Nissan Pulsar Nismo debuts at LA – points to hardcore Pulsar

As Nissan expands its Nismo line of factory performance models, it is revisiting the small car performance genre and teasing the future with the world debut of the hardcore Nissan Sentra (Pulsar in Australia) at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The Nissan Pulsar Nismo Concept is based on the current generation Pulsar. The concept injects performance and design tuner elements into the mix. Among the Pulsar Nismo Concept’s many departures from the standard car are its race-inspired exterior with enhanced aerodynamic performance, Nismo-tuned suspension, steering and transmission and race-track ready cockpit.  Under the bonnet, the concept adapts a 1.8-litre direct injection turbocharged engine producing over 179 kW of power and 325 Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission driving the front wheels.

“Fans have asked that we bring back a high-performance Sentra (Pulsar) straight from the factory, just like in generations past,” – said Nissan Vice President of Product Planning, Pierre Loing.

“With Nismo, our in-house motorsports arm already producing versions of the 370Z Nismo, JUKE Nismo, JUKE Nismo RS and GT-R Nismo, we wanted to demonstrate where we could go in the future.”

The Pulsar Nismo Concept’s exterior is carved with a focus on aerodynamics, starting with a deep front fascia with lower LED lights and wide lower grille that match the stock Pulsar’s standard LED daytime running rights and upper grille.

The aerodynamic look continues with a wide lower front spoiler and along the sides of the vehicle with the oversized fender flares and integrated side sills flowing into a deep-skirted rear fascia accentuated by large dual exhaust tips. A custom rear spoiler and center rear fog lamp, which echoes the design of the 370Z’s rear diffuser, complete the look. All lights on the vehicle feature a smoked look.

A thin, signature Nismo red accents accentuate the areas where aerodynamics have been emphasized such as the lower spoiler, while more discreet striping is found on the side mirrors and side sills. Nismo badges – with signature matching red “O” – are located front and rear.

The body is painted in a custom Bright Pearl White. The aerodynamic side door mirror covers, front splitter and rear diffuser are finished in a high-gloss, genuine carbon fiber diagonal pattern. The special Black Chrome-finished mesh grille is surrounded by Dark Chrome.

“The exterior treatment takes Sentra’s mature, premium presence and infuses it with an added dimension of excitement and dynamic energy,”- said Loing.

“Still easily identified as a Pulsar, it evokes a strong sense of the power that lurks just below the surface.”

While the standard Pulsar gets its propulsion from a 97kW 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine, the Pulsar Nismo Concept borrows technology from the new JUKE Nismo RS’s turbocharged, intercooled, sequential Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) equipped 4-cylinder, enlarged to 1.8 liters. The Nismo-tuned engine produces over 179 kW of power and 325 Nm torque.

The engine is matched with a 6-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential to help make sure that the power is directed firmly to the road surface. The stock Pulsar’s independent strut front and torsion beam rear suspension receive the Nismo tuning treatment, complete with custom performance shocks and springs.

Wide 19-inch RAYS aluminum-alloy wheels mounted with 225/35R19 Michelin Super Sport performance tires and red-painted 370Z Brembo brake calipers complete the package.

The Pulsar Nismo Concept interior features an array of Nismo-inspired upgrades, including Recaro “Sportster” front seats with custom black leather and Alcantara® appointments. The rear seats are treated to a mix of perforated black Alcantara® in a similar pattern to the front seats. Alcantara® is also used for the pillars and headliner.

The racing-inspired interior continues with a Nismo-style leather/Alcantara®-wrapped steering wheel with red leather at the 12 o’clock position, along with matching shift knob and shifter lever boot surround.  The instrument cluster features a satin carbon fiber finish and all chrome accents are treated to a Dark Chrome finish.  Both the start button and tachometer include iconic Nismo anodized red rings.