Nissan R32 EV
In this article, Joshua goes over what we know about the R32 EV RestoMod.
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One-off Nissan r32 ev restomod model
One-off Nissan r32 ev restomod model
By: Joshua Miranda
By: Joshua Miranda
In 2023, Nissan made promises and teases of introducing a RestoModish version of the R32 with a full EV motor. Many automotive companies have been switching gears to work with and produce electronic vehicles, with some making RestoMod versions-- AKA, engine-swapped vehicles on classic chassis. Examples include Toyota, who made the AE86 Duo, with one being a full EV, while the other contains a hydrogen-assisted 4AGE engine, which can further be researched at Initial E, a newsletter by Hagerty UK.
As of Jan. 2025, the public only knows a little about the concept. The new “Godzilla" is set to be fully unveiled at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon on the weekend of Jan. 10-12, according to HypeBeast, a site dedicated to contemporary culture and lifestyle. Views on the R32EV seem to be fairly mixed, with some disappointed to see their dream car becoming just another EV. Others are excited to see something new coming, especially from an older model. While not the classic twin-turbo inline 6 we all love, some still seem excited about the revamped model.
Image from: Nissan
During the 2025 Auto Salon, the R32 EV was fully announced, and looking over Nissan Global, we see them enhancing our once-limited view and thoughts of this RestoMod. “Under the hood”, this Godzilla packs a pair of 160kW electric motors. Each is capable of roughly 340 Nm of torque. Originally, the purpose was to surpass the power of the revered twin-turbo R32; however, the goal is not to surpass but to match the original in prowess. The rear seats of the car have been replaced by a 62 kWh battery, stolen from a Nissan Leaf Nismo RC02. The EV is heavier than the original R32 due to its battery and electrical components, but the car has been tuned in order to fit with the original's torque-weight ratio. The car has also been kitted with a NISMO sports suspension kit. The vehicle aims to recreate the sensory experience with the original R32, making a non-whisper-quiet cabin.
Image From: Car of Malaysia
The replicated “Godzilla” also has a simulated gearbox to have the sensation of shifting gears with paddle shifters. Nissan Global states that “To replicate the sensation of manual gear shifts, the team even programed the sensation of shift shock into the paddle shift logic, simulating the brief jolt a driver experiences when engaging the clutch and shifting up or down through a mechanical gearbox.”l. The EV also features an upgraded interior with custom Recaros. The double DIN audio, gauges, and meter cluster received high-resolution digital screens. However, they replicate the original gauges. The car also has larger 18” wheels with bigger brakes to fit the larger discs and fatter calipers; however, they were able to roughly maintain the same look of the original R32’s 16” alloy wheels. Despite all that has been stated, the company is largely thinking of not commercializing this model and instead keeping it one-off, with no conversion kit, either.
With all of this known, one can only wonder what car aficionados at large will think of this model. Many opinions have been mixed throughout social media sites.
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