Here’s How The Electric GT-R Will Set The Bar For Electric Sports Cars (2024)

We've been waiting for a next-generation Nissan GT-R for quite some time now, as the current example has been available as a new model for the last 17 years. This makes it one of the oldest new cars currently available and the longest production run for a performance car of this caliber. While it may be a low-volume seller, Nissan confirms that it continues to sell all the models it makes, which is an impressive feat considering they cost more than $120,000 before options and extras. The brand has hinted that a next-generation model is imminent and that we can expect to see it before the end of this decade, which is still a good few years away.

Nissan previewed this car to us with its Hyper Force concept, highlighting the fact that it would adopt a more eco-friendly and effective electric drive system. A recent interview now clarifies that we can also expect to see a first-of-its-kind solid-state battery pack, which will play a pivotal role in extracting the best combination of performance and efficiency. The all-new GT-R will be one of the most anticipated releases for multiple reasons. The badge continues to hold great value among several car culture communities and, despite its age, the R35 GT-R continues to attract a lot of attention and respect from fellow gear heads. We have no doubt that Nissan will aim to continue this heritage, while taking things to the next level.

How Nissan Plans To Integrate Solid-State Batteries In The Next GT-R

Nissan’s global vice-president of product planning Ivan Espinosa confirms to Autocar that the next-generation all-electric Nissan GT-R will feature a solid-state battery pack for the sake of extracting the best combination of range, efficiency, and performance.

It's a well-known fact that brands will fit the first examples of solid-state batteries into their high-end and exclusive models, because this makes the most financial sense and it gives them a better opportunity to refine the technology for their mainstream and high-volume models. Espinosa tells the British publication that we can expect this model to be a much more expensive performance car option, although he won't give any specific details regarding the Japanese brand's pricing strategy for its next halo model.

Nissan's Solid-State Strategy

• Nissan plans to use solid-state battery technology to enhance the performance and range of its future electric vehicles, aiming to provide longer driving distances on a single charge.
• The company aims to commercialize solid-state batteries by 2028, with a pilot production line set to launch by 2025, indicating a strong commitment to advancing this technology.
• Solid-state batteries are expected to charge faster than conventional lithium-ion batteries, reducing charging times significantly, which will enhance the convenience and practicality of electric vehicles.
• Nissan believes that solid-state batteries will offer improved safety due to their stable chemistry and reduced risk of overheating, making them less prone to fire hazards.
• The new battery technology will allow for smaller, lighter battery packs, which can lead to better vehicle handling and overall performance while maintaining or even increasing the vehicle's power output.
• Nissan anticipates that solid-state batteries will lower the overall cost of electric vehicles by streamlining production and reducing dependency on expensive materials, making EVs more affordable for consumers.

Espinosa also backs the fact that the solid-state battery's affordability will improve as the brand invests more time and resources in the development process, because of how the pack can offer more capacity while using far fewer materials. While the first example of Nissan's solid-state battery will feature in the upcoming GT-R successor, we can expect to see it used in Kei cars, because they are a more ideal option for these compact body styles.

It's also an advantageous option for passenger SUVs, because it lets engineers and designers maximize the interior space, which current lithium-ion packs currently take up a lot of. As for the official release date, Nissan claims that it aims to get its first road-legal example out onto the roads by 2028, which is a fairly realistic target to achieve.

Everything We Know About The Next GT-R So Far

Nissan revealed its Hyper Force concept at last year's annual Mobility Show in Japan. It confirmed that this is a design study that would apply to the much anticipated GT-R successor, which we can expect to arrive sometime in 2028 as an all-electric high-performance GT. The brand keeps specifications to a minimum, but it confirms that the concept adopts a pair of electric motors that work together to generate a whopping 1,341 horsepower.

Visually, it's quite clear that the Hyper Force concept is an exaggerated design of what we can expect the next GT-R to look like. This means that the drastic aerodynamic components will likely be refined to be more suited for road use. We can also look forward to a world-first suspension and stabilizer function that lets you make adjustments to the system while on the go in a much more intuitive fashion compared to today's adaptive damping systems.

