This Nissan Leaf Is Hiding A 13,000 RPM Secret

[@MrJohannVegas]

maybe i missed the mention, but the trailer backup camera for watching the stock dash on the bike engine made me laugh with how clever it was. awesome build.

[@SuperfastMatt]

I had this in my notes. Not sure why I forgot to mention it. But yes, he kept it simple by just leaving the bike dash in the back (short wiring harness) and just pointing a cheap camera at it.

[@MarianoLu]

Had to go back to see that in the video, that ingenuity is great!

[@Syncopia]

It's not stupid if it works!

[@dimitribrzeczyszczykiewicz8044]

Oh for real!! I had to go back to 6:18 cuz i didnt notice that! For me its just awesome solution. Not just convenient, but dope af!!!

[@ricoreyes6044]

I really admire such elegant hacks.

[@seanplace8192]

This is actually a really good idea. If the ICE ever breaks down (Common issue with project cars), you still have the electric motor to get you home or to a shop.

[@DerekYoungdby]

It's happened! I had to stop to charge but made it home. Also the car has been mobile for all but maybe 5 days during this whole build due to the redundant powertrain.

[@seanplace8192]

@@DerekYoungdby Good deal. Have you considered trying the same in a Chevy Bolt EV? Even without a boost from an ICE, it's a pretty quick car. It would be pretty neat to see if it can go even faster. They're starting to get pretty cheap now.

[@DerekYoungdby]

@@seanplace8192 I actually own a Bolt and would love to do this but they're still worth too much $$ to cut up (for now at least).

[@ashishkalam9337]

@@DerekYoungdby I now you might not read this but maybe try Swapping the engine of a plug-in hybrid that has a dedicated EV mode, that way the engine can work as intended with car's fuel tank, radiator and stuff, plus some space saving for whatever DIY you need.

[@Islamisthecultofsin]

@@DerekYoungdby You need to have the plans available for purchase.

[@davesmith9325]

I hope he is going to learn from your experience with cornering and will dry sump it before having to replace the engine rather than after. Otherwise looks fantastic. All hail

[@SuperfastMatt]

Fortunately, he kept the deep oil sump instead of shortening it like I did. So it should be fine.

[@DerekYoungdby]

I put in an oil gauge before I went lapping to monitor this and the deep sump seems to have been enough (thankfully!)

[@J.C...]

@@DerekYoungdby Awesome car, Derek! 👌

[@chaselandry2962]

I think the transverse mounting helps with oil starvation too. Kawi pickups are in the rear iirc

[@tacticooldennis]

You don't need to make room for the engine to fit under the hood if it's mounted in the rear. So much room for activities!

[@johnpaulohara7589]

This type of build is definitely the future of modern Hot Rodding. Currently EV's don't go to smog or inspection. Drive around on EV for every day driving and then turn on the ICE for some AWD fun! Some new super cars are already doing Hybrid drive systems like this. I LOVE THIS BUILD!

[@md4luckycharms]

luckily vehicles over 25 years old also dont go for emissions

[@sneaky_krait7271]

What I also like about this build is that it is fitted EV on just the front wheels and ICE on just the back wheels. If one of the systems fails you can still drive around

[@satibel]

@@sneaky_krait7271 also it's a 4x4 technically. that's how my bicycle is setup, electric motor in the front and pedals on the back, I have so much grip in sketchy paths in the woods, so I imagine it works well on a car too.

[@sneaky_krait7271]

@@satibel True 4x4 is great for many reasons, but having a clear split is special here and like that specifically too

[@marcusborderlands6177]

​@@md4luckycharmsnot where they are in CA :(

[@tilio9380]

This is honestly the coolest car I have seen. As an engineer, this hits home on so many different levels.

[@Maxam-Media]

This is such a neat project. The dial that can control which power unit you’re using or a mix is really cool and must make this much more enjoyable to drive on a more regular occurrence. Seems very well thought out and I really like that a Nissan leaf, an otherwise boring car, was used for something so interesting!

[@joeythekid5042]

I bout to put a Hayabusa engine in my Chevy Cobalt coupe

[@ronwalsh]

That is a conversion I had never thought of. It is amazing how the two powerplants can work together.

