairness for sure!

[RichTBiscuit]

Me looking at the picture: "Wtf have they not got a 2 post lift?"

Me looking at the video: "Those clever bds"

[OldPal]

Absolute sacrilege.

[InitialDave]

Toyota had an EV and a hydrogen AE86 at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon that met with a decent reception, so I'm not shocked other manufacturer's are doing the same

[SuperPav]

Excellium_Shellium said:

Good thing the Shell stations which aren't a SPAR or Londis also include Fast Chargers. Not only can I gorge on delicious food and drink, such as their sumptuous doughnuts, cookies, and baked goods, I can recharge my car knowing it comes from 100% renewable sources with every charge.

Edited by Excellium_Shellium on Friday 13th December 16:23

of *ALL* the companies I would've expected to start scam-posting..... is big oil in that much trouble?!

[Kipsrs]

Those of us who are old enough yet young enough to have remembered and enjoyed the heady 90’s and the fantastic beasts that came out of Japan, and there were some fantastic internal combustion engines that came with them, will be crying when they see this abomination, however the younger generation who are electric heads should be given the chance to experience such exotica albeit without the fantastic RB engine, I both applaud Nissan and yet scorn Nissan. I hope I make some sense?

[Wonderman]

bangerhoarder said:

The Skyline from the (arguably) R31 onwards was a tech tour-de-force, I kind of get why they'd choose one an R32. Ripping out an RB26, though, is a bit like replacing the Mona Lisa's face with that of Norman Wisdom - amusing for a short while and it technically fits in place, but possibly spoils the overall package.

Edited by bangerhoarder on Friday 13th December 14:28

I was thinking more like...

[sam.rog]

Im normally pro ev restomod. Especially when the engine isn’t the centrepiece. But this is a big fat no from me.
The rb26 is a great engine full of character and is a big part of what makes a gtr great.

[cerb4.5lee]

Kipsrs said:

Those of us who are old enough yet young enough to have remembered and enjoyed the heady 90’s and the fantastic beasts that came out of Japan, and there were some fantastic internal combustion engines that came with them, will be crying when they see this abomination, however the younger generation who are electric heads should be given the chance to experience such exotica albeit without the fantastic RB engine, I both applaud Nissan and yet scorn Nissan. I hope I make some sense?

Yes and we've had our day now in fairness, so it is time to pass the baton onto the younger generation now, so they can enjoy all things electric, like we did with ICE, and it is just a different era now I think.

[Nomme de Plum]

The car was developed to be full of technology and now a few luddites say no please stop the tech.

Brave new world guys. Get used to it.

[Nomme de Plum]

cerb4.5lee said:

Kipsrs said:

Those of us who are old enough yet young enough to have remembered and enjoyed the heady 90’s and the fantastic beasts that came out of Japan, and there were some fantastic internal combustion engines that came with them, will be crying when they see this abomination, however the younger generation who are electric heads should be given the chance to experience such exotica albeit without the fantastic RB engine, I both applaud Nissan and yet scorn Nissan. I hope I make some sense?

Yes and we've had our day now in fairness, so it is time to pass the baton onto the younger generation now, so they can enjoy all things electric, like we did with ICE, and it is just a different era now I think.

You are still children in my eyes.

Time to grow up. The ICE has had its day. Much like the creations of Savery, Watt, Newcomen and Trevithick long before.

If any car should have EV written all over it. This evolution is it.