Nismo
Encyclopedia
Nismo is the motorsports and performance division of Nissan Motor Company. Formed in 1984 as a result of a merger of two motorsport departments, Nismo cars have participated in JSPC
, Formula Nippon
, JTCC, 24 Hours of Le Mans
and 24 Hours of Daytona
. They currently participate in the Super GT
and FIA GT Championship
.
factory, responsible for the needs of privateer teams and Special Car Testing Division, within its Ōmori
plant, responsible for its factory operations
. The company's intention following the merger was to specialize in sportscar racing, but it also provided support for teams competing in the domestic F3 series
.
In 1988, Nismo built its first car, the Saurus
for motorsport use for its one-make series. The following year they developed the Skyline GT-R
for racing as well as building the 500 evolution editions for road use.
parts such as spoilers
and diffusers
, alloy wheels, engine
and suspension
parts.
Most Datsun
, Nissan, and Infiniti
branded cars have performance parts available from Nismo, either in production or as old stock. For example, Nismo sells parts such as unground cam billets, performance cams, piston
s, etc. for the KA24E
engine, which was used in the Nissan small pickup truck for several years and also used for the 1989 and 1990 model years of 240SX, a popular car among Import scene
enthusiasts (especially Drifters
) in North America.
In Japan, the V35 Skyline
and Z33 Fairlady
have both received several levels of Nismo tuning packages (E-Type, S-Tune, R-Tune, and S1 packages), with a full track spec Fairlady Z debuted at the 2005 Nismo Festival of Speed held at (formerly) Fuji International Raceway.
In February 2007, Nismo announced the launch of the Nismo 380RS. The Nismo 380RS is a factory modified version of the Nissan Z33 Fairlady Z tuned by both Nismo and Autech
. Two versions were released, the first was a track-only model called the 380RS-C (C for competition), the second is a street model being sold at Nissan dealers. Both versions use a Nissan VQ
series V6 engine, bored and stroked to 3.8L. The track-only 380RS-C makes 400 hp, and the street version makes approximately 350 hp. The Nismo 380RS was only sold in Japan.
complete car, the Z-Tune. Because there was a limitation in the number of parts, Nismo was only able to create 20 of them. The complete version sells for 17,745,000 Yen (USD $146,600, as of December 7, 2005) in Japan. However, the parts-conversion version, where the customer's Skyline GT-R's become the base car, sells for 13,125,000 Yen (USD $108,500, as of December 7, 2005). However, it is known that the GT-R Z-tune can exceed the $180,000 USD price tag in car market. The engine is an RB26DETT Z2 (a normal GT-R engine with a stroked displacement of 2.8 liters & Nismo parts designed specifically for the Z2). All of the Z-Tunes have been sold already. The car weighs 1600 kg (3,527 lb).
Nismo was also responsible for the R33 Skyline 400R and S14 Silvia 270R models. Both featured comprehensive modifications to the drivetrain, suspension, brakes, chassis, and aero work. Very limited numbers of both models were sold in 1997, and both command high resale prices even today. These models stressed Nismo's link to street car tuning, and were developed (as was the Z-Tune GT-R) at their Chiba City tuning garage. Nismo street tuned vehicles have been sold at Nissan dealerships for years, and come with full warranties.
, Formula Nippon
, JTCC, 24 Hours of Le Mans
and 24 Hours of Daytona
. They currently participate in the Super GT
and FIA GT1 World Championship
.
All Japan Sports Prototype Championship
The , abbreviated as JSPC, formed by the Japanese Automobile Federation, was a domestic championship which took place in Japan for Group C and IMSA GTP prototype cars and also featured cars that were eligible for touring car racing in its earlier years...
, Formula Nippon
Formula Nippon
Formula Nippon is a type of formula racing and the top level of single-seater racing in Japan.Formula Nippon evolved from the Japanese Formula 2000 series begun in 1973 by way of the Japanese Formula Two and Japanese Formula 3000 championships...
, JTCC, 24 Hours of Le Mans
24 Hours of Le Mans
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the world's oldest sports car race in endurance racing, held annually since near the town of Le Mans, France. Commonly known as the Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency, race teams have to balance speed against the cars' ability to run for 24 hours without sustaining...
and 24 Hours of Daytona
24 Hours of Daytona
The 24 Hours of Daytona, currently known as the Rolex 24 Daytona for sponsorship reasons, is a 24-hour sports car endurance race held annually at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. It is run on a combined road course, utilizing portions of the NASCAR tri-oval and an infield...
. They currently participate in the Super GT
Super GT
The Super GT series, formerly known as the All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship or JGTC , is a grand touring car race series promoted by the GT-Association...
and FIA GT Championship
FIA GT Championship
The FIA GT Championship was a sports car racing series organized by the Stéphane Ratel Organisation at the behest of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile . The championship was mostly concentrated in Europe, but throughout the years has visited other continents including Asia and South...