[@TDGCmote]

spice is boost, space is the future

[@handle690]

I would never usually click a Nissan leaf video...unless it's from superfastmatt!

[@elishmittywerminghanjensen1264]

"More wrecklessly stupid than sportbike riders" 🤣😂🤣 That line seriously got me really good. Epic work on your videos as always 🔥🔥🔥

[@gannas42]

What an awesome project idea! Thanks for sharing this with us. Man that last clip of it screaming down the track is hypnotic!

[@gsmdo8836]

Excellent Matt - not only a great project, but one that uses very few new resources - so extra crispy green too... 😃 Algorithm thingied... 👍

[@theredmonkey]

I have seen that leaf in person, it's a masterpiece.

[@BUSHRABBITRIDING]

Seeing that little Leaf screaming is a thing of beauty

[@davidsteinhour5562]

This thing is really neat, and there's only one downside I see: it's a small hatchback that weighs the same as an e39 M5, with 100hp and 2 seats (now, anyway) less. That much weight means expensive tires. Still, it's the coolest affordable hybrid in history. It's completely unique and I bet it's a wild sensation to drive. Much respect Derek! I'm looking into a "1290 Super Duke engine in a Miata" idea because that L-twin is dry sump from the factory (and the TORQUE). Someone talk me out of it.

[@fvpaquetqc]

Nobody talks him out of this, we need to see it happen

[@6Mar99]

Definitely make a video out of it. We'll be cheering for you

[@Camilink94]

OOOHH MAAAN PLEEEASE DOOITTTTT

[@calvinnyala9580]

It's a KTM, isn't it? So, an European engine, you're going to have a fun time than a long time...

[@6Mar99]

@@calvinnyala9580 the ktm 1290 platform is a pretty solid engine

[@Jerod_Helt]

This is such an amazing car! Great job on the video!

[@SuperfastMatt]

Thanks for joining us on the moto-powered adventure!

[@HomeBuiltByJeff]

That is absolutely brilliant. I love that sort of ingenuity.

[@JackBWatkins]

Looks like it could surprise you when the light turns green. Wow, that’s what the rear end of a leaf looks like!!!

[@patrickfreeman8257]

I love the way the tail pipe sticks out looking like a rear facing 20 mm cannon

[@duncanmartin2626]

That thing is awesome. Thank you Matt for showing us, and Derek for building it! :)

[@erebostd]

As an EV enthusiast (and driver): this is seriously cool 😁👍

[@ReXoRofc]

It would surely be cool if this could be done to all the old (10 yr old) EVs that are going to the junkyard...

[@Matt-dx3wo]

@@ReXoRofc the leaf is a bit of an outlier with it's shitty battery cooling

[@nc3826]

it is amusing how most petrol heads pretend that all old EVs will be dropping dead in 10 years.... due to the longevity of the leaf's, crappy air cooled battery pack...

[@ReXoRofc]

@@Matt-dx3wo sure but i doubt all the new EVs will last for 20+ years like most gas cars just because of the cost of that huge battery pack , that's IF they even continue making these tailormade battery packs for each car. I think this EV car thing is BS and not environmentally friendly in the LONG term.

[@Matt-dx3wo]

@@ReXoRofc I'm not sure I'm following your logic.

[@bobulele]

Me: Hey dad listen to my new Leaf. Dad: Sounds like a Leaf Blower

[@Appletank8]

Add a supercharger, and it'd be a Leaf with a Blower.

[@TSRGarage]

Once the idea infects the mind, the question becomes, "Why not?". I really like the dial it in power spliter.

[@wdelgenio]

If a manufacturer or engineering could do this and still keep a backseat plus some modest cargo space, I would buy it in a second. The combo of EV when wanted + crazy fun engine is unbeatable.

[@slavko321]

Can you imagine having the whole engine as a modular box you just plug into the back when you want it?

[@Khrrck]

There are some PHEV optionsvnow with decent power from the ICE and decent electric range. I think the Volvo V60 Recharge has around 250hp and 40 miles of electric range? But I'm not aware of anything which is smaller than that at the moment.

