The legendary Nissan GT-R, affectionately known as 'Godzilla', is poised for a significant evolution. After a long and celebrated run, the current R35 generation is nearing its end, paving the way for its successor, the R36. Fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter can expect its arrival within the next three to five years, placing the launch window firmly before the end of the decade, likely between 2028 and 2030. This timing would coincidentally align closely with the 20th anniversary of the R35's debut, marking a symbolic transition for Nissan's halo car.Contrary to earlier speculation that might have pointed towards a fully electric future, Nissan has confirmed a different direction for its performance icon. Ponz Pandikuthira, Nissan's Senior Vice President and Chief Planning Officer for North America, revealed in discussions reported by The Drive that the R36 GT-R will embrace hybrid technology. This strategic decision involves pairing a potent turbocharged six-cylinder engine, a hallmark of the GT-R lineage, with some form of battery-electric assistance. The move aims to balance the GT-R's legendary performance capabilities with the demands of increasing electrification in the automotive landscape, ensuring the nameplate remains relevant while retaining its core character.The choice to pursue a hybrid powertrain over a pure battery-electric setup stems from practical performance considerations, particularly concerning endurance and weight. Pandikuthira elaborated that Nissan experimented with electric GT-R prototypes. However, these test mules reportedly struggled with the demands of high-performance driving, especially concerning sustained track use. He highlighted concerns about range and recharging times under duress, suggesting an EV GT-R might only manage a single lap of the demanding Nürburgring circuit before needing a lengthy recharge – a scenario deemed 'not authentic' for the GT-R experience. While other high-performance EVs have demonstrated greater track endurance, Nissan clearly feels current battery technology, including its own in-development solid-state batteries, isn't yet suitable for the specific, 'ultimate raw performance' demands of a GT-R, citing heat management and energy density as key challenges.While the commitment to hybrid power is clear, the exact configuration remains under consideration. Nissan is weighing whether the R36 will be a conventional hybrid or a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). According to Pandikuthira, while the idea of a PHEV holds appeal, the current state of conventional hybrid technology might be better suited to the GT-R's track-focused requirements, primarily due to concerns about the added weight and complexity potentially associated with larger PHEV battery packs. The final decision will likely depend on advancements in battery and charging technology leading up to the car's final development phase. Some reports have even suggested potential co-development with the next-generation Acura NSX, though details remain scarce.As development progresses over the next few years, enthusiasts can anticipate a next-generation GT-R that blends its internal combustion heritage with electric augmentation. This hybrid approach represents Nissan's strategy for preserving the extreme performance identity of the GT-R while adapting to a changing automotive world. The R36 aims to deliver the visceral driving experience expected of Godzilla, enhanced, rather than replaced, by electrification, ensuring its legacy continues into the next era of performance motoring.
