The R36 Nissan GT-R: Plans Move Ahead

If there's one car that's driving up sales for Nissan in the past few years, it's the immensely popular R35 GT-R, which reportedly saw global sales increase year-on-year by a staggering 584%. But, how do you replicate that kind of success? With a sequel, of course!

In recent days, senior vice president of Nissan North America, Ponz Pandikuthira, has confirmed that the beloved R35 is getting a hotly-anticipated successor, the R36. This comes following indications that the R35 is coming to the end of its production run. All good things, as they say, have to end!

However, it’s time to play the waiting game for anything R36-related, as the company still hasn’t decided on the new model’s powertrain. 

Pandikuthira claims Nissan intends to use Formula E as the testing base for the new model, meaning Nissan is hypothetically taking another step toward electric vehicles. Many experts are even speculating that Nissan could make the mooted R36 completely electric rather than in their classic hybrid style. 

In keeping with their interest in Formula E, Nissan has also recently confirmed its commitment to the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, representing until at least 2030, running from season 13 to 16. This means that the company will have been involved in Formula E for at least 12 years, officially marking Nissan’s longest motorsport commitment to an FIA World Championship. 

By committing to Formula E, Nissan is able to test and compare its electrical tech against some of the best in the business. That’s not just great news for Nissan fans looking for more power in the pedal, however. 

Pushing ahead with electrical innovation in motor racing will help Nissan make strides in its Ambition 2030 electrification program, with its goal being to become a quality and constantly electrified car company. 

Nissan intends to create 34 brand-new electrified car models between 2024 and 2030 – and, if rumours are anything to be believed, the alleged R36 is going to be among them.

Formula E’s GEN4 technology changes alone, in fact, are forcing the company to really up its game. New technology expected from Nissan’s cars will revolve around enhanced energy efficiency and increased power output. Of course, there are new safety measures to expect, too – all the more benefit to the drivers as well as the brand!

Nissan famously moved its headquarters to Paris so it is more accessible to facilities that will support its Formula E adjustments. However, it could be argued that such a move might also help the firm develop the suggested R36.

However, an R36 being completely electric might not be all it’s cracked up to be, with some drawbacks. Most notably, battery weights are proving contentious – meaning there’s some speculation over whether or not Nissan will stick with what they know, or try an alternative, lightweight option.

Only time will tell what Nissan will do – but that, at the very least, the R36 is in very early planning stages!