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Nissan's Hyper Force Design Study

• Nissan unveiled the Hyper Force Concept at the Japan Mobility Show 2023, showcasing a futuristic, high-performance electric sports car design.
• The Hyper Force Concept features an all-electric powertrain with dual motors, offering a combined output of up to 1,341 horsepower, emphasizing Nissan's commitment to electric vehicle performance.
• This concept car incorporates advanced aerodynamics, including an adjustable rear wing and active front grille shutters, designed to enhance downforce and optimize airflow for improved efficiency.
• Inside, the Hyper Force Concept boasts a driver-focused co*ckpit with a wraparound digital display, augmented reality HUD, and advanced driver-assistance systems, blending high-tech interfaces with a motorsport-inspired interior.
• Nissan equipped the Hyper Force with cutting-edge, solid-state battery technology that promises faster charging times, improved safety, and increased energy density compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
• The concept vehicle emphasizes sustainable materials and construction methods, reflecting Nissan's vision for a greener future without compromising performance or driving excitement.

Nissan also confirms that it is working on an innovative plasma actuator that helps to prevent airflow from escaping the downforce system in order to maximize grip. The massive carbon aero wheels will also likely be downsized for the sake of practicality, but they are likely to retain their impressive weight-saving and brake system cooling properties, which will be essential for a car of this magnitude.

The Japanese brand also places a lot of focus on the interior's digitalization, by incorporating extensive augmented and virtual reality capabilities. Users can take advantage of these systems to refine their track times and further improve their driving skills. The VR system also lets you use the entire car as a simulation rig, which is to be expected when you consider how close a relationship Nissan shares with the Gran Turismo franchise .

Why The Next GT-R Needs To Be An EV

The current-generation Nissan GT-R has been available on the global market since it was introduced in 2007. When new, fans celebrated it for being one of the most advanced technological creations of its time. Unfortunately, as time has passed, and the automotive industry has witnessed many new innovations, many now see the GT-R as somewhat of a dinosaur.

The current-generation model still features a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V-6 that only a handful of the brand's engineers construct at the brand's Yokohama plant. The brand has subjected this unit to several alterations over the years, with the current Nismo example producing 600 horsepower and 481 pound-feet to all four wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. As per the brand's claims, this will cover a 0-60 MPH sprint in around 2.9 seconds, but real-world conditions reveal that the best it can achieve is around 3.1 seconds.

2024 Nissan GT-R Nismo Performance Specifications

For a car of this age, this is still an incredible feat, but it now has to compete with electric family SUVs and sedans that can cover a 0-60 MPH sprint in just over 2.1 seconds . The only way Nissan can compete with the new generation of performance cars is by embracing electromobility. This is an area that the Japanese brand is very familiar with, as it was one of the first to bring a mass-market electric car to the world in the guise of the Leaf .

Unlike other brands, Nissan opted to introduce a more accessible EV first before upscaling its more eco-friendly product line. The brand also has experience of developing electrical systems for various motorsport disciplines, including Formula E and the WEC.

Nissan's Failed GT-R Hybrid Project

Many forget that Nissan initially had plans to introduce the GT-R's successor a few years ago as a hybrid performance car that wouldrival the likes of the Acura NSX . It previewed this concept with its GT-R LM Nismo World Endurance Championship race car. Unfortunately, many consider this to be one of the brand's darkest hours, because the example was very problematic and uncompetitive.

Under the hood, you'll find the company's race-specific longitudinal twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 designed to drive the front wheels, while a pair of electric motors drive the rear. The idea behind this was to make the design more efficient by capitalizing on the unused space up front, but the car was a catastrophic project when subjected to long-distance competition.

2015 Nissan GT-R LM Nismo LMP1 Performance Specifications

Nissan entered three examples in the 2015 Le Mans World Endurance race, all of which performed dismally due to the fact that their electrical systems gave in very early on in the race. This led to drivers having to pilot a high-performance front-wheel drive LMP1, which you can imagine is no easy task, resulting in three DNFs. The company completely scrapped the project and design immediately after the race ended and went back to the drawing board for the next-generation GT-R.

In hindsight, a traditional rear-wheel drivetrain with two electric motors on the front axle would make more sense and offered a better power and weight balance. While it may have been a failure, we still respect Nissan for being bold and thinking out of the box.