At the start of the Chicago Auto Show, Nissan drops a few new performance enhancements to the 2014 370Z, 2013 Juke and 2014 GT-R. The 2014 Nissan 370Z Nismo will receive some tweaks featuring a sportier look outside, interior accents including an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and carrying over the 3.7-liter 350-horsepower V6 engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission w/ the synchronized rev-match downshifting system.

The new 2013 Nissan Juke Nismo joins the 2014 370Z Nismo to get the special NISMO treatment. The Juke Nismo gets over 100 separate performance, exterior and interior modifications. Among these enhancements, the new Juke Nismo gets NISMO-tuned suspension, steering and transmission mapping. Probably the best aspect of the Nismo-Tuned Juke, is that it gets increased power from its 1.6-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine making 197 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, compared to the stock 188 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission or CVT unit will be available as well as an all-wheel drive system.

Saving the best for last, as expected because Godzilla never stands still, the new 2014 Nissan GT-R gets an added “Track Edition” option available to the lineup. The Track Edition GT-R will feature the same 545 horsepower and 463 pound-feet of torque twin-turbocharged V6 engine and lightning-fast dual-clutch transmission. With the Track Edition, the GT-R loses its rear seats to save weight, more aggressive sports seats up front, integrated carbon fiber front splitter with special brake cooling ducts and a re-tuned suspension with special Bilstein DampTronic shocks ideal for track use.

Hit up the full press releases below from Nissan for a full capture of the new performance enhancements to the new 370Z, Juke and GT-R.

2014 NISSAN 370Z NISMO DEBUTS AT CHICAGO AUTO SHOW

• 2014 model previewed at the Chicago Auto Show
• Features new exterior color with dark grey accents and red stripes
• Continues to offer 350-horsepower 3.7-liter V6, close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, sport-tuned suspension and brakes and 19-inch forged aluminum-alloy wheels
• Joins new JUKE NISMO in Nissan showrooms this summer

2013 JUKE NISMO OFFERS UNIQUE STYLE, ATTAINABLE PERFORMANCE BORN FROM MOTORSPORTS

– Nissan Expands NISMO Line-up in the United States with Addition of New JUKE NISMO –

• Kicks off new strategy to expand NISMO’s presence in key markets
• Race-inspired exterior provides enhanced aerodynamic performance
• NISMO-tuned suspension, steering and transmission help deliver engaging driving dynamics
• Fourth model in popular Nissan JUKE line-up, available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive

NISMO, its vision and name derived from NISsan MOtorsports, is embarking on an aggressive journey to expand its presence beyond the racetrack in key markets around the world. Already a legendary brand among professional and grassroots racers, as well as performance enthusiasts everywhere, NISMO now is applying its near-50 years of engineering experience and expertise to an expanding range of affordable production vehicles such as the new 2013 JUKE NISMO model.

The new JUKE NISMO, with its track-derived design, enhanced performance and engaging handling, gives JUKE buyers a distinct choice among the affordable S, well-equipped SV and premium SL grades of the popular crossover. Two configurations – front-wheel drive with a 6-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive with sport-tuned Xtronic CVT® – are available.

Pierre Loing, Vice President, Product and Advanced Planning and Strategy, Nissan North America, Inc. said: “NISMO’s unique motorsports DNA adds a new dimension to the pioneering JUKE’s long list of attributes. With nearly 100 separate performance, exterior and interior modifications and solid functionality behind every element, JUKE NISMO adds a whole new dimension of sporty style and driving exhilaration – all within reach of performance buyers’ budgets.”

Ultimate Sports Styling
Far from being purely cosmetic, the modifications to the JUKE exterior are designed to enhance the JUKE NISMO’s aerodynamics, resulting in a 37-percent improvement in downforce (versus non-NISMO models). Many of the aggressive sports-cross styling elements were influenced by NISMO’s motorsport expertise, in particular using lessons learned from the styling and engineering of the Nissan GT-R racers that compete in the Super GT series in Japan.

