The Upcoming GT-R May Surprise You | Carscoops

      Nissan may face challenges in creating an electric supercar that evokes the same emotions as its predecessors.

      The upcoming Nissan GT-R will focus on fostering a deep emotional bond with drivers. The company's previous GT-R product planner mentioned that Nissan is attentive to its customers' desires. However, no launch date has been set, and Nissan's financial difficulties could postpone the vehicle's release.

      The concept of a hybrid GT-R has been around for so long that it feels like part of Nissan's lore. Back in 2014, rumors began circulating about an electrified R36-generation Nissan GT-R. Fast forward more than ten years, and while much has changed, the R35 has surprisingly remained in production, much like a vinyl record in the age of streaming. Eventually, it will pass the torch to a successor, which might indeed turn out to be a hybrid.

      Nissan has always aimed to provide performance that exceeds expectations, often outperforming more expensive exotic cars. If the company maintains this philosophy for the R36, a fully electric version could logically follow. However, it's not a certainty just yet. Former R35 product planner Hiroshi Tamura, recognized as the father of the modern GT-R, suggested that Nissan might follow a different path based on fan feedback.

      In a conversation with Top Gear, Tamura expressed that electrification is not an inevitability. “I’m not sure it will be 100 percent EV,” he stated. “I believe Nissan will gather customer opinions on the next GT-R. If customers do not want a fully electric car, we should not build one. But if a hybrid is acceptable to them, it might indeed happen.”

      Although Tamura is no longer leading the GT-R program, he is confident that Nissan will honor the esteemed nameplate. He emphasized that the key to the GT-R is to deliver "happiness" and to focus on "creating something new, establishing a new trend."

      “I believe there is something more fundamental; a spiritual connection both internally and externally. One way to forge this connection is by having an emotional car,” he remarked. “The GT-R is like Gundam technology. It possesses incredible power, controlled by technology. You are the pilot. The car is an extension of yourself. The GT-R represents strong leadership, which aligns with our company's essence.”

      If Nissan aims to guarantee that the R36 establishes a meaningful emotional link with its owners, pursuing an electric option might not be the wisest choice. It would likely be more advantageous for Nissan to pursue a high-performance hybrid, possibly delivering performance comparable to the Lamborghini Revuelto, but at a more reasonable price point.

      There remains no official announcement regarding when a new GT-R might launch, and considering Nissan's current financial uncertainties, the R36 is likely low on its priority list.