NISSAN's world famous motorsport and road car performance brand, NISMO, made its Middle East debut at a spectacular launch event in Dubai early this week attended by various journalists in the region and sports cars' aficionados, heralding the next step in ‘Innovation that Excites' for driving enthusiasts across the region. In addition to launching the performance marque, Nissan also confirmed the world premiere launch of the Patrol NISMO. Recognizing that off-roading and motorsports are the life-blood of local driving enthusiasts, Nissan believes the time is right to introduce the Patrol NISMO in the Middle East. “NISMO is the ultimate essence of Nissan's promise to deliver ‘Innovation that Excites',” said Samir Cherfan, Managing Director of Nissan Middle East. “We could not have launched NISMO in the region without including our most iconic model, the Nissan Patrol, in the range of NISMO vehicles. Bringing the high performance brand to the Middle East and launching the Patrol NISMO as a world premiere model is proof of our commitment to making thrilling driving experiences accessible to all our customers.” As part of its performance road car line-up, Nissan showcased three NISMO models – the 370Z NISMO, the GT-R NISMO, and the Patrol NISMO. With the region's strong heritage in high performance vehicles and Nissan's success in earning a reputation as a trusted motorsport brand, the Japanese auto-maker believes NISMO will resonate strongly in the Middle East market. “Since we came to the region, Nissan has been building a strong and mature automotive brand, well known for exceptional quality, performance, innovation and reliability. Combined with our long history of success in motorsports and off-roading, we believe that the Nissan brand is in a unique position to offer the ultimate, thrilling experience with our all-new NISMO line-up,” Cherfan further said. While NISMO is already established and well-known in the world of motorsport, it is now being expanded to other markets as Nissan's exclusive performance road car brand. Firmly rooted in the spirit of pioneering Japanese maverick engineers, where innovative solutions are applied in bold and smart ways to challenge the norm, NISMO cars provide exciting driving experiences with motorsports-inspired aerodynamics and styling, enhanced handling characteristics and unmatched agility. Moreover, Cherfan said NISMO is an important part of Nissan's long term product plan. “We view the addition of NISMO as a key element of our business expansion strategy based on our successful motorsports heritage in the region. The NISMO brand is a highly valuable, credible and desirable addition to our range and we are honored to bring the brand to the Middle East.” All three of the showcased NISMO models are designed with the NISMO DNA at its core, with motorsports-inspired aerodynamics and styling, enhanced handling characteristics and unmatched agility. Some of NISMO's signature design marks include body kit with red striping and red highlights on door mirrors, making head-turning NISMO versions immediately recognizable. Nissan believes the thrill of driving a NISMO model comes from the complete package – its premium design, enhanced steering and suspension resulting in an exceptional improvement in performance. NISMO models feature advanced technologies developed and pressure-tested within the demanding motorsport arena. Compared to their respective standard versions, NISMO vehicles add aerodynamic design born in motorsport, superb handling, improved acceleration and sporty driving dynamics for an exciting drive. NISMO was founded in September 1984 as a specialty company to support all motorsports activities of Nissan Motor Company. Nismo is the performance brand for Nissan, and is one of the company's purveyors of innovation and excitement. — SG
NISMO models at a glance: Patrol NISMO * Race-inspired version of Nissan's legendary SUV-Patrol * 428 HP for exhilarating performance * Torque improvement over 70% rev-range * NISMO 22” RAYS forged-alloy wheels * NISMO tuned suspension using ‘Bilstein' shock absorbers for improved handling and ride comfort * Takumi tuned engine * Customized body reinforcements for precision steering & quick response * Segment first Zero-Lift aerodynamic body kit * NISMO signature designed body kit * NISMO Sport tuned Power Steering * NISMO Bespoke designed interiors
GT-R NISMO (MY15 GT-R NISMO US spec as reference) * Race-inspired version of Nissan's legendary GT-R * 600hp (441kw) for blistering performance * Advanced aerodynamics generating additional 100kg of downforce at 300km/h (186mph) for exceptional road-holding 370Z NISMO (MY15 Z NISMO US spec as reference) * Refreshed 370Z NISMO features distinctive new exterior appearance, redesigned wheels and enhanced interior * Performance enhancements include retuned suspension and Recaro co-developed seats exclusively designed for 370Z NISMO.
