Following the 370Z, Juke, March and GT-R, Nismo continues its tuning offensive of Nissan vehicles with the unassuming Note hatchback. The Nissan Note Nismo has been unveiled in Japan ahead of its commercial launch scheduled for this autumn.
The sportiest iteration of the Note lineup will be offered in two grades, the Note Nismo and the Note Nismo S. The standard Note Nismo promises to offer a balance between performance and fuel efficiency, while the Note Nismo S is a more performance-focused model – always according to the Japanese firm.
Nissan says the Note Nismo features powertrain, chassis, tire, suspension and aerodynamic technologies “all accumulated from Nismo’s experience in motorsports that offers high performance with flawless balance.”
The Note Nismo S is powered by a specially-tuned engine with “a fruitful supply of low-end torque,” mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. No performance figures or technical details were offered.
Styling-wise, the Note Nismo S features a more aggressive bodykit including a custom front grille, front and rear bumpers, side sill protectors and roof spoiler, as well as Nismo Red accents and electronic folding side mirrors, and Nismo badge.
The car also features an enforced body rigidity and comes with standard custom sports seats (optional on the Note Nismo). For those who want more, special Nismo Recaro sports bucket seats are offered as a factory option on the Note Nismo S.
“Celebrating Nismo’s 30th anniversary, we are planning to expand the number of models available in our road-car lineup. The Note Nismo we introduced today is truly symbolic to the Nismo brand in that it represents the fusion between motorsports that’s embedded in Nismo’s DNA and the success of the Note as a mass production vehicle,” said Nismo President and CEO Shoichi Miyatani.
Nissan didn’t say whether the Note Nismo when or if it will be offered in other markets besides Japan.
By Dan Mihalascu