Nissan has announced that it is working on an electric prototype based on one of the company’s most iconic vehicles, the R32 Skyline GT-R. The project, known as the R32 EV, is the brainchild of a Nissan engineer who had the vision of creating an exciting car that utilizes the company’s latest electrification technology.
After Nissan and the Prince Motor Corporation (the original Skyline maker) merged, the first Nissan Skyline, which was still a saloon at the time, was released in 1969. In that year, Nissan unveiled the GT-R version, which had an improved handling system and was the first two-door vehicle. Over the years, the Skyline saw numerous updates and facelifts, but Nissan didn’t create the renowned R32 Skyline GT-R until 1989.
Today, the Skyline is best recognized for serving as the legendary forerunner of Nissan’s GT-R sports vehicle. Now after 34 years, Nissan is poised to embrace a new age of electrification. The Japanese automaker recently increased its efforts to increase EV manufacturing by simplifying powertrain production and pledging to introduce 19 new fully electric vehicles by 2030.
For now, Nissan has yet to provide any details about the electric powertrain going into the R32 EV, but it posted a short teaser video announcing the project captioned “Nissan will challenge the production of an EV prototype of the R32 Skyline GT-R” where we can hear the RB26DETT 2.6L twin-turbo straight-6 engine, which is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission and Nissan’s ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system. This shows the project is still in the early phase of development.
【R32EV】vol.1
日産はR32型スカイラインGT-RのEV試作車製作に挑戦します。https://t.co/4eNjF3KdiI
この取り組みは、GT-Rに憧れて入社した技術者が「最高に好きなクルマに、今自分が関わる最新の電動化技術を載せて、もっとワクワクするクルマを造りたい」という思いから始まりました。#GTR #R32EV pic.twitter.com/pGBHqgeSBo— 日産自動車株式会社 (@NissanJP) March 28, 2023
Nissan has previously stated that the e-4ORCE driveline utilized in its electric vehicles was designed using lessons learned from the ATTESA E-TS torque split system in the R35 GT-R, making it an ideal fit for the conversion. There have been rumors that the GT-official R’s successor, which received a redesign this year, will be all-electric, but this remains unconfirmed for the time being.
Related: Nissan Sakura and Mitsubishi eK X Named 2022-23 Japan Car of the Year
As mentioned above, according to Nissan, this project was initiated due to the desire of an engineer who joined the company because of his admiration of the GT-R. He said:
“I want to build a more exciting car by adding the latest electrification technology that I am involved with to my favorite car.”
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
