Automotive brand Nissan is presenting its R32EV concept model at this week’s Tokyo Auto Salon – an electrified iteration of its popular R32 Skyline GT-R sports car known as Godzilla.

The original R32 Skyline GT-R was created in 1989 and became a staple at racing events thanks to its 2.6-litre twin-turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive technology.

Now, Japanese automaker Nissan has reimagined the car with an electric motor as part of the R32EV concept, which will be unveiled at the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon automotive show.

The project was initiated in March 2023 and completed by a dedicated team of volunteer engineers, according to the brand.

Nissan has not yet disclosed details on R32EV’s technology or performance but a teaser image shows the electric car maintaining its nostalgic angular 1980s look while adding a charging socket.

“This initiative aims to capture and recreate the charm of the BNR32 by integrating modern electrification,” said Nissan.

The electric R32EV concept (top image) is based on Nissan’s R32 Skyline GT-R (above)

The 1989 R32 Skyline GT-R was the third generation of Nissan’s Skyline GT-R sports car, first developed between 1969 and 1972. The 1989 model was nicknamed Godzilla for its consistent motorsport success, nodding to the fictional Japanese monster.

Nissan will unveil the modernised R32EV alongside a slate of recent vehicles during Tokyo Auto Salon, which kicks off this Friday.

The project follows a slew of launches that have seen classic cars transformed into electric vehicles in recent years, such as BMW’s MINI Cooper SE and Ford’s F-100 Eluminator.

Other carmakers have taken a more disruptive approach. Chief among them is Jaguar, which caused a stir with its Type 00 car concept at the end of last year.

Designed to break with electric vehicle conventions, the concept was unveiled to mixed reviews following a controversial rebrand that marked Jaguar’s move to electric-only cars.

The top image is courtesy of Nissan and above by Tennen-Gas via Wikimedia Commons.

Tokyo Auto Salon takes place at Makuhari Messe, Chiba City, Japan, from 10 to 12 January 2025. See Dezeen Events Guide for an up-to-date list of architecture and design events taking place around the world.

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