NISMO Nissan Pulsar 275bhp

Published Date: 22nd Aug 2014

Nissan are set to smash the Nurburgring front-wheel-drive record with this special edition Nissan Pulsar Nismo, which sports an impressive 275bhp

These new exclusive images show that the curvy-looking Pulsar hatch will be transformed into an aggressive rocket ship with a trademark red and white Nismo makeover, a low-riding bodykit and bigger wheels and alloys.

Nissan are ready to mix this hot hatch with the big boys by launching a Nismo-tuned version of its new Pulsar hatch. And we won’t have to wait long to see it – a full production version of the Nissan Pulsar Nismo will debut at October’s Paris Motor Show, though you won’t be able to purchase one for another year.

Nissan has set its sights firmly on the Ford Focus ST, VW Golf GTI and Vauxhall Astra VXR , not to mention the SEAT Leon Cupra and Renaultport Mégane 275 Trophy. And it’s these last two cars that should be the main competition. As a way of proving the power and pedigree of the new Nissan Pulsar Nismo, the Car-Maker is targeting the front-wheel-drive production car lap record at Germany’s Nürburgring. The lap record is currently held by the Mégane 275 Trophy-R (which stands at seven minutes 54.36 seconds), and is seen as a medal of honour in the hot hatch class.

This is why there are plenty of contenders looking to beat Renault’s crown: SEAT are considering an even more extreme Leon Cupra R with a roll cage instead of back seats as it bids to reclaim the fastest lap honour, while Honda have said that they are openly targeting the record with the release of next year’s 300bhp Civic Type R.

And if the Pulsar Nismo can in fact deliver on the race track while undercutting models like the £26,330 Golf GTI or £22,295 Focus ST, Nissan will have achieved a good spot in the hot hatch market.