.
History
In 1984, Nissan decided that it wanted to merge its two motorsport division, founded in the late 1960s, they were Publication Division 3, based in its OppamaOppama
Oppama may refer to:*Oppama, a location in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan*Oppama Station, a train station on the Keikyū Main Line in Japan*Oppama Base/Oppama Test Facility, a fictional location in the anime series Sky Girls...
factory, responsible for the needs of privateer teams and Special Car Testing Division, within its Ōmori
Omori
is a district located a few kilometres south of Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan accessed by rail via the Keihin Tohoku line, or by road via Dai Ichi Keihin. Ōmorikaigan, the eastern area of Ōmori, can be reached via the Keikyu line....
plant, responsible for its factory operations
Factory-backed
Factory-backed is a term commonly used in motorsports to describe a sponsored racing team, car, motorcycle or driver that competes with official sanction and financial support, or "backing" from a manufacturer. As motorsports competition is an expensive endeavor, some degree of factory support is...
. The company's intention following the merger was to specialize in sportscar racing, but it also provided support for teams competing in the domestic F3 series
All-Japan Formula Three Championship
, also known as Japanese Formula Three, is a national motor racing championship that takes place in Japan. It is a junior-level feeder formula that uses small single seater Formula Three chassis....
.
In 1988, Nismo built its first car, the Saurus
Nissan Saurus
The Nissan Saurus was a concept car designed by Nissan Motors and unveiled at the 1987 Tokyo Motor Show. It was a roadster featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, with bulging fenders and a design reminiscent of the Lotus Seven....
for motorsport use for its one-make series. The following year they developed the Skyline GT-R
Nissan Skyline GT-R
The Nissan Skyline GT-R is a Japanese sports car based on the Nissan Skyline range.The first GT-Rs were produced from 1969–1973. After a 16 year hiatus since the KPGC110 in 1972, the GT-R name was revived in 1989 with the Skyline R32. This car was nicknamed "Godzilla" by the Australian motoring...
for racing as well as building the 500 evolution editions for road use.
Tuning kits
Nismo designs and manufactures a range of aftermarket performance parts for Nissan cars including AerodynamicsAerodynamics
Aerodynamics is a branch of dynamics concerned with studying the motion of air, particularly when it interacts with a moving object. Aerodynamics is a subfield of fluid dynamics and gas dynamics, with much theory shared between them. Aerodynamics is often used synonymously with gas dynamics, with...
parts such as spoilers
Spoiler (automotive)
A spoiler is an automotive aerodynamic device whose intended design function is to 'spoil' unfavorable air movement across a body of a vehicle in motion. Spoilers on the front of a vehicle are often called air dams, because in addition to directing air flow they also reduce the amount of air...
and diffusers
Diffuser (automotive)
A diffuser, in an automotive context, is a shaped section of the car underbody which improves the car's aerodynamic properties by enhancing the transition between the high-velocity airflow underneath the car and the much slower freestream airflow of the ambient atmosphere...
, alloy wheels, engine
Internal combustion engine
The internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer in a combustion chamber. In an internal combustion engine, the expansion of the high-temperature and high -pressure gases produced by combustion apply direct force to some component of the engine...
and suspension
Suspension (vehicle)
Suspension is the term given to the system of springs, shock absorbers and linkages that connects a vehicle to its wheels. Suspension systems serve a dual purpose — contributing to the car's roadholding/handling and braking for good active safety and driving pleasure, and keeping vehicle occupants...
parts.
Most Datsun
Datsun
Datsun was an automobile marque. The name was created in 1931 by the DAT Motorcar Co. for a new car model, spelling it as "Datson" to indicate its smaller size when compared to the existing, larger DAT car. Later, in 1933 after Nissan Motor Co., Ltd...
, Nissan, and Infiniti
Infiniti
is the luxury division of automaker Nissan. Infiniti officially started selling vehicles on November 8, 1989 in North America. Marketing operations have since grown to include the Middle East, South Korea, Russia, Taiwan, China, Ukraine and the United Kingdom. Infiniti began sales in additional...
branded cars have performance parts available from Nismo, either in production or as old stock. For example, Nismo sells parts such as unground cam billets, performance cams, piston
Piston
A piston is a component of reciprocating engines, reciprocating pumps, gas compressors and pneumatic cylinders, among other similar mechanisms. It is the moving component that is contained by a cylinder and is made gas-tight by piston rings. In an engine, its purpose is to transfer force from...
