The Nissan 370Z and Nissan Leaf are two models that are likely to get a Nismo makeover, Nissan's product planning chief Andy Palmer has revealed.
The firm announced at this week's Tokyo motor show that Nismo will become actively involved in producing more focused Nissan road cars, previewed with concept versions of the Juke and Leaf.
See an image of the Nissan Leaf Nismo and Juke Nismo at Tokyo
“I have a list of cars I want Nismo to do and its not a short list,” said Palmer. “Most obvious after the Juke are the 370Z and the Leaf, for very different reasons.”
The Leaf would get more power and a reduction in weight, Palmer confirmed. He said Nismo would not be entering a “horsepower race” with Nismo models and would instead focus on “ride, handling and looking drop dead gorgeous”.
A Nismo-fettled Nissan would have around 10 per cent more power, new bodywork and substantially overhauled chassis settings. Nissan’s UK R&D base in Cranfield will be responsible for European tuning of Nismo models, Palmer confirmed.
When asked about a Nismo version of the GT-R, Palmer said the GT-R is already “the ultimate Nismo” and Nismo's racing success has always come with the sports car.
Nismo models would sit at the top of a Nissan product line-up and would be instead of less distinctive GT or S versions.
Mark Tisshaw
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