Nissan GT-R Hybrid Rumors Rise Once More

Automakers around the world are exploring a multitude of ways of making their cars greener, meaner, and a lot more appealing. Hybrid technology has become increasingly popular in sports car circles, and while many enthusiasts may have once cried foul at the notion of a hybrid performance vehicle, the idea seems to be catching on. So the rumors that the next Nissan GT-R could be a hybrid isn’t all that surprising.

Rumors of a hybrid GT-R have been floating around for at least three years now, and the fact that they haven’t gone away only makes the argument stronger. While Nissan is better known for its electric car efforts than its hybrids, the Japanese automaker has also produced one of the most beloved (and feared) sports cars on the planet, the GT-R. With a next-generation Nissan GT-R slated for either 2017 or 2018, rumors have been flying that it could utilize a high-tech hybrid system to boost both power and fuel economy.

Yup, even sports cars need to be concerned about fuel economy these days, but it also opens the doors to many more performance options. Motor Trend reports that Nissan engineers are currently considering two different hybrid powertrain options. One option would see the GT-R’s twin-turbo V6 engine paired with an electric motor producing a combined output of around 600 horsepower.

Another option could be a “turbo and compressor” setup, which would see the electric motor utilized only as an assist mechanism. In other words, the electric motor would be unable to operate on its own, though this setup would also require the use of start-stop and cylinder deactivation to meet CO2 emissions requirements. There have even been rumors that Nissan’s OTHER performance car, the 370Z, could also go hybrid, but how that plays out remains to be seen.

Suffice to say, it doesn’t seem as though Nissan is the least bit deterred in their quest to build an incredible performance car with green street cred. That said, I personally would prefer a KERS or even a plug-in hybrid setup not unlike the Porsche 918 Spyder. What are your hopes for a Nissan GT-R hybrid?

Source: Motor Trend