Nissan announced its plan to electrify a classic R32 Skyline GT-R in a bid to showcase its latest technology. Now, the automaker has shared a 44-second video of the car before the project kicks off.
The car looks to be in great condition for its age, with its Gun Gray Metallic paint still looking pristine and the interior still in good shape. While there are some signs of age in the engine bay, these imperfections are minor.
While some car enthusiasts might lament seeing a classic car being converted to electric power, the project was actually inspired by a Nissan engineer’s love for the R32 Skyline GT-R.
“I want to build a more exciting car by adding the latest electrification technology that I am involved with to my favorite car,” the engineer said.
Nissan has not yet revealed what powertrain will replace the original engine, which made 276 horsepower from the factory. However, the Ariya’s electric powertrain is capable of producing up to 389 horsepower in its most powerful form, making it a fitting choice for the R32 EV.
Although the R32 EV is likely to be a one-off concept for Nissan to showcase at auto shows, it is part of a growing trend of automakers electrifying classic cars. Other examples include the Renault 5 Diamant and the Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD Coupe. Nissan has even done this before with the Newbird, a one-off EV made by combining an ’80s Bluebird with the electric powertrain from a Nissan LEAF.
While it may not please all car enthusiasts, the electrification of classic cars is a promising trend that could help to preserve these beloved vehicles while reducing emissions. It will be interesting to see how Nissan’s R32 EV project develops and what other automakers will electrify next.
【R32EV】 vol.3
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— 日産自動車株式会社 (@NissanJP) April 6, 2023