JUKE NISMO FULL PRESS KIT

2013/01/19

JUKE NISMO FULL PRESS KIT

Nismo: Maverick Engineers get innovative

Almost 50 years ago Nissan engineers had a simple idea to try boosting sales through motorsport - they dropped a powerful engine into an ordinary Japanese saloon. Realising the potential of what they had created, they worked flat out to produce 100 examples to meet strict homologation rules.

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Nismo in Europe: the story in brief

With a well established reputation for motorsport innovation in Japan, Nissan is bringing its performance heritage to the road in Europe for the first time.

Nismo launches in Europe with the Juke, writing the first chapter in a production car story which will unveil a range of models benefitting from motorsport DNA and engineering honed on the track. The next in line to benefit from the Nismo treatment will be the 370Z, which will go on sale later in 2013.

Juke Nismo

For the critically acclaimed and highly successful Juke compact crossover, Nismo means enhanced styling, improved performance and sportier handling. The name is derived from Nissan Motorsports International Co. Ltd and the car has been infused with genuine elements of the brand's performance DNA. For Juke customers who want to stand out from the crowd with a distinctive and individual car, the Nismo model will tick every box.

The starting point is the standard Juke's radical design, with its unique blend of sports coupé lines and SUV styling. But transforming it into a Nismo model is not just about adding a body kit and sporty cabin styling. Everything that has been modified has been changed for a reason, with inspiration taken from the company's decades of competitive racing.

Nissan and Nismo engineers have developed a new aerodynamic body kit, giving the Juke an even more efficient, dynamic and powerful design.

The new model features lower front and rear bumpers and sill side skirts, plus a modified grille and tailgate spoiler to better control airflow. These upgrades reduce front and rear lift, enhancing performance. Stylish new 18-inch alloy wheels with wider tyres offer improved grip and further boost the Juke Nismo's on-road presence. Red door mirror caps and a pinstripe around the base of the car will instantly mark it out as a Nismo machine.

Under the bonnet is a tuned version of Nissan's 1.6-litre direct-injection turbocharged petrol engine. Power has been boosted from 140kw (190PS) to 147kw (200PS) and torque is up from 240Nm to 250Nm. These are not huge boosts implemented with no regard to cost or efficiency, but subtle upgrades to offer buyers something extra without compromising emissions.

Key to the car's appeal is also its enhanced dynamic experience. As well as featuring stiffened suspension settings and new steering modifications for sportier direct handling and improved traction control, the new model will also be available with torque vectoring (4WD only), sharing technology with the R35 Nissan GT-R to offer better grip and cornering capacity. Customers can choose from a 2WD model with a six-speed manual transmission, or 4WD with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with 7-speed manual mode, tuned for Nismo.

For drivers who want more from their Nismo, a higher powered version will also be offered. Still under development in Juke form, the flagship variant will provide even sharper handling and more power for the ultimate Nismo experience.

For all Nismo variants, the design treatment continues inside the cabin, where the steering wheel, pedals, gauges, gear knob and door trims have been redesigned to boost the sporty feeling when driving. To further underline the performance personality of the car, special suede-trimmed Nismo sports seats with red stitching have been added for increased support and comfort while cornering.

Digital world

The car marks the start of Nismo's journey from race track to the road, via the digital world of video gaming. After appearing at global motor shows during 2011 and 2012 as a concept, the Juke Nismo made its official debut in production guise in front of thousands of race fans in June 2012 at the Le Mans 24-Hour Race. There could be no more fitting launch venue.

The next chance to experience the first Nismo model in Europe was via the Asphalt 7: Heat mobile game on Apple and Android platforms at the end of 2012. Reaching millions of fans, the addition of the sporty Juke to the digital world is a perfect fit for Nismo, known by a whole generation through their experiences of the iconic Japanese brand in Sony's GranTurismo® series.

The Juke has already been an astonishing success story, more than 330,000 built so far in Europe. It's also a great advert for European manufacturing as Juke Nismo will be assembled at the world-class production line at Sunderland, UK, alongside the standard model.

Nissan Juke Nismo: the story in detail

Nissan Juke Nismo

•  Nismo launches in Europe with the Juke
•  First in a range of Nismo models to feature motorsport DNA
•  Powered by 200PS 1.6-litre direct-injection turbocharged engine
•  Efficiency of standard Juke DIG-T remains unaffected
•  Set up for more engaging, exhilarating and exciting dynamics with superior handling and agility

The wait is over - Nismo has arrived in Europe with the launch of the first in a new range of road cars: the Juke Nismo.

