The Nissan Leaf is known for its eco-friendliness, not its power or speed. However, automotive wizard Derek Young was able to transform it into an exciting plug-in hybrid vehicle with 280 horsepower (209 kilowatts) by combining it with a Kawasaki ZX10R engine, parts from a Nissan 370Z, a Ford Mustang, a Lexus IS350, and other custom parts.
While the idea of combining a motorcycle engine with a car is not new, it's still fascinating to many. In this particular case, Young chose to use a battery-operated base car, which added to the complexity of the project. The Kawasaki ZX10R engine comes with an extremely powerful engine, which makes it a viable option for projects with a little bit of modification.
The conversion process was not without its challenges, however. The Nissan Leaf had severe battery degradation, which left it with only 25 miles of range. To solve this issue, parts from a Lexus IS350 were used to add structure, axles, and driven wheels to the Leaf.
SuperfastMatt has pointed out that the controls of his car can be a bit confusing at first, but the concept is simple. The car can be driven like a standard Leaf, but when it's time for some fun, the rider can fire up the Kawasaki engine and enjoy the power and speed of the bike. The car even features a bump start feature that allows the electric motor to start the engine, similar to an LMP hybrid vehicle.
The Kawasaki-powered Nissan Leaf is a unique build, and the video provided by SuperfastMatt gives viewers an idea of the process behind the build. The car is proof that nothing is impossible in the realm of aftermarket modification.
Source: Motor1