A souped-up, sporty version of Nissan Motor Co.'s March has been unveiled on the opening day of the Tokyo Auto Salon 2012.
Much of the auto industry's attention has been focused on the ongoing North American International Auto Show in Detroit, where Japanese firms are very much in evidence, but the Tokyo Auto Salon is the world's largest event specifically for custom cars.
More than 600 vehicles are on display at the annual event, as well as presentations by custom shops, car manufacturers and parts firms, but it is Nissan's March Nismo Concept that caught the attention on the opening day.
The car is the third of Nissan's regular stable of cars to undergo some significant tweaking, after the Juke and Leaf electric car were subject to similar concept makeovers.
Based on the compact Nissan March and fitted with exclusive Nismo parts, the new vehicle "is an expression of how a premium sports compact can marry practicality with exciting driving performance," the company said in a statement.
The exterior of the car features a lower stance and bolder styling, thanks in part to a modified front grille design and the addition of efficiency-enhancing aeroparts that were developed as part of Nismo's racing technology.
In addition, the design of the door mirrors has been refined and a rear lip spoiler added, further enhancing the car's aerodynamic performance.
In the interior, the purpose-designed seats and steering wheel are shaped to aid the smooth interaction between the driver and the car.
The concept car unveiled at the event, held at the Makuhari Messe Convention Centre on the outskirts of Tokyo, is in pearl white with red headlights, Nismo's signature colors for premium sports models.
Engineering advances include the incorporation of technologies that Nismo applies to its racing vehicles, including high-performance suspension and large-diameter, lightweight wheels, all of which contribute to superior handling and stability.
More information on Tokyo Auto Salon 2012: http://www.e-autosalon.net/
The Tokyo Auto Salon runs through Sunday.
JR
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