Nismo Whips up a Nissan Micra Concept for the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon

Following on from the recent presentations of the Juke Nismo Concept and the LEAF Nismo Concept, Nissan's in-house performance division has now crafted a conceptual study based on one of the Japanese firm's smallest models, the latest generation of the Micra (called March in Japan) that debuts at the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon.

Nismo used the five-door version of the Micra as a base developing a full body kit that comprises of a modified front grille incorporated into a newly designed front bumper with a separate spoiler, matching side skirts, a roof spoiler, a new rear bumper with a diffuser and finally, different exterior mirrors.

Similar to the Juke Nismo study, the supermini is painted in Nismo's signature colors with a pearl white exterior highlighted by red accents.

Inside, Nissan tells us (as we don't get any photos) that Nismo has added purpose-designed sports seats and steering wheel.

Performance modifications include a lowered sports suspension and larger diameter wheels along with a custom exhaust system.

For more news on the Tokyo Auto Salon 2012 with NAPAC, which takes place from January 13 to 15, check out our dedicated page here.

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Smart collaborating with Nissan on new B-segment car

Smart has announced that it, the purveyor of pint-sized conveyances, has partnered up with Nissan to build a new vehicle slated to go on sale here in the States. Details are remarkably scarce at the moment, but Smart has been kind enough to roll out a couple of sketches to give us an idea of what’s coming down the pike. From the press release, we’re told that the new creation will be a five-door, B-segment competitor powered by a gasoline engine, and that it will go on sale late 2011.

Given the short lead time, we’re that the car will likely be based on the Nissan Micra, especially since Nissan’s current B-segment car, the Versa, is one of the largest offerings in that class. The sketches don’t exactly reveal too much, other than the fact that the vehicle will retain the Smart penchant for unique design.

As of right now, the two companies have merely signed a Memorandum of Understanding. That means that the final decision still has to go through numerous approvals before getting the go ahead. Still, it’s good to see Smart making moves to get out of the rut the company has been in for the past year or so. Hit the jumpto read the official press release.

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