Icon reworked into R32 EV

Nissan showcased the R32 EV, a concept based on the R32 Skyline GT-R luxury sports car, at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon. 

The original vehicle, which was first released more than 30 years ago, has been modified with EV batteries and motors. Additionally, a specialised sound system reproduces the old engine sounds and vibrations. 

Created as a passion project by a small group of Nissan team-mates in Japan, the R32 EV probes the potential of electrification to deliver a driving experience every bit as engaging and rewarding as the R32 GT-R’s.

Aiming to reproduce the prowess of the 2.6-litre twin-turbo engine, the team has installed two 160kW electric motors, each capable of delivering up to 340Nm of torque. 

It removed the rear seat and, in its place, installed a 62kWh battery borrowed from the Leaf Nismo RC02.

While the tuning and development of the R32 EV is ongoing, the team’s aim is to not to exceed but rather match the performance of the original GT-R, which produced 206kW and 353Nm of torque.

Although the EV is about 370kg heavier than the donor vehicle due to the battery pack and electrical components, engineers have tuned its output and torque to match the original R32 GT-R's torque-to-weight ratio.

While the exhibition, which ran from January 10-12 Makuhari Messe in Chiba, aims to highlight the charm of R32 model, there are currently no plans for commercial sales.

Honda, meanwhile, announced the revival of the Prelude, a model once popular among young drivers. Its set to return after 25 years as a four-seater hybrid vehicle set later in 2025.

A company spokesman says: “This model is designed to pursue and pass on the joy of driving, even as autonomous driving becomes more widespread.”

Toyota presented its latest Land Cruiser alongside an early model developed in the 1950s, emphasising the enduring appeal of this long-selling series, while Hyundai exhibited its compact EV, the Inster, which is set to launch in Japan this year.