Renderings of the next-generation Nissan GT-R constantly show up online. And while these range from mere modifications added to the current car to wild battery-powered stuff, after seeing so many of them, you develop a sense for what clicks and what doesn’t. And you’ll get some bonus Internet points for guessing the category for this one, which comes from a creative designer that’s spent time inside the studios of multiple automakers.
Will Nissan wait for solid-state batteries, which offer more energy and are lighter, to become widespread in the second half of this decade so it can integrate the tech in the future GT-R?
Only the carmarker knows and while we could make do with (a bit) less than a complete answer, Nissan has steered clear of delivering any kind of details about the future of the GT-R other than the fact that it exists.
And the fact that Nissan has committed to a fully electrified range in Europe by 2030 means little here. This could involve a hybridized or full-electric GT-R or maybe nothing at all (the stricter emission rules of the Old Continent mean the 2023 Z is skipping this market altogether).
From the OG Hakosuka GT-R introduced in 1969 to the retiring R35—it’s already been axed in Australia—every iteration of Nissan’s halo sports car has displayed a boxy design.
Not the one in this rendering, though. From its most obvious feature, which is the bubble top, to various bits like the overly muscular fenders, this 3D work is a collection of rounded lines. And this is where the brilliance lies—this dreamy R36 manages to stay true to the identity of the name while pulling such a stunt.
Of course, an important part of the DNA is preserved via the light clusters. And while the taillights’ minimalist take seems to be on point for the future, the slim, elongated taillights—at least that’s what I identified as the headlights—remind one of the original 2001 concept car that previewed the R35 and the more recent stylish, uber-expensive GT-R50 special remastered by Italdesign.
Ultimately, the front light clusters manage to gift the face of the vehicle with a bit of a Gundam look. You know, the Japanese anime giant machines controlled by people (don’t call them robots or pedants will come at you) that also influenced the design of the “regular” production R35 GT-R.
An experienced hand
You are gazing at the work of Edouard Suzeau. The artist has enjoyed projects and internships at DS Automobiles (Citroen’s luxury sub-brand), Renault, Stellantis, and others (his non-car-related work includes Air France). And this particular project was a spare-time effort he did three years ago, while completing an internship at DS.
I didn’t read too much into the “X-covered” holes sitting just below the taillights, at least not in a way that would’ve had me thinking this is an EV. After all, with four tailpipes hanging below, how could I?
Exposed rear fascias are all the rage these days and, admittedly, it’s enticing to be able to check out the powertrain of this midship Godzilla.
Illuminated badges, carbon, all the good stuff a high-tier sports car needs to pack these days is present. However, if you’d prefer an approach that sticks to the basic shapes of the unofficial R36 GT-R concept, you should know this is included in the mix.
