What's so special about the NISMO Version?

Your stop for everything on Nissan's performance brand. Whether you're looking for info on the new Sentra NISMO concept, the GT-R NISMO, 370Z NISMO, or just some of the many NISMO branded parts - You're in the right place.
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RicerX
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In recent years, NISMO has released full on production versions of vehicles in Nissan's lineup for the North American market. This thread is here to help you get to the nitty gritty of what makes the NISMO option worth the extra coin.

2005-2008 Frontier NISMO Off-Road
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The NISMO Frontier includes a slew of performance parts, including off-road tuned NISMO-spec Bilstein performance shocks, skid plates, unique 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with aggressive off-road tires and electronic locking differentials where applicable. The NISMO Off-Road model is offered in both King Cab and Crew Cab body configurations with either a 4WD or 2WD drivetrain. It includes 4-wheel limited slip for 4WD models and 2-wheel limited slip for 2WD models, which helps redirect engine torque to the non-slipping drive wheel on low traction surfaces. An electronic locking rear differential is also standard on both 4WD and 2WD models.

In addition to mechanical upgrades, the NISMO version of Nissan's award winning midsize truck also includes exclusive interior color options, a charcoal/blue combination, as well as a special edition shift knob for 6MT equipped models.

2007-2008 350Z NISMO
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NISMO stepped it up by creating a track version of the very capable Z sports car. This is the first-ever NISMO version of a Z car.

This version featured the production version of the VQ35HR engine, but was only available with a 6-speed manual transmission here. The car featured NISMO aerodynamics package based on the Japan Super GT championship car, which included an aggressive front fascia with chin spoiler, side skirts, an extended rear fascia with under body diffuser and a rear wing. The car also had NISMO-tuned independent multi-link suspension developed by Yamaha, Brembo brakes with four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers, NISMO-branded gunmetal grey RAYS alloy wheels, and a NISMO-branded tuned exhaust. The conversion process for the Nismo 350Z began with a limited number of chasis being pulled from the assembly line to be sent to Nissan-tuner Autech to have structural seams hand-welded for greater body rigidity. This process made the Nismo 350Z a more capable track car than the other available trim levels.

In addition, the interior received appointments including NISMO embroidered racing bucket seats with red stitching as well as a NISMO branded gauge pod. Each car is individually numbered with a collector's plaque placed on the center console.

Production was limited to roughly 10% of overall 350Z production for each model year, so finding one is tough, but not impossible.

2009-Current 370Z NISMO
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The NISMO version of the 370Z includes upgrades in vain of the 350Z version, such as exclusive wheels, aerodynamic, and suspension upgrades, but is the first American NISMO car to also receive a power upgrade over its base model production counterpart. The NISMO 370Z sees power go from 332hp to 350hp via revised exhaust configuration and tuning while also seeing 400 extra RPMs before redline in its rev range.

The suspension difference between the 370Z sport and NISMO version are not to be glanced over: the front spring rate has been increased by 15 percent, rear by 10, front stabilizer rate is up 15 percent, rear 50, and the front damping factor is up 40 percent with the rear up a considerable 140 percent, all of which increases roll stiffness by 15 percent. The final piece of the vehicle's handling puzzle is contained within the wheels, which are a half inch wider all around than the 370Z sport model.

The 2013 models of the vehicle received a small update - dark charcoal metallic painted wheels and an available Bose Premium Stereo option.

All NISMO 370Z models are individually numbered in the same light as the 350Z predecessor.

2014 Refresh
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For 2014, NISMO revised color configuration for the exterior of its Z car. The Rays Forged wheels were changed from a brilliant silver to a charcoal gray metallic, and the aerodynamic trim was also painted to match. A signature red NISMO-themed stripe is added to the front and rear fascias to be consistent with the theme of the newly-relaunched NISMO brand. The interior sees a premium alcantara steering wheel as well as an option Bose sound system.

2014-current Juke NISMO
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NISMO grabbed a hold of Nissan's beloved "love it or hate it" Sport-Cross vehicle and injected some performance. The Juke first receives a power upgrade to its Direct-Injected 1.6L Turbocharged inline four cylinder engine. Power is increased to 197hp/184lb-ft via a customized ECU tuning. Suspension is modified with NISMO performance springs, which are 10% stiffer than the production counterparts and allow for lower overall ride height. 18 inch wheels are added with performance tires. Aerodynamics are upgraded to create a 37% increase in downforce. The interior sees the biggest upgrade from NISMO - alcantara/leather appointed bolstered sport bucket seats as well as an alcantara/leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The Juke NISMO comes in two versions - a front-wheel-drive setup with a 6 speed manual transmission, or an all-wheel-drive setup with a CVT transmission.

2014 Juke NISMO-RS
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NISMO debuted its RS-line of vehicles with the Juke NISMO RS at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2013. The RS line will feature more upgrades from the baseline NISMO cars, and the Juke is no exception. Another ECU tune aided by a larger diameter exhaust and stronger connecting rods sees the power figures increase to 215hp/210lb-ft as long as one chooses the 6MT transmission with a stronger clutch cover and dual mass flywheel, and a helical limited slip differential. At the RS level, the CVT version of the vehicle sees no increase in torque from the regular NISMO model and 211hp. The RS also gets NISMO-themed Recaro sport seats in its interior.

2015 GT-R NISMO
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Godzilla has gone insane.

As if the Nissan GT-R needed to go any faster, NISMO decided to test that sentiment. Power is increased to 600hp from 545hp. Torque is increased to 481lb-ft. This is done with larger and more efficient turbochargers, increased airflow, upgraded fuel pump, and optimized ignition timing control for each cylinder. The suspension is upgraded to feature Bilstein DampTronic dampers with accompanying springs. In addition, a weight reducing rear anti-roll bar is added which also increases rear stiffness. The front double-wishbone suspension is also upgraded with new linking. Dunlop and NISMO codeveloped exclusive tires to handle the extra power and suspension upgrades on the track.

The aerodynamics receive a serious upgrade. Less drag, more downforce, and overall better road-holding characteristics are realized through upgraded front and rear fascias and side-sills. The interior also gets the NISMO treatment.

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NISMO is just getting started. More models will be added as they become production official!


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