Nissan says next GT-R will be electric, needs solid state batteries

Nissan took its «vision for a next-generation all-electric high-performance supercar» — the equivalent of a futuristic GT-R concept — to the Japan Mobility Show in the form of the Hyper Force. This was a battery-electric, carbon-fiber-bodied coupe harnessing more than 1,300 horsepower through the automaker's e-4orce all-wheel drive. Sounds exactly GT-R to us. Nissan didn't specify how many motors went into making that output, but it did specify that solid-state batteries supplied the energy to those motors. Top Gear spoke to carmaker Nissan product boss Ivan Espinoza, who made it clear that a production version of a future GT-R will need to wait for solid-state batteries to be market-ready.   

Nissan has publicized plans to have a facility producing pilot versions of solid-state batteries next year, 2024, with mass production for retail products under way by 2029. Assuming all goes to plan, that's when an R36 GT-R could theoretically be cleared hot.

It appears the GT-R's existence isn't in question, only the timeline, Espinoza saying, «We’re committed to having a sports car offering in the future, this is for sure.» However, that sports car needs «to wait until the ASSB [‘all solid state battery’] is out, it’s stable and it’s ready, so we can go. With the density improvement, we can deliver a much better packaging that improves the aero and the overall behavior of the car while maintaining the 2+2 layout.»

It's a refrain we've heard from other carmakers with similar products, and there seem to be two camps. One group of hardcore sports car makers is rolling out products with current battery technology: Lotus, Pininfarina, Rimac, and GM with its all-electric Corvette on the way. Another group is waiting for one or two evolutions in technology before committing: Bugatti, Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Porsche with its electric 911. 

Nissan has more in mind than merely the rejuvenation of a halo that will be 20 years old come 2029. Top Gear characterized the future vision as creating two GT-Rs, a «friendly» daily driver and a track monster «entirely dialed in for the track.» Below that would come the Z, and below that would come «a new, more affordable entry-level