The automotive world is abuzz with speculation surrounding the future of Nissan's iconic GT-R. Following the recent conclusion of the R35's impressive 18-year production run, attention has now turned to its successor, the R36. While Nissan's leadership has confirmed the eventual return of the 'Godzilla' supercar, the critical question revolves around its powertrain: will it embrace the electric revolution or cling to its combustion engine roots? Adding a layer of intrigue to this debate is the fervent hope of the GT-R's revered 'Godfather', Hiroshi Tamura, who champions the continuation of internal combustion power for the next generation, a sentiment that stands in contrast to Nissan's electric concept unveilings. The path forward for this legendary performance machine remains shrouded in anticipation, with both hybrid and fully electric options on the table, and a potential unveiling years down the line.
The Next-Generation GT-R: A Crossroad of Power and Preference
In a significant development for automotive enthusiasts, the long and storied production run of the R35 Nissan GT-R, spanning an impressive eighteen years and yielding approximately 48,000 units, officially concluded recently. While Nissan's CEO, Ivan Espinosa, has assured the world that the formidable 'Godzilla' will indeed make a triumphant return, the precise nature of its future iteration remains a captivating mystery. A key point of contention is whether the next-generation R36 will continue to feature a combustion engine, especially given the recent unveiling of the all-electric, 1,341-horsepower GT-R-inspired Hyper Force concept.
Adding a compelling perspective to this unfolding narrative is Hiroshi Tamura, the former product planner for the GT-R R35 and now a respected brand ambassador for Nissan, affectionately known as the \"Godfather of the GT-R\". In a recent article published on Nissan's official website, Tamura-san expressed his earnest personal desire for the R36 to retain a gasoline-powered engine. He specifically stated his preference for the future model to possess \"some hint of a combustion chamber note,\" underscoring the emotional connection many enthusiasts have with the distinct auditory experience of a traditional engine.
However, Tamura-san was quick to clarify that his vocalized preference is purely personal and should not be interpreted as an official indication of Nissan's strategic direction. This distinction highlights the ongoing internal discussions and the broader industry shift towards electrification. The existence of the Hyper Force concept, a quad-motor electric behemoth, strongly suggests that Nissan is actively exploring an all-electric future for its high-performance vehicles.
Despite the strong electric leaning suggested by the concept, the company's leadership concedes that a definitive plan for the next GT-R is still in flux, indicating that its arrival is still several years away. This uncertainty leaves room for various possibilities. Earlier this year, in an interview with Top Gear magazine, Tamura-san hinted that a fully electric GT-R might not be the only outcome, suggesting a hybrid powertrain as a viable alternative. He emphasized that Nissan would carefully consider customer feedback, implying that if consumers express a clear preference for something other than a pure EV, such as a hybrid, the company would likely respond accordingly.
Looking further ahead, Giovanny Arroba, Vice President of Nissan Design Europe, provided a potential timeline for the R36. In a conversation with Autocar, he characterized the Hyper Force concept as a \"daring but tangible dream to achieve by the end of the decade,\" suggesting that the next-generation GT-R could emerge around 2030. This projected timeline offers a window for Nissan to thoroughly evaluate market demands, technological advancements, and regulatory landscapes before making a final decision on the powertrain.
Tamura-san's influence on the GT-R's evolution is well-documented. He famously championed the R35's transition from an inline-six engine and manual gearbox to a V-6 paired with a dual-clutch automatic transmission, a decision initially met with skepticism. He recalled the early 2000s as a pivotal period when perceptions within the high-performance car segment began to shift away from traditional stick shifts, a trend that ultimately validated his foresight.
The discourse surrounding the Nissan GT-R's next iteration presents a compelling microcosm of the broader automotive industry's electrification dilemma. On one hand, there is the undeniable pull towards innovation, sustainability, and the raw, instant torque that electric powertrains offer, as showcased by the Hyper Force concept. On the other, lies the profound emotional attachment to the legacy of combustion engines, their distinct sounds, and the tactile experience they provide, passionately advocated by figures like Hiroshi Tamura. This crossroads forces us to ponder the delicate balance between preserving automotive heritage and embracing the inevitable future. While the industry undeniably progresses towards electrification, the ultimate success of future iconic models like the GT-R will likely hinge on automakers' ability to innovate while still catering to the desires of their most ardent enthusiasts. It's a challenging tightrope walk, but one that promises an exciting, albeit uncertain, future for performance cars.