The Nissan GT-R is a name that really needs no introduction, does it? The current-gen R35 is a little long in the tooth and fans of Godzilla have been asking for a new one forever now. Here’s Mat Watson from Carwow giving us a run down and what he thinks the next generation GT-R could look like.

Your Favorite GT-R?

He begins by giving a quick refresher on the history of the GT-R. The very first one was launched all the way back in 1969. Since then, there have been six generations with the last one, the R-35 making its debut in 2007.

Now, considering how long the GT-R nameplate has been around, we all have our own favorites, don’t we? As Mat rightly pointed out in the video, I am part of the millennial clan.

I grew up in the 90s and the early 2000s watching the legendary Paul Walker give the R34 some serious stick. I even remember using the R34 GT-R in games like NFS Underground and Test Drive Unlimited. Mat meanwhile is loyal to the R33 as he grew up playing Gran Turismo.

Speaking of Gran Turismo, he adds that the latest iteration of the game features a car known as the Nissan concept 2020 Vision. Based on the way this car looks, the Carwow team has come up with their interpretation of what they think the R36 GT-R could look like.

CarWow's Take On The R36 GT-R

Now speaking of their render, I think there is an uncanny resemblance to the R35. Take, for instance, the glasshouse and the way the floating roof wraps around the car, thanks in part to those black A-pillars. The front end, meanwhile, has some cues of what we’ve already seen on the $1 Million Italdesign GT-R50.

Move to the sides though and things get far more dramatic. You’ll notice a lot of sharp creases, along with functional aero bits, especially behind the front fenders.

Move to the back and this is my favorite viewing angle. In keeping with the signature quad tail lights that GTR becomes synonymous with, you’ve got four hollow hexagons with two big ones on the outer edges. This setup is similar to what we’ve seen on the current-gen Ford GT.

A single exhaust pipe along with an air diffuser at the bottom and a giant wing lends a fairly aggressive stance (Nismo-esq if I may). I also particularly like the black panel that stretches across the rear end, similar to what we’ve seen on the upcoming Nissan Z. The Japanese brand’s latest logo finishes off the rear end.

Will the R-36 Get A Hybrid Powertrain?

Okay, so while this might have been a video primarily about the design of the next-gen GT-R what about the powertrain? Mat also touched upon the powertrain. Based on our research from Japanese sources, I had previously stated that the 2023 R36 Nissan GT-R might not feature hybridization. But Mat and his team think otherwise.

Nissan already has some experience with battery technology and electric motors considering that their Ariya crossover has now gone live. The Nissan Ariya features a 217 hp electric motor, coupled with the V-6 engine a new looking at a total power output north of 700 horses, which is far more than the current-gen GT-R Nismo that produces around 600.

To Sum It Up

Whichever way Nissan decides to steer the next GT-R, Godzilla sure does have some big shoes to fill. The appeal of the GT-R, to begin with, was that it could eat 911 turbo’s all day long, and for a fraction of the price. If the next GT-R can achieve that, then Nissan seriously could have something lethal in its arsenal, along with the upcoming Z.

You can catch the video below where Mat Watson also gives us a thorough history lesson on everything GT-R.