With track-derived design, enhanced performance and engaging handling, Nismo's unique motorsport DNA adds a new dimension to the pioneering compact crossover's list of attributes.

Power comes from a modified version of Nissan's acclaimed 1.6-litre direct-injection turbocharged petrol engine. You only need to look to the success of the pioneering Nissan DeltaWing to see the potential of this advanced and efficient engine...

Add a bespoke aerodynamics package and revised chassis design and you have a driving experience which takes Juke thrills to the next level. Two models - front-wheel-drive with a six-speed manual transmission and an all-wheel drive with CVT and 7-speed manual mode - are available, with every Juke Nismo benefitting from a motorsport-inspired interior packed with innovative technology.

Andy Palmer, Nissan's Executive Vice President, Global Product Planning, commented: "Nismo is about providing innovation and excitement for everyone, and there's no better place to start than with the Juke, our critically acclaimed and highly successful compact crossover. Oozing an attitude that has really struck a chord with buyers across Europe, it was the obvious choice for the Nismo team to showcase its design, engineering and personalisation expertise."

After initially appearing as a concept at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, the Nissan Juke Nismo made its global debut in production form at the Le Mans 24-Hour Race in June 2012. It was seen again at the Paris Motor Show in September and is on sale now (introduction to individual European markets is staggered).

The Juke Nismo is the product of global expertise. Its design and engineering was led by Nissan and Nismo in Japan in partnership with Nissan Design Europe (NDE) in London, UK, and Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE), in Cranfield, UK. Like other Juke models, the Juke Nismo will be built at Nissan's UK manufacturing facility in Sunderland.

Exterior design: motorsport aerodynamics for the road

Far from being purely cosmetic, every modification to the Juke's body has been carried out to enhance a specific element of its aerodynamics. All changes have been influenced by Nismo's motorsport expertise, in particular using lessons learned from the styling and engineering of the Nissan GT-R race car which competes in the GT500 class of the Super GT in Japan.

Compared to the standard Nissan Juke, the most obvious change is to the front, which now features a lower and more aggressive design. The familiar five-circle shape of the base section has been swapped for a horizontal mesh grille. That also means the integrated fog lights have been replaced by thin-strip LED daytime running lights, positioned at the top edge of new small vents to the side of the larger grille.

On 2WD versions these are blanked, but on 4WD models the left-hand side vent allows air into the engine bay to cool the oil pump, and the one on the right is styled to match.

The prominent upper edge of the large lower grille features a red pinstripe, which drops dramatically to curve round the smaller vents and continues all the way to the front wheel arches. This distinctive Nismo cue gives the nose a visual width and presence while emphasising the Juke Nismo's athletic stance on the road. Above, the three-sided surround to the Nissan badge in the centre of the upper grille - known as the V-strut - is now finished in a darker shade. To the right is a Nismo badge with a red O, stamping Nismo's distinctive motorsport heritage on the Juke for first time.

The red pinstripe continues on the flanks of the car at the base of the doors. The sculpted side skirts have been reworked to enhance aerodynamic performance, getting air flow round the rear wheels and away from the car as quickly and efficiently as possible. To increase the Juke Nismo's visual bulk, the front wings are also more muscular and are now finished entirely in the body colour to give a truly premium feel. The door mirrors have been coloured red to give a clear and quick indication to the casual observer that this is not a standard Nissan Juke. The B-pillar is now finished in gloss ‘piano black', also promoting a more upmarket and sporty image.

At the rear, the bumper is deeper than before and the red pinstripe is also visible on the black sill. Above, a stylish tailgate spoiler is painted in the body colour and houses the high-level brake light. In common with all exterior modifications, this is designed to increase front and rear downforce, so enhancing the Juke Nismo's dynamic performance and efficiency.

Equally, the stunning new 18-inch light-alloy wheels feature wider tyres to give drivers additional traction during cornering and further boost the car's on-road presence. One inch larger than on the standard Juke, the diamond-cut alloys feature a 10 twin-spoke design and are finished in dark anthracite. Both the 2WD and 4WD versions of the car ride on Continental ContiSport Contact5 225/45/R18 tyres.

The Nissan Juke Nismo is available in three stunning exterior shades - Silver Grey, Pearl White and Metallic Black. All come with red door mirrors and the matching pinstripe around base of car.

However, with personalisation a key part of the Nismo brand DNA, owners can add further options to the specification of their vehicle. Decals are available, featuring a wide roof stripe which stretches from midway down the bonnet over to the rear spoiler. Side stickers, which emphasise the car's powerful waistline from the front doors to the dramatic rear haunches, are also offered as an option. The decals are available in the same three colours as the overall car, allowing owners to select a colour that will contrast with their vehicle's exterior finish.

