Monster Nissan Navara-R packs GT-R engine pushing 1,000 hp

Updated Jun 09, 2022 | Same topic: Tuning & Mods

The first known instance of a Godzilla power unit in a Navara.

The Nissan Navara midsize pickup is no stranger to tuning and modifications, most of which are meant to enhance its off-road prowess. But one particular build went in the other direction by converting the rig into a beast for the pavement, complete with a 1,000-horsepower GT-R power unit. 

Nissan Navara-R standing shot

This little piggy got itself one hell of an upgrade 

This is the Nissan Navara-R, the unholy creation of British drift meister Stephen Biagioni and his SB Motorsports crew. Unseating the original diesel engine under the hood is a VR38 twin-turbo V6 engine lifted straight from a donor Godzilla, but Biagioni wasn’t about to be satisfied with its stock form. 

The engine was heavily modified for the task, having its displacement upsized from the default 3.8 to 4.1 liters. Add more custom work such as a bespoke exhaust manifold and dual Garrett turbochargers, all over the course of 160 hours, and the result is 1,000 horses raring to set the bitumen on fire as the reborn VR41. 

Nissan VR41 engine

The VR41 sourced from the GT-R sitting between two Garrett turbochargers 

All that power is enough to strike fear into the hearts of many a run-of-the-mill gearbox, which is why Biagioni turned to Dodson Motorsport of New Zealand to put together a special dual-clutch transmission that distributes the output to all four wheels. More than the engine, however, the GT-R also contributed its subframes, now mounting KW V4 Racing Coilovers and an HLS 4 Hydraulic Lift System.  

Stopping power also received an upgrade with a shift to Alcon Specialist RC4 and RC6 brakes. Enabling the Navara-R to zoom across the tarmac is a set of 20-inch alloy wheels from BBS. 

Navara-R cockpit

Even the steering wheel comes straight from a Godzilla 

Of course, the extensively reworked rig needs to look the part as well, courtesy of a custom-built wide bodykit from Sterling Automotive comprising fender add-ons, bumper extensions, two rear spoilers and a prominent front splitter. These are accompanied by a custom racecar-style wrap by Fleet Livery Solutions.   

For the interior, nothing less than a GT-R steering wheel will do, set against a digital instrument cluster. Drivers make themselves at home on Sparco bucket seats while basking in the sounds of the Kenwood infotainment system, accessible via a large central touchscreen.     

Nissan Navara-R front

You wouldn't mind taking this pickup on errands all day

The entire build was two years in the making, and what’s even more surprising is that SB Motorsports is offering the whole setup as a conversion option. Interested customers should prepare themselves to be set back by £250,000 (over Php 16.5 million). If you have a Navara in need of an upgrade and tons of disposable cash to spare, this could be worth considering.    

Read about more wild rides at Philkotse.com.

Know more about Nissan Navara 2024

Nissan Navara

The Nissan Navara is a pickup truck that is available in the Philippines. Nissan Navara 2023 Philippines price starting from Php 1,071,000 to Php 1,811,000. This price range is covered within the truck's nine variants, with the PRO-4X as the most expensive Navara. Under the hood, the Japanese pickup is powered by a 2.5-liter YD25DDTi inline-4 DOHC turbodiesel engine. Depending on the variant, the horsepower ranges from 161 to 190, while the torque in newton meters varies from 403 to 450. Either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automatic transmission is paired to the engine.

Dimensions-wise, the Navara spans 5,260 mm in length, 1,875 mm in width, and 1,855 mm in height, with the wheelbase rated at 3,150 mm. In addition, the bed dimensions (L x W x H x H) are 1,470 mm long, 1,495 mm wide, and 470 mm and 520 mm in height. Locally, this pickup truck competes against the likes of the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, and Mitsubishi Strada.

₱ 1,071,000 - ₱ 1,811,000

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Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Author

Joseph holds a degree in Journalism from the University of the Philippines Diliman and has been writing professionally since 1999. He has written episodes for CNN Philippines' motoring show Drive, and has worked on corporate projects for MG Philippines and Pilipinas Shell. Aside from being Philkotse.com’s Content Lead, he also writes content for numerous car dealerships in the U.S., spanning multiple brands such as Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Maserati, among others.

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