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Chicago 2015: Nissan presents 370Z NISMO Roadster Concept

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Josée Paquet
GT-R LM NISMO also on display

Nissan yesterday introduced the 370Z NISMO Roadster Concept and the GT-R LM NISMO race car during a press conference at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show.

The former is designed to provide the best of two worlds — the open-air driving exhilaration of a standard 370Z Roadster and the racing-inspired style and performance of a 370Z NISMO Coupe. It uses a 350-horsepower 3.7L V6 engine and NISMO-tuned suspension.

Outside, the Nissan 370Z NISMO Roadster Concept incorporates functional and fully integrated aerodynamic body pieces including a custom carbon fibre rear spoiler. Inside, the stunning cockpit is anchored by black Recaro seats with custom off-white Ultrasuede inserts.

If approved for production, the 370Z NISMO Roadster Concept would join the current Nissan 370Z NISMO coupe model, expanding the NISMO lineup to five models.

As for the Nissan GT-R LM NISMO, which starred in a commercial during the Super Bowl, it is making its world debut in Chicago before heading to France to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race this summer —a first for Nissan in 16 years.

The car was created by a team of carefully selected experts in Japan, the U.S., and Europe. Unlike other LM P1 cars, the GT-R's 3.0L twin-turbo V6 gasoline engine sits in the front of the front-wheel-drive car, while the hybrid power is harvested from the front driveline to augment acceleration.

 

Josée Paquet
Josée Paquet
Automotive expert