Electric Godzilla: Nissan Brings The R32 GT-R Into The EV Age

Nissan has been working on an electric version of the iconic GT-R R32 since March 2023, and it’s finally ready to step into the spotlight. Created by a team of volunteer engineers, this unique EV is heading to the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon. The big twist? An all-electric setup has replaced the legendary RB26DETT twin-turbo inline-six.

So far, Nissan has only shared one teaser image, but the electric R32 GT-R made a brief appearance last month at the R’s Meeting at Fuji Speedway in Japan. The project’s goal is to “capture and recreate the essence of the BNR32” for the electric age. At first glance, the car looks nearly identical to the original, but a closer look reveals a few tweaks—like the missing fog lights and orange brake calipers.

Although Nissan hasn't disclosed any specifications yet, it's reasonable to presume that the car may incorporate dual motors for all-wheel drive, utilizing technology from Nissan's existing electric vehicles. If it bears resemblance to the Ariya Nismo, its power and torque figures could surpass the 276 hp and 271 lb-ft ratings of the original GT-R. Of course, the RB26DETT was notoriously underrated back in the day, often producing over 300 hp in stock form and, with tuning, pushing past 2,000 hp.

This electric R32 is likely a one-off project, but it’s a sign of things to come. Nissan has hinted that the next GT-R could be fully electric, with the wild Hyper Force concept offering a glimpse of what might be in store. That concept, with solid-state batteries and a jaw-dropping 1,341 hp, seems like a bold preview of the future. The electric R32 will make its public debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon from January 10-12, alongside the R35 GT-R Nismo Special Edition for the Japanese market.