Should the GT-R go Hybrid?

[AZhitman]

From Motor Trend:

The Nissan GT-R might just be the most beloved member of Nissan’s lineup, and any radical changes to it are bound to be controversial. And what could be more controversial than the addition of a hybrid powertrain in the next-generation GT-R? According to our man in Japan, Nissan is considering that very option for the 2017 model-year.

Nissan has good reason to consider a hybrid drivetrain for the 2017 GT-R, as both American and European governments are cracking down on gas-guzzlers and CO2 emissions. Fitting the GT-R with an electric motor and batteries of some sort would help Godzilla retain its performance while still appeasing policymakers worldwide.

That said, Nissan is reportedly mulling over two powertrain options for the 2017 GT-R: a hybrid system centered on a 3.7-liter V-6, or a “turbo compressor and generator setup,” which would work with cylinder deactivation and stop-start technology to keep CO2 levels down.

Should Godzilla go green with a hybrid powertrain? Should the 2017 Nissan GT-R use the turbo compressor-generator set-up, or should Nissan go in an entirely different direction with the GT-R? Let us know what you think...

[300ZXttZMAN]

They should keep it the way it is! Hybrid? GAY. Come on Nissan don't take the same path as the NSX

[AZhitman]

Actually, if they do it for the RIGHT reasons (performance), it's not a bad idea.

If you've ever driven a car with an electric motor, the power is BAM right there. Wouldn't be hard to get the GT-R to run under 2-sec 0-60 times with the proper application of a torquey electric motor, letting the boosted V6 take over from there.

Unfortunately, they'll probably do it for the wrong reasons (CAFE compliance), and relegate the electric motor part of the powerplant to a supplemental, fuel-saving role.

[bigbadberry3]

Insta torque.

I always worry about the wheels though.

[AZhitman]

?

[bigbadberry3]

?

Batteries provide all their torque almost instantaneously.

Tires as you know, are not friendly to a significant amount of torque rapidly applied.

You could build it with 9000hp and 6 batteries but how you get it to the pavement is the hard part.

[AZhitman]

Ah. Tires, not wheels.

I get where you're coming from, but they're not taking it from 540hp to 1540hp.

Most hybrids using an integrated assist motor add 10-20% from the e-motor.

The GT-R in launch mode provides a significant portion of its torque up-front as well.

Tires have been overwhelmed for decades. That's why traction control was invented.

[bigbadberry3]

Tires have been overwhelmed for decades. That's why traction control was invented.

Spoken like a true Vette owner

[MinisterofDOOM]

Turbo-powered electric generator is interesting. But cylinder deactivation and start-stop on a sports car is moronic. On a self-declared "supercar" it's even more stupid. Stop trying to do everything at once and just do ONE thing WELL. If hippie morons want cars that turn themselves on and off and have hundreds of pounds of batteries in them, that's fine. But people who want sports cars have no need, desire, or use for those things. I'm getting really sick of the "lets build a green car for bragging rights" bullcrap and would very much like it if manufacturers would go back to building cars PEOPLE WANT TO BUY.

[themadscientist]

[float_6969]

I'm sure it could be done in a way to improve low end response, but my overall vote is no. First off, the GT-R is heavy already. Electric motors and batteries are heavy. NOT was Godzilla needs.

If you want to do that to the GTR, it needs to be done right. Full electric drivetrain, no transmission, one motor per wheel. Use a compact, high output ICE (turbocharged 3cylinder, designed to run at one RPM can be made VERY effecient) for onboard electrical production with a small battery pack. Weight would be more, but ohhhhh the performance!!!! Think about how easy it would be to implement traction control and torque vectoring with 4 separate motors!