Nissan Nismo Expansion Plans: New Performance Cars and Global Strategy Explained

Nissan has set out a clear plan to grow its NISMO performance brand, a move that will interest car enthusiasts who follow the link between motorsport and road cars. As part of the Re:Nissan turnaround programme, the company plans to double the global NISMO line-up from five models to ten.

This expansion supports Nissan’s goal to increase annual NISMO sales from 100,000 units to 150,000 units by the end of the 2028 fiscal year. A key focus is exports, with overseas markets expected to contribute 60 per cent of total NISMO volumes, up from 40 per cent today. Nissan positions NISMO as a platform where racing knowledge feeds into production cars, while road use also shapes motorsport development.

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The entire programme sits under Nissan Motorsports & Customizing, or NMC, which manages racing activity, vehicle development, parts supply and customisation. The NISMO push also links with Nissan’s wider electrification plans leading up to 2030.

Wider Range and Stronger Global Focus

At present, the NISMO range includes the Z, Ariya, Skyline, X-Trail and Patrol, offering a mix of sports cars, SUVs and electric vehicles. Nissan has confirmed that five more NISMO models will be added, although it has not disclosed which vehicles they will be. The company also plans to extend the NISMO badge to more crossovers and saloons to reach a broader customer base.

To support this expansion, NMC is increasing production capacity and introducing dealer training programmes to prepare sales and service teams. Nissan is also open to working with external partners to reduce development time and manage costs.

Motorsport remains central to the NISMO identity. From the 2026 fiscal year, Nissan will introduce prototype race cars that will help develop hardware and software for future road models. The brand already competes in Formula E and Super GT and plans to enter additional racing categories. New testing facilities in Japan will support prototype development, while data from racing will influence software updates for NISMO road cars.

Alongside new products, NMC is expanding its restoration business, starting with the Skyline GT-R R32, R33 and R34. Nissan values the restoration market at 500 billion yen, with strong growth expected by 2032. Studies are also underway for future NISMO models, including a Leaf-based variant, an Infiniti Q50 successor and a Navara-based option, with hybrid and electric powertrains under review.