The Pulsar Nismo Previews Nissan’s Future Hot Hatchback

2014 Nissan Pulsar Nismo Concept (Credit: © Nissan)

The Nissan Pulsar name was once used on a small, 1980s sports car here in the U.S., but it has a far longer history in other parts of the world. In 2014, Nissan revealed its new, Europe-bound Pulsar hatchback, and at the 2014 Paris Auto Show, Nissan revealed a hotter concept version of this new hatchback dubbed the Pulsar Nismo Concept.

The eerily production-ready Pulsar Nismo Concept is obviously a feeler model that Nissan is using to test out the public’s response to a tuned-up hatchback. On the outside, it features many of the familiar Nismo characteristics, like the performance-inspired front fascia that includes large air intakes and brake-cooling vents, a diffuser-style rear bumper, deep side skirts, carbon-fiber aero bits, and a red underline that runs around almost the entire body. Also added in is a central-exit exhaust system and a set of 19-inch, five-arm wheels wrapped in 235/35R19 tires.

2014 Nissan Pulsar Nismo Concept (Credit: © Nissan)

On the inside, the Pulsar Nismo Concept features a red tachometer; sculpted, Alcantara-wrapped sports seats with red bolsters; a three-spoke sports steering wheel, and alloy pedals.

Look-good bits aren’t the only additions to this Nismo-tuned hatchback. It also features a revised suspension system with a lowered ride height, revised damper settings and enhanced spring rates.

2014 Nissan Pulsar Nismo Concept (Credit: © Nissan)

What lies under the hood remains a mystery, but given Nissan also just revealed a new, 1.6-liter, turbocharged powertrain for the standard Pulsar that delivers 190 PS (187 horsepower), I assume this would be the engine to power a production Nismo model. If the Pulsar Nismo makes it to production, there may also be a Nismo RS variant that features a slightly more powerful version of the 1.6-liter engine, much like the Juke Nismo RS here in the U.S.

Before hot hatch fans in the U.S. start jumping for joy over the Pulsar Nismo Concept, I must remind you that the Pulsar is only for European consumption and I don’t see this changing any time soon.