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Nissan’s Electric R32 Skyline GT-R

In 2023, global electric vehicle sales surged to over 14 million units, signalling a big shift in the automotive industry. Nissan, a brand with a history of innovation and performance, has taken this to an exciting new frontier: building an electric R32 Skyline GT-R. This remarkable project combines their incredible heritage with modern technology and explore why it’s making waves among us car nerds.

Rear view of the Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R EV, plugged into a charging station, showcasing its classic tail lights and modern R32 EV badge.
© Nissan

A Legend Reimagined

The R32 Skyline GT-R isn’t just a car; it’s an icon within the automotive community. Affectionately dubbed “Godzilla” for its dominance in motorsport during the early 1990s, this car was posted up on the walls for car guys all over the world. Nissan set the benchmarks for what a sports car could achieve by pairing a twin-turbocharged inline-six engine with all-wheel-drive.

Now, over three decades and a few generations of Skyline later, Nissan has breathed new life into the R32 Skyline, combining its heritage with the broader shift toward sustainable automotive technology. At the risk of ruffling some feathers, they planned to electrify an icon. Nissan demonstrates a commitment to pairing heritage with modern innovation, reflecting a growing trend in the automotive world. Sounds great? There is a controversial twist.

The heart of the GT-R, the RB26DETT engine has been replaced with the silent, instantaneous power of an electric drivetrain. And although purists might mourn the absence of the RB26, this conversion does open up thrilling possibilities for the future.

Nissan engineers in branded uniforms assembling components of the Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R EV in a workshop. The image highlights the meticulous craftsmanship involved in converting the iconic car to electric power.
© Nissan

The Team Behind the Project

This ambitious project was brought to life by a dedicated team of Nissan engineers and volunteer EV specialists, each contributing their unique expertise and passion for the R32. These volunteers, many of which are lifelong Skyline GT-R enthusiasts, were paramount in bringing this project to fruition. They were dedicated to retaining the authenticity of the car’s design and utilising innovative electrification strategies that align with the car’s performance legacy.

The team’s collaborative effort is a testament to the dedication and ingenuity behind the project. By incorporating input from volunteer engineers, Nissan demonstrated a community-driven approach that resonated with fans of the R32. This human element not only added depth to the project but also highlighted the collective passion for preserving and evolving a cultural icon.

Led by Takao Katagiri, CEO of Nissan Motorsports, the team worked tirelessly to honour the legacy of the R32 while demonstrating the company’s commitment to innovation. Their collaborative spirit and passion for preserving history while pushing boundaries are evident in every detail of this conversion.

Nissan’s Teaser and Announcement

Before unveiling the electric R32, Nissan orchestrated a teaser campaign. The short but iconic teaser featured the unmistakable rear end of the R32 Skyline GT-R in GT-R trim. The video showed the car starting and idling in the traditional internal combustion engine (I.C.E.), nostalgia kicked in, only to reveal the words “R32 EV” across the screen, catching us by surprise.

This strategic campaign began months before the reveal, leveraging social media platforms like Twitter to boost excitement and speculation. Cryptic images, short videos, and crafty posts ignited debates. There was some speculation about the possibility of a hybrid model, while others anticipated a fully electric transformation. The anticipation culminated in the car’s debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon, a prestigious venue that highlighted the importance of the project. The teaser campaign wasn’t just to amplify the excitement of the reveal but reminded people of Nissan’s incredible heritage and gave us car nerds a kick. The conversation around sustainable performance vehicles is something we’ve needed. Something for the enthusiasts.

If this is their idea of being leaders in innovative and sustainable automotive solutions, this tickles my fancy.

Public Reaction and Controversy

Nissan’s electric conversion of the R32 Skyline GT-R sparked passionate discussions among automotive enthusiasts. While many applauded Nissan’s innovative approach to preserving an icon, others voiced concerns about losing the soul of the RB26DETT engine. There is more to the notoriously tunable engine than just its performance, but its incredible sound, which is iconic in its own right. Forums and social media platforms were buzzing with debates. Some were excited about the possibilities of electrification, others voiced concerns about altering the car’s heritage. This polarised reaction highlights the deep emotional and cultural connection enthusiasts have with the R32.



Why Electrify an R32 Skyline?

