Nissan turns an R32 Skyline GT-R into an EV

Nissan has done the unthinkable and converted an original R32 Skyline GT-R into a battery-electric vehicle, dispensing with the lauded RB26 in the process.

Debuted at the Tokyo Auto Salon this week, the 2025 Nissan Skyline R32 EV is (thankfully) a one-off creation exploring possible future avenues of electrification and supposedly a futuristic rethink of arguably the brand’s most legendary performance car.

In place of the donor car’s twin-turbocharged 2.6-litre straight six is a dual-motor powertrain comprising a pair of 160kW/340Nm e-motors – one on each axle – and a 62kWh battery pinched from the Leaf Nismo RC02 concept racer.

The battery pack has been installed where the rear seats would ordinarily be but we’re still waiting for an official range, combined outputs or any performance claims to be published.

The ongoing project has been headed by Nissan EV powertrain engineer Ryozo Hiraku who said the goal wasn’t to exceed the original Godzilla’s performance or capabilities, but rather match them and emulate the driving experience with a zero-emission powertrain.

That’s why the R32 EV features a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N-like virtual gearshift – albeit without the accompanying impact on power delivery – paired with a synthetic RB26-esque engine sound piped in via the cabin speakers.

Modern battery-electric hardware is heavy and in this instance, has added 367kg to the R32’s kerb weight (1797kg vs 1430kg), which is why the R32 EV is fitted with the same monobloc brakes – callipers, rotors, pads – as the modern R35 GT-R.

The whole ensemble rides on custom 18-inch alloy wheels inspired by the original’s 16-inch units, shod with marginally fatter 235/45-profile rubber.

Inside the cabin you’ll find some subtle enhancements including custom Recaro bucket seats and high-res screens in place of the double DIN audio, gauges and meter cluster in line with the more modern powertrain.

“With the fabrication and assembly stages complete … the team can now focus on tuning and dynamic development,” Nissan said.

“While there are no plans to commercialise the R32 EV or offer a conversion kit, the project is yielding valuable insights for the team’s members, who have dedicated countless hours of their spare time to make their vision a reality.”

The development team is hoping to replicate the original R32’s cornering dynamics, torque split and AWD response through a combination of software, modern tyre technology and a Nismo Sports suspension kit based around unique Öhlins Racing dampers.

Insights from the project will almost certainly be used in the development of future performance EVs and could possibly even be laying the groundwork for future generations of GT-R which have long been touted to be electric.

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