[@chrisJordan-xb9wc]

koenigsegg gemera is pretty much this on a a huge budget

[@DIY-V12]

I think a side channel of "how it's built" featuring other similarly innovative builds would be gold. Algorithm Gold.

[@gyszabolcs]

This is brilliant! the bottle of oil on the passenger side is priceless :)

[@-MacCat-]

I concur with the many that have said that this is definitely the future of modern hot rodding. Great build. Thanks for bringing it to us Matt. All hail the algorithm.

[@donswier]

My i3 REx bows to this brilliance!! Amazing, smart engineering & rule-bending.

[@z-trip5457]

The Rex is brilliant! That little range extender saves you so much headaches

[@EldeNova]

This is one of the coolest and sickest cars I've ever seen (not talking bout looks NISSAN!) Superb job Derek!

[@questioner1596]

I've thought about doing the reverse - take a FWD manual car and put a diff and electric motor on the rear. The Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe is a good candidate because they can be flat towed with the FWD manual configuration, and an AWD model is available, so the rear suspension and diff are bolt-on parts. Bonus if you get the 6 speed Vibe GT/Matrix XRS. The Prius/Rav4/Sienna rear motor/diff may even be an option. Another option is taking a RWD pickup and putting a front diff out of a 4WD with an electric motor. Just has to be a flat-towable transmission.

[@DerekYoungdby]

My pick for this is a 2nd gen Probe GT.

[@chrishenniker5944]

A 1955 Chevy Cameo or GMC Suburban with a Vonnen Shadow Drive sandwiched between the engine and transmission, or a GMC Cyclone IFS with an electric motor and differential gears up front. Oh, it’s got to look like a straight restoration.

[@innnlove]

my pick is the audi tt :)

[@Rockport1911]

9:30 First thing that comes to mind is the Honda CRZ. It had a gas motor, an electric motor to help along and even was a manual. But the powertrain was to weak for how it looked, the tiny 1.5 engine and only 14HP electric boost didnt do much... I thought about a conversion like this but this guy just did it :)

[@H3110NU]

When people hate on EVs, these are the projects I think they forget about. Hot Rodding is hot Rodding regardless of it being a hybrid.

[@Ash-bx6kq]

This video has singlehandedly made me want to work on cars. I'll come back in 5 years when I have money and a running hybrid 1970 Corvette

[@felixcosty]

Thanks for the video. That Leaf is insane and I love it. Take a Leaf which is a on the interesting scale 1 out of 10 drop in a ICE engine that sounds amazing and new Leaf goes to 10 out of 10. Sounds amazing driveling is way more fun and exciting. We need more insane and crazy cars in the world current cars are boring. Thank you Leaf modder for bring us something insane and exciting.

[@RonCovell]

Matt, what a fantastic video! I have never had much interest in a Leaf, and the idea of adding a powerful motorcycle engine to one sounds wonky at first blush - but you did an excellent job of showing what a straightforward modification this can be, and what a fun and in some ways practical specialty car it can produce!

[@johnbradford9235]

I thought you were the only wizard Matt, but it seems there are more, working studiously in hidden garages, ready to transform the possibility of a grey, non-fun, EV-only future into a bright, shiny, kick-ass, screaming one, full of total-fun hybrids 😁. Well done Derek 👏👏👏. Love it! And thanks Matt for publicizing 👉👉👉. I bet future Matt has been waiting a long time for this. 😎

[@phenomanII]

I absolutely love this. Never would have thought of it but now I want one. A nice quiet cabin with modern tech and decent sound isolation, no worry about crusty several decades old seals, modern handling and the brake upgrade up front just bolting in is the cherry on top.

[@DerekYoungdby]

Matt overstated the comfort levels, sound wise. Even in EV mode the chain makes a good bit of noise. There is however, a heated steering wheel.

[@phenomanII]

@@DerekYoungdby I love that you're responding to the comments here, I hope you end up making a detailed walkthrough on your channel. Even without editing it would still be fascinating. In regards to comfort, I guess it's important to keep things in perspective. It's never going to be silent, but compared to the S600 it's an S-class :P

[@JohnTothPhoto]

I love this. I had a Range Extended i3 and it was a great mix although I wondered what it would have been like if the scooter motor could do some of the lifting. Now I know!

