The Nissan Skyline GT-R series holds a sacred spot in the hearts of JDM junkies everywhere.
And when it comes to the car that ignited the frenzy, look no further than the legendary Nissan R32—the very first GT-R to earn the fierce nickname ‘Godzilla.’
Now, brace yourselves because this legend has roared back to life in a way no one saw coming—as an Electric Vehicle (EV).
Yup, cue the collective forehead slaps and exasperated “why?!” But stay with us; there’s method in the madness.
The heart-wrenching swap of the iconic twin-turbo 2.6-litre inline-six RB26DETT for an all-electric powertrain wasn’t done on a whim.
It’s all about keeping Godzilla relevant for the upcoming generations. With the automotive world leaning heavily into EVs, a group of forward-thinking Nissan engineers saw this as the perfect way to ensure the R32’s legacy lives on.
The car was displayed in the 2025 Tokyo Auto Saloon (TAS) and as usual the Godzilla attracted the attention of many.
Let’s talk specs. Matching the prowess of the RB26DETT—a beast known to exceed its “official” 280 hp and 368 Nm output thanks to a not-so-secret gentlemen’s agreement among Japanese automakers—is no small feat.
And don’t forget, tuners had a field day pushing those numbers even higher. So, what’s the solution?
Nissan’s brainiacs installed a pair of electric motors, one on each axle, each delivering 218 hp and 340 Nm. That’s a theoretical total of 435 hp and 680 Nm, powered by a 62-kWh battery pack borrowed from the Nissan Leaf Nismo RC02, snugly fitted where the backseat once sat.
Now, before you get too excited, those figures aren’t set in stone. The team is still finessing the powertrain to honour the original R32’s spirit, aiming to keep the output close to the classic 280 hp and 368 Nm. It’s about preserving the legend, not just cranking out another hyper-fast EV.
Despite packing an extra 370 kg compared to the original, the engineers have masterfully tuned the electric R32 to match its predecessor’s torque-to-weight ratio.
They’ve even replicated the R32’s ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system to maintain that perfect 50:50 torque split between the front and rear wheels.
Driving enthusiasts, rejoice! The engineers have added gearshift paddles behind the steering wheel that mimic a manual gearbox and integrated speakers to belt out an artificial RB26DETT growl. This setup, much like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, aims to bring back the visceral thrills of driving the OG R32 GT-R.
To handle the added bulk, they’ve slapped on a set of robust Brembo brakes from the R35 GT-R. But with bigger brakes comes the need for bigger wheels, so they designed new 18-inch rims that still capture the classic vibe of the original 16-inchers.
Inside, the cabin’s retro charm remains intact, but with a futuristic twist. Gone are the analogue gauges, replaced by high-res digital screens that mimic the original design while offering up-to-date functionality. The factory seats? Upgraded to custom Recaro seats, ensuring comfort and style go hand in hand.
Though the electric R32 GT-R is turning heads, don’t get your hopes up for a conversion kit just yet. For now, it’s a passion project, with the engineering team focused on perfecting the car.
But who knows? One day, this electrifying conversion could become a reality for R32 GT-R owners looking to keep their beloved Godzilla roaring down the road for generations to come.
Source: Autobuzz
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