You would think that if there?s a Nissan model that?s as close to an untouchable from a business perspective, it would be the Nissan GT-R. But according to a report from Motor Trend, perception isn?t always reality in the eyes of Nissan, especially its execs who are trying to steer away from models that sell in low volume. That?s where the GT-R finds itself in after reportedly selling less than 100 units in the U.S. and around 60 units in Japan every month. It?s come to the point that GT-R engineers are working feverishly to make the GT-R a better-selling model, including the possibility of turning Godzilla into a plant-eating herbivore.
To do that, Nissan is developing a GT-R-branded hybrid LMP1 race car that will compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans next year. The objective is to showcase the race car and highlight its improved environmental credentials, which could translate to the next-generation GT-R receiving its own hybrid engine. Sources told Motor Trend that the R36 GT-R could have as much as 650 horsepower coming out of its redesigned V-6. More importantly, a 134-horsepower electric motor is under strong consideration, which would bring output levels up to 784 horsepower and close to 737 pound-feet of torque. Those numbers immediately pop out, but actually putting them in place is a lot more complicated.
Should the GT-R go the hybrid direction, it will also need to get a dramatic overhaul to accommodate the technological transfer to a hybrid system. One particular issue is how Nissan will create a more efficient cooling system for the hybrid while also improving its aerodynamic capabilities. Development of a new transmission system is also paramount so it can handle the massive output numbers generated by a hybrid powertrain. That?s why a complete redesign of the model is necessary but thankfully, Nissan already has a concept vehicle that it can use as inspiration: the Vision Gran Turismo Concept.
Although nothing?s been confirmed, one source told Motor Trend that the company is indeed looking at the concept as inspiration, even going so far as to say that we can ?expect the GT-R to get a toned-down version of the 2020 Vision GT car."
Click past the jump to read more about the next Nissan GT-R.
Next Nissan GT-R Could Deliver up to 784 Horsepower originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 25 September 2014 18:00 EST.
Jim Rigsby Jochen Rindt John RiseleyPrichard Giovanni de Riu Richard Robarts
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