Nissan has freshened up the crazy Micra 350SR concept for its 23rd anniversary
Amid the imminent debut of the new Micra EV, Nissan has decided to mark the 23rd anniversary of one of its craziest projects - the mid-engined Micra 350SR - with a spectacular 'restomod'. The hatchback has been redesigned, equipped with modern electronics and even Apple CarPlay support.
Here's What We Know
The number 23 has a special meaning for Nissan because of its consonance with the Japanese pronunciation of "2" (ni) and "3" (san). This number has graced NISMO cars in motorsport for almost 40 years, and is now the occasion for an update to the iconic prototype.
The 350SR was built in 2002, based on the Micra K12, by the race team behind Nissan's success in the British Touring Car Championship of the 1990s. The project was commissioned by Nissan's British division to demonstrate the flexibility of the Micra platform and to recall its little-known racing roots in Japan.
At the heart of this madman is a 3.5-litre V6 engine from the Nissan Murano, fitted with manifolds from the 350Z, NISMO high-lift camshafts and a reconfigured ECU. Power has increased from 265bhp to around 300bhp with a total vehicle weight of just 1200kg.
For two decades, the 350SR has been a show car at Nissan events and in the hands of motoring journalists. But time marches on, and with the release of the sixth-generation Micra approaching and the symbolic 'ni-san' anniversary, it deserved an update.
Nissan GB has been helped in this endeavour by Nissan Design Europe in Paddington. It's also responsible for the new Micra EV and the spectacular Concept 20-23 show car. All three models have echoes of the K12's shape: rounded headlights, a distinctive silhouette.
Designers decided to approach the project as a light restomod, preserving the spirit of the original. The new exterior has a matte 'liquid silver' colour with blue accents, as well as graphics in the style of Nissan's new '=III 23' iconography, inspired by the taillights of the legendary 300ZX. The grille and underside are finished in gloss black, the original 18-inch RAYS wheels from the 350Z have been restored, and the front headlights have been replaced with LED headlights with semicircular DRLs.
In the cabin, there are new seats with racing belts, a 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, and modern acoustics. However, it is better to enjoy the music in a car park or when driving quietly - the sound of V6 remained as expressive as before.
The updated Micra 350SR will make its debut on 15 May at SMMT Test Day 2025 at Millbrook Proving Ground - the same place where it was first tested more than 20 years ago.
Source: Nissan
