The R32 EV project is still in its early stages, but it's already generating a lot of buzz among car enthusiasts. The idea to give the classic Skyline an electric powertrain came from one of Nissan's engineers, and the higher-ups at Nissan approved the build. The first step in the process was to remove the RB26, a twin-turbo inline-six engine that made 276 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque.
【R32EV】 vol.3
— 日産自動車株式会社 (@NissanJP) April 6, 2023
EVコンバージョンするR32型スカイラインGT-Rの現状の姿をお届けします。#GTR #R32EV pic.twitter.com/Myj5mfLnEe
The RB26DETT was deliberately underpowered as part of the "gentlemen's agreement" between Japanese automakers not to exceed that power level. In reality, the engine made about 330 horsepower before any modifications, which took the engine to over 2,000 horsepower in some extreme tuner applications.
Nissan hasn't released any details about the Gunmetal Grey R32 EV, but it's likely that the company will have to install two electric motors - one for each axle - to maintain the all-wheel-drive layout. It remains to be seen whether the car will have one of those simulated manual transmissions or a regular one- or two-speed transmission.
It's unclear when the R32 EV will be ready, but it's sure to generate a lot of interest when it is. There's no word yet on whether Nissan will produce more electric crate motors to keep old GT-Rs on the road, but the R32 EV project is a step in that direction. As for the long-awaited R36, it's anyone's guess when it will arrive.
Source: Nissan
