Anticipation Builds for the Next-Gen Nissan GT-R: Rumors and Speculations

At the 2024 New York Motor Show, Nissan's Senior VP and Chief Planning Officer for Nissan North America confirmed the beloved GT-R will remain part of Nissan's lineup. This statement has only fueled further excitement and curiosity about what the future holds for this iconic supercar.

Rumors about the R36 Nissan GT-R have been swirling for over a decade. Alfonso Albaisa, Nissan's design chief, mentioned in 2018 that early design work had begun, and he recently confirmed that the design is still in progress. Some speculate that the next GT-R could feature a hybrid powertrain, especially as hybrid sales in the USA have surged. The success of hybrid hypercars like the McLaren Artura and Ferrari 296 suggests that a hybrid GT-R could be well-received.

However, there's also strong speculation that the R36 might be an all-electric vehicle. At the Japan Mobility Show, Nissan unveiled the Hyper Force concept, a futuristic EV with nearly 1,400 horsepower. Although it wasn't labeled as a GT-R concept, it featured design elements reminiscent of the GT-R, including the famous round taillights.

Nissan faces a significant challenge: should it continue with the GT-R's traditional combustion engine or shift to an all-electric platform? The current GT-R platform, while legendary, is outdated and doesn't have space for hybrid components without major modifications. On the other hand, the Hyper Force concept indicates Nissan is seriously considering an all-electric future.

Nissan is known for taking its time with significant decisions, as evidenced by the long gap between the R34 and R35 models. This cautious approach might continue as Nissan evaluates the best path forward amid fluctuating emissions regulations and consumer preferences.

Credit: Motor Trend