Interior design: sporty styling focused on the driver

Nismo's core belief is that everything should be focused on the driver. It's about enhancing their experience, pure and simple. So the Juke Nismo's seats, instrumentation, steering wheel, gear knob, pedals and door trims have all been redesigned to boost driver enjoyment by creating a more performance-oriented environment.

The front seats have been redesigned to offer additional lateral support. Trimmed in suede, they sport vibrant red stitching - picking up the detail introduced by the red bodywork pinstripe. Red is also used as a background to the tachometer and also appears on the steering wheel, which is finished in alcantara and leather. The tactile wheel now includes a marker to indicate ‘top dead centre', another feature derived directly from motorsport.

Darkening elements of the cabin just outside of the driver's eye line is another Nismo styling cue and allows the driver to focus entirely on the elements which are most important - the dials, switchgear and controls. Consequently the headlining of the Nissan Juke Nismo is black, and there is a gloss ‘piano black' finish around the ventilation and audio controls. There is also new smoked grey trim around the gear selector. In the footwell the standard black rubber pedals have been upgraded to a metallic finish, and there is a Nismo badge visible on the footstop. The same branding has been precision-stitched into the seat squabs.

Powertrain and engineering: revised for improved dynamics

Nismo was born on the racetrack in 1984 through a spirit of innovation and determination which is still at the heart of the performance brand today. It's this DNA which has been injected into the Juke to create the first Nismo road car for Europe.

Under the bonnet of the Juke Nismo is a reworked version of Nissan's advanced four-cylinder 1.6-litre Direct Injection Gasoline Turbocharged (DIG-T) petrol engine. Cementing the link to Nismo's track activity, the engine features the same technologies as the unit installed in Nissan's revolutionary and experimental DeltaWing race car.

Both power and torque have been increased in comparison to the standard DIG-T variant, but boosts in output don't come at the expense of emissions and efficiency. Power rises from 140kw (190PS) to 147kw (200PS), while torque is boosted from 240Nm to 250Nm.

A version of the Juke Nismo offering greater performance is currently under development, ready to deliver an even more focussed driving experience with a unique suspension set-up and power increase.

Improved performance is only one element of Juke Nismo's dynamic appeal. The suspension settings have been completely revised, leading to greater traction and improved body response and roll control, while the car's steering has been reworked for sportier and more direct handling. Thanks to increased resistance at the wheel, more feedback is evident at medium and high speeds.

The Nissan Juke Nismo is 4,165mm long, 30mm more than the standard car. At 1,770mm, it's 5mm wider than its sibling while the height and wheelbase remain unchanged, at 1,565mm and 2,530mm respectively.

Despite all of the modifications, weight gains are negligible. The 2WD car weighs 1,295kg while the 4WD model is 1,441kg - both figures are almost identical to the equivalent version of the standard Juke.

Performance: excitement without compromising efficiency

The 2WD six-speed manual Juke Nismo gets from 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in 7.8 seconds and has a top speed of 215km/h (134mph). Fuel economy is 6.9 l/100km (40.9mpg) on the Combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 159g/km - identical to the standard, less powerful Juke DIG-T.

The 4WD model with its CVT accelerates from 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in 8.2 seconds and has a top speed of 200km/h (125mph). Fuel economy is 7.4 l/100km (38.1mpg) on the Combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 169g/km.

Torque vectoring: supercar technology in the Juke

In common with standard versions of the Juke 4WD, the all-wheel-drive Nismo variant benefits from Nissan's innovative Torque Vectoring System (TVS). It's a technology that has, until now, only been found on top-of-the-range premium vehicles and its arrival in the Juke was a first for compact car segments.

The 4WD chassis employs a multi-link rear suspension and the latest version of Nissan's ALL-MODE 4x4-i electronic technology. Fitted as standard, the TVS is designed to limit understeer by increasing torque to the outside rear wheel, helping the car follow its intended course. TVS also enhances agility and means the Juke Nismo provides exceptional ride comfort and handling in spite of its higher ground clearance when compared to other compact cars.

As well splitting torque front to rear - up to a maximum of 50:50 - the TVS means it can also be shifted from side-to-side across the rear axle. Information collected by various sources (measuring wheel speed, steering angle, yaw rate and lateral G-force) is interpreted to anticipate the driver's intention.