[@MrRikko951]

turbocharging would help!

[@peadookie]

As a former Leaf Gen 1 and 600whp Evo IX MR owner, I can say that this is the way. All EVs should be manufactured this way.

[@mattheweburns]

I always thought something like this would be great for a small car! Especially if you can use front wheel, drive, electric rear wheel, drive engine and use the front wheel drive to region boost, as well as to give you a boost on takeoff

[@ohitstarik]

that last clip gave me butterflies in my stomach

[@rocketplane]

FWD EV with RWD ICE seems like a great way to make a low (ish) effort high-performance track car. No mechanical wizardry required to combine the best of both worlds and you can even recharge the EV on the straights if you set up the electronic wizardry for it. Then EV torque your way out of the corners for maximum smiles per gallon. Oh yeah, all hail the algorithm.

[@Cerberus984]

I find it amusing every Tesla nurburgring lap record, excluding Plaid, is beaten by various years of stock Honda Civic Type R. Which the Plaid gets beaten by an Audi RS4 that are all a fraction in cost to the full EV counterparts. For that track the ABSOLUTE track record is Porsche 919 EVO hybrid even beating the Volkswagen IDr EV by around 45 seconds.

[@thecheese302]

something dawned on me. my state doesn't inspect ev's.... its so simple! thanks mr. wizard

[@daviddrueding3887]

Love it. Any chance for a follow up on how the engine is charging the batteries? Worst case it could push the rear tires into the regen on the front tires, but I suspect that would suck.

[@KerchumA222]

That is very likely how it works, and is how the new Corvette e-ray works

[@camillosteuss]

he literally did say that the leaf motor doesnt mind being ``helped`` by the rear drive... So yeah, by that, i would also say that the rear literally just does its thing as matt said, entirely separate from the front drive...

[@daviddrueding3887]

When they're both contributing to propulsion this works fine, and how normal AWD EVs have worked forever. But if you are trying to get the ICE motor to charge the batteries by going through the regen, that means that the rear wheels are pushing and the front wheels are trying to slow down. Besides the additional tire wear and all the inefficiencies on both sides, it would lead to some interesting traction dynamics when you're off-throttle going around a turn and all your tires are already using 30% of available grip sending power to each other.

[@float6969]

I have a 2015 Leaf and I'd bet money he's just using the regen braking from the front EV drivetrain to charge the batteries. The knob on the right would logically split the throttle demand between the EV drivetrain and the motorcycle throttle. So it wouldn't be difficult to create a situation where the rear is powering the car forward while the front is trying to decelerate. The EV drivetrain wouldn't know the difference. It would just look like a big hill

[@DerekYoungdby]

Yes, regen through the road. The rear wheels push and the front wheels drag. How this happens is based on the the bias of the EV and ICE motors. Most of this is via Leaf settings. "B" adds higher regen, "ECO" disabled EV power for first 1/4 of pedal travel. In this mode, the EV will regenerate during this portion of throttle position while the ICE pushes the car forward effectively charge sustaining. The car typically is only regening at 20kW, which is barely enough to feel and definitely doesn't upset the handling. It can drive as long as there's gas in it (it only holds 5 gallons which is good for about 100 miles). I drove it from SF to LA and back (+ canyons, + trackday) and didn't plug it in.

[@NikFowler]

The sound. It's the sound of bike engines that makes them so intoxicating. All hail etc etc

[@TonyK3130]

Derrick's answer to the "Why?" question is inspiring: "Why not?"

[@KGB908]

Hey, here is a perfectly reasonable comment, which showcases my reaction to seeing this vehicle. Holy actual fucking shit, this might be one of the coolest things I’ve seen on KZbin.

[@devil2jz500]

Made me google “Nissan Leaf for sale” right away.

