Nissan is gearing up to make waves at the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon with a headline-grabbing electric conversion of the legendary Skyline GT-R R32. The highly anticipated reveal will take place from January 10 to 12, 2025, and marks a significant step in Nissan’s commitment to electrification. While Nissan has teased this project over the past few months, final details remain under wraps until the official debut.
The electric GT-R R32, often referred to as “Godzilla” in automotive circles, is set to be one of the show’s highlights. While much of the focus is on Nissan’s electrification plans, the company will also display a range of other custom vehicles, including updated Autech models, modified Rogues (known as X-Trail in Japan), and refreshed color options for the Nissan Z sports car.
Electric Heart for an Icon: Dual Motors from the Nissan Leaf
One of the biggest questions surrounding the electric GT-R R32 conversion has been the replacement for the legendary RB26DETT twin-turbocharged inline-six engine. Instead of the anticipated motors from the Nissan Ariya, Nissan opted for a pair of EM57 electric motors from the Nissan Leaf. These motors are mounted transversely in modified front and rear subframes, effectively turning the classic GT-R into an all-wheel-drive electric powerhouse.
The exact specifications of the motors are still unclear, but if they are the high-output versions used in the Nissan Leaf Plus or Leaf Nismo, each motor produces 214 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. This setup suggests a combined output potentially exceeding 400 horsepower. Given that the original GT-R R32 had an “official” power rating of 276 horsepower, this electric version represents a significant performance boost.
Battery Placement and Design Challenges
In terms of power supply, Nissan has fitted a battery pack in the space where the rear seats would normally be. This unconventional placement likely results from the rear motor assembly occupying much of the trunk space. The exact capacity and origin of the batteries remain a mystery, but the mid-mounted position of the pack suggests that battery capacity may be somewhat limited. The placement also raises questions about the car’s center of gravity and weight distribution.
Nissan’s Broader Lineup at Tokyo Auto Salon
Nissan’s electric GT-R R32 is just one part of the automaker’s lineup for the Tokyo Auto Salon. The company will also showcase several other exciting models:
- Custom Rogues (X-Trail in Japan): These SUVs feature bespoke modifications, highlighting Nissan’s approach to performance and utility.
- NV350 Caravan: A customized version of Nissan’s versatile van.
- Autech Models: Nissan’s in-house tuning division, Autech, will present new Sports Spec versions of the Serena minivan and Note Aura hatchback. These models will feature unique wheels, body kits, and enhancements to the suspension, steering, and engine tuning.
- New Nissan Z Colors: Nissan will introduce new Japan-exclusive color options for the Z sports car. The standout is Wangan Blue, a tribute to the iconic “Devil Z” from the Wangan Midnight manga and anime series. Another notable option is Midnight Purple, a color made famous by previous iterations of the Skyline GT-R. This paint exhibits shifting hues of green, blue, and purple, adding a dynamic flair to the Z’s design.
The Autech Legacy
Autech, Nissan’s long-standing tuning arm, has been enhancing Nissan vehicles for decades. The new Sports Spec line for the Serena and Note Aura promises a blend of sporty aesthetics and performance upgrades. Expect more details on these models during the Tokyo Auto Salon.
What is the electric Nissan Skyline GT-R R32?
The electric Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 is a modernized version of the classic sports car, featuring dual electric motors instead of the traditional RB26DETT twin-turbo engine. This electric conversion is set to debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon in January 2025.
Which electric motors are used in the electric GT-R R32?
The electric GT-R R32 uses a pair of EM57 electric motors from the Nissan Leaf. These motors are known for their reliability and performance, with each motor capable of producing up to 214 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque.
How much power does the electric GT-R R32 produce?
While Nissan has not confirmed the exact output, the combined power from the two EM57 motors could exceed 400 horsepower. This represents a significant increase over the original GT-R R32’s 276 horsepower.
Where is the battery pack located in the electric GT-R R32?
The battery pack is mounted in the space where the rear seats would normally be. This placement was likely necessary due to space constraints caused by the rear motor assembly.
What other cars will Nissan showcase at the Tokyo Auto Salon?
In addition to the electric GT-R R32, Nissan will display custom Rogues (X-Trail), a modified NV350 Caravan, new Autech Sports Spec models, and updated color options for the Nissan Z sports car.
What is special about the new Nissan Z colors?
Nissan will introduce Wangan Blue and Midnight Purple as new color options for the Z. Wangan Blue pays tribute to the “Devil Z” from the Wangan Midnight series, while Midnight Purple is a legendary color associated with previous Skyline GT-R models.
What is Autech, and what does it do?
Autech is Nissan’s in-house tuning and customization brand. Established decades ago, Autech specializes in enhancing Nissan vehicles with unique styling, performance upgrades, and specialized tuning.
When and where will the Tokyo Auto Salon take place?
The Tokyo Auto Salon will be held from January 10 to 12, 2025. This annual event showcases custom cars, aftermarket parts, and the latest automotive innovations.
Will the electric GT-R R32 go into production?
As of now, Nissan has not announced plans for a production version of the electric GT-R R32. The project appears to be a concept or one-off showcase to demonstrate Nissan’s electrification capabilities.