TVS actions are relayed to the driver via a real-time graphic display on the instrument panel depicting the torque distribution under all conditions.

Nissan Connect with enhanced functionality*

The Juke Nismo is among the first Nissans to feature an enhanced version of the Nissan Connect infotainment system. Already an enormously successful system, Connect continues to offer an exceptional package of navigation and connectivity in one standard fit, integrated package.

Benefitting from a larger 5.8-inch touch-screen display, the latest system includes Google ‘Send to Car' navigation software allowing routes planned at home to be transferred directly to the car. Additional connected services include Google Points of Interest (POI), nearest fuel prices, plus flight and weather information. Enhanced satellite navigation functionality also includes exit view and lane guidance, in addition to the full Bluetooth connectivity and reversing camera systems that Connect users have come to rely on.

*Availability depends on local market launch date

NDCS Nissan Dynamic Control System (NDCS)

The Juke Nismo offers further control through Nissan Dynamic Control System (NDCS). This advanced central command system allows the driver to alter the car's dynamic settings as well as make changes to everyday functions including climate control.

The centrally mounted digital screen changes display, colour and functions depending on the mode selected by the driver. Settings alter throttle maps, steering effort and CVT shift schedules on the 4WD Juke Nismo.

In the D-Mode Sport setting, the throttle map is retuned to deliver higher engine revs and sharper responses, while in the Eco setting, engine revs are reduced for more gentle progress. In the M-CVT version of the DIG-T engine Juke, the Sport setting even introduces a ‘rhythmic' auto up shift that simulates manual changes at the red-line.

Steering effort in Sport is firmer and more responsive, while in Normal it's lighter and more linear. In the Eco setting, the quantity of cold air circulating in the cabin is optimised, reducing the load on the climate control and lowering the system's power consumption.

Real time trip information can also be displayed giving average speed, fuel economy, journey times and engine torque and turbo boost as well as a daily fuel consumption history. The system even incorporates a G-Force indicator.

Nismo driving application - a vision of a connected Nismo future

Known by millions through the virtual world of driving simulation games, Nismo has a strong link with the digital world. The Juke already offers an unparalleled virtual-to-reality link to the driver through NDCS's integrated G-Force monitor and selectable driving modes, but Nissan and Nismo engineers are working on taking the Juke's digital integration to the next level.

A new app, currently under development, could give Juke Nismo customers an innovative ‘connected' experience. It bridges the gap between the highly advanced race technology seen in the ultra-exclusive Nissan GT-R and the aspirations of affordable performance car owners.

Running the app, the driver's iPad will be linked to the car's on-board computer systems via Bluetooth. The driver can view multiple gauges showing engine temperatures, pressures, G-forces or lap times. What's more, the motorsport-inspired layout will be fully customisable on the iPad's screen.

The concept also previews the vision of a connected online community of Nismo drivers. Once connected to the internet, customers would be able to upload their car's stats, sharing them on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Points could be awarded based on a driver's skill and challenges could be set to improve ability.

Nismo: the Juke is just the start

The Nissan Juke Nismo will spearhead the launch of a range of accessible yet highly advanced performance cars in Europe. Staying true to the brand's proud motorsport heritage, each will be created with Nismo's maverick engineering philosophy at its heart - efficient performance, accessible technology with bold and smart design embodying innovation and excitement. The wait is over and Nismo has arrived. But much more is to follow.

Juke Nismo production at Nissan Sunderland Plant

Nissan's record-breaking Sunderland Plant was revealed as the production location for Juke Nismo at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2012.

With production now underway, the Juke Nismo has been integrated by Nissan's engineering and manufacturing experts alongside the rest of the Juke family onto the production line.

The bold design features of Juke Nismo have required modifications at the plant for production of the unique front and rear bumpers and other aerodynamic parts. The new model also makes use of the new Pearl White paint facility.

Since its launch in 2010, more than 330,000 Jukes have been built at Sunderland, where Nissan also manufactures the Nissan Note, Qashqai and Qashqai+2.

The record production achieved in 2012 of 510,000 units was up from 480,000 in 2011. Before Nissan's UK plant made 420,000 cars in 2010, no UK car production facility had ever made more than 400,000 passenger vehicles in a year.

In 1986 the plant made 12.5 cars per hour, and now staff produce 118 per hour - 60 per hour on Line 1 and 58 on Line 2. Eighty per cent this of production is exported, mainly to mainland Europe but to a total of 97 international markets.

