Nismo tweaks Nissan 370Z and Juke

NISSAN used this month’s Tokyo Auto Salon to unveil a couple of new products from its Nismo hot-shop, which created a sharper version of the rear-drive 370Z coupe and boosted the Juke mini-SUV.

Both cars pack more power, sharper handling, unique exterior and interior styling, and aerodynamic improvements, capitalising on Nismo’s extensive motorsport experience.

Nismo liberated 6.5 per cent more power from the 370Z’s 3.7-litre V6 through fitting a unique ‘H-configured’ sports exhaust with a crossover pipe for better flow and tweaks to the engine management system, resulting in 261kW of power.

More-focussed handling comes courtesy of Nismo-tuned suspension comprising uprated springs, dampers and stabiliser bars, plus a strut brace to increase rigidity, while a limited-slip differential is situated on the rear axle for better in-corner traction.

Behind the super-lightweight gunmetal-grey 19-inch forged alloy wheels wrapped in Yokohama Advan Sport rubber are upgraded brakes with red callipers and reinforced pipework filled with high-performance brake fluid.

A unique aerodynamic package reportedly increases downforce to levels matching that of Nissan’s flagship GT-R supercar and comprises an extended front bumper with chin spoiler, side skirts, a vented rear bumper with diffuser, and a large rear wing.

Inside are black and red Nismo-branded seats with red stitching, aluminium pedals and a plaque of authenticity showing the car’s serial number and model year.

A six-speaker Bose premium sound system comes with an in-dash six-CD changer and Bluetooth telephony, and Nissan’s HomeLink system can replace various remotes for electric gate and garage door openers.

The Juke’s turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine – which will also feature on the Pulsar SSS hot hatch due to arrive in Australia in the second quarter of this year – has been tweaked to produce 147kW and 250Nm, an increase of 7kW and 10Nm over the standard car.

While the Nismo 370Z is manual-only, the Juke drives all four wheels through an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT) that simulates seven stepped ratios in manual mode.

An aerodynamic bodykit results in 37 per cent more downforce than a standard Juke, while drag is also reduced by a wider front bumper that directs air around the wheels.

New side skirts reduce lift by preventing air from flowing beneath the car while the roof-mounted rear spoiler has been enlarged and is more angled to provide extra rear downforce while reducing drag.

Styling changes on the Nismo Juke include a special grille, rear bumper, lower body cladding and exhaust tip, dark headlight bezels, LED daytime-running lights and contrasting red exterior mirror housings.

Nissan claims the Nismo-tuned suspension – developed in Europe – provides a “well-balanced nature” with sporty handling and “rock-solid stability” but supple ride quality.

The steering has also been tweaked to provide a greater sense of stability at mid-to-high speeds, while the 18-inch Nismo alloy wheels with wide 225-section tyres improve traction and grip.

Nismo has applied a sportier feel to the Juke’s cabin with suede-trimmed, heavily bolstered seats, an Alcantara-covered steering wheel, red stitching, a red Nismo-branded tacho, a red ring around the starter button and custom trim for the instruments, vents, gear selector, window switches and centre console.