Compared to the standard Nissan JUKE, the most obvious visual change is to the front fascia and grille, which have been modified to better control airflow to the engine. The new front end features a lower and more aggressive design. JUKE’s familiar integrated fog lights have been replaced by thin-strip LED accent lights, positioned at the top edge of new small vents to the side of the larger grille. On front-wheel drive versions these are blanked, but on all-wheel drive models the left-hand side vent allows air into the engine bay for the CVT oil cooler and the right-hand vent is styled to match.

The prominent upper edge of the large lower grille features a red pinstripe, which drops dramatically to curve around 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. The signature Nissan V-strut grille is finished in a darker shade than other JUKE models. To the right of the grille is a NISMO badge with a red “O,” stamping NISMO’s distinctive motorsport heritage on JUKE for first time. The distinctive JUKE combination lights are smoked as part of the NISMO appearance treatment.

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, directing airflow around the rear wheels and away from the car as quickly and efficiently as possible. To increase the JUKE NISMO’s visual stance, the wheel arches are more muscular and are now finished entirely in the body color to give a truly premium feel. The door mirrors have been painted red to give a visual indication to the casual observer that this is not a standard Nissan JUKE. The B-pillars are now finished in gloss “piano black,” also promoting a sleek and sporty image.

In the rear, the bumper is deeper than on non-NISMO models and the red pinstripe is also visible on the black sill. A redesigned body-colored liftgate spoiler and rear fascia diffuser complete the body modifications.

Also part of the stunning JUKE NISMO exterior appearance are the new 18-inch lightweight aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/45R18 Continental ContiSportContact5 summer tires, which help give drivers additional grip during cornering and further boost the JUKE NISMO’s on-road presence. One inch larger than the standard JUKE wheels, the diamond-cut alloys feature a 10 twin-spoke design and are finished in dark anthracite.

The 2013 Nissan JUKE NISMO is available in three exterior colors – Sapphire Black, Brilliant Silver and Pearl White. All come equipped with red outside door mirrors and the matching pinstripe around base of the vehicle.

Sporty Interior 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 stitching, which is finished in Alcantara and leather. The tactile steering wheel now includes a red marker to indicate “top dead center,” another feature derived directly from racing. The rear seats also feature red stitching.

Dark Smoke coloring is used throughout the interior to help allow the driver to focus entirely on the elements that are most important – the gauges, switchgear and controls. Consequently the headliner is black (no moonroof is available with the JUKE NISMO) 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 dead pedal. The NISMO logo has also been precision-stitched into the seatbacks.

Other standard content includes privacy glass, Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Start and the I-CON (Integrated Control) system with automatic air conditioning.

Revised Powertrain for Improved Dynamics
NISMO’s spirit of innovation and determination, born on the racetrack in 1984, remains at the heart of the performance brand today. This DNA has been injected into the JUKE NISMO in the form of a reworked version of Nissan’s advanced inline 4-cylinder 1.6-liter DOHC aluminium-alloy Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) turbocharged engine. Direct injection helps improve combustion, enhancing power, torque, economy and emissions. The use of the turbocharger and intercooler also help boost power, while the variable timing control for both intake and exhaust cycles improves low-end engine response.

For use in the JUKE NISMO, both power and torque have been increased without compromising emissions and efficiency. The JUKE NISMO is rated at 197 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, versus the standard JUKE’s 188-horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque.

The front-wheel drive JUKE NISMO is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, while the all-wheel drive version comes with a sport-tuned version of Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission) with manual mode.

Fuel economy is rated at 27 mpg City (est.) and 32 mpg Highway (est.) for JUKE NISMO FWD (6MT) model and 25 mpg City (est.) and 30 mpg Highway (est.) for JUKE NISMO AWD (CVT).

Improved engine performance is only one element of Juke NISMO’s dynamic enhancements. The suspension settings have been completely revised, leading to greater traction and improved body response and roll control.

The suspension has also been lowered slightly versus non-NISMO JUKE settings, reducing the gap between the tires and wheelwells for a cleaner appearance and improved aerodynamics. An independent MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension is utilized on FWD models, while JUKE NISMO AWD model offers a multi-link rear suspension design. A cradle-type front subframe enhances lateral stiffness of the assembly. Front and rear stabilizer bars are standard on all models.

The JUKE NISMO’s vehicle-speed-sensing electric power-assisted 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. Braking is supplied by power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.