Nismo heritage: A history of maverick engineering in motorsport

The launch of Nismo in Europe is the latest chapter in a gripping story of maverick engineering and innovation that began almost 50 years ago. It's a tale of passion for motorsport, pioneering spirit, after-hours vehicle development and a desire to succeed. The engineers' commitment also led to the birth of a name badge that has become legend in Japanese performance car history: Skyline.

The story begins in 1964 when the Prince Motor Company - a local car manufacturer that was taken over by Nissan two years later - realised it was possible to boost sales through competitive motorsport. Engineers took the 2.0-litre six-cylinder block from the Gloria, a large luxury saloon, and shoehorned it under the bonnet of the much smaller Skyline by extending the wheelbase.

With a vastly increased power-to-weight ratio, they realised the racing potential of what they had created - the Prince Skyline 2000GT (S54). Working all hours, they battled to produce 100 examples for customers to meet the strict competition rules.

It was a race against time which they won with only hours to spare. The car was officially launched on 1 May 1964 and competed in its first race just two days later. The performance was bitter-sweet; while victory went to a Porsche 904, the Skyline took every position from 2nd to 6th. They didn't realise it at the time, but these maverick engineers had given birth to what would in time become an iconic performance car brand, a true global star. The spirit of Nismo emerged for the first time.

Prince joined the expanding Nissan family in 1966, and the following year the Skyline (S57) was launched, featuring the most powerful 1.5-litre engine of its day.

More motorsport success followed, and in 1969 came the debut of the now-legendary GT-R badge. Originally a saloon, a coupé called the KPGC-10 quickly followed. For motorsport, the pair were stripped out to save weight and the formula was an instant hit - sharing 50 victories in 1969-72.

Nissan Motorsports International Co. Ltd: Nismo

Nissan's motorsport activities had been split into two divisions, one for works teams and the other for privateer outfits. In September 1984 the company decided to merge them to cement its commitment to all competitive racing. The new unit was called ‘Nissan Motorsports International Co. Ltd', abbreviated to Nismo. It was established as a separate company but a wholly owned subsidiary of Nissan.

The founding ethos was a simple one and is as relevant today as it was in 1984 - and 20 years earlier with the launch of the Prince Skyline. Nismo represents the spirit of Nissan's proud motorsport heritage and its performance ambitions. Nismo's goal is to perfectly embody the Nissan brand: making innovation, technology and excitement for everyone.

In 1986 came Nissan's debut at one of the world's unique motorsport challenges, the Le Mans 24 Hour Race. It was the start of an amazing relationship with the endurance event, which has seen numerous Nismo-prepared GT and prototype cars compete at the famous La Sarthe circuit since.

R32

In 1988 Nissan's first dedicated race car debuted, based around the Saurus roadster, to take part in a single-make series. But the following year saw the launch of a car which brought Nismo in front of a more mainstream audience, both in Japan and with motorsport fans around the world - the iconic Nissan Skyline R32.

Showcasing four-wheel-drive and four-wheel-steering, the R32 made a stunning circuit debut and never looked back. R32s wearing the GT-R badge won 29 straight victories from 29 starts in domestic racing, wrapping up the Japanese GT Championship Group A four years in a row.

However, the R32 is perhaps best known for its total domination of the Australian Touring Car Championship in 1990-93 and the nickname it received. A local journalist christened it ‘Godzilla', alluding to the fearsome Japanese movie monster that strikes terror into all who see it. The name was apt and it stuck; today the R32 racer is known to fans around the world simply as ‘the Godzilla car'. A Group A homologation version of the R32, badged Nismo, was available for enthusiasts to buy.

Its successor, the Skyline GT-R (R33), became the first production car to lap the Nürburgring's famous Nordschleife in less than eight minutes.

With the R34, Nismo produced the V-Spec. The Victory Specification version of the Skyline GT-R R34 was given the addition name of ‘Z-tune' which referred to a road-going vehicle designed to achieve world class top speed and endurance. With more than 370kw (500PS) from the car's 2.8-litre engine, it was the ultimate tuned Skyline for the serious enthusiast. Only 20 were ever made, built by Nismo around a pre-owned R34 with very low mileage.

Nismo awareness grows

Nissan's motorsport prowess was growing in stature and more success followed throughout the Nineties. Awareness of Nismo grew in Europe when the Skyline GT-R (R32) took the overall win in the Spa 24 hours in 1991, Nismo GT-R LM (R33) claimed 10th place at Le Mans in 1995 and the Nissan R390 GT1 finished 3rd at Le Mans in 1998.