[@leesusca7339]

Fun fact: some guy put a turbo in his 1g Prius, 100% analog. No check engine light, no reflash. It didn’t go faster, but the battery charged up so quick

[@JDStoneCreations]

I hope Derek has Complete Control of this car when he drives it 😏 But seriously why tf hadn't I followed him years ago when starting to watch Battlebots 🤔

[@DerekYoungdby]

You can actually see the robot hanging on the wall of my garage @5:59

[@petrollkafa]

as a electrical engineer this video lights new ideas to my mind. Thanks dude

[@joeschlotthauer840]

I think the idea of a motorcycle engine in a car is fantastic. I have always been a huge Metropolitan Nash fan, and that's the first thing that comes to mind. That's the answer for these cars with a super small engine bay, or electric, (hint). Your next project Mr. Matt, if you decide to accept it, is to put a Hayabusa motorcycle engine in a Metropolitan Nash, or make it electric. The state department will disavow any knowledge or involvement in your mission, if discovered. Good luck Matt.

[@honthirty_]

Yesssss! A Metro.

[@chrishenniker5944]

I’d say put the Rover K-Series engine and uprated everything else to MGB specs. If you can add the hybrid setup from Vonnen, all the better. Keep the little cutie stock appearing and keep blowing the doors off Honda Civics with a 1950s British convertible that looks like it should be at Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance.

[@shubhamvasaikar7]

Is that a screen that is showing a live feed of the bike engine tach on the dash? That's the kind of engineering that I love.

[@RustyHondas]

Wow this thing is cool I don't like leafs at all but this isn't real one anymore

[@Super7Driver]

I met Derek and his fantastically interesting car at a Cars and Coffee in Menlo Park last year. Super cool car and engineering. Pleased to see it here. Also, it’s an EV, so no smog check!

[@joshhayes3433]

I think a collab would be pretty darn epic - make it happens gents!!

[@aarondcmedia9585]

OMG YES OFF-ROAD VIPER !!!! So much

[@RenaxTM91]

I've been thinking about doing the opposite, putting a electric motor and battery up front on my rear engine rwd VW. I probably won't cause I don't like electronics in my cars, but it'd be a coo project for someone who likes troubleshooting wiring harness and microchips.

[@badatcad]

I always figured putting it in the back of a fwd car would be neat Imagine leaf guts getting transplanted into a Honda CRX or something

[@chrishenniker5944]

Look up Vonnen, they do a hybrid setup that goes between the engine and transmission. You might be able to stick it in your proper Volkswagen.

[@charleslaitipaya7149]

This is the kind of back alley misfit build I love to see. Can't wait to see it at willow or ach.

[@jouhannaudjeanfrancois891]

What makes me even happier with this project is that it comes from a hipster NOT wanting to use a vintage car!

[@2fast4u288]

I absolutely love this! Thanks for highlighting it!

[@robortkristensen3818]

Great video. Like the part where you explain the logic behind making such convertions. And the part where you use the parts that exsist and fit rather than custom build for 10x the price

[@diraziz396]

Oh I Love his little touches all over. Great Story Matt. I Wonder how the Leaf's Ghost is cooping with this Cyberpunk Mutation.. Great Work Derek

[@SH-fi8sn]

All hail the algorithm! What a build. Thanks for showcasing it!

[@StuHaightVideo]

That grin at 00:59 is EVERYTHING.

[@Projectblackkjack]

This is one of the coolest things I have seen in a while!

[@ryancampbell9425]

This guy is my hero. Why manufacturers don't put this sort of powertrain in a miata or hot hatch still confuses me.

[@DrieStone]

Matt, your intro is totally on point. "Why" is a question I get asked a lot? Why did I buy a $600 Subaru and spend 2x that putting a lift on it? If someone asks you "why?" you will never be able to answer it in a way that they will understand. People who understand won't ask why. They'll want to know the details, and how it all came together. I bet most people that watch your channel won't ask "why". The only why we'll be asking will be the "why am I on the wrong coast so that I can't hang out with Matt on the weekends drinking a great beer and talking about insane projects we wish we could build"

[@giscardrutten6896]

Why? The grin on your face at 0.59 is why! Priceless!

[@keinname2481]

love the mullet comparison

[@StingrayOfficial]

I am so glad I found your channel man. Your sense of humor is on point.

[@skwerldeath]

That sound at the end was just intoxicating ❤️

[@Whereswally606]

Sounds so good. I am jealous. I have a 2011 leaf with a muxsan pack which is starting to die causing issues when rapid charging. This may well be the best thing i could do to my car.

