This is to our knowledge, the first GT-R powered Nissan bakkie we have laid our eyes on. In fact, the Navara-R boasts most of the running gear of its coupe counterpart beneath the bespoke body kit which is capable of some serious power! 
Performance and lifestyle bakkies have become popular over the past few years with the Ford Ranger Raptor dominating our local market with little-to-no other competition. Bakkies converted into track-focused monsters are something completely different and that is exactly what the Nissan Navara-R is. Despite reports of a completely new generation bakkie under development, the outgoing model can still be purchased in certain markets, ours included, although it will be tricky to get your hands on one of these considering they are mostly bespoke.
Starting with the running gear, the Navara-R borrows a GT-R sourced 4,1-litre twin-turbocharged V6. Those with a keen eye will notice that it isn’t the same displacement as a standard GT-R considering it only comes with 3,8-litres from the factory. That is because the unit in this bakkie has been stroked up to yield maximum power, when paired with a Syvecs control unit it is good for a peak output of 745 kW. Dodson Motorsport in New Zealand has specifically developed a dual-clutch transmission which channels this power to all four wheels. 
No official specs are given on its performance capabilities but we are sure it would give most supercars a run for its money, at least in a straight line although the suspension has been tweaked too. In fact, the Navara-R comes with a completely redesigned suspension setup which uses the original GT-R subframe too. It also boasts KW V4 Racing Coilovers and HLS 4 hydraulic lift system. Naturally, the standard rims have been ditched for custom BBS 20-inch metal on all corners which conceals RC6 and RC4 Alcon brakes.
The exterior boasts a full custom body kit with wider wheel arches akimbo as well as some aggressive looking aero updates. The interior is surprisingly mostly stock although a new digital instrument cluster sits in front of the driver while a Kenwood infotainment system replaces the standard option.
This isn’t the first car we would throw a GT-R powertrain into but UK based SB Motorsport thought otherwise, taking more than two years to finish the project for professional drifter Steve Baggsy who may display its prowess at this year’s edition of the Goodwood Festival of Speed which will take place between the 23rd and 26th of June.
