Nissan Unveils Electric R32 Skyline GT-R Godzilla

Nissan Developing Electric R36?

An R32 Skyline GT-R is being converted into an electric vehicle by Nissan Japan. According to the description on Nissan’s YouTube channel, this project was inspired by one of their own engineers, who referred to the GT-R as his “hero car”. The unnamed employee expressed his motivation for the project: “I want to build a more exciting car by adding the latest electrification technology that I am involved with to my favorite car.” It appears that Nissan has chosen not to reveal the engineer’s identity, likely as a form of protection.

Congrats if you’re a rabid supporter of the GT-R and arrived till now! Regrettably, matters will worsen before they improve since this is solely the initial instalment that we can assume will be a lot. Furthermore, a devoted website for the R32 EV has been created to more explicate the concepts.

Evidently, the creation is definitely not concluded. There remains a colossal exhaust system at the backside.

【R32EV】vol.1

The R32 is over three decades old, and Nissan acknowledges that it enjoys an iconic reputation with a devoted subset of enamoured admirers. In spite of this, the curious engineer inquired if constructing an EV prototype modeled after the R32 would be feasible. It all began with a brainwave; in our view, such an enterprise should have stayed just an ideation.

However, for the sake of fairness, let us comply. We can consider this R32 EV as the MechaGodzilla model of Godzilla. Comparatively, it is worthwhile to note that the R32 was indisputably labeled with the evocative nickname after it relatively controlled the Australian Touring Car Championships during the years running from 1990 until 1992.

To be just, the GT-R has continuously been a highly advanced vehicle which is why it triumphed in nearly every competition it contended in. The reason why the R32 proved to be triumphant was its propitious Total Traction Engineering System for All-Terrain (ATTESA) four-wheel-drive system.

At the time, the AWD system of the R32 was exceedingly advanced, not only for its distribution of force to the front wheels through a transfer case instead of the modern multi-plate hydraulic clutch setup. This was only one section of the unique feature of the R32. It also contained a forward-thinking 16-bit onboard computer equipped with ABS, a G-sensor and wheel speed to identify the appropriate location to deliver the energy source.

A 2.6L turbocharged inline-six generated a mighty 276 horsepower, as there was a quiet agreement between Japanese makers to not proceed the 280 hp mark. Nevertheless, the R33 and R34 engines were still capable of pumping out 276 bhp, with GT-R enthusiasts being aware of its potential to generate up to 320 hp.

To transform the R32 into a modern vehicle, Nissan may opt for a combination of two or four electric engines to devise an enhanced all-wheel drive system that does not require mechanical links between front and rear. There is enough area available for battery storage; however, it probably won’t suffice, prompting the necessity of extra batteries in the engine compartment and the cargo space.

Instead of relying on a 16-bit computer, Nissan is now equipped with more modern hardware and software unparalleled by the engineers’ imaginations 34 years ago. For instance, active torque vectoring utilizing electric brakes for braking power and immediate torque transmission to a single wheel are just some of the innovative applications. With that being said, although there isn’t an electrically powered vehicle in the Nissan lineup, the singular motor of the Nissan Ariya is capable of delivering up to 238hp! Combined output thus totals near 480 hp.

What would be the motive behind Nissan’s actions? Our guess is they are making ready for a real electric version of the Nissan GT-R. Though it has been commonly spoken about, yet still Nissan has not released any information. We are curiously watching and waiting to witness the response to the EV model R32.