Nissan Makes A Big Splash At LA Auto Show

Nissan let it all hang out at the Los Angeles Auto Show a few weeks ago, revealing a trio of NISMO vehicles that frankly left us a little breathless. Top billing was shared by the 2015 GT-R NISMO, the world debut of a Sentra NISMO Concept, and the 2014 Juke NISMO RS.

While these three cars couldn’t be anymore different, they all share those hallmark NISMO features. NISsan MOtorsports cars provide an exciting driving experience with motorsports-inspired aerodynamics and styling, enhanced handling characteristics and unmatched agility, and that’s most certainly the case with these cars.

The 2015 Nissan GT-R NISMO is a race-oriented model that delivers “factory tuned” supercar dynamics with revolutionary enhanced aerodynamics and ultra-precise handling. The Nissan GT-R is already established as one of the best performing supercars in the automotive sphere, and now Nissan has drawn on decades of racing experience gathered by NISMO to develop the ultimate Nissan GT-R. Engine power has risen and is now rated at 600hp and 481 lb-ft of torque.

The GT-R NISMO features exclusive styling that embraces the longstanding racing philosophy of form following function. It has numerous motorsports-inspired technologies to enhance the car’s performance through optimized aerodynamics, suspension and powertrain, creating a well-balanced machine that is at home on both the road and track. And with a 7:08.679 lap time, the Nissan GT-R NISMO now holds the volume production car lap record at the Nürburgring.

I’m really excited about the Sentra NISMO Concept. The car sports a more sophisticated and confident look, rather than looking like an “in-your-face” boy racer. Exterior modifications designed to enhance the Sentrar’s aerodynamics start with a deep front fascia with lower LED lights and wide lower grille. The aerodynamic look continues with a wide lower front spoiler and along the sides of the vehicle with the oversized fender flares and integrated side sills flowing into a deep-skirted rear fascia accentuated by large dual exhaust tips. A custom rear spoiler and center rear fog lamp complete the look.

Powering the Sentra NISMO Concept is the JUKE NISMO RS’s DOHC 16-valve, turbocharged, intercooled, sequential Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) equipped 4-cylinder, enlarged to 1.8 liters. The NISMO-tuned engine produces an estimated 240+ horsepower and more than 240 lb-ft of torque! The engine is matched with a beefy 6-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential to help make sure that the power is directed firmly to the road surface. The stock Sentra’s independent strut front and torsion beam rear suspension receive the NISMO tuning treatment, complete with custom performance shocks and springs.

If Nissan can bring this car to market for around $25K or so, they won’t have any trouble selling them!

And last but not least, Nissan unveiled the new Nissan JUKE NISMO RS, which brings even higher levels of performance and sporty design to the JUKE NISMO. Enhancements include additional horsepower and torque (up to 215 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque), a new manual transmission, larger brakes, chassis stiffening and unique RS interior treatments featuring Recaro front seats. Think of it as a JUKE-R for the masses. The JUKE NISMO RS is scheduled to join the popular JUKE lineup in early 2014.

NISMO, its vision and name derived from NISsan MOtorsports, has embarked on an aggressive journey to expand its presence beyond the racetrack in key markets around the world. Already a legendary brand among professional and grassroots racers, as well as performance enthusiasts everywhere, NISMO now is applying its near-50 years of engineering experience and expertise to an expanding range of affordable production vehicles. Along with the all-new GT-R NISMO, JUKE NISMO and JUKE NISMO RS, the 2014 370Z NISMO Coupe is offered at Nissan dealers nationwide.