Nismo to Grow with Electric and Performance Models

Nismo, Nissan’s performance wing, will expand with new electric and hybrid models, maintaining its legacy while adapting to modern needs.

Nismo, Nissan’s performance division renowned for its fast Skyline GT-Rs, is set to embrace electrification and expand its lineup in the coming years, according to a company executive. Francois Bally, Nissan SVP and Chief Planning Officer for the Africa, Middle East, India, Europe, and Oceania regions, confirmed the brand’s growth plans, as reported by Drive.

«We want to make the Nismo brand bigger. For me, Nismo represents the Z, the GT-R, the Patrol, and other performance cars. The idea of EV and Nismo? I have no issue with it,» Bally stated while speaking to the Australian media. Earlier this year, Nissan introduced the Ariya Nismo, a performance-oriented crossover featuring 429 horsepower, enhanced handling, and sportier design elements.

Despite potential skepticism from Nismo enthusiasts about electric performance vehicles, the brand aims to adapt to evolving customer preferences. Maintaining Nismo’s legacy from the ’80s and ’90s depends on Nissan’s future actions. Nismo’s electric models must offer more than just aggressive styling to avoid diluting the brand’s image.

Nissan’s approach with the Ariya Nismo, which delivers 428 hp compared to the standard model’s 389 hp, and handling upgrades for the Nissan Leaf Nismo, demonstrates their commitment to performance. However, the Leaf’s unchanged 147 hp output shows room for improvement.

Nismo’s future won’t be limited to EVs. Bally indicated that even internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid crossovers like the new Qashqai and Juke will receive high-performance variants. «There is both an appetite and intention for this. As a company, we’re balancing resource allocation between electrifying our lineup and developing new technologies necessary for these sporty cars,» he said.

Performance crossovers may not thrill traditional car enthusiasts but appeal to mainstream buyers seeking a blend of speed, practicality, and uniqueness. Sales of these vehicles could fund the development of Nismo sports cars, such as the Nissan Z Nismo. Bally emphasized the importance of continuing electrification efforts, building technological foundations, and eventually introducing more sports cars. The next-generation GT-R is expected to incorporate some form of electrification, as hinted by the Hyper Force concept.