Nissan’s decision wasn’t just about staying on-trend. It was a statement of intent. Here’s why this project matters:

  • Classic cars are notoriously difficult to maintain due to ageing parts and environmental concerns. By electrifying the R32, Nissan ensures that this icon can remain roadworthy for decades to come without compromising on emissions regulations.
  • This conversion is no off-the-shelf EV project. It highlights Nissan’s engineering prowess, blending cutting-edge EV technology with the R32’s iconic chassis.
  • Nissan’s approach opens the door for other manufacturers and tuning companies to explore electrification for classic vehicles. Imagine the possibilities—an electric Toyota Supra or Mazda RX-7? I’m not sure I could handle an RX7 without its Dorito heart.

Why Not Make a Hybrid?

The concept of a hybrid approach to electrifying the R32 Skyline GT-R has sparked significant interest among enthusiasts. The configuration could combine the instant torque and efficiency of electric motors with the iconic RB26DETT (or modern equivalent) internal combustion engine. By retaining the original engine, Nissan could address the concerns of purists who value the car’s distinctive sound and performance characteristics. This solution might also integrate electric motors for enhanced power delivery, improved fuel efficiency, and reduced emissions, giving us the best of both, a balanced alternative to full electrification.

For instance, a hybrid R32 could leverage a twin-motor setup driving the front wheels while the RB26DETT powers the rear, creating a dynamic all-wheel-drive system. This approach not only respects the car’s heritage but also embraces technological advancements, offering a middle ground for enthusiasts who appreciate both tradition and innovation. While challenging to implement, such a hybrid solution represents a compelling vision for the future of classic car tuning.

Under the Bonnet

What makes this EV conversion special isn’t just its EV drivetrain. Nissan has gone to great lengths to ensure the electric R32 delivers a driving experience worthy of its name:

A 62kWH battery pack from a Leaf Nismo RC-02 and a pair of electric motors derived from Nissan’s latest EV technology, each delivering 160kW of power and 340Nm of torque, providing instantaneous torque, offering a different yet exhilarating experience compared to the original turbocharged engine.

The R32’s chassis has been reconfigured to accommodate the additional weight and balance changes brought on by the EV setup, ensuring it handles as a GT-R should.

The interior and exterior retain their retro charm, but very subtle modern updates were added, such as the custom digital display that provides the essential EV metrics.

Close-up of the Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R EV charging port, showing detailed electrical connectors inside the retrofitted panel.
© Nissan

Nissan’s Broader Electrification Strategy

The electric R32 is a small part of Nissan’s Ambition 2030 strategy. A comprehensive plan to transform their entier vehicle lineup. This means being devoted to more innovative developments like solid-state batteries and the electrification of their most iconic models.
Under its Ambition 2030 strategy, Nissan aims to electrify more than half of its global portfolio by the end of the decade.
It seemed like this plan was under threat recently due to Nissan’s dire financial situation, things are looking like they will continue along the same track since the merger with Honda and Mitsubishi.

What This Means for Enthusiasts

For some enthusiasts, the electric R32 represents an exciting shift. And of course, there will be some who may resist change, but it’s best to look at it as an opportunity. Internal combustion engines are being squeezed by legislation, and we end up with these bubble electric cars, which no enthusiast likes. *cough* Mercedes-Benz *cough*. So, we need our fix, and an EV Skyline is what we wanted. Drive it daily, enjoy our petrol engines the rest of the time.

However, there is more of that opportunity pie to take a slice from. EV tuning.
Electric powertrains offer a new area for automotive tuners to play with, you can modify battery packs, motors, and software optimisation for enhanced performance. I don’t think for a second that these upgrades mirror the customisation options traditionally available for combustion engines, but it does open a world of possibilities for those eager to push the boundaries of electric vehicle performance. The aftermarket scene for electric classics is poised to explode—and projects like Nissan’s R32 might just be the catalyst.

Interior view of the Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R EV featuring Recaro racing seats with harnesses, embroidered with the Skyline logo, emphasizing performance and comfort.
© Nissan

Final Thoughts

Nissan’s electric R32 Skyline GT-R isn’t just a car. It’s a bold vision of how we can honour automotive history while embracing a sustainable future. (Jaguar, take note). It bridges the gap between nostalgia and innovation that enthusiasts are crying out for, proving that electrification doesn’t have to come at the expense of excitement or heritage.

As EV technology continues to evolve, the possibilities for tuning and restoring classic cars are limitless. The electric R32 is just the beginning. So, what classic car would you electrify next?

10 things to know about the R32 EV project



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