RML Motorsport

When Nissan launched the new Micra model in 2003, they wanted a one-off high performance version to celebrate the company's sporting heritage and to form a focus for press activity, they looked to RML to turn the concept into reality.

The seeds were sewn at the 2002 Paris Motor Show. Nissan Design Europe penned a concept car called the C+C that was built with 'petrol heads' in mind. It was a derivative of the regular Micra, and would eventually make it onto roads worldwide.

However, for the 2003 Geneva Motor Show the Nissan design team went a step further, and displayed sketches of the Micra R, an 'extreme' re-imagining of the regular car. Spanish engineering firm Mazel built a concept version, and when Brian Carolin, Managing Director of Nissan Motor (GB) saw it, he envisioned the real Micra R, a vehicle that would be at home on the road or track.

Having managed Nissan's successful British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) campaigns of the late nineties, RML were held in high-esteem by the Japanese giant, and entrusted with making the Micra R real.

Shortly afterwards, two brand new 1.4SX Micras were delivered to RML, and the experts set to work.

What they came up with was truly stunning, a hot hatch with a 265bhp engine capable of 150mph, genuinely unlike anything else on the road.

RML used the 2.0 litre engine that formed the basis of the 1999 BTCC title-winning Primera, and mounted it behind the front seats to ensure the car wouldn't suffer from understeer, and remained fun to drive. New suspension came straight from the Almera, as well as the hydraulic power steering, and RML were able to increase the rigidity of the car's bodyshell by 30% with a built-in roll cage.

As part of the safety cell, FIA-approved racing harnesses were added, as well as an on-board fire extinguisher. Enormous, fully adjustable Brembo drilled brake discs were installed front and rear, and were seen as the best way of stopping the car without suffering brake fade.

The cockpit of the Micra R isn't as luxurious as the standard package, as the car was built for speed rather than comfort. Drivers are seated low, and are faced with a MoTeC digital screen, allowing them to find out information on speed, rpm, plus oil and water temperature and pressure. All plastic surfaces were given a 'velvety' feel through a process called flocking, and the floors covered in aluminium sheeting.

The improvements added 40Kg of weight to the package, but RML's expertise allowed the 1000kg target weight to be achieved by the shrewd removal of non-essential equipment, and lighter aluminium chassis parts.

Whilst the road-going Micra already featured unique looks, the Micra R took this several stages further. Ignoring the traditional visual cue of air scoops on high-performance cars, the Micra R was given a rear spoiler, sporty diffuser and big exhaust, plus the wheel arches were accentuated. This was capped with 18 inch alloy wheels and the highest-specification Toyo tyres. The car was liveried in Nissan's official racing colours of flame red and blade silver. It duly featured in a huge number of magazines and has continued to be a regular weapon in the Nissan GB press armoury. Truly a cost effective solution.

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