2013 Nissan GT-R Hybrid in the Works

TOKYO — Rumors lately buzzing around Japan suggest that the next-generation Nissan GT-R will come with a hybrid option.

Earlier reports suggested that Nissan was working on a high-performance SUV using the GT-R drivetrain. This car, which would wear an Infiniti badge in the States, would be Nissan's answer to the Porsche Cayenne (which is Porsche's best-selling model), the BMW X5 and X6. Another rumor hinted at a four-door GT-R-powered sedan badged as an Infiniti that would go head to head against the BMW M5 and Porsche Panamera. As far as we know, both of those projects have been shelved in favor of the GT-R hybrid.

Upon closer inspection, the hybrid option is the most feasible of all the rumors pertaining to the future of the GT-R. That Nissan showcased a high-performance hybrid in the Infiniti Essence is a fact (the Essence was built atop the GT-R platform), and with reports of Porsche also toying with the idea of a hybrid-powered 911, it would be natural for Mizuno and Nissan to entertain thoughts about a hybrid option. Digging deeper, we're told that the possible candidate for the powertrain is the HV system used in the hybrid Infiniti M to be released next year, but with a dramatic power increase.

The Essence showcar's hybrid system consisted of the G37's 3.7-liter V6, whose output was raised to 440 horsepower with the help of twin turbochargers. This was combined with a 160-hp electric motor, bringing the grand total to 600 hp. For the GT-R, Nissan would go with the 3.8-liter twin turbocharged V6 (VR38DETT) with the same electric motor used for the Essence. The target output would also be 600 hp (440 hp from the gasoline engine and 160 from the electric motor). That means the hybrid GT-R would boast more than 100 hp more than the current GT-R, while fuel economy would improve to roughly 25-30 mpg. And because it's a GT-R, we're also told that all-wheel drive will still be part of the package.

To counter the weight of the hybrid system as much as possible, Mizuno and company are expected to put the next-generation GT-R on a diet, but the curb weight is still expected to rise once the battery pack and electric motor are added.

Still, we're told performance will increase over the current-generation GT-R (R35). Nissan's goal for the hybrid GT-R is for it to be just as quick as the current car — despite that curb weight increase — while boasting much better fuel economy.

It's no secret that Nissan targeted the performance of the Porsche 911 Turbo when it developed the GT-R. A quick look at the car's specifications will reveal just how similar the cars are, from their twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engines' output, all-wheel-drive layout and of course, lap times around the Nürburgring. GT-R Chief Vehicle Engineer and Chief Product Specialist Kazutoshi Mizuno even went as far as saying he intends the "GT-R to maintain a life cycle of six to seven years as it evolves gradually during those years, similar to how Porsche cars evolve."

But that was back when the GT-R was introduced in 2007. Today, the economic climate is far different than before, and now comes word that Mizuno-san may be changing his thinking about the future direction of the next-generation GT-R.

We expect the Hybrid GT-R's price tag to be around $100,000 with an expected debut of 2012 as a 2013 model.

Inside Line says: If Nissan pulls it off, the GT-R Hybrid is poised to be the ideal supercar for the green era. — Mak Tokuyama, Correspondent