The Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 represents, for many Japanese car enthusiasts, and others, a sort of “grail”. As part of the Tokyo Auto Salon, Nissan unveils an astonishing, for lack of a better word, Nissan R32 EV (EV: Electric Vehicle). To our eyes, a new “automotive blasphemy”, a Skyline GT-R R32 from 1989 has “traded” its 6-cylinder inline engine for a 100% electric motor. Let’s admit that this retrofit is more than debatable…
Generally, specialized companies in the retrofit field convert, unfortunately, mythical thermal cars into 100% electric vehicles. The latest example comes from Electrogenic, which just unveiled its conversion kit for the Mazda MX-5 roadster, celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2024. This time, it’s a Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 that becomes the Nissan R32 EV, a one-off unique model.
So, farewell to the 6-cylinder 2.6 L inline biturbo engine of the Nissan Skyline GT-R R32. Instead of this mythical engine block, there are two motors of 160 kW/218 hp each. The official Nissan R32 EV retrofit is therefore all-wheel drive, with torque reported at 340 Nm per electric motor. Note that, to “absorb” the battery weight (62 kWh capacity) and offer the best road behavior, the Nissan R32 EV, i.e., the Skyline GT-R R32 converted to 100% electric, is equipped with a modern “Nismo Sports” suspension with Öhlins shock absorbers. Below, the comparison table published by Nissan, between the R32 EV and the R32 Skyline GT-R R32. You will notice, by chance, that no information is provided on the range for the R32 EV…
Note that the Nissan team that developed this Nissan R32 EV retrofit has modified the interior of the original Skyline GT-R R32 in question. Recaro seats equip, among other things, this Skyline GT-R R32 converted to 100% electric.
Finally, here is a video of the Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 that went through the retrofit process to become the Nissan R32 EV.
The editorial team
Photos: Nissan
