Nissan R32 GT-R EV: Merging Legacy With Innovation

After months of teasing, Nissan finally released pictures and video of the near-complete fully electric R32 Skyline GT-R.

Aptly christened as the R32 EV, this unique masterpiece will be showcased at the upcoming 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon.

The R32 EV is a one-off vehicle that merges classic performance heritage with cutting-edge electrification technology. This EV conversion project is being carried out by a small team of passionate engineers led by Ryozo Hiraku - a long-time Nissan EV powertrain expert and former owner of the iconic R32 GT-R.

The idea behind the R32 EV was born out of a desire to preserve the legacy of the R32 GT-R for future generations. Hiraku questioned whether, decades from now, enthusiasts would still have access to gasoline to keep their beloved machines running.

This concern led him to embark on a mission to electrify one of Nissan’s most revered performance cars while maintaining its character and appeal.

The project also serves as an exploration of how EV technology can replicate and even enhance the emotional connection between car and driver.

At first glance, the R32 EV could easily be mistaken for a factory-fresh R32 GT-R. Finished in Gun Grey Metallic, it retains the timeless aesthetics that enthusiasts adore.

However, beneath the familiar exterior lies a completely transformed drivetrain. The team replaced the legendary 2.6-litre twin-turbo RB26DETT engine with a pair of 160 kW electric motors, one for each axle.

Together, these motors produce up to 340 NM of torque each, with their power drawn from a 62 kWh battery sourced from the LEAF NISMO RC02. This setup ensures that the R32 EV matches the original car’s 280 PS (206 kW) and 353 NM of torque, despite the additional 370 kilograms added by the EV components.

By carefully tuning the torque-to-weight ratio, the engineers aimed to deliver an experience that mirrors the dynamic prowess of the original car.

The R32 EV also benefits from a reimagined all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. The original ATTESA E-TS system, which employed hydraulics to manage torque distribution, has been replaced by a system that uses the dual electric motors.

This modern setup enables faster and more precise torque allocation between the front and rear wheels, further enhancing stability and traction. Coupled with NISMO sports suspension featuring Öhlins dampers, the R32 EV promises to be a true driver’s car, prioritizing handling and engagement over sheer power.

Maintaining the sensory engagement of the R32 GT-R was a key focus for the team. While many EVs are designed to provide a whisper-quiet cabin, the R32 EV includes features that replicate the visceral experience of its internal combustion predecessor.

Paddle shifters control the motor output, and the cabin speakers play a sound profile inspired by the RB26DETT’s distinctive engine note. The engineers even incorporated simulated “shift shock” to emulate the physical sensation of changing gears, ensuring that drivers feel connected to the car in a way that’s rare among modern EVs.

Other upgrades include larger brakes sourced from the R35 GT-R, ensuring optimal stopping power to counteract the added weight. To accommodate these larger components, the team designed custom 18-inch wheels that mimic the original 16-inch alloys.

Inside, the cabin remains true to the R32 GT-R’s design ethos while incorporating modern technology. High-resolution digital displays replace the original gauges and audio system, providing critical information while preserving the classic look. Custom Recaro seats further enhance the driving experience, blending comfort with support.

The development of the R32 EV has been an intensely personal journey for the team. To ensure the driving dynamics remained authentic, they enlisted Nissan’s master test driver Hiroyoshi Kato, who was part of the original R32 GT-R development team in the late 1980s. Kato’s feedback has been invaluable in fine-tuning the EV to deliver a driving experience worthy of the GT-R badge.

While the R32 EV is not slated for production or conversion kits, it serves as a beacon of what’s possible when passion meets innovation. The project has provided Nissan’s engineers with insights that could shape the future of EV development.

For Hiraku and his team, the R32 EV is more than a technical exercise; it’s a tribute to a legendary car and a testament to the potential of electrification to sustain automotive passion in an evolving world.

As it stands, the R32 EV remains a singular creation—a bridge between the past and the future of performance motoring.