by The Future of the Nissan GT-R: New Development Directions
Nissan is striving to change the situation in the market, and one of the key projects is the development of the next generation GT-R. The company demonstrated the potential appearance of this car through the radical Hyper Force concept with 1341 horsepower. However, recent reports suggest that the manufacturer might abandon the idea of turning the GT-R into an exclusively electric car.
The Hyper Force Concept and Its Role
During the 2023 Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan presented the Hyper Force as a potential glimpse into the future of “Godzilla”. This concept used solid-state batteries, all-wheel drive, and an interior capable of transforming into various configurations. At that time, brand executives hinted that it could go into series production by 2030.
Change of Plans
Two years later, the project appears to be moving in a different direction. In a conversation with Autocar, Nissan’s product manager Guillaume Cartier confirmed that the automaker is “exploring different paths” for the next GT-R, adding that there is currently “no clear plan” for the successor.
This should not be a surprise to anyone, and frankly, it’s probably a good sign that Nissan is not stuck in its own routine.
Several automakers have changed their plans regarding sports cars. Maserati canceled the fully electric MC20, Lotus postponed the replacement of the Emira with an EV, and Porsche extended the life of the ICE 718 lineup. In Nissan’s case, the push for an electric GT-R never had a high chance of success among those who actually buy this car, so the retreat looks less like a surprise and more like a belated reality.
Business Challenges and Limited Market
Cartier noted that the GT-R’s limited sales potential complicates the business case. He said:
Only three main sports car markets exist in Europe — the UK, Switzerland, and Germany.
It is clear that at a time when Nissan is desperately striving to recover, the business case becomes even more difficult.
The GT-R’s Role as a Halo Model
Despite this, Cartier acknowledged how important the GT-R is to the brand. He indicated that it could evolve as a low-volume halo model rather than a more affordable supercar killer like its predecessors.
The next GT-R is expected to possibly return as a hybrid or a halo car, rather than a high-volume model. This reflects a general trend in the automotive industry, where manufacturers are adapting to changes in demand and technology while preserving the iconic models that define their identity.
