
For decades, automotive engineers have pursued higher power output with lower weight, but Nissan has taken this challenge to a new level with the DIG-T R 1.5L engine. This tiny yet mighty engine weighs just 40 kg (88 lbs) but generates a staggering 400 horsepower, giving it an incredible power-to-weight ratio of 10 HP per kilogram.
Originally developed for motorsports applications, particularly endurance racing, this engine is a prime example of how downsized turbocharged engines can outperform much larger counterparts.
In this article, we’ll dive into what makes the DIG-T R so special, how Nissan achieved such efficiency, and what this means for the future of performance vehicles.
Breaking Down the DIG-T R 1.5L Engine
Key Specifications:
- Displacement: 1.5 liters (3-cylinder engine)
- Weight: Only 40 kg (88 lbs)
- Power Output: 400 horsepower
- Power-to-Weight Ratio: 10 HP per kilogram
- Fuel Efficiency: Optimized for racing applications
- Turbocharging: Highly advanced turbo system for extreme power
Fact: This engine has a higher power-to-weight ratio than most supercar engines, making it one of the most efficient performance engines ever built.
How Nissan Achieved Extreme Power with Minimal Weight

The DIG-T R’s engineering is nothing short of cutting-edge. Here’s how Nissan managed to get 400 HP out of just 1.5 liters while keeping it ultra-light:
1. Advanced Turbocharging Technology
- The engine uses a highly efficient turbocharger that dramatically increases air intake pressure, allowing the small engine to generate enormous power.
- Turbo lag is minimized using advanced turbine geometry and lightweight components.
2. High-Performance Materials and Lightweight Design
- Nissan used ultra-lightweight alloys and carbon fiber components to reduce weight while maintaining strength.
- The engine block and internals were engineered for maximum efficiency, reducing unnecessary mass.
3. Formula 1-Inspired Engineering
- The design incorporates lessons from Formula 1 and endurance racing, where small, high-revving engines deliver extreme power outputs.
- The engine’s thermal efficiency is maximized using cutting-edge cooling systems and precision engineering.
4. Compact Yet Robust Build
- Despite its size, the engine is built to handle extreme loads and high RPMs without compromising durability.
- Its compact nature allows it to be used in lightweight race cars and possibly even future production models.
Fact: The Nissan DIG-T R 1.5L engine produces more power per liter than most V8 engines used in supercars.
Where is This Engine Used?

While this engine is primarily designed for motorsports, its technology has significant implications for future road-going vehicles and racing applications.
Motorsports Applications:
- Used in endurance racing cars, where power-to-weight efficiency is critical.
- Developed for the Nissan ZEOD RC prototype, a hybrid racing car that competed at Le Mans.
- Expected to influence future Nissan Nismo high-performance vehicles.
Potential Future Road Car Applications:
- Lightweight sports cars with extreme fuel efficiency and high performance.
- Hybrid hypercars, where small, powerful combustion engines are paired with electric motors.
- Aerospace and military applications, where weight and power efficiency are crucial.
Fact: The Nissan DIG-T R engine was designed to be so fuel-efficient that it could run the entire Le Mans 24-hour race with fewer fuel stops than conventional engines.
The Impact of Downsized Turbo Engines on the Industry

The DIG-T R isn’t just about breaking records—it represents a major shift in how high-performance engines are designed. Here’s how downsized turbocharged engines are shaping the automotive industry:
1. Smaller Engines, More Power
- Traditional V8 and V10 engines are being replaced by highly efficient turbocharged inline-3 and inline-4 engines.
- Formula 1 and endurance racing have led the push toward downsized turbocharged powertrains.
2. Improved Fuel Efficiency & Emissions
- Governments worldwide are enforcing stricter emissions regulations, making turbocharged small-displacement engines a necessity.
- The DIG-T R and similar engines could be the future of sustainable performance vehicles.
3. Hybrid and Electric Integration
- This engine could be paired with electric motors in hybrid hypercars, combining raw power with energy recovery systems.
- Many automakers are moving toward hybrid race cars, similar to those in Formula 1 and Le Mans.
Fact: Modern hybrid supercars like the McLaren P1 and Porsche 918 use downsized turbocharged engines combined with electric motors for extreme efficiency and power.
What Does This Mean for the Future of Performance Cars?

The success of Nissan’s DIG-T R engine proves that:
- Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to performance.
- Lightweight, high-output engines can outperform traditional large-displacement engines.
- Motorsports is pushing innovation for the next generation of performance vehicles.
If automakers continue developing ultra-lightweight, high-powered engines, we may soon see:
- Production sports cars with extreme power-to-weight ratios.
- More hybrid race cars combining small turbo engines with electric power.
- Future road-going cars benefiting from motorsport-derived engine technology.
Fact: Nissan’s innovation in compact, high-performance engines may pave the way for a new era of performance vehicles that balance power, efficiency, and sustainability.
Conclusion
The Nissan DIG-T R 1.5L engine is a breakthrough in automotive engineering, demonstrating that small engines can deliver immense power without sacrificing efficiency. At just 40 kg but producing 400 HP, it showcases what’s possible when cutting-edge technology meets performance engineering.
This innovation is not just about motorsports—it’s shaping the future of high-performance vehicles, hybrid technology, and sustainable racing.
Could this be the blueprint for next-generation performance cars? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—the DIG-T R is a glimpse into the future of automotive engineering.