Quicker to 60 mph than a McLaren P1, this 1,100-HP Nissan Qashqai is one fast family hauler

By Andrew Hard May 24, 2014

If you’re wondering what a Nissan Qashqai is, no, it’s not a nutritious breakfast cereal. It’s basically a smaller Nissan Rogue for Middle Eastern and European markets.

In reality, the Qashqai gets its name from a far more obscure source: the Qashqai are a semi-nomadic, Farsi-speaking tribe from southwest Iran. They are known for extravagant wool products. I suppose Nissan figured Qashqai buyers would be nomadic as well, (the Qashqai has serviceable off-road capabilities and is very roomy), but you got me on the Farsi and colorful carpets.

This particular Qashqai, built by Severnvalley Motorsport (SVM), isn’t exactly standard. It may look like a relatively normal five-door from the outside, but this crossover is anything but normal.

SVM’s Qashqai has a modified 3.8-liter, twin-turbo V6 from the Nissan GT-R that puts out 1100 hp. It will not only keep up with a McLaren P1, an Earth-bound spacecraft in its own right, but it will beat the Brit to 60 mph.

How, you ask?

First, SVM took a stock Qashqai+2, a seven-passenger version, and stripped it to its raw shell. Then, they removed the shell from the frame, and attached it to GT-R chassis. The entire VR38DETT engine was rebuilt and fitted with a new exhaust, propelling the grocery-getter to 60 mph in just 2.7 seconds (.1 seconds faster than a P1.) It continues to 124 mph in just 7.5 seconds, and it’ll kill the quarter mile in 9.9. Excuse my language, but dang.

What I love most about these types of cars are the questions that people ask: “How does it put its power down?” “How does it handle?” “How much did it cost?” The question that nobody really asks is, “why?” And that’s simply because we don’t care. We’re just happy that such a machine exists.

“We wanted to build a Qashqai supercar and we have,” said Kevan Kemp, SVM’s boss.

Good enough for me.

(Photos via Top Gear)

Topics

Photo Galleries

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.