Confirmed: The upcoming Nissan GT-R will feature a hybrid powertrain and is expected to launch in 3 to 5 years.
Larry Chen/Nissan
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On Wednesday, during the 2025 New York Auto Show, Nissan North America's Senior Vice President and Chief Planning Officer, Ponz Pandikuthira, provided The Drive with an exclusive update about the R36 GT-R. This time, he shared a timeline, discussed updated powertrain strategies for the next generation supercar, and outlined project requirements. It has been confirmed that the upcoming GT-R will be a hybrid rather than a purely battery-electric vehicle, and it is expected to launch by the end of this decade.
Transitioning from electric to hybrid
In April 2024, Pandikuthira reassured that the GT-R nameplate would continue despite the R35 reaching the end of its lifecycle and production concluding.
At that moment, he mentioned that the powertrain for the next-gen GT-R had not yet been finalized, but indicated that Formula E, an electric racing series, is being utilized as a testing ground for the supercar.
In July 2024, Nissan's current CEO Ivan Espinosa revealed to Top Gear that electric vehicles offer considerably faster corner exit acceleration and greater control compared to traditional combustion engines. He added that “this could be advantageous for a GT-R, as it is a car designed for track driving thanks to its systems, and this same experience can be achieved with an EV.”
In the past year, plans regarding the next-gen GT-R have shifted. The famed Godzilla will not be fully electric but will be a hybrid.
Larry Chen/Nissan
Pandikuthira mentioned that Nissan had created some electric prototypes for the next-gen GT-R, but pointed out, “essentially, it could complete one lap at the Nürburgring, and then you would need to recharge. However, that process takes a considerable amount of time, making it feel inauthentic.”
He emphasized, “You’ve produced something just to say there’s a GT-R, but it doesn’t truly represent what a GT-R is.” He also stated, “Currently, the technology we have, or even solid-state technology, cannot provide the performance levels expected from a GT-R.”
Pandikuthira reiterated that a GT-R has specific performance benchmarks necessary for authenticity. These goals include setting new lap records at the Nürburgring (he noted how the R35 GT-R once outperformed the Porsche 911) and being able to drive multiple laps at high speeds on the famous track. “Hybrid technology and EV battery technology aren’t advanced enough yet to achieve that level of supercar performance,” he stated.
“Even if it’s entirely solid-state (referring to the next-gen battery technology Nissan is developing), it still won’t deliver the performance that’s expected from a GT-R,” he said, indicating doubts about an electric version of the classic model.
He also commented on the forthcoming next-gen battery technology, saying, “it might work well for other electric vehicles intended for leisurely drives, but a high-performance GT-R as an electric car is still a long way off.”
Larry Chen/Nissan
Hybrid or plug-in hybrid GT-R? Decision pending, with preference for plug-in
“We will incorporate some level of electrification,” Pandikuthira confirmed, stating, “solid-state batteries will be pivotal in making this a reality.”
The primary factors are heat management and energy density.
He discussed the possibility of the next GT-R being either a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid. The decision is not yet finalized due to uncertainties around future battery technology, but he is inclined towards a plug-in hybrid. However, based on current technology, a conventional hybrid is more practical for track use.
“Consider a plug-in hybrid using today’s tech; after two or three laps of the Nürburgring, you could run out of power. At that point, the vehicle wouldn't operate at full capacity,” he noted, adding that a plug-in hybrid design would result in significant additional weight from a larger battery pack.
Larry Chen/Nissan
The type of hybrid used for the GT-R will depend on the performance capabilities of solid-state batteries in real-world settings, according to Pandikuthira.
“We anticipate that thermal management will be exceptional with solid-state batteries,” he said.
“Ideally, I’d want a GT-R that can manage a range of about 70 miles on electric power alone for city driving,” Pandikuthira expressed, emphasizing that this would fulfill his dream design, allowing the GT-R to operate solely on electric energy.
“The essence of the GT-R is that it's not a car meant for only special occasions. You want to be able to drive your kids to school or go grocery shopping. Essentially, you want a car that functions as an EV for everyday use,” he stated. This would then allow the vehicle to perform high-speed laps at a racetrack using tomorrow’s solid-state batteries.
He also noted that a battery designed for such a vehicle with solid-state technology would only need to be
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