Advanced Torque Vectoring AWD
The JUKE NISMO’s advanced torque vectoring AWD system – standard in all 2013 JUKE AWD models – offers performance technology often reserved for premium vehicles. The torque vectoring system is designed to limit understeer by increasing torque to the outside rear wheel, helping the car follow its intended course. It also enhances agility, giving the JUKE NISMO exceptional ride comfort and handling in spite of its higher ground clearance when compared to other compact cars.

As well as splitting torque front to rear – up to a maximum of 50:50 – the torque can also be shifted from side-to-side across the rear axle. In total, up to 50 percent of the total available engine torque can be sent to either rear wheel. Information collected by various sources (measuring wheel speed, steering angle, yaw rate and lateral G-force) is interpreted to anticipate the driver’s intention. System actions are relayed to the driver via a real-time graphic display on the instrument panel depicting the torque distribution under all conditions.

Both FWD and AWD JUKE NISMO models include another example of advanced Nissan technology – the innovative Integrated Control (I-CON) system that combines control of the automatic A/C and the three-mode drive selector – Normal for everyday driving; Sport for a more intense performance feel; and Eco for maximum efficiency – adjusting throttle, transmission (CVT) and steering feel.

The centrally mounted I-CON digital screen changes display, color and functions depending on the mode selected by the driver. Settings alter throttle maps, steering effort and CVT shift schedules on the AWD models. 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 (AWD only), the Sport setting even introduces a “rhythmic” auto upshift that simulates manual gear changes at redline.

In addition, 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 optimized, 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 I-CON system even incorporates a G-Force indicator.

Said Loing: “For a vehicle of its compact size and attainable price, JUKE NISMO packs a huge amount of advanced performance technology.”

A Range of Available Features and Amenities
The 2013 JUKE NISMO is offered with a range of features that add a level of convenience equal to its sporty style, including an available Nissan Navigation System with 5-inch color touch screen display and NavTraffic capability (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), Rockford Fosgate ecoPUNCH™ audio system, USB interface (iPod® compatible) and RearView Monitor.

Standard features include dual front and rear beverage holders, speed-sensitive automatic door locks, storage under the rear cargo floor (FWD models only), Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, Interface System for iPod®, and AM/FM/CD audio system with steering wheel controls. In the rear, a fold-down 60/40-split bench seat and flat load floor provide passenger and cargo hauling flexibility.

Every JUKE NISMO comes equipped with the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage, dual-threshold front air bags and seat belt and occupant classification sensors, roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front and rear outboard occupant head protection, seat-mounted driver and front passenger side-impact supplemental air bags and front-seat Active Head Restraints.

Other standard equipment includes LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system, Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System, Vehicle Security System (VSS), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS).

Said Loing: “The JUKE NISMO combines distinctive style, advanced technology and a fun-to-drive factor that is unlike anything in the segment – all at an attainable price. It optimizes the already innovative JUKE design, re-engineering it to NISMO standards and sets the stage for future NISMO-branded models to come.”

2014 NISSAN GT-R ADDS NEW “TRACK EDITION” TO U.S. LINEUP; EXCLUSIVE TWO-SEAT SUPERCAR’S SALES BEGIN IN MAY

• New Track Edition joins Premium and Black Edition models, allowing buyers to further specify their GT-R performance and equipment levels
• Specialized Track Edition suspension developed at famed Nürburgring Circuit by GT-R development driver Toshio Suzuki
• Driver-oriented interior features high-grip seating surfaces, deletion of rear seat
• Body features include front spoiler with carbon fiber air ducts, brake cooling air guides

The new Nissan GT-R Track Edition, which makes its U.S. debut at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, is the third and most exclusive model in the 2014 GT-R lineup. Designed to take Nissan’s legendary 545-horsepower street supercar even closer to a pure motorsports competition machine, it features a specially tuned suspension, special brake cooling guides, front spoiler with carbon fiber air ducts and a lightweight quilted cloth mat where the rear seats usually reside. It is set to go on sale at select GT-R certified Nissan dealerships nationwide beginning in May 2013. Production will be limited to 150 cars for the U.S. market.

