Nissan has made a major announcement at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Show, providing the strongest indication yet that its next GT-R sports car will be going electric. The automaker unveiled the Hyper Force concept, which belongs to the Hyper family of electric concepts that showcase Nissan’s future designs and technologies. Although the Hyper Force isn’t explicitly referred to as a GT-R, its styling clearly takes inspiration from previous generations of Japan’s iconic sports car.
The GT-R influences are evident in several design elements of the Hyper Force concept. The jet fighter cockpit, stove top taillights, large rear wing, and headlight cutouts resembling the shape of the R34 generation headlights mirror the iconic GT-R features. Additionally, the silver top and red bottom badges at the front and rear also mimic the signature GT-R badge. The graphics on the rear fenders pay tribute to the R30 generation of the Nissan Skyline, further emphasizing the lineage of the GT-R.
Peak power from the electric powertrain of the Hyper Force concept reaches an impressive 1,341 horsepower (1,000 kW). The concept also incorporates an all-wheel-drive system controlled by an advanced version of the Nissan e-4orce electric torque-vectoring system. Furthermore, the vehicle is equipped with a solid-state battery, a cutting-edge technology that Nissan is currently developing. Solid-state battery cells have the potential to reduce the weight of an electric vehicle’s battery while improving its range and charging times. Nissan aims to launch this technology by 2028.
In terms of construction, the Hyper Force concept benefits from a carbon-fiber structure, including the wheels. The vehicle’s aerodynamics have been fine-tuned by race engineers from Nissan’s Nismo motorsport department, resulting in an aerodynamic package that enhances performance. Components like the hood duct, lip spoiler, front flics, rear wing, and rear diffuser all contribute to generating substantial downforce at high speeds. Nissan has also implemented a new technology called plasma actuators to further optimize its aerodynamic properties. This technology uses strategically placed electrodes to charge air particles and direct them using an electromagnetic field.
Although Nissan has not explicitly stated that the Hyper Force concept will enter production as the next GT-R, the automaker has indicated that it represents its vision for a “next-generation high-performance car.” This implies that the concept will heavily influence the development of the upcoming GT-R, referred to as the R36.
Nissan’s Hyper EV concept lineup includes several other models that have been previously revealed. These include the Hyper Urban crossover, the Hyper Tourer minivan, the Hyper Punk connectivity crossover, and the Hyper Adventure rugged SUV. These concepts collectively offer a glimpse into Nissan’s ambitious efforts to revolutionize their lineup with electric vehicles.
The next-generation GT-R has been highly anticipated, as the current R35 model has been in production since 2009. With the Hyper Force concept, Nissan demonstrates its commitment to innovation and the pursuit of high-performance electric vehicles. While details on the production version of the next GT-R are still scarce, the Hyper Force concept certainly sets a thrilling precedent for what is to come in the world of electric sports cars. As Nissan continues to develop its electrification strategy, we can expect further advancements and breakthroughs in the near future.