The Nissan GT-R not only redefined the supercar market, but also signified a dramatic departure from previous generations of the car which competed with the likes of the Toyota Supra, not with Ferrari’s, Porsche’s and Lamborghini’s like the current model.
A next-generation Nissan GT-R was originally pinned for a debut in 2015, but the latest reports suggest that this could be pushed back until 2017 or even 2018, and due to this time delay, Nissan will have extra time to develop the R36 GT-R and this could result in the new car featuring a hybrid system.
According to sources close to Nissan, the next GT-R may employ “some electronic device” to improve efficiency of the GT-R and this point to two possible options for the Japanese brand. The first option for Nissan would be a hybrid system similar to the 3.7 liter unit fitted to the Infiniti Essence concept seen at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.
The final option for Nissan would be a “turbo compressor and generator setup” which would assist the current unit fitted to the GT-R and enable engineers to downsize the twin-turbo engine to therefore improve fuel efficiency and cut down on CO2 emissions. Additionally, a source has claimed that “the GT-R would also have to employ a start-stop device as well as cylinder deactivation technology to get CO2 down.”
Of course, all of this is just speculation at the moment but would love to see if Nissan can add a hybrid powertrain to the GT-R without increasing its total weight!
[Via Motor Trend]