Back in Japan, the Skyline GT-R (R34) competed in the GT Championship 1999-2003, clinching the driver and team titles in the first and the final years. In 2004 fans witnessed the arrival of the Nismo-prepared Fairlady Z, sold as the 350Z in Europe. It was an astonishing start; in its debut season in the Super GT series, it won its first race and eventually took the driver and team titles. It retained the latter trophy in 2005.

Away from the race track, Nismo's innovation was also evident in the gruelling world of competitive off-road endurance rallying. It developed the Nissan RAID Truck for the Dakar Rally, most famously in 2004 when British driver Colin McRae was behind the wheel and earned two stage wins on the way to a memorable finish.

True to its motto of accessibility, Nismo products were now available to petrolheads who wanted their own road cars to benefit from the technical innovation they were seeing on the track. Nismo exploited this gap in the market, developing a highly respected tuning business which saw aftermarket performance parts appearing on the streets of Japan.

The ultimate: R35

The launch of the stunning new Nissan GT-R road car in 2008 inevitably led to renewed focus on racing. In the Super GT championship the car won the driver's title that year and repeated the feat in 2011 and 2012.

That summer Nissan finished 1st and 2nd in the LMP2 class at the Le Mans 24 Hours race. The silver-placed team included GT Academy winner Lucas Ordonez, perfectly illustrating just how relevant and authentic the virtual-to-reality race programme had become.

Nismo in 2013

In 2013, Nissan's commitment to global motorsport remains as strong as ever with the mighty GT-R GT3 race car competing in series all over the globe. However, there can be no better illustration of the pioneering Nismo spirit than the award-winning DeltaWing project. At the cutting edge of research into how racing can be more environmentally aware, it's as ambitious a project as the Prince Skyline was almost 50 years ago.

The Nismo brand has expanded dramatically since its official launch in 1984 but the ethos remains the same. There is no better illustration of the brand's passion than the Nismo Festival, staged by the company in Japan. Attended by tens of thousands of devoted fans, it brings together cars and personalities from the entire history of Nissan motorsport in a high-octane celebration of the Nismo brand.

Nismo: digital age performance

For millions of gaming fans across Europe, Nismo is already legendary. Competing in high-octane driving games such as Sony's long running Gran Turismo® series, the Nismo brand's performance-oriented DNA has become known to a whole generation through pixels rather than pit stops.

The Nissan Juke Nismo bridges the gap between the online gaming community and real-world motorsport - and it's already breaking boundaries in the world of mobile gaming. The car has been stunningly recreated in a special version of Asphalt 7: Heat. Gameloft, a leading global publisher of digital and social games, has partnered with Nissan to give fans the chance to drive the car on iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. Also tearing up the tarmac in the same game is a digital recreation of the Nissan Juke-R. As a result, millions of gamers could unlock the thrill of the hottest Jukes before they even arrived in Nissan showrooms.

GT Academy

Linking the skills developed in the virtual world with tangible real-life driving experiences is familiar territory for Nissan. The hugely successful GT Academy programme is the ultimate virtual-to-reality racing competition. After four seasons, the European programme has turned four talented gamers into genuine real-world circuit stars.

Capturing the imagination of a generation of gaming fans, more than 830,000 people from participating European countries downloaded and played the online qualifying demo for 2012. Based on the Gran Turismo®5 game for PlayStation®3, players use a range of virtual Nissan cars on a variety of circuits, culminating in a one-lap time trial using a Nissan 370Z on a new virtual version of the Twin Ring Motegi circuit in Japan.

The popularity of the GT Academy concept has now made it a successful global programme. With competitions run in Russia, the USA, South Africa and the Middle East, millions of gamers across the globe have the chance to fulfill their motorsport dreams from the comfort of their living rooms.

All competitors need is access to a PS3TM connected to the internet and to be registered to the PlayStation® Network. Entrants have eight weeks to complete these adrenaline-fuelled driving contests, ranging from handling powerful Nissan rear-wheel-drive performance cars and mastering cornering techniques at high speeds, through to setting lap times in wet and challenging conditions.

For the winners there is the ultimate motorsport prize, a genuine money-can't-buy experience. They are enrolled in Nismo's comprehensive Driver Development Programme to transform their online gaming skills to real-world international race licence standard.

Winning the GT Academy is a passport to a career in global motorsport. European winners Lucas Ordoñez (Spain, 2008/09 champion) and Jordan Tresson (France, 2010 champion) both competed at the Le Mans 24 Hour race in Nissan-powered prototype cars in 2012. Jann Mardenborough (UK, 2011 champion), won a round of the British GT Championship in the GT Academy Team RJN Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 car at Brands Hatch in June. He also competed in the 2012 Blancpain Endurance Series in Europe.

