The Nissan Cube Z11 is a car that cannot be confused with any other vehicle on the road. Its asymmetrical design, reminiscent of a child's toy, is eye-catching, but many owners want to emphasize their individuality even more. This is where it comes into play body tuning, allowing you to turn this Japanese minivan into a real art object.
Many people mistakenly believe that revision Nissan Cube limited to stickers and color film only. In fact, the potential of this platform is enormous: from aggressive lowering of the suspension to serious reworking of the power unit. In this article, we'll break down every aspect of upgrading so you can create a car that's unique and technically advanced.
Visual transformation of the body and aerodynamics
The first thing that catches your eye when looking at a tuned Cube Z11, is a change in silhouette. The original geometry is already unusual in itself, but adding body kits can radically change the perception of the car. Aerodynamic packages for this model they are often customized, since ready-made solutions are not as common as for classic sedans.
Owners often pay attention to the installation of wide fender liners and arch extensions. This not only visually makes the car wider and more stable, but also makes it possible to install wheels of larger diameter.
Particular attention should be paid to working with glass and optics. Tinting the rear doors and rear hatch can give the car a more mysterious and sporty look. Some enthusiasts are replacing stock headlights with LED counterparts or adding angel eye inserts, which significantly improves not only aesthetics, but also the quality of lighting at night.
- 🚗 Installation of wide fender liners for R16-R18 wheels
- 🎨 Painting the roof in a contrasting color to create the effect of a “two-tone” body
- 💡 Replacement of standard lenses with modern LED blocks
- 🛡️ Installation of protective moldings with a glossy or matte finish
⚠️ Attention: When replacing bumpers with non-original parts, be sure to check the compatibility of the mounts and parking sensors. It is often necessary to modify the standard installation locations of sensors to avoid damage to them when washing or driving.
Suspension modifications and wheel selection
A characteristic feature of many projects with Nissan Cube - this is an understatement. Thanks to the independent rear suspension and front MacPherson strut, this car is highly customizable for geometry. Lowering the suspension makes the car more squat, aggressive and improves its stability on the track, although it slightly reduces comfort on bumps.
To achieve an ideal result, springs with reduced travel or full coilovers are often used. Coilovers allow you to flexibly adjust the height of the body, which is especially important if you plan to participate in exhibitions or simply want to find a balance between style and practicality. Don’t forget about replacing silent blocks with polyurethane analogues to increase control rigidity.
The choice of wheels is half the success of the appearance. For Cube Z11 Both classic high offset "cast" (ET) wheels and forged wheels that allow the use of wider tires are excellent. The standard 4x114.3 bolt pattern gives you access to a huge selection of Japanese and European wheels, which gives you creative freedom.
- ⚙️ Installation of coilovers for smooth clearance adjustment
- 🔧 Replacing levers with adjustable ones to correct wheel alignment
- 🛞 Using wheels with offset ET35-ET45 for a better view of the arches
- 💨 Installation of arch extensions for wheels with a width of 205-215 mm
- Classic drop (3-5 cm)
- Aggressive "half-arch"
- Air-ride air suspension
- Standard ground clearance for comfort
⚠️ Attention: If the suspension is greatly lowered, there is a risk of damage to the sills and the underbody on speed bumps. It is recommended to install protective pads or consider air suspension, which allows you to raise the body while moving.
Technical tuning of the engine and exhaust system
Engines 1.2 HR12DE and 1.5 HR15DE, installed on Nissan Cube Z11, do not have phenomenal stock power. However, even with these naturally aspirated engines you can achieve a noticeable increase in dynamics. Chip tuning allows you to optimize engine performance by removing factory restrictions on the air-fuel mixture and ignition timing.
To improve performance more radically, the exhaust system is often changed. Installing a direct-flow muffler or a 4-2-1 spider system not only adds a pleasant bass sound, but also improves cylinder ventilation. This is especially noticeable when accelerating from a traffic light or when overtaking. It is important to choose a system that is not too loud so as not to create discomfort in the cabin.
Additionally, you can install a sports filter of zero resistance or a cold intake. This will increase the volume of incoming air and improve the response of the gas pedal. Combined with reflashing the ECU, these changes produce tangible results, making city driving more dynamic and responsive.
- 🚀 Software optimization of ECU (Stage 1) for naturally aspirated engines
- 🔊 Installation of direct-flow stainless steel exhaust system
- 🌬️ Installation of cold intake and high-throughput filter
- ⚙️ Replacing the throttle valve with a sports analogue with an increased diameter
⚠️ Attention: Chip tuning of engines with direct injection or complex recirculation systems requires caution. Incorrect settings can lead to engine detonation and overheating, shortening its life.
Interior and cabin ergonomics
Salon Nissan Cube distinguished by its unusual layout, including the famous rear bench, which can be folded or removed. Interior reupholstery - This is a great way to update your interior and give it a premium look. Alcantara, eco-leather or natural leather in contrasting colors are often used.
Particular attention should be paid to the dashboard and steering wheel. Installing a sports steering wheel from other models Nissan or custom product improves handling and appearance. You can also replace the standard radio with a modern multimedia system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which will significantly expand the functionality of the car.
Additional sound insulation is a mandatory stage of high-quality tuning. Eliminating extraneous sounds and vibrations will make travel more comfortable. It is especially important to treat the arches, doors and floors, since noise penetrates very quickly in a compact body. The use of vibration and noise insulation materials will transform the driving experience.
- 🎨 Reupholstering the seats and ceiling in contrasting colors
- 🎛️ Installation of multimedia with large touch screen
- 🔇 Comprehensive sound insulation of doors, floors and arches
- 🪑 Replacing seats with sports buckets with better lateral support
☑️ Preparing the interior for tuning
Electrical, lighting and multimedia
Modern tuning is impossible without working with electrical equipment. Increasing the brightness of the headlights and installing additional lighting sources makes the car more visible and safer. LED modules The headlights produce brighter, whiter light than halogen bulbs, which is critical for night driving.
In the cabin you can install multi-color LED lighting, which is controlled from a remote control or smartphone. This creates a unique atmosphere at night and allows you to change your mood depending on the situation. It is also popular to install lighting under the bottom (neon lighting), which looks impressive in photographs and videos.
Don't forget about the alarm and access system. Installing modern systems with phone start, shock sensors and automatic door closing adds comfort and safety. Integrating a rear view camera and parking sensors into the multimedia screen makes maneuvering in tight city spaces easier.
- 💡 Replacing headlight bulbs with powerful LED analogues
- 🌈 Installation of multi-color LED interior and underbody lighting
- 🔔 Remote controlled alarm upgrade
- 📷 Installation of all-round cameras for easy parking