by Japanese tuner turns Nissan Caravan minivan into pseudo-Nismo
Nissan plans to significantly expand its sports car family by 2028, raising the question of which models will receive the coveted Nismo badge. Hardly anyone expected to see the Nissan Caravan on that list—a simple and practical van that has been in production for over ten years. However, the Japanese tuning atelier Dynasty decided that this particular model needed an aggressive look inspired by the legendary sports car.
Key features of the Alive GT-V project:
Visual GT-R Response
The design kit from Dynasty literally copies the stylistic solutions of the discontinued R35 GT-R Nismo; for the photoshoot, the van was even placed next to the sports car to emphasize the similarity. The kit includes a more aggressive front bumper with a pronounced splitter, more powerful side skirts, fender flares, a small rear spoiler, and a rear diffuser painted in the body color.
All components are made of ABS plastic and feature a glossy black finish with characteristic Nismo red accents.
The vehicle shown in the photos is painted in a blue-gray color similar to the GT-R’s Stealth Gray. It also received darkened headlights, chrome elements, and a new set of black seven-spoke alloy wheels.
Aggressive Looks Without Technical Updates
To complete the look, the van was fitted with lowering springs, giving it a more sporty and grounded stance. However, unfortunately, the tuners did not develop any mechanical upgrades to match the aggressive exterior. Performance remains at the level of a standard commercial vehicle.
This is still a frame-based light commercial vehicle, and no amount of visual effects will make it drive like a real Nismo.
The most powerful engine in the Caravan lineup remains the 2.4-liter turbo-diesel from Mitsubishi. It produces 130 hp and 370 Nm of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Buyers can choose between rear-wheel and all-wheel drive. Against the backdrop of such a bright exterior, the lack of upgrades under the hood may be disappointing.
Conversion Cost
For Japanese residents who want to transform their Nissan Caravan into an Alive GT-V, Dynasty offers the following components and their approximate cost:
- Front splitter: ¥85,800 (approx. $560).
- Side skirts: ¥82,500 (approx. $540).
- Fender flares: ¥54,780 (approx. $360).
- Rear diffuser: ¥82,500 (approx. $540).
- Rear spoiler: ¥60,500 (approx. $390).
- Decals: from ¥10,780 to ¥18,480 (from $70 to $120) depending on the design.
To replicate the look of the presentation vehicle, seven-spoke alloy wheels and a lowered suspension will also be needed, which are not included in the basic kit.
Model and Market Context
The current generation Nissan Caravan debuted back in 2011 but has been updated several times since then, receiving facelifts in 2017 and 2021. In 2025, the model received minor changes, including a new Outdoor Black Edition version and an optional “Sotoasobi Package.” The most expressive factory version remains the Caravan Autech, which features its own stylistic tweaks and a more expensive interior. The Alive GT-V project from Dynasty clearly demonstrates how strong the desire of car enthusiasts is to get more emotional and individual versions, even from utilitarian vehicles like vans. It also shows that the tuning market in Japan continues to offer solutions for practically any model, rethinking its purpose through design, even if the technical foundation remains unchanged.
