EVzilla: The EV Conversion of a 1990 Nissan Skyline GTR

A Modern Take on an Automotive Icon 

In Albuquerque, New Mexico, car enthusiasts Eric and Amanda Dotson have made a mark in the automotive world with their groundbreaking project—EVzilla. As the owners of Evolved Imports and SQC Tuning, the Dotsons are known for pushing the limits of performance in the car modification scene. Now, their most recent project, EVzilla, a reimagined 1990 Nissan Skyline GTR, stands as a testament to the Dotsons’ dedication and passion for their craft. 

Born out of Eric’s early foray into the automotive world, where he put himself through college working on car audio systems, the journey evolved into a deep exploration of performance enhancements. In 1999, Eric delved into tuning with his first turbocharged Honda, marking the inception of his love for pushing the boundaries of conventional automotive performance.

Since the establishment of SQC Tuning in 2007, Eric Dotson has been at the forefront of tuning, working on an array of vehicles from small, quirky builds to high-performance beasts. The transition to tuning professionally occurred in 2014 when Eric left his day job to fully immerse himself in the world of automotive performance.

EVzilla, however, represents a paradigm shift in the Dotsons’ automotive journey, although not a surprising one. After all, they’ve put a Honda V6 in the back of a VW bus, crammed a 2JZ under the hood of a 240z, and according to Amanda, they love placing motors where they don’t belong.

The decision to electrify the iconic Nissan Skyline GTR was a strategic move to be at the forefront of an industry undergoing a seismic shift towards electric power and also pays homage to Eric’s nostalgia for the imports of his childhood. The project, executed over an intensive five-month period at Evolved Imports, has garnered attention not only for its electrifying performance but for the meticulous attention to detail.

The decision to electrify the iconic Nissan Skyline GTR was a strategic move to be at the forefront of an industry undergoing a seismic shift towards electric power…

The Evolved Imports team undertook the intricate task of performing a dual motor swap using a 2018 Tesla Model S P90D dual motor system. The result—a powerhouse boasting 762 horsepower and 713 lb-ft of torque. Custom-fabricated motor and transmission mounts, courtesy of EVI, ensure optimal integration of the electric powertrain, demonstrating the team’s engineering prowess.

Sixteen 5.3 kWh Tesla modules are on battery duty, disturbed throughout the vehicle for optimal weight distribution and culminating in a total of 85kWh of battery capacity. In particular, the front battery box is a stand-out, reminiscent of the inline-six valve cover that once powered this classic ride.

Beyond the powertrain, the transformation extends to every facet of EVzilla. The chassis and suspension underwent some serious customization to accommodate the newfound electric power. Ohlins Coilovers, a custom EVI rear-cradle, and Dutchman Axles EVI spec contribute to the vehicle’s exceptional handling characteristics.

The exterior of EVzilla, painted in the captivating Toyota Voodoo Blue by Next Level Paint, reflects Eric’s discerning taste. Carbon fiber accents, a Jun body kit, Nismo N1 headlights, and custom LED tail lights further showcase a marriage of aesthetics and aerodynamics.

Inside the cabin, Recaro SP1 seats, an AEM CD-5 display, a Tesla A/C system, and a host of audio components from Jl Audio contribute to a driving experience that seamlessly blends comfort and technology.

The journey of EVzilla culminated in its debut at SEMAfest 2023, marking a pivotal moment for Eric Dotson and his team. However, this is just the beginning. The Dotsons have a roadmap for EVzilla, planning a tour around the country to showcase the potential of their electrifying creation at various events.

As EVolved Imports reflects on the challenges encountered during the EV conversion,they emphasize the importance of a supportive network and the invaluable assistance from collaborators such as ReVolt Systems and Legacy EV.  Dotson’s journey goes beyond building fast cars; it’s about shaping a future where high-performance EVs become the standard, and EVzilla showcases what is achievable at the intersection of nostalgia, new technology, and the pursuit of excellence.

SPECS

OWNER:

Eric & Amanda Dotson
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Year, Make, Model: 1990 Nissan Skyline GTR
Vehicle Name: EVzilla
Club Affiliation: N/A
Overall Vehicle Weight: 3520 lbs
Amount of Time to Build: 5 months
Cost to Build: 100k
Occupation: Owners of Evolved Imports & SQC Tuning

Motor/Drivetrain

Motor Swap Performed By: Evolved Imports
Motor Drive Unit Year, Make, Model:  2018 Tesla Model S P90D dual motors
Horsepower: 762hp
Torque: 713tq
Motor/Transmission mounts: EVI fabricated
Control Software EV Controls T2C
60-ft time TBD
¼ mile time: Shooting for 9’s
Batteries: (16) Tesla 5.3kWh Gen 2 modules

Chassis/Suspension

Installation Shop: Evolved Imports
Lift/Lowering Kit: Ohlins Coilovers
Rear Cradle: Custom EVI
Axles: Dutchman Axles EVI spec

Wheels, Tires & Brake

Front Wheel Brand, Size, Width, Backspacing: Volk Racing TE37 17×9.5
Front Tire Brand and Size: Hankook Ventus RS3 255/40ZR17
Rear Wheel Brand, Size, Width, Backspacing: Volk Racing TE37 17×9.5
Rear Tire Brand and Size: Hankook Ventus RS3 255/40ZR17
Front Brakes: AP Racing 6 piston Big Brake kit
Rear Brakes: Brembo Big Brake kit
Brake Booster: Tesla Gen 1 ebooster

Body/Paint

Paint Shop: Next Level Paint
Color: Toyota Voodoo Blue
Grille: Carbon Fiber
Body Kit: Jun
Hood: HOVE
Trunk: FRP
Headlights: Nismo N1
Taillights: Custom Led
Rear Splitter: Trust Carbon Fiber

Interior

Install Shop: Evolved Imports
Seats: Recaro SP1
Gauges: Aem CD5, Dilithium BMS Display, Ipad Mini T2C
Steering wheel: Momo
A/C System: Tesla
dash: Alcantra
Radio Head unit: Alpine
Subwoofers: Jl Audio
Amplifiers: Jl Audio
Speakers: Jl Audio

Sponsors and Special Thanks

Sponsors: Next Level Paint (NM), Butlers Recycling (FL), EVRacing (ebay)
Thanks: Bill & Cheri Dotson, Arthur Fischer, Michelle Campos, Amanda Campos, Brian Willson, Jerry Stratton, Matt Gassner, Doug Shaw, Sebastien Deutsch, Nick Bledso, Mike Montoya, Roman Gutierrez, Greg “Snow” Snowden, Lawerance Sena, Legacy EV, Evcreate, Revolt Systems, Roc La Lu, House of Covers (NM), SQC Tuning, STC Automotive, SRD Mechanical.