As it rolls out its latest revival plan, Nissan is shifting focus from cost-cutting to product, and there’s a renewed emphasis on performance in the works. The second-largest Japanese automaker plans to double the number of Nismo models developed as part of a collaboration with the company’s racing team. More from Headlight.News.
Expect to see plenty of new and updated models coming from Nissan over the next several years, products like the reborn Xterra desperately needed to support the struggling manufacturer’s Re:Nissan turnaround plan.
That may seem small comfort to fans saddened by the departure of the iconic Nissan GT-R. But while there have been mixed signals about if – or when – that sports car might return – Nissan performance aficionados have at least one good reason to celebrate.
The automaker now says it will double its line-up of Nismo-badged products, teaming up with its Nismo motorsports team to come up with 10 low-volume models over the next few years.
What’s new
Nissan Motosports International, shortened from its Japanese name to Nismo, was founded 41 years ago but only became a Nissan division in April 2022. Over the years, it has been responsible for the automaker’s motorsports efforts in a variety of circuits, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It has also helped in the development of a series of low-volume Nissan performance products such as the original 1987 Skyline R31 GTS-R Group A, of which only 823 were built.
The plan appears to be aimed at turning Nismo into more of a direct competitor to the likes of BMW’s M brand, and Mercedes’ AMG. The Nissan performance arm currently lends its name – and technology – to five models worldwide. And, going forward, it will take on products for both the Nissan and Infiniti brands.
Unlike some competitors who are rolling out more powerful versions of familiar products, however, Nismo products see extensive upgrades to everything from their suspensions to their braking systems.
The full monty
“It’s easy to just add another 20 hp, but how do you deliver 50 percent more horsepower with reliability?” Tiago Castro, vice president of Infiniti Americas, told trade publication Automotive News.
How that will play out going forward remains to be seen, though we can expect to see a broader approach to powertrain technologies, as signaled by the Nismo version of the all-electric Nissan Ariya that was briefly offered in some overseas markets. (Nissan has decided to put production of that EV on hold for 2026.)
Going with more electrified powertrain technology is likely going to be in the works, several Nissan insiders told Headlight.News on background. That would provide the ability to tap into the instant torque electric motors can provide.
What’s coming
Unfortunately, Nissan Americans currently have scant opportunity to put a Nismo product in their garage. There’s a top-line version of the Z-car and Armada available in the States. But the automaker recently revealed the performance division is rolling out a take on Infiniti’s flagship QX80. And it is developing versions of the upcoming QX65 crossover and Q50S sedan.
Several other Nismo models are available abroad, including a variant of the compact Rogue. A new version of that crossover is due out next year and will see some new powertrain options, starting with the first e-Power system of the States. Some observers are wondering whether a next-gen Rogue Nismo could also be in the works for the Americas.
All told, expect to see 10 Nismo models worldwide before the end of the decade – and likely sooner. Even though Nismo products will continue to target niche segments, Nissan does see opportunities for growth. It’s projecting volumes will reach 150,000 by 2028, a 50% increase. And while the performance arm has traditionally derived most of its volume from Japan, the target is to now get anywhere from 40% to 60% of sales from outside the home market.
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