“We very clearly want to link technological linkages between future evolutions of the GT-R and evolutions of what we do in LMP1,” Nissan executive vice president Andy Palmer revealed to Autocar. “And the two do go in both directions."
One of the key links between the two cars will be hybrid technology. This could be as diverse as powertrain technology, energy storage and recovery, and electric motor-based traction control.
"If you go to the patent office you'll find something called R-Hybrid, so there's obviously a connection there," Palmer explained.
Last year, it was revealed that Nissan filed a trademark for the “R-Hybrid” name, and soon after Palmer confirmed that the next GT-R would feature hybrid technology. Furthermore, the technology arm of the Williams Formula One team, Williams Advanced Engineering, is helping Nissan develop its future performance cars and is tipped to be working on the new hybrid drivetrain for the next GT-R. Williams Advanced Engineering in the past has helped Audi develop hybrid technology for its ultra-successful R18 e-tron quattro LMP1.
The next GT-R is expected to ride on an upgraded version of the current R35 model’s Premium Midship platform and continue with a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-6, albeit this time with hybrid technology helping to boost output while reducing emissions. A debut is likely to take place at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show.
_______________________________________