[@henryswint7792]

I saw this car parked outside of the dudes house. I thought it was ridiculous, did not know how insane it was

[@sporkybutterz]

Very cool with the side ducts for the air intake and layout. However the exposed chain and sprocket at the bottom made me wonder why there wasn't an aluminum splash shield to protect from the elements.

[@Ddabsolve]

It’s a motorcycle engine. They are always exposed to the elements.

[@phmiii]

Sweet! I Love the combination! As for Why >> Because!

[@Mattthewanderer]

Now this is perfect. Sure, not perfectly immaculate, but the idea is just right and that's how it should be. Thanks for sharing this.

[@Ghost63123]

A 10 000% improvement of the Leaf. Brilliant!!!!!

[@johnnydixon5687]

This is the coolest modified car I’ve ever seen and I actually had plans to build something very similar a couple years back.

[@andrewsalmon100]

This is fabulous. What a clever guy. Bike engine in the boot? I have one too! My BMW i3 has a bike engine .... not the same.

[@Appletank8]

Clearly that i3 needs a turbocharger.

[@polarbearigloo]

This is the most coolest thing I have seen with a ev hotrod!!!! I want to see more of this, does not matter what car I want to see it

[@scottsteele6987]

Coolest build I've seen in a long time. Imagine if you had a more powerful electric motor in the front it would be a monster if you could keep weight down.

[@DerekYoungdby]

I'm working on getting my hands on a Leaf Plus inverter. The Leaf hacking scene reports seeing 150kW (up from 80kW) from the stock motor, even with the stock 24kWh battery. Total system HP will go from 280 to 370, which should be fun! Weight is another challenge...

[@Hobbies4Hire]

Great job on the video Matt! Thanks for making it.

[@PorkChopForLifeMC]

this is exactly my automotive school project.. a small 2 person car (like an ariel atom) with a motorcycle engine and an electric one. this diff is the only thing that i was missing

[@DerekYoungdby]

I got mine from Taylor Racing out of Texas (assuming you're in the states). You could likely order direct from Quaife too. PN INV-02000431. Many people build their own sealed diffs though, I just wanted to focus my efforts elsewhere. Good luck with the project!

[@mitcheloo2632]

I just had a major case of deja vu when I saw your hospital pic (2:31) as I am currently recovering from a similar accident. My right ankle got crushed along side a few broken bones but thinks are looking beter now. Now I have a 83hp, 600cc engine out of a Yamaha XJ6 (FZ6R in the US) laying around...... Guess it's time to find a project.

[@80spodcastchannel]

dude nailed it for making a leaf....cool

[@audiwankenobi361]

I would buy one of these without question over a ton of other vehicles.

[@philking5740]

The humble leaf is particularly inspiring when getting from A to B with fuck all fuss. And the answer to why is why not.

[@fourutubez7294]

All hail The Al Gore Rhythm Band. I do like that leaf conversion , unlikely couples are always the most interesting.

[@amphedroxyn4251]

Im happy you show theyre clapped and not practical anymore and not just shoving good parts in other good cars ruining both

[@Beni10PT]

The best Hybrid! Would be cool to have the trunk less occupied by engine stuff but looks awesome

[@este_marco]

that's one of the coolest builds i've ever seen

[@happysalesguy]

That's completely ridiculous! I love it!

[@larrythehedgehog]

10:26 I love seeing something so powerful that it threatens to undo itself whilst operating.

[@NackDSP]

Leaf Blower! It just needs to happen.

[@kalanajasenthuliyana]

This car is beautifully maintained. Even the brake fluid is super clean. Much respect to the owner. Well done revelations team once again

[@t.shonoiki563]

This a good example of how hybrid cars should be. Thank you.

[@scottwilliams895]

First time watching your videos, and throughly enjoyed it! Crazy project, smartly written script, well delivered. Looking fwd to watching more.

[@spudgossie]

And you saved the best bit till last. THE SOUND 🙂

[@JoKeR-qu3ut]

Oh, it is that Derek Young. Hey, I know that guy. Yeah this looks like something somebody from BattleBots would do...

[@timdijkstra8168]

Nice reference to the Kennedy speech he gave during the space race 0:23