TOKYO — Nissan is mulling an electric replacement for the GT-R supercar.
On Wednesday, the automaker teased the 1,000-kilowatt Hyper Force concept at the Japan Mobility Show.
Nissan helped pioneer the electric vehicle segment more than a decade ago with its affordable Leaf, and now vows to reclaim that leadership with a fleet of next-generation EVs that serve diverse mobility needs.
The Hyper Force is the fifth and final battery-powered concept Nissan revealed in the lead-up to the auto show held at Tokyo Bay.
Three concepts focus on the crossover segment, and target urban and adventure-minded customers, while a people mover showcases a lounge-like interior where riders turn and face each other when cruising in autonomous mode.
"Nissan is creating a future where everyone can enjoy the excitement of mobility," CEO Makoto Uchida said in a statement. "The EVs symbolize our future of creating a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive world for everybody without compromising on passions and dreams."
New halo car?
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The supercar concept can also be mild-mannered for daily driving. The Hyper Force is powered by solid-state battery technology, which Nissan hopes to commercialize in the second half of the decade.
Its lightweight body features high-strength carbon, and an advanced form of Nissan's e-4ORCE all-wheel control technology delivers powerful downforce and improved handling on circuits and winding roads.
If the concept reaches production, it will be Nissan's GT-R for the electrified age.
While the automaker's lineup primarily consists of utilitarian sedans and crossovers, the low-volume GT-R — popularly know as Godzilla — retains high value as a connection to the brand's sports car heritage and video game culture.
AutoPacific President Ed Kim said the Hyper Force is a "fun statement piece" that helps define what electrified Nissan performance is all about. "But excitement over a high-performance battery model, whether in concept or production form, may not do much on its own to move the needle in consumer consideration for Nissan's bread-and-butter EVs," Kim said.
Aero-first
The automaker's Nismo performance arm developed the aerodynamic exterior of the Hyper Force concept. With its wide and planted proportions, the design incorporates such elements as front and rear lamps that pay homage to Nissan's performance legacy.
A two-tiered aerodynamic structure under the front hood delivers strong downforce and high cooling performance, while wind management technology called a plasma actuator maximizes grip and minimizes inner-wheel lift in cornering. Lightweight, forged carbon wheels also aid aerodynamics and brake cooling performance.
Dual modes
The Hyper Force concept's driver interface reflects its on- and off-track capabilities.
In racing mode, dashboard panels extend toward the seating area to surround the driver and deliver a cockpit-like feel. Four screens wrap around the steering wheel to display tire grip, air pressure, brake rotor temperature, power distribution and other racing-related data. In more relaxed grand touring mode, the screens transform into an infotainment display.
Next-generation technology
The supercar concept shows off next-generation driver-assist technology that Nissan's R&D teams are cooking up in the lab. This includes "advanced autonomous drive with hyper lidar," plus an array of sensors tuned for sports driving.
Mixed-reality technology is also offered. With the vehicle stopped, the motorist can don a special helmet with blind visors for virtual reality to enter a gamified driving experience and race against the clock or compete against online users.
