NISSAN has announced its legendary performance arm, Nismo, will be let loose on a number of its road cars.

An ambitious expansion programme will see the Nismo name become synonymous with performance and premium sports variants of mainstream Nissan models.

‘Nismo adds even more excitement and innovation to Nissan products. We now plan to inject that style and excitement into other models in the Nissan range,’ said Shoichi Miyatani, president of Nismo.

As an indication of what the future might hold, one of the highlights of the Nissan stand at the Tokyo Motor Show is the Juke Nismo Concept.

Finished in Nismo’s signature colour scheme of pearl white with subtle red highlights, the concept boasts performance tuning for the suspension, more power from the 1.6-litre direct injection turbo engine and a stylish yet functional aerodynamic body kit.

But the Nismo’s road car activities have, until now, been restricted to halo performance cars like the Z series in a small number of markets – and that is about to change.

‘Nismo has carved out an enviable reputation in motor racing,’ said Carlos Ghosn, Nissan president and CEO.

‘In fact, in 2011, Nismo cars and engines won in every category they competed in… the first time we have achieved this milestone.

‘The time is now right to let ordinary drivers experience what our racing drivers enjoy every time they head out onto the track.

‘We aim to bring Nismo’s passion and focus on driving excitement to mainstream models, and the Juke Nismo Concept shows what we can do,’ said Ghosn.

As well as producing complete performance versions of Nissan models, the company plans to expand its range of performance parts and accessories while another element of the expansion programme will see Nismo relocate to an all-new purpose designed global headquarters in Tsurumi, Yokohama at the start of 2013.

JUKE NISMO CONCEPT

The Juke Nismo Concept wears a special body kit created by Nismo’s aerodynamic specialists.

The grille pattern has been changed while the tailgate spoiler has been modified by the addition of side elements to control airflow more efficiently.

Even the shape of the door mirrors has been altered to enhance the car’s aerodynamic performance and reduce front and rear lift without increasing drag.

This reduction in lift means the contact patch of the tyres has been increased to improve grip, which is further enhanced by the arrival of stylish new 19-inch alloy wheels.

Naturally the Nismo treatment extends to the chassis which has been lowered and stiffened using proprietary parts of the sort that will be available from the expanded Nismo’s parts catalogue, while the 1.6-litre direct injection turbo engine has been uprated to deliver more power and performance.

And Nismo touches can also be found in the interior of the concept with dials, pedals and the steering wheel all benefitting from Nismo treatment. Special leather-trimmed bucket seats have been added too.

‘As the concept shows, Nismo brings new levels of individuality to mainstream Nissan cars like Juke. The future for Nismo is to develop premium sports designs for an ever-widening range of customers,’ said Nismo president, Shoichi Miyatani.

‘Our forthcoming range of cars will be just as accessible and innovative as every Nissan product, but with added Nismo energy they will be even more fun to own and drive,’ he added.