Nissan Reinvents the Skyline R32 with Electrification

A Nissan surprised the automotive world by presenting, during the Tokyo Auto Salon 2024, a bold reinterpretation of one of the most iconic cars of all time: the R32 Skyline GT-R. Now converted into a template 100% electric, the classic is already causing controversy among enthusiasts. Named as “R32 EV”, the Japanese automaker's project aims to prove that classics can also survive in a world dominated by electrification, but the decision to abandon the legendary engine RB26DETT generated a mixture of admiration and discontent among fans.

A boldness that mixes past and future

The development of R32 EV was led by a group of passionate engineers from Nissan in Japan, who sought to preserve the authentic experience of the original model, despite the absence of the engine that helped make the Skyline GT-R an icon. The idea is clear: keep the essence of the car alive while adapting it to a future where fossil fuels may no longer be an option.

Equipped with two electric motors – one for each axle – the R32 EV delivers a total of 430 horsepower It is 65 kgfm of torque. These numbers are impressive, but they are accompanied by the challenge of dealing with the additional weight brought by the batteries. The electric set adds 367 kilos to the car, resulting from the installation of a battery 62 kWh, the same used in the model Leaf Nismo RC02. This battery has been strategically positioned in place of the rear seats, helping to maintain proper weight balance.

Technology that honors legacy

Despite the transition to electric propulsion, the Nissan did not give up elements that defined the dynamics of R32 GT-R original. The all-wheel drive system ATTESA E-TS was retained, but now benefits from the instantaneous response provided by electric motors. To ensure the car's steering remained true to the spirit of the original, the team enlisted the help of Hiroyoshi Kato, one of the engineers who participated in the development of the classic model.

Another detail that promises to please nostalgic people is the artificial sound system that reproduces the characteristic roar of the engine. RB26. This sound is emitted inside the car and synchronized with the acceleration, ensuring an immersive experience. In addition, the model includes simulated “gears”, operated by paddle shifts on the steering wheel. These gears not only replicate the feel of manual shifting but also simulate the physical jerks and torque limitation if the driver is in the wrong gear – a concept similar to that used in Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.

Design that balances nostalgia and modernity

Visually, the R32 EV combines classic elements with modern solutions. The wheels of 18 inches were designed to resemble the originals of 16 inches of the R32, maintaining the car's visual identity. Inside, the analog dials gave way to digital screens that imitate the traditional layout, bringing a touch of modernity without abandoning nostalgia.

The suspension has also undergone important updates. The model features shock absorbers Öhlins adjustable, developed in partnership with the sports division Nismo, ensuring refined drivability and dynamic behavior worthy of the GT-R. The brakes, in turn, were inherited from the R35 GT-R, offering modern and efficient braking capacity.

A promise that will not be fulfilled

Despite all the technological advances and the dedication of the engineers at Nissan, O R32 EV will remain as a research project and a showpiece. The Japanese automaker has made it clear that there are no plans to mass-produce the car or even make conversion kits available to the public. This decision, while understandable given the costs and challenges involved, is a source of frustration for fans who were hoping to see the classic revisited on the streets.

In financial terms, a project like this could easily exceed the values of a R35 GT-R, which currently sells for around R$ 1.1 million in the Brazilian market. The estimated cost for producing a single R32 EV exceeds the R$ 2 million, considering the customized engineering and technological solutions employed.

Reflection on the future of classics

O R32 EV raises an important question for the future of the automotive industry: how to preserve the soul of classic cars in an increasingly electric world? Although the absence of the engine RB26DETT is a significant loss, the project shows that it is possible to adapt the legends of the past to the demands of the future without completely compromising their identity.

On the other hand, the decision not to take the R32 EV to production lines reflects the difficulty of balancing a passion for classics with commercial and technological demands. Even so, the project serves as an example of how innovation can be used to honor the past and inspire future generations.

Conclusion: A glimpse of what could be

In 2024, The Nissan presented a project that brilliantly combines technology and nostalgia, but also leaves us with a bitter taste of farewell. The R32 EV is more than an electric car; it is a statement about the future and a tribute to the past. However, for many enthusiasts, the absence of the authentic roar of the engine RB26 it will always be a gap that no innovation will be able to fill.

While the R32 EV remains an unattainable dream, it also makes us reflect on what really defines the soul of a classic car. After all, is it the sound of the engine? The driving dynamics? Or is it the passion it awakens in those who drive it? The answer, perhaps, lies in the combination of all of these – something that Nissan sought to preserve in this bold experiment.