s, etc. for the KA24E
Nissan KA engine
The KA engines were a series of inline-4 four-stroke gasoline piston engines manufactured by Nissan, which were offered in 2.0 L and 2.4 L versions.The engines blocks were made of cast-iron, while the cylinder heads were made of aluminum....
engine, which was used in the Nissan small pickup truck for several years and also used for the 1989 and 1990 model years of 240SX, a popular car among Import scene
Import scene
The Import Scene or Import Racing Scene or Tuner Scene refers to the subculture that revolves around modifying imported brand cars , especially those of Japanese brands, for street racing.-History:...
enthusiasts (especially Drifters
Drifting (motorsport)
Drifting refers to a driving technique and to a motorsport where the driver intentionally over steers, causing loss of traction in the rear wheels through turns, while maintaining vehicle control and a high exit speed...
) in North America.
In Japan, the V35 Skyline
Nissan Skyline
The first Skyline was introduced in April 1957, by the Prince Motor Company, and was marketed as a luxury car. It featured a 1.5 L GA-30 engine producing 44 kW @ 4400 rpm. It used a de Dion tube rear suspension and was capable of 140 km/h . The car weighed around 1300 kg...
and Z33 Fairlady
Nissan 350Z
The Nissan 350Z is a two seat sports car that was manufactured by Nissan from 2002 to 2009 and marks the fifth generation of Nissan's Z-car line. The 350Z entered production in late 2002 and was sold and marketed as a 2003 model. The first year there was only a coupe, as the roadster did not debut...
have both received several levels of Nismo tuning packages (E-Type, S-Tune, R-Tune, and S1 packages), with a full track spec Fairlady Z debuted at the 2005 Nismo Festival of Speed held at (formerly) Fuji International Raceway.
In February 2007, Nismo announced the launch of the Nismo 380RS. The Nismo 380RS is a factory modified version of the Nissan Z33 Fairlady Z tuned by both Nismo and Autech
Autech
, is a pro tuner of Nissan cars.Autech was founded in 1986 as a subsidiary of Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.. Nissan named Shinichiro Sakurai, the former general manager of Nissan's Advanced Vehicle Design Department, as president designate of the new subsidiary...
. Two versions were released, the first was a track-only model called the 380RS-C (C for competition), the second is a street model being sold at Nissan dealers. Both versions use a Nissan VQ
Nissan VQ engine
The VQ is a V6 piston engine produced by Nissan with displacements varying from 2.0 L to 4.0 L. It is an aluminum block DOHC 4-valve design with aluminum heads. It is fitted with Nissan's EGI/ECCS sequential multi-point fuel injection system...
series V6 engine, bored and stroked to 3.8L. The track-only 380RS-C makes 400 hp, and the street version makes approximately 350 hp. The Nismo 380RS was only sold in Japan.
Complete cars
When Nismo released the Skyline GT-R R34 V-SpecNissan Skyline GT-R
The Nissan Skyline GT-R is a Japanese sports car based on the Nissan Skyline range.The first GT-Rs were produced from 1969–1973. After a 16 year hiatus since the KPGC110 in 1972, the GT-R name was revived in 1989 with the Skyline R32. This car was nicknamed "Godzilla" by the Australian motoring...
complete car, the Z-Tune. Because there was a limitation in the number of parts, Nismo was only able to create 20 of them. The complete version sells for 17,745,000 Yen (USD $146,600, as of December 7, 2005) in Japan. However, the parts-conversion version, where the customer's Skyline GT-R's become the base car, sells for 13,125,000 Yen (USD $108,500, as of December 7, 2005). However, it is known that the GT-R Z-tune can exceed the $180,000 USD price tag in car market. The engine is an RB26DETT Z2 (a normal GT-R engine with a stroked displacement of 2.8 liters & Nismo parts designed specifically for the Z2). All of the Z-Tunes have been sold already. The car weighs 1600 kg (3,527 lb).
Nismo was also responsible for the R33 Skyline 400R and S14 Silvia 270R models. Both featured comprehensive modifications to the drivetrain, suspension, brakes, chassis, and aero work. Very limited numbers of both models were sold in 1997, and both command high resale prices even today. These models stressed Nismo's link to street car tuning, and were developed (as was the Z-Tune GT-R) at their Chiba City tuning garage. Nismo street tuned vehicles have been sold at Nissan dealerships for years, and come with full warranties.
