New GT-R to feature twin-turbo V6 with hybrid system, producing over 700 horsepower.
Fully electric GT-R shelved due to battery weight, heat issues in track driving conditions.
Enthusiast feedback influenced Nissan’s decision to keep internal combustion at the GT-R’s core.
The next-generation Nissan GT-R will be powered by a hybrid drivetrain combining a twin-turbocharged V6 engine with electric assistance, moving away from earlier indications of a fully electric model. This is the news GT-R fans have all been waiting to hear. Let’s hope, and we presume, Nissan will take notes from the last Acura NSX and steer away from transforming the R36 into a soulless tool.
Since its 1989 debut as the R32, the GT-R has developed a reputation for race-bred performance and advanced all-wheel-drive systems. The R35 iteration launched in 2007 with a twin-turbo V6 and high-output AWD setup, redefining the model’s capabilities for a global audience.
Room for mistakes is limited; thus, the car must be exceptional.
Speaking with media outlets earlier this year, Ponz Pandikuthira, senior vice-president and chief planning officer for Nissan Americas, stated that the company will not pursue a battery-electric GT-R at this time. Instead, the vehicle will retain a gasoline internal combustion engine paired with a hybrid system to enhance performance. The automaker expects the new GT-R to arrive before 2030.
Nissan Introduces the Hyper Force Concept at the Japan Mobility Show
The hybrid system is designed to sharpen throttle response, fill torque gaps, and support advanced torque-vectoring capabilities. Total output is projected to exceed 700 horsepower, well up from the final R35 NISMO’s 600. Nissan reportedly ruled out an all-electric GT-R due to limitations in current battery technology, including weight and thermal performance under track conditions.
Customer feedback played a key role in Nissan’s decision to retain an internal combustion engine. Enthusiasts reportedly expressed strong preference for maintaining the GT-R’s traditional sound, feel, and durability, particularly during high-performance driving.
From Nürburgring Challenger to Tuner Icon: R35 Nissan GT-R Production Concludes
The 2023 Hyper Force concept, unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show back in 2023, previewed a 1,000-kW (1,340+ hp) all-electric supercar, but engineering constraints hindered its feasibility. Although the next GT-R will not adopt its powertrain, design elements from the concept are expected to influence the production model.
While the full technical specifications have not been disclosed, the new hybrid GT-R is expected to continue the model’s emphasis on performance and driver engagement. The engine layout will remain front-mounted, in line with previous generations.
Source: Forbes
