Nismo Expansion Plan
Despite certain difficulties, Nissan has no intention of slowing down. On the contrary, it is taking a new powerful step into the world of high performance by announcing a strategy to expand its Nismo division. The plan involves doubling the global model lineup.
This strategy relies on motorsport as a testing ground and an effective marketing tool, and also includes the development of car customization and restoration directions.
The expansion plan includes increasing the Nismo lineup from five to ten models. The company aims to increase annual sales from approximately 100,000 units to 150,000 by 2028.
A larger share of these sales will fall on markets outside Japan. It is expected that foreign markets will account for 60% of sales volumes, compared to the current 40%. External partnerships are also being considered, in particular to accelerate the development of personalization services and expand the product line.
New Sports Model, Born on the Track
Motorsport remains at the very heart of the brand’s identity. Nismo has confirmed its participation in the Super GT and Formula E championships and will continue to compete in the Japanese Super Taikyu series. Furthermore, the company plans to enter new racing categories, using competitions as a moving proving ground for future sports models.
One of the most interesting pieces of news is a Nismo prototype that will begin participating in racing events in fiscal year 2026. While details remain a secret, the plan is to refine the prototype through motorsport and later turn it into a production model. Could this hint at the next generation GT-R, or will it be something completely different?
Growing Product Lineup
It is known for certain that the Nismo portfolio will grow beyond current offerings. Following the discontinuation of the R35 GT-R, buyers in North America are currently limited to the Z sports car and the Armada SUV.
Meanwhile, Japanese buyers can also choose from Nismo versions for the X-Trail (Rogue), Aura, Note Aura, Ariya, and Skyline models. Future additions may include a sportier version of the Leaf crossover and a fully electric hot hatch based on the Micra, intended for Europe.
As previously reported, at least one of the future Nismo products may bear the Infiniti badge. This most likely points to a production version of the QX80 Track Spec concept, first shown in August 2025.
This concept SUV was equipped with a tuned bi-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 650 hp, along with more aggressive bodywork and a lowered stance. Similar updates may appear on future Nismo versions of the Q50S sedan and QX65 crossover.
Factory-Supported Restoration Projects
Nismo is looking not only to the future but also paying attention to the past. The global restoration market is currently estimated at approximately 500 billion yen (about 3.3 billion dollars at the current exchange rate) and is projected to grow to over 1.2 trillion yen (8 billion dollars) by 2032.
Nissan hopes to gain a larger share of this segment by expanding the business of restoration, restomodding, and selling original parts. Currently, these efforts are focused on the R32, R33, and R34 GT-R generations, although the addition of more models is expected in the future.
Nissan’s announced plans demonstrate a multi-vector approach to the development of the Nismo brand. The company is clearly trying to balance between innovations in electromobility and motorsport on one hand, and nostalgia and the cult of classic models on the other. Doubling the model lineup and a significant increase in sales indicate serious ambitions to make Nismo not just an exclusive division, but a mass player in the sports car market. The success of this strategy will largely depend on whether the new models, especially electric ones, can capture the imagination of enthusiasts in the same way as the legendary GT-Rs of the past did.