Nissan Offers the Best Retrofit of the Year

Retrofitting can be a particularly noble art when it respects the donor model. Nissan understands this well!

What happens when you combine the expertise of passionate engineers, one of Nissan’s most iconic performance cars, and the latest advancements in electric technology? If purists might whisper “heresy,” Nissan chose to respond in its own way at the Tokyo Motor Show 2025. The R32 EV, a one-of-a-kind conversion, is the result of a passionate project led by a daring team of engineers in Japan. This prototype explores the potential of electrification to deliver a driving experience as exhilarating as the famous R32 GT-R.

Behind this project is Ryozo Hiraku, a seasoned electric powertrain engineer at Nissan and former owner of a Skyline R32, who wanted to take on an ambitious challenge. “I wondered if, in 2055 or beyond, the owners of this masterpiece could still find fuel to enjoy it. Electrification is a way to ensure the longevity of this heritage,” he explains.

Equipped with two 160 kW electric motors and a 62 kWh battery from the LEAF NISMO RC02, the R32 EV aims not to outdo but to match the performance of the original. The engineers adjusted the power-to-weight ratio to reflect the characteristics of the GT-R while compensating for the extra 370 kg of weight.

Visually, the illusion is perfect. The R32 EV retains the metallic Gun Grey paint and timeless lines of the original. But beneath this exterior hide modern electric systems and a precisely tuned chassis. Öhlins shock absorbers and brakes borrowed from the R35 GT-R ensure an immersive driving experience.

Inside, high-resolution digital screens seamlessly blend into the retro design, and speakers reproduce the characteristic sound of the RB26 engine. Even the “gear shift jump” is simulated to recreate the original sensations.

Although the R32 EV is not intended for commercial release, the project offers valuable lessons. With this unique model, Nissan demonstrates that it is possible to reinvent an icon while respecting its soul. A fusion of heritage and future that inspires.

How does the R32 EV compare to the R32 GT-R?

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