Nissan revived the Pulsar nameplate in 2014, in an attempt to join the ever-growing compact hatchback segment with a brand-new vehicle. Nissan is mainly aiming at the European market, a place where compact hatchbacks are selling like hot cakes, and its intentions with the Pulsar are quite simple. The goal is to offer an affordable vehicle powered by small, fuel-efficient engines that will grow on consumers and steal some costumers from the likes of Ford and Volkswagen. With the Pulsar already launched in 2014, Nissan is now focusing on a performance version of the hatch. Naturally, the beefed-up compact could arrive with a Nismo badge, Could it? The Nismo Version Of The Pulsar Never Made It To Production.
Styling[]
While the regular Pulsar is far from impressive in terms of styling, the Nismo version looks aggressive enough to be considered a hot hatch. As with most Nismo creations, the Pulsar received an aerodynamic body kit that dramatically changes its appearance. Up front, the new bumper features a larger air intake and massive brake-cooling vents, all complemented by a beautifully sculpted apron and splitter.
When viewed from the side, the hatch showcases new skirts and lightweight, 19-inch, five-spoke wheels wrapped in low-profile tires. The wheels hide red brake calipers, which join the red skirts and front splitter in providing a strong contrast to the car’s gunmetal paint.
Around back, the Pulsar Nismo gets a diffuser-like rear bumper and a central twin exhaust system. Additionally, a carbon-fiber rear spoiler placed atop the tailgate enhances the Pulsar’s motorsport-inspired character. To round off the exterior, Nismo added a black-painted chrome trim around the side windows and a carbon finish to the side mirrors.
Interior[]
The race-inspired theme continues inside, where Nismo added a red-colored speedometer, a three-spoke sports steering wheel with alloy paddles, and bolstered sports seats wrapped in leather and Alcantara. Aluminum and carbon-like inserts are also spread throughout the cabin to warn you that this Pulsar is no regular hatchback.
Suspension[]
The Pulsar Nismo isn’t just about hotter looks. The hatchback also received new underpinnings, including race-bred suspension parts, and revised springs and dampers for "agile and sporty responses that are synonymous with Nismo models."
Engine[]
There’s no word on what engine would power the Pulsar Nismo, but I expect the Japanese manufacturer to use a turbocharged, 1.8-liter four-banger. The Nismo-tweaked unit, the same to find its way into the Qashqai Nismo, should generate at least 250 horsepower, but no more than 300 ponies.
I also expect Nissan to join in the Nurburgring-record wars in the front-wheel-drive segment, aiming to steal the benchmark currently held by the Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy-R and its 7:54.36 lap at the time if it was produced.