Exit and re-entry into the US market
Nismo pulled out of the US market in the late 1990s due to parent company restructuring worldwide. The company's return in 2002 was celebrated with the launch of several US only models and tuning packages for the Sentra SE-R Spec-V, Frontier, 350Z, and recently the Titan and Murano. Most Nismo parts available for general consumers are their S-Tune and R-Tune packages. These packages are designed for street (S-Tune) and light track duty (R-Tune). Full race parts and equipment are also available to make this car a highly competitive vehicle within its class range. Most recently was the introduction of the Nismo GT-R, where the customer provides the base GT-R, and at the cost of $56,000 USD Nismo will upgrade the car.To start with, you can choose to fit the chassis package first for just $22,500. This begins with Bilstein Damptronic coil-over struts, which combine electronically adjustable damping with adjustable ride height. They're complemented by competition-grade springs, rated at 1,036 pounds/inch in front and 538 pounds/inch in the rear. There are forged-aluminum RAYS wheels, 20-by-9.5 inches in front (with 45 mm (1.8 in) offset) and 20-by-10.5 inches in the rear (with 45 mm offset) and 20-by-10.5 inches in the rear (with 25 mm offset). The wheels carry Bridgestone RE070R run-flat tires, 225/40R20s in front and 285/35R20s in the rear. For another $19,500 you can upgrade to a titanium exhaust system plus a carbon-fiber aero diffuser. The final step is a pair of Recaro carbon-fiber racing seats, similarly priced at $19,000.Entry into the UK market
On the 6th of October 2009 NISMO announced entry into the UK market with official partner Middlehurst Motorsport. Middlehurst Motorsport have long connections with NISMO stretching back from the early 1990s in both motorsport, car supply and parts supply relationships.
Nissan Motorsports International Co., Ltd. (NISMO) have certified Middlehurst Motorsport as an authorized dealer in the UK to sell "NISMO Club Sports Package" for Nissan GT-R (R35).
The Club Sports Package was developed and put into production through the joint efforts of the NISMO development staff and the NISSAN GT-R development staff. It aims to increase performance at race circuits, but has also given consideration for driving comfort on normal roads so that it can perform well in highway driving situations as well. This is an upgrade menu which provides the highest quality product and performance, so installation, alignment, and other setup-related fees are included. The NISSAN motors warranty will continue by having NISMO Technical Master Technicians who have been trained at NISMO install and set up your package at Middlehust Motorsport, a Nissan High Performance Center.
• MIDDLEHURST MOTORSPORT
Middlehurst Motorsport was established in St. Helens, Lancashire, in 1992 by Andy Middlehurst. He and his racing team took driver's championships in 1995 and 1996 with R32 Skyline GT-R in the National Saloon Car Cup in the UK. This started the Middlehurst story with the GT-R and they were the only dealer to officially sell the R33 and R34 Skyline GT-R in the UK. They started dealing with NISMO in 1996, and have been importing NISMO products for R32-R34 Skyline. In 2008, Middlehurst Motorsport was officially appointed as an R35 NISSAN GT-R dealer, an NHPC (Nissan High Performance Center).
Motorsports
Nismo cars have participated in JSPCAll Japan Sports Prototype Championship
The , abbreviated as JSPC, formed by the Japanese Automobile Federation, was a domestic championship which took place in Japan for Group C and IMSA GTP prototype cars and also featured cars that were eligible for touring car racing in its earlier years...
, Formula Nippon
Formula Nippon
Formula Nippon is a type of formula racing and the top level of single-seater racing in Japan.Formula Nippon evolved from the Japanese Formula 2000 series begun in 1973 by way of the Japanese Formula Two and Japanese Formula 3000 championships...
, JTCC, 24 Hours of Le Mans
24 Hours of Le Mans
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the world's oldest sports car race in endurance racing, held annually since near the town of Le Mans, France. Commonly known as the Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency, race teams have to balance speed against the cars' ability to run for 24 hours without sustaining...
and 24 Hours of Daytona
24 Hours of Daytona
The 24 Hours of Daytona, currently known as the Rolex 24 Daytona for sponsorship reasons, is a 24-hour sports car endurance race held annually at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. It is run on a combined road course, utilizing portions of the NASCAR tri-oval and an infield...
. They currently participate in the Super GT
Super GT
The Super GT series, formerly known as the All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship or JGTC , is a grand touring car race series promoted by the GT-Association...
and FIA GT1 World Championship
FIA GT1 World Championship
The FIA GT1 World Championship is a world championship sports car racing series developed by the SRO Group and regulated by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile . It features multiple grand tourer race cars based on production road cars and conforming with the GT1 regulations competing in...
.
Nismo Festival
An annual exhibition held in Japan by Nismo to show off the company's current motor-sports and heritage.External links
- http://www.nismo.co.jp/en/news_list/2009/news_flash/090010.html Middlehurst Motorsport & Nismo Official Press Release
- Nismo official web site , Japanese official web site for Nismo products.
- Nissan Motorsports, coverage and information on Nissan motorsports events (available in English or Japanese).
- Nismo USA official site