If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if a small team of engineers took one of Nissan’s most iconic performance cars and turned it into an EV, then ponder no more because the Japanese car brand has done just that, with an R32 GT-R.
While traditional car enthusiasts around the world, and those in attendance at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon, might be tempted to yell the C-word (no, not that one, the other one – controversy), the project is certainly contentious.
The one-off vehicle is the work of long-time Nissan EV powertrain engineer Ryozo Hiraku, and central to his decision to leverage an R32 GT-R as the donor vehicle was a desire to electrify a car he himself revered, and ensure it could be driven for decades to come.
“I wondered if 30 years from now – in 2055 or beyond – owners of this incredible machine could still buy gasoline and enjoy driving it,” Hiraku said.
“I saw merit in using electrical and digital technology to replicate the appeal of the R32 GT-R so future generations could experience it.”
The team was also confident that if it could successfully match the legendary model’s driving performance using electrons instead of gasoline, the resulting knowhow could support the development of future EVs.
The R32 EV could almost pass as a standard R32 GT-R. Finished in Gun Grey metallic, the vehicle’s factory-fresh appearance disguises its heart transplant. Aiming to reproduce the prowess of the revered 2.6-litre twin-turbo engine, there’s been some big changes.
The team installed a pair of 160kW electric motors, each capable of delivering up to 340Nm of torque. They removed the rear seat and in its place installed a 62kWh battery borrowed from the LEAF NISMO RC02.
While the tuning and development of the R32 EV is ongoing, the team’s aim is not to exceed but rather match the performance of the original GT-R. That car produced 206 kW and 353Nm of torque.
As was the case with the R32 GT-R, the aim with the EV is to create a true driver’s car, rather than chase outright power and straight-line performance. Key to that is an impressive AWD system, like Nissan’s ATTESSA E-TS setup from 35 years ago.
Now, with an array of modern sensors, the dual electric motors can respond faster and distribute torque with even greater precision. NISMO sports suspension with Öhlins dampers ensures optimal handling and limited body roll.
The R32 EV features paddle shift functionality and a cabin speaker pipes in sound inspired by the original RB26DETT engine note. To replicate the sensation of manual gear shifts, the team even programmed the sensation of shift shock into the paddle shift logic.
Larger rotors and mono-block calipers from the R35 GT-R add optimal stopping power, while factory-inspired 18-inch wheels are fitted. Inside the cabin, the aim was to keep things as original as possible while upgrading key items to enhance the driver’s experience.
The factory seats were changed to custom Recaros, and the double DIN audio, gauges and meter cluster received high-res digital screens that provide key driver information while retaining their original profile — a touch R32 GT-R aficionados will no doubt appreciate.
With the fabrication and assembly stages complete, Hiraku and the team can now focus on tuning and dynamic development. While there are no plans to commercialize the R32 EV or offer a conversion kit, the project is yielding valuable insights.
