Good news for those who enjoy the Nissan Skyline family of cars. The brand, which has yet to confirm if the upcoming R36 GT-R will feature an electric powertrain, has confirmed, and paraded a new electric version of the legendary GT-R. It seems fitting that the announcement was made in the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon, since it is based on the original R32 Skyline GT-R from the early 1990s, which was wildly popular in the country.
This new release started being created in 2023 by volunteer Nissan engineers that donated their time to get the project off the ground. The project was spearheaded by Ryozo Hiraku, a powertrain expert at Nissan who wanted to give the iconic R32 a modern twist by keeping up with the time and converting it into electric. When asked why this project was so important to him, he stated that he wanted to keep the GT-R’s magic alive for future generations while integrating cutting-edge EV tech.
The new Nissan Skyline Electric Vehicle version
Since the goal of this new version of the car is to make it feel just as thrilling as the original for the car enthusiasts that will enjoy it, the engineers have packed the car with a pair of 215-hp electric motors, one for each wheel axle. This means that in theory the car produces more power than the original twin-turbo 2.6-liter inline-6 engine, but since the new car is heavier due to the added weight of the battery, it balances out, keeping the power-to-weight ratio close to the original stock version.
The new batteries are not a new concept for the brand, they were previously used in the Nissan’s Leaf RC race car concept and were borrowed in order to make the car fast and responsive. In fact, one of the bigger challenges was how to fit them into the new Skyline’s frame, which is more compact. With a bit of creative problem solving, they ended up being relocated to the place where the back seats used to be. Despite being a good solution, this is what added some of the unnecessary weight to the car, about 809 pounds, due to the fact that the structure lacks the flat surfaces typically needed for battery installation and it needed to be created. This and other modifications have brought the total weight of the car up to 3,962 pounds.
The innovation of the car did not stop at electrifying the powertrain. To handle the added weight and power, they installed larger 18-inch wheels to accommodate upgraded brakes sourced from the current R35 GT-R. They also fitted the car with Öhlins dampers for improved handling. Inside the cabin, they added digital screens to match the modern powertrain and the old 5-speed manual transmission was swapped out for paddle shifters connected to an electronic system. This setup was programmed to mimic the sensation of a manual clutch engaging during gear shifts, replicating the characteristic jolt drivers love. To top it off, they installed speakers that simulate the sound of the original inline-6 engine, adding a nostalgic touch.
To ensure that they got it right and to fine tune the all-wheel-drive system, Nissan brought in Hiroyoshi Kato, one of the original test drivers for the R32 GT-R. He ensured that the electric version of this iconic car stayed true to its roots.
Hiraku gushed about the new design, stating that “Automotive technology will continue to evolve, and as it does, some aspects of driving may inevitably be lost, while others deserve to endure. I firmly believe that the driving pleasure of iconic cars like the R32 GT-R is a legacy worth safeguarding for future generations.”
