Nissan’s virtual GT-R replacement

NISSAN has revealed a futuristic concept car that hints at a next-generation GT-R supercar, and will even give you a chance to jump behind the wheel – a video game, anyway.

The unnamed concept car, revealed overnight on Sony’s PlayStation games console social media feed, reveals a design steeped in science fiction, featuring slender front headlights and Nissan’s signature ‘V-Motion’ front end.

Other details reveal a low-riding front splitter, while lightweight wheels fill out pumped guards to give an unmistakable performance look. The rear haunches, in particular, shout Nissan’s beer-budget supercar.

It’s rumoured that the concept will introduce a hybrid drivetrain – a key long-term goal of GT-R program developer Kazutoshi Mizuno.

Deep side air intakes suggest the next-generation GT-R could abandon its front-engined, rear-drive layout for a mid-mounted petrol engine paired to an electric motor sitting in between the front wheels, providing on-demand all-paw grip.

Set to be fully unveiled on June 16 as part of driving simulator game Gran Turismo 6’s ‘Vision GT’ program – which sees many top manufacturers, and non-automakers such as Nike, debuting wild concept cars digitally – this new concept could be our first look at the replacement of Nissan’s iconic GT-R.

The first car revealed under PlayStation’s ‘Vision GT’ program was the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo, a car that is likely to become a new Mercedes coupe, while Mitsubishi, Volkswagen and BMW have also flagged they will reveal virtual cars that punters will be able to drive in the game.

As well as the Vision GT cars, Gran Turismo 6 was also the first place you could drive the new BMW M4 and Toyota FT-1 before they were available in the metal.