No Future for the Nissan GT-R?

The prospects for a descendant of the current Nissan GT-R are shrouded in total uncertainty. Will we see Godzilla again?

Expected to arrive in three to five years, the Nissan GT-R of the R36 generation is likely to adopt a hybrid powertrain. While some see it as an evolution, others fear a loss of identity for this icon nicknamed “Godzilla.” Although several electric prototypes have been tested, their performance has been disappointing. These models could only complete one lap of the Nürburgring before needing to recharge, a constraint that undermines the spirit of the GT-R. Even with the promising future of solid-state batteries, current technology appears incapable of delivering the expected performance.

Instead, Nissan plans to optimize its 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, integrating it with a hybrid system. However, the brand has not yet decided whether this architecture will be a conventional hybrid or a plug-in hybrid. Thermal management issues and energy density remain major obstacles. While hybridization could ensure the survival of the GT-R in the face of increasingly strict environmental standards, it could also mark the end of an era for this legendary car.

Honda to the rescue of Godzilla?

Another question mark lies in the potential collaboration with Honda to jointly develop the platform for the R36 and the next Acura NSX. While this alliance could reduce costs, it may also dilute the uniqueness of the GT-R. The elegance of the NSX and the brutality of the GT-R seem incompatible. The example of Aston Martin sharing engines with Mercedes-Benz is often cited, but the risk of excessive convergence between the two models remains.

With the discontinuation of orders for the R35, GT-R enthusiasts will have to wait in uncertainty. For such an enduring icon, the compromise already seems bittersweet.

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