Nissan will be displaying three models for the first time in Europe at this year's Geneva International Motor Show early next month.
The hotly anticipated Nissan GT-R boasts an all-new 3.7 V6 twin-turbo engine, producing 480PS and 353Nm, which is transmitted to its four wheels through one of the most advanced all-wheel drive systems ever developed, via a transaxle mounted dual-clutch, paddle-shift operated gearbox. Driver adjustable suspension, gearbox and stability control settings tune the GT-R's dynamic characteristics according to the conditions or preferred style of driving. This adaptability reinforces the central philosophy behind the GT-R: the supercar for anyone, anytime, anywhere. While the GT-R is as happy to drive sedately in an urban environment, its impeccable sporting credentials have been underlined by its lap of seven minutes and 38 seconds at the legendary Nurburgring circuit in Germany, one of the fastest times ever recorded by a production car.
The GT-R is expected to go on sale in March and European prices and specifications will be announced at the show.
Meanwhile, Nissan's Pivo 2 represents the other end of Nissan's passion for cars: friendly, innovative and design-led. It represents a commitment to finding new, innovative and bold solutions for future generations of motorists.
The Pivo 2 is a zero-emissions vehicle propelled by four small 3D disc motors in each wheel and powered by advanced Super-Thin Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) batteries. The driver can always face the direction of travel as the cabin rotates 360 degrees and each wheel has 90 degrees of movement, so parking manoeuvres can be executed easily.
Entrance to the cabin is through a single, front-mounted door which also houses the major controls. Operation is made possible thanks to "X by Wire" technology, meaning that the steering and other mechanical linkages are replaced by electronic signals to operate Pivo 2's drive systems.
The all-new Murano will build on the success of the existing model by offering more style, more refinement, improved performance and greater interior comfort and space.
One of the most distinctive models on the market, the current Murano has carved itself a position as a dynamic and striking crossover which represents a real alternative to road-based SUVs.
The new model continues this trend, thanks to its unique mix of strength, security and all-wheel drive reassurance normally found in an SUV, combined with the dynamic performance and striking appearance of a sporty passenger car.
Externally, the second-generation Murano shares obvious DNA with the original and the signature upswept rear side window line is retained, but taken altogether the changes are comprehensive: indeed, every body panel is different.
Inside, there is greater comfort and refinement - particularly for rear passengers - as well as more equipment and a greater sense of travelling in "business class".
Murano continues to be powered by Nissan's familiar 3.5-litre VQ engine which has been revised to offer improved performance. Now developing 265PS and 325Nm (240Ib ft) of torque, the 24 valve twin cam V6 provides better performance against the stop watch and at the petrol station.
Improvements have also been made to the Murano's Xtronic CVT transmission, which represents a major evolution of the technology. Extensively re-engineered with a 20 per cent reduction in friction losses, the new CVT improves fuel economy at the same time as improving shift speeds and responsiveness.
And Murano will be the first European model to be available with Nissan's Scratch Shield Paint which protects the exterior from marks and scratches typically sustained in everyday life.
The paint repairs the marks thanks to a newly developed highly elastic resin that helps prevent the scratches from damaging the base layer paint.
Sales of the new Murano will begin in Europe in October.