CHICAGO: It’s about time Nissan Motorsport (NISMO) came out with their version of the Nissan 370Z Nismo Roadster Concept and its new GT-R LM Nismo racecar, both of which were unveiled at this year’s Chicago Auto Show.

The concept is currently a design-study that gets GT-R-inspired fully-functional and integrated aerodynamic body pieces that include Hyper-LED daytime running lights, black headlight bezels, Nismo emblems and signature red stripe accents.

Specifically, it receives red accents found on the sideview mirror covers, leather-wrapped fixed headrest bars and an exclusive custom carbon-fibre rear spoiler.

Inside, the Recaro leather-appointed seats with red stitching and off-white premium Ultrasuede inserts not only holds its passengers and driver in place, but is also stain-repellant and resists heat build-up.

Also found are custom red stitches, NISMO logo, an Alcantara-appointed leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel and tachometer in red.

In terms of technology, the concept gets Nissan’s navigation system embedded within its 7.0-inch VGA touchscreen display, a rear view monitor as well as a six-speaker sound system with dual subwoofers from Bose.

Under the hood, lies the 3.7-litre V6 engine providing 18bhp more than the standard 370Z at 346bhp while torque is rated at 374Nm, thanks in part to the H-configured exhaust system.

A seven-speed automatic transmission comes with downshift rev matching, adaptive shift control, manual shift mode and paddle shifters.

In the handling department, the concept has been fitted with Nismo’s strut town brace under the hood and gets its independent suspension stiffened springs and more rigid stabilizer bars.

Additionally, it will roll on 19-inch Rays lightweight forged aluminium-alloys that are fitted with Bridgestone Potenza S001 245/40 (front) and 285/35 (rear) tyres.

Larger Nissan sport brakes and a viscous limited-slip differential (VLSD) - with a shorter final drive ratio for better acceleration purposes, have also been included.

In addition, Nissan also took the opportunity to introduce its latest Le Mans racecar, dubbed the Nissan GT-R LM Nismo and will mark the Japanese carmaker’s return to the prestigious race after a 16-year hiatus.

The racecar departs from the traditional mid-engine rear-wheel powered (MR) setup and has instead opted for a front-engine front-wheel drive (FF) approach with a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine.

However, a kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) may direct some power to the narrower nine-inch wide rear tyres (front: 14 inches) - depending on traction needs.

The combined output of petrol engine and KERS puts out approximately 1,250bhp, for something that weighs roughly 880kg.







 

Nissan GT-R LM NISMO

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