Said Pierre Loing, Vice President, Product and Advanced Planning and Strategy, Nissan Americas: “The concept behind the GT-R Track Edition is to enable drivers who enjoy even more demanding high-performance driving than the GT-R Premium and Black Edition models’ extreme performance, the chance to come closer to a competition spec vehicle – no back seat, stiffer suspension, higher grip seats, additional brake cooling – the works.”

Changes to the GT-R’s sophisticated 4-wheel independent suspension for the Track Edition include specialized Bilstein DampTronic gas pressure shock absorbers and higher spring rates. Much of the 2014 GT-R’s suspension development took place on the Nürburgring, one of the world’s most challenging racing circuits, where the Track Edition damping force and handling benchmarks were further refined by GT-R development driver Toshio Suzuki. The Track Edition’s air guides for the front and rear brakes were also refined through rigorous track testing.

The Track Edition’s performance enhancements are added to a significant number of upgrades to the GT-R for the 2014 model year, ranging from the adoption of new fuel injectors for enhanced torque response in the 4,500 – 6,000 rpm range and improved throttle and acceleration feel at mid- and high-rpm ranges, to the addition of an oil pan baffle to stabilize oil turbulence and oil pressure under high performance driving conditions. An aluminum nameplate is now added to each hand-assembled engine bearing the name of the specially trained “Takumi” craftsman who built that individual engine.

In addition to developing 545 horsepower, the GT-R’s standard VR38DETT V6 produces 463 lb-ft of torque. The engine is backed by an advanced paddle-shifted sequential 6-speed dual clutch transmission, which can be driver selected to shift at race car-like speeds (0.15 seconds). The sequential-shifting transaxle features separate wet clutches for the odd (1,3,5) and even (2,4,6) gears and pre-selects the next highest and next lowest gear for quick shifts. It also features Hill Start Assist for easy starts on uphill inclines. High performance differential oil, used in GT-R motorsports competition, is standard.

The Nissan GT-R’s unique Premium Midship platform, created expressly for use with the GT-R, enables the use of a world’s first independent rear transaxle ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system, which optimizes weight distribution and handling capability. The rear drive-biased system can vary torque split from 0:100 to 50:50 depending on speed, lateral acceleration, steering angles, tire slip, road surface and yaw rate.

In the interior, the new GT-R Track Edition includes special blue-trimmed high-grip front seats that use a special leather and fabric appointments. And, like all 2014 GT-Rs, the Track Edition’s interior offers a cockpit-style instrument panel with a large center-mounted tachometer, a large metallic-framed center console with ergonomically designed shift lever, a red “engine start” button and carbon fiber interior trim.

The centerpiece of the instrument panel is a video game-inspired multi-function display with 11 pages of available information, including mechanical and driving information, acceleration, brake pedal pressure, steering angle and a recording function with playback. Additional on-screen information includes a Navigation system and Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System. The navigation system includes NavTraffic Real-Time Traffic Information and NavWeather capabilities (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately).

All 2014 GT-R models include a specially designed 11-speaker Bose® audio system that features two forward-facing woofers in the rear center armrest area. Rigid aluminum die cast panel-mounting of all speakers allowed Bose® engineers to perfect the acoustical performance of the GT-R sound system. Streaming Audio via Bluetooth® is also standard.

Finishing off the GT-R Track Edition’s special features are a handmade, lightweight dry carbon fiber rear spoiler and special metallic black six-spoke RAYS® forged lightweight wheels mounted with Dunlop® SP Sport Maxx GT 600 DSST CTT ultra high performance run-flat nitrogen-filled tires. (Both the wheels and spoiler are also offered on the Black Edition.) The rear spoiler’s lightweight GT-R specific dry carbon fiber material* is also incredibly strong, contributing to increased aerodynamic downforce.

The GT-R Track Edition is offered in five exterior colors: Deep Blue Pearl, Jet Black, Solid Red, Gun Metallic and Pearl White.

Concluded Loing: “The new Track Edition sends the message that when it come to Nissan GT-R performance, there is no endpoint. We will continue to push its development and keep the competition in the rearview mirror. The legend continues.”

*Dry carbon fiber requires specific maintenance. Please see Owner’s Manual for details.