Nissan GT-R to debut electric car at 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon

While it remains to be seen whether or not Nissan will include an electric powertrain in the next-generation R36 GT-R, the automaker has already built at least one electric GT-R.

This is a modified R32 Skyline GT-R from the early 1990s, and was just unveiled at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon over the weekend.

The project, which began in early 2023, was driven by a team of volunteer Nissan engineers. The project originated with powertrain engineer Ryozo Hiraku, who wanted to further evolve the R32 GT-R by electrifying it and integrating EV technology in order to pass on the car's appeal to future generations. Hiraku was also responsible for Nissan's new electric four-wheel drive technology, the e-4ORCE system, which was incorporated into the Ariya crossover.

According to Nissan, the electric GT-R should offer a driving experience similar to the original car and its twin-turbo 2.6-liter inline-six engine. The powertrain included 215 hp electric motors on each axle. Total output would be higher than the original car's 276 hp (unofficially about 330 hp), but Nissan said the power-to-weight ratio would be comparable due to the additional weight of the battery.

The battery, a 62 kWh unit appropriated from Nissan's former racing car concept, the Leaf RC, was located where the rear seats would normally be. Nissan explains that mounting the battery was the biggest challenge because of the R32 GT-R's relatively compact structure and lack of large flat areas to mount the battery. The electric GT-R now weighs 3,962 pounds, an increase of approximately 809 pounds over the normal version.

Other changes include larger diameter 18-inch wheels and Ohlins dampers to accommodate an upgraded brake system diverted from the current R35 GT-R. Hiroyoshi Kato, one of the original test drivers of the R32 GT-R, participated in the tuning of the all-wheel drive system.

A digital screen was also added to complement the new powertrain, and the standard five-speed manual transmission was replaced by paddle shifters connected to an electronic system. This system was programmed to replicate the brief jolting sensation that drivers typically experience when engaging the manual transmission clutch during gearshifts. Additionally, speakers were installed in the cabin to mimic the sound of the original inline six-cylinder engine.

Nissan's Nismo division has in recent years offered replacement parts for classic GT-Rs to keep them running. This is especially true because emission regulations have made it difficult to maintain gas-powered vehicles, including classic cars.

“Automotive technology will continue to evolve, and as it does, some aspects of driving may inevitably be lost, but others deserve to survive,” Hirak said in a statement.

Nissan also took advantage of the annual Tuner Festa in Tokyo to showcase the latest projects by students from its in-house technical college in Japan. The highlight was a Z station wagon based on Nissan's 2000s performance wagon, the Stagea.