The most recent European winner, Belgian competitor Wolfgang Reip, is currently completing an intensive Driver Development Programme.

The Nismo app

The Nissan Juke Nismo will play an innovative role in taking the link between the virtual world and real life driving to the next level, both for gaming fans and owners of the car. Nismo engineers have designed and brought to life an entirely new type of ‘connected' ownership experience, based around an app for the Apple iPad.

Still under development, it bridges the gap between the highly advanced race technology seen in the flagship Nissan GT-R and the aspirations of affordable performance car owners.

Running the app, the driver's iPad can be linked to the car's on-board computer systems via Bluetooth. That means the driver can view multiple gauges showing engine temperatures, pressures, G-forces or lap times. The motorsport-inspired layout is fully customisable on the iPad's screen.

The app also previews the vision of a connected Nismo community. Once connected to the internet, customers would be able to upload their performance stats, sharing them on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Points could be awarded based on a driver's skill and challenges set to improve ability.

Nissan believes this has to power to enhance the ownership experience, spreading the Nismo spirit to a new generation.

Nismo: Nissan in Motorsports today

In addition to its ever presence in the digital space, Nismo is still active, successful and innovative in real world motorsport.

There is no better illustration of the spirit of innovation than the Nissan DeltaWing, a stunning experimental race car concept which features half the weight, half the horsepower and half the aerodynamic drag of a traditional Le Mans sports car. As a result, it uses half the fuel and tyres of a conventional racer...

Official unveiled in March 2012, the car made its competitive debut at the Le Mans 24-Hour Race three months later. It was entry number 56, a special privilege reserved by the event organisers for vehicles featuring new and innovative technologies. The DeltaWing certainly made headlines, in part because it was unceremoniously barged into the tyre wall and out of the famous endurance race by a rival before being able to fulfil its full potential.

Despite the car's retirement, the weekend was a huge success not only for the DeltaWing project, but also for Nismo. A quarter of all race entries were running with Nismo engines and in the LMP2 class they powered more than half of the competing cars.

Team DeltaWing was not disheartened after Le Mans and in October its hard work was rewarded. At the gruelling 1,000-mile Petit Le Mans race in Atlanta, the final round of the ALMS season, the DeltaWing achieved its first ever race finish. Despite being hit again by a rival during practice, and despite starting from the back of the grid of 42 cars because it was an unclassified entry, the car eventually took a tremendous fifth place overall. At one point it was as high as third, and driver Gunnar Jeannette completed a quadruple stint without needing to change tyres - proving the true potential of this amazing design.

The same weekend Nismo confirmed two new key appointments to its racing programme, highlighting just how important competitive success is to Nissan's future plans on and off the track.

Darren Cox, one of the driving forces behind the DeltaWing, was appointed as Director, Global Motorsports covering strategy and marketing. He will also be the global driver of the company's numerous racing programmes, including the SuperGT Championship in Japan and the V8 Supercar series in Australia.

The second appointment saw Jerry Hardcastle appointed as Technical Director for Nissan's Motorsport Programmes. He continues in his role as Chief Marketability Officer for Nissan, and also technical liaison for Infiniti - Nissan's global luxury brand - as a key partner to the Infiniti Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team.

Illustrating just how important Europe is for Nismo, both Darren and Jerry will be based at Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE) at Cranfield, UK.

Nissan's mainstream motorsport programme is focused on the stunning GT-R Nismo GT3, for both works and privateer customer teams. During 2012 it competed in many race series across the globe and secured numerous victories. It outperformed the competition at Japan's SUPER GT series (GT 300 class) and Super Taikyu (GT3 class), as well as the British GT Championship and GT Cup.

Its replacement is the 2013 Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3, which has been developed using data and feedback from last season to enhance its competitiveness and performance.

It's still powered by a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 engine developing 405kw (550PS) and 637Nm of torque. However, significant improvements have been made to engine performance and durability, aerodynamics, brake balances and suspension. The car's gear ratios have also been revised to optimise the engine output increase.

The car is built to customer order and is priced at €35,000. An upgrade pack is available for owners of the 2012 car.

Juke-R: paving the way for the Juke Nismo

Extreme. That's the only way to describe the model that re-wrote the rule book on so many aspects of the crossover.

Proving the performance credentials of Juke once and for all, the Juke-R is a success story like no other in Nissan's history. Initially intended to be a one-off concept car, reaction was unprecedented from the moment the covers first came off.

