The most exciting Nissan to debut at the 2023 Tokyo Motor Show is the Hyper Force concept, which clearly demonstrates the automaker’s commitment to performance. Based on reports from Japanese media, it will enter production 5 years from now. However, Nissan engineers and designers will make radical changes.
Best Car Web, the first publication to claim the GT-R was becoming an EV, now claims the all-new generation will be nothing like the concept. According to them, the next generation of the GT-R will debut in 2028 when Nissan has access to solid-state batteries. The date is pretty wild when you consider the R35 GT-R came out in 2007.
The same new story claims the 2028 GT-R only makes 800 horsepower. By comparison, the Hyper Force concept uses Nissan’s e-4ORCE AWD and motors to make 1341 horsepower or 1,000 kilowatts. That is a shocking downgrade. However, it’s a logical upgrade considering the 2024 GT-R only makes 565 hp. And at 800 hp, you’d still get about double what regular Nissan EVs can produce.
The other major difference is the shape of the body. The Hyper Force concept is a boxy, futuristic 2-door with active aero. However, Nissan wants to turn the R36 GT-R into a rival for more mainstream EVs. The Japanese automaker has already begun benchmark testing against the best-handling EV, Porsche Taycan. And a 4-door coupe body will be chosen for the R36.
Even though the GT-R is currently seen as a Japanese coupe that’s supposed to compete with Ferraris, the Skyline’s history books are filled with sedans. This can be anything from a 1969 2000 GT-R sedan to a 1998 Skyline GT-R Autech Version 40th Anniversary. The new Hyper Force concept is all about heritage, with headlights inspired by the R34 and side graphics inspired by the RS-Turbo.
Of course, the move is mostly justified by sales and money. Nissan is obviously trying to emulate the commercial success of the Tesla Model S. And in case that doesn’t work out, we know there’s also a Skyline Crossover EV on the way.
By 2030, the Japanese automaker plans to launch 19 new fully electric models, including sedans and even pickups. By 2028, it also hopes to introduce the “cobalt-free” technology to bring down the cost of EV batteries by two thirds. Solid State batteries are key to the development of performance vehicles, which require fast charging at the race track.
