Nissan is converting an R32 GT-R into a one-off EV

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Nissan is converting an example of its coveted R32-era GT-R sports car to a one-off EV restomod, and it just released its first teaser for the project. The first video clip of the project shows off the car’s exhaust tip and exhaust note, leading us to wonder: are either of those destined to stick around much longer, as part of a hybrid drivetrain? Or are they headed for the scrap-bin as this version of “Godzilla” goes full EV?

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The exact plan isn’t clear, though Nissan has explained the project, “R32EV,” is the brainchild of one specific, enthusiastic GT-R-loving engineer. “By combining the car that I love the most with the technology that I think is the best, we can create a car that people around the world will be more excited about,” the anonymous employee is quoted.

While much work obviously remains, the company is already building up interest. Speculators suggest that if the car is to stay true to its all-wheel-drive roots, an electric motor at the front and one at the rear is likely. That is, unless Nissan goes for some weird hybrid arrangement that makes use of the car’s iconic 2.6-litre twin-turbo straight-six.

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In any case, Nissan has set up a dedicated webpage on its Japanese site, tracking the project’s progress and, we presume, playing home to future updates on the car.

The project makes Nissan the latest in a slew of automakers who have taken to restomodding selections from their classic catalogue with new EV drivetrains; Toyota was one of the most recent, revealing both a hydrogen- and battery-driven take on the old AE86 Corolla in mid-January. But Hyundai, Chevrolet, Jaguar, and Volkswagen have all shown off similar conversions in the recent past.