Interest from potential customers turned quickly into genuine demand and a limited production run of cars was given the green light. Juke-R is the ultimate Juke, a wild and ultra-exclusive performance-oriented crossover for hardcore supercar enthusiasts. With a price tag starting from €00,000, the Juke-R is the ultimate halo model.

The Juke-R story only began a year ago, in January 2012 in Dubai when it made its debut as a concept. With the modified underpinnings of a Nissan GT-R under a muscular, re-sculpted Juke bodyshell, the car was completely unique. A YouTube sensation, footage of the car in action has to date been viewed more than five million times.

Darren Cox, Nissan's Director, Global Motorsports, explained: "People loved the Juke-R in Dubai - we were receiving offers for the original concept on the street. We couldn't disappoint such dedicated fans, so with three genuine offers on the table we made the commitment to build a limited run of Juke-Rs."

Work then began to transform the concept into a road car. Built by UK-based motorsports outfit RML with advice from Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE), the Juke-R uses the GT-R supercar's drivetrain and suspension along with an FIA-specification roll cage.

Thanks to the expertise of NTCE, the production version is more powerful than the concept, producing 545bhp from its 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 engine. Thrilling performance is guaranteed, with 0-62mph estimated to take only 3.0 seconds and a maximum speed of 170mph.

In addition to these technical enhancements, Juke-R #001 also received a new look thanks to input from the experts at Nissan Design Europe (NDE) in London. Digital Team Manager Darryl Scriven explained: "The Juke-R's bumpers and side sills were redesigned, which is normally a very long process using full size models in clay. However, we managed to condense the development time using full-size viewing on our new 3D-ready projector and power wall, maintaining a fully digital process while providing a true supercar quality finish."

Design refinements include more definition to the front bumper, and new carbon trim on the front and rear cooling vents and the rear aero diffuser. The result is a car with pure performance DNA.

Every Nissan Juke-R is being built to order and the exact price will depend on the specification requested by each customer. The first cars have now been delivered to customers.

LEAF Nismo RC: EV the Nismo way

What happens when you bring together the accessible performance philosophy of Nismo with the world's first affordable mass market electric vehicle? The answer is the Nissan LEAF Nismo RC, a bespoke track-ready carbon fibre prototype with a 100% zero-emission lithium-ion powertrain.

Stripped of its rear doors, back seat, boot, audio system, sat-nav, carpets and other comfort and convenience features, there is an obvious family resemblance to the LEAF production car. RC stands for Racing Competition and this special LEAF has been created as a showcase for the potential of environmentally aware vehicles in series motorsport.

The car made its world debut at the 2011 New York Motor Show. Carlos Tavares, Chairman of Nissan Americas, told media and VIP guests: "Combining the talents of Nismo...and engineers behind some of the company's Super GT and FIA GT1 race teams, the Nissan LEAF Nismo RC will serve as a rolling laboratory for the accelerated development of EV and aerodynamic systems, as well as a platform for the development of new green motorsports series."

The Nissan LEAF Nismo RC has been designed and constructed as a real racing machine, starting with its full carbon fibre monocoque bodywork. The three-piece shell includes removable front and rear sections, fixed windows, LED headlights and rear lights and a driver-adjustable rear wing.

It's 20mm longer than a standard LEAF and 1,700mm wider. The overall height is 350mm lower, and ground clearance is restricted to just 60mm. At 938kg it weighs in at approximately 40 per cent less than the production vehicle.

The layout of the Nismo RC is also markedly different, with a mid-mounted location for the battery pack, electric motor and inverter. Drive goes to the rear wheels rather than the front.

The Nismo RC also features a double-wishbone suspension design front and rear and driver-adjustable brake balance. It rides on 18-inch 6-spoke wheels and P225/40R18 Bridgestone racing tyres.

Like the production Nissan LEAF, the Nismo RC is powered by a lithium-ion battery composed of 48 compact modules and a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 107 horsepower and 280Nm of torque. It can be charged up to 80 per cent of its full capacity in 30 minutes using the CHAdeMO quick charging port located inside the rear cowl. Unlike other competition vehicles, the Nismo RC has no exhaust pipe, no exhaust note and no exhaust emissions.

The car can hit 62mph in 6.8 seconds and has a top speed of 93mph. It has a running time of around 20 minutes under racing conditions.

Ever since its premiere the car has been drawing crowds with special demonstration appearances at various motorsports venues around the globe. They include at the Le Mans 24-Hour Race, France, and the UK's Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it was the first electric racing car to ever complete a timed run up the iconic event's famous Hill Climb.