09/10/2026
Nissan’s SR20VET was a groundbreaking engine, widely recognized as the first production turbocharged engine to combine variable valve lift and timing (VVL) with turbocharging. This 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four produced an impressive 280 PS (276 hp), making it a standout powerplant for its time.
What made it especially unusual was its application. Rather than powering a sports coupe, Nissan installed the SR20VET in the Japan-only X-Trail GT, turning a practical SUV into an unexpected performance machine.
The engine was paired with Nissan’s ALL MODE 4x4 system, delivering power through all four wheels for added traction and control. This combination of turbocharged performance, advanced valve technology, and all-wheel-drive capability gave the X-Trail GT a character unlike most SUVs of its era.
The SR20VET remains a memorable example of Nissan’s engineering creativity, proving that serious performance could come from a vehicle designed for everyday practicality.