Nismo range to expand

Nissan is aiming to significantly grow its motorsport-inspired Nismo performance sub-brand by doubling its global line-up to 10 models.

The Japanese company has yet to provide specifics on what they may be, but it has teased a racing-inspired, road-ready Nismo sports car. 

It says that this year, “prototype vehicles for racing activities” will make their debut, which could eventually lead to a showroom-ready model.

The marque’s luxury division, Infiniti, could also get the Nismo treatment. The former is collaborating with the latter’s motorsports team on low-volume, high-performance variants of existing and future vehicles.

Infiniti is seeking to develop high-output variants, including the QX80 SUV and the planned Q50S sedan and QX65 crossover. The initiative is in an advanced planning stage with the aim of delivering substantial performance gains.

Infiniti has teased its plans with a concept QX80 Track Spec, pictured above. It’s powered by the same twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine as the QX80 with about 50 per cent more output.

Nissan projects the expanded portfolio will boost annual sales of Nismo vehicles by about 50 per cent to 150,000 units by 2028.