Nissan has been struggling in recent years, marked by job cuts, plant closures, and falling sales, but it’s not giving up just yet. To reverse its fortunes, the company has introduced the Re:Nissan plan — an action-driven recovery strategy aimed at overhauling its business. As part of the plan, Nissan has announced its intention to expand its Nismo lineup in an attempt to reconnect with its racing heritage.
Nissan believes that its “heartbeat models” are the key to boosting the brand’s image and sales. To that end, Nissan aims to double the number of Nismo models available globally from five to 10. If it all works out accordingly, Nissan promises that it can increase its annual shipment volumes from 100,000 units to 150,000 units by 2028 — increasing overseas sales from 40% to 60%.
Noting Nissan’s current financial situation, the company mentioned that they will consider collaborating with “external partners” to help them with their Nismo pursuit. Just like what Toyota did with the GT86/GR86 and the GR Supra, these new future Nismo models could share platforms and/or engines with other carmakers.
These statements are certainly not all bark and no bite. Nissan is already preparing to reveal a new Nismo concept model at the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon 2026. The company hasn’t said anything about the upcoming model just yet, but has revealed a teaser image of the rear left side of the car.
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Based on the image alone, it appears to be some form of hatchback, evident from the tailgate cutaway and the steeply raked rear windscreen. That said, the car looks far from ordinary, with dramatically widened proportions, pronounced rear haunches, and a large integrated side vent — giving it a distinctly rally-inspired look.
Whether this is a heavily reworked version of an existing model or, better yet, an entirely new sports car, remains to be seen. Either way, it’s shaping up to be an exciting prospect and a much-needed breath of fresh air from Nissan, a brand that once built some of the world’s most iconic supercar slayers.
On a related note, Nissan is also planning to expand its heritage and restoration program for iconic legacy models. The company says that the global auto restoration market is valued at approximately JPY500 billion (approx. RM13 billion) and is projected to grow upwards of JPY1.2 trillion (approx. RM31.7 billion) by 2032.
For now, Nissan Motorsports & Customisation (NMC) will focus on expanding its offerings around the Skyline GT-R R32, R33 and R34, with “more vehicles and regional offerings to follow”. This could eventually see support extended to other iconic enthusiast models, such as the Z cars and perhaps even the Silvia range.
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NMC President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Yutaka Sanada, said, “Nismo continues to elevate the excitement and innovation of Nissan vehicles. Moving forward, we aim to infuse our passion and driven excitement into Nissan’s other product lines.”
Adding to that, Nissan said in its press release, “Through ongoing motorsports activities, expansion of customisation, and growth of the heritage and restoration business, NMC aims to deliver new excitement to Nissan and Nismo fans worldwide.”
