NISSAN: New 370Z, Juke add to Nismo lineup; heavily modified Navara teased, too

“Welcome to the Nissan Motor Show, er, Philippine International Motor Show,” jested Nissan Philippines, Inc. president Ramesh Narasimhan as he stood in the middle of the brand’s exhibit floor — the most expansive at the event.
The executive had a couple of other reasons to crow about; among those displayed at the Nissan booth were the 370Z Nismo and Juke Nismo, both models set to be sold locally in late 2019. The high-performance 370Z and Juke will join in Nissan Philippines’ lineup the legendary GT-R.
Nismo stands for Nissan Motorsports (established in 1984), which serves as Nissan’s works division. It is the outfit from where the brand’s special road cars, race machines and everything in between that’s related to high performance spring. A Nismo badge tacked on a Nissan road car marks this as an exclusive version. Nismo parts and kit promise looks and athleticism. Nismo builds Nissan’s array of racecars.
“We have definitely seen a lot of interest and positive response to the GT-R Nismo, and we want to reach more Filipinos looking for more excitement in their cars through this latest offering of performance vehicles,” Mr. Narasimhan said.
Marking out the 370Z Nismo are its GTR-inspired aero kit that not only make the car look more aggressive, but also increases down-force in the front and rear. Powering the car is a 3.7-liter V6 engine that, with the help of variable valve event and lift control, makes 350hp and 374Nm. It has tuned independent suspension enhanced by a strut tower brace and a pair of performance dampers.
The Juke Nismo also gets the division’s signature aerodynamic pieces, as well as Nissan’s I-CON, which offers a selection of driving modes (economy to sport).
“Nismo makes it possible for drivers to experience the ultimate Nissan performance every day,” said Hiroshi Tamura, chief product specialist of Nismo, and who has developed the GT-R from the model’s R33 generation. “It’s everything from functional design to race-proven engineering that brings back the thrill of the drive.”
With Mr. Tamura presenting the 370Z and Juke Nismo, his greatest creation to date could not have been someplace else — and it wasn’t. Displayed along the newly announced models was the GT-R Nismo, which Nissan had previewed locally earlier this year.
As commanding as the Nismo trio were, the Nissan Navara Warrior X Special Edition also drew the attention of show visitors. The concept truck, according to Nissan, “unlocks the possibilities offered by the Navara’s overall versatility and timeless design.” It has a custom front and rear design, upgraded suspension, higher stance, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a special leather interior. No word yet whether this Navara variant will make it to Nissan showrooms.
But, then, who would have thought the Nismo models would? — BMA