Nissan doesn’t know what the new GT-R will be
The R36 Nissan GT-R was long expected to become an EV, but the brand is still considering what’s best for its flagship model.
When Nissan unveiled the Hyper Force concept in 2023, the wild EV’s styling cues paid a not-so-subtle homage to Skyline GT-Rs of the past, leading to speculation that the R36 GT-R would go electric.
On paper, the 1000kW quad-motor Hyper Force previewed what could be the perfect GT-R, while its solid-state battery would also represent a true advancement in the automotive world.
However, demand for EVs has since cooled, and for high-end models especially it has almost dried up, leading to many brands delaying or outright cancelling planned battery-powered hero cars.
Speaking to Autocar, Nissan’s chief performance officer, Guillaume Cartier, said the brand is “exploring different routes” for the new R36 GT-R, adding “it’s something I believe in, as I was in charge of launching GT-R in Europe”.
Cartier added there is currently “no clear plan” for the new GT-R, as Nissan looks to recover itself from financial hardship globally.
According to the executive, the UK, Switzerland and Germany are the only true sports car markets in Europe, making a low-volume car like the GT-R a harder proposition.
In August, production of the R35 Nissan GT-R ended after 17 years, with Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa at the time saying the GT-R name would only be used on “something truly special”.
“We understand the expectations are high, the GT-R badge is not something that can be applied to just any vehicle; it is reserved for something truly special and the R35 set the bar high,” Espinosa said.
“So, all I can ask is for your patience. While we don’t have a precise plan finalised today, the GT-R will evolve and reemerge in the future.”
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