Concept Pulsar Nismo

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Nissan has unveiled a thinly disguised concept version of the Pulsar Nismo that will take on the likes of the Subaru WRX and Volkswagen Golf GTI head-to-head.

Unveiled at the Los Angeles motor show today, wearing the Sentra badge that it does in the US market, the Nismo concept offers some obvious hints about what to suggest when it makes production.

Under the bonnet is a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that is good for more than 180kW of power and 325Nm of torque.

It’s paired with a “beefy” six-speed manual gearbox and a mechanical limited slip differential to get that power to the ground.
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The Pulsar’s regular suspension has been reworked by Nismo’s engineers and includes performance springs and shock absorbers.

Braking hardware is borrowed from the 370Z and the concept rides on 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Super Sport rubber.

The Pulsar Nismo wears a new, aggressive, bodykit which includes a lower, wider front spoiler and a new rear bumper that mimics the style of the 370Z.

Inside the concept has Recaro sports seats finished in Alcantara and the steering wheel and gear shifter is wrapped in a combination of leather and Alcantara.

Officially Nissan Australia is still evaluating the Nismo brand, but insiders have suggested that it is a matter of when, not if, the performance brand will launch in Australia.

The Pulsar concept joins the already revealed Nismo GT-R, Nismo 370Z, Nismo Juke and Nismo Micra.