2023 JMS: Could the 1,360-PS, AWD Nissan Hyper Force concept EV be the next GT-R?

The R35 Nissan GT-R is turning 16 years old on December 2023.

Put another way, the legendary Japanese supercar has been in production longer than all of its all-wheel-drive Skyline GT-R predecessors combined (the range was produced from 1989 to 2002).

Although the R35 still has what it takes to do battle with the latest European supercars, its time will eventually come to an end. And perhaps, the next generation of this iconic nameplate can be found in the Nissan Hyper Force concept electric vehicle (EV).

Nissan Motor Company unveiled the Hyper Force on Oct. 25, 2023 at the Japan Mobility Show. It serves as the grand finale of the carmaker’s five-car “Hyper” concept EV lineup, which includes the Hyper Urban, Hyper Tourer, Hyper Adventure and Hyper Punk.

"All five concept cars showcased today are symbols of the future and embody our founding spirit of 'daring to do what others don't,'” said Nissan Motor Company president and CEO Makoto Uchida.

“We have advanced our EV innovations, moving beyond mobility to create a more sustainable world,” he added. “The EVs symbolize our future of creating a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive world for everybody without compromising on passions and dreams.”

1,000 kW and all-wheel drive

The Hyper Force uses an optimal-weight-balancing, all-solid-state battery that can produce output up to 1,000 kW (1,360 PS). 

This is mated to an advanced form of Nissan's e-4ORCE all-wheel control technology, along with a lightweight body made of high-strength carbon. 

Nissan said this hypercar EV promises “enhanced cornering and exceptional handling on circuits and winding roads.”

Touring car looks

The Hyper Force also features a bevy of aerodynamic aids, developed with the NISMO racing team, that hark back to the days of the Group 5 Nissan Skyline RS Silhouette Formula racing car.

The front end is dominated by the enormous front bumper that includes a gaping lower grill. The two-tiered aerodynamic structure under the front hood provides both strong downforce and high cooling performance. 

There are also front canards and fender slats, while a newly developed plasma actuator suppresses air detachment to maximize grip and minimize inner-wheel lift during cornering. The lightweight forged carbon wheels aid aerodynamics and brake cooling.

Out back, both ends of the rear wing feature unique active aero functionality, while the dual-level rear diffuser optimally controls airflow.

Something very noteworthy is the round LED quad-taillights, which have been a signature design element of the GT-R series since 1989.

The suspension and stabilizers have been designed as world-firsts that can be easily operated using the Hyper Force’s touchscreen while driving.

Interior gets Gran Turismo treatment

Inside, the Hyper Force features a radical cabin that could only be the product of the country that created Gundam and anime.

There are two driving modes, "R" (racing) and "GT" (grand touring). The color and display change according to the mode and are designed to instantly display the most needed information for the driver.

These graphics are the result of collaboration with Polyphony Digital Inc., which is the same company that produces the highly popular Gran Turismo driving simulator series.

In R mode, the cabin illuminates red and creates an intuitive cockpit centered around the driver to support concentration. Panels on the dashboard extend toward the seating space to enhance the cockpit feel around the driver. 

Meanwhile, four satellite screens around the steering wheel display tire grip and temperature, air pressure, brake rotor temperature, power distribution and other information invaluable for racing.

In GT mode, the cabin illuminates in blue and the screens surrounding the steering wheel move away and combine together, providing an immersive experience with a simpler infotainment interface, including air conditioning, audio, suspension and stabilizer settings for a comfortable drive.

The driver and front passenger seats are made of lightweight, highly rigid carbon fiber that allows comfortable long-distance driving. These are equipped with four-point seat belts.

AR, VR tech

Elevating the Nissan Hyper Force's appeal is an innovative augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experience that enables driving in both the real and the virtual world seamlessly. 

When the vehicle is stopped, the driver can use a special helmet with blind visors for VR that enables entering a gamified driving experience, complete with modes that enable racing against the clock or online racers. 

By using skeleton visors for AR, the driver can compete against their own digital ghosts on a circuit or those of their friends and even professional racers. This allows users to safely push their driving skills on real-world tracks.

In addition, safety plays a crucial role in this concept car's equation. Thanks to advanced autonomous drive with hyper LIDAR and an array of sensors tuned for sports driving, the vehicle is designed to ensure a high level of safety on public roads and on the circuit.

What do you think about Nissan’s mad EV hypercar concept?

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