NISMO® Performance
What is NISMO?
The Name Says It All
NISMO is the embodiment of ultimate Nissan performance, inspired by the most unforgiving proving ground – the race track. An elite group of engineers and test drivers who have worked, driven, and won on every level take select Nissan vehicles and create NISMO road cars that offer a uniquely thrilling and authentic experience. With a name derived from NISsan MOtorsport, you should expect nothing less.
Ultimate Nissan Performance, Every Day
From the Racetrack to Your Driveway
As passionate as we are about performance, we are also dedicated to the idea that the joy of owning and driving a NISMO vehicle should be available to every enthusiast. So we are pleased to offer a wide range of vehicles, where everything from enhanced aerodynamics to competition-tuned suspensions to race-inspired cockpits put you in the sweet spot of track-inspired performance and a road car you feel comfortable driving on your daily commute.
Why Only a NISMO Feels Like a NISMO
Great handling isn’t a result of just data. It requires a human touch. NISMO development drivers are much more than just racecar drivers focused on the fastest lap time. They focus on what the vehicle should feel like. What is exciting. What feels thrilling. As much on the street as on the track. They ensure every NISMO feels like a NISMO.
A Driving Legend
Meet Hiroyoshi Kato. Nissan Technical Meister. Nissan Nürburgring Meister. He is not easily satisfied. But when he is, you’ll feel the magic every time you are behind the wheel.
Worn with Pride
With NISMO vehicles now being sold in many countries, a worldwide audience can appreciate the incredible amount of engineering, testing, and manufacturing know-how required before a vehicle wears the NISMO badge.
Design Driven by Function
Aerodynamic Alchemy
A NISMO vehicle looks the way it does for one simple reason – pure function. Painstaking design down to the millimeter creates a shape with massive downforce to help you hold the road. Details like a rear diffuser, rear spoiler, and side sills reduce drag so you slice through the air. The fact that it looks this great doing so – icing on the cake.
Adrenaline on Tap
Race-Proven Engineering
Step on the throttle and feel how race-proven engineering makes every trip through the gears memorable, with quick response, strong low-end torque, a wide powerband, and the unique growl of the exhaust note.
A Product of Relentless Development
Regular Nissan vehicles go through years of extensive dynamic development and testing. Then, when they are done, the NISMO team takes it from there and keep on developing. Enter the master craftsman. More tests. More engineering. More perfecting of the driving experience.
A UNIQUELY HUMAN TOUCH
While it is important, data will only tell you so much. A number alone won't thrill, won't give an unforgettable driving experience. It takes a special kind of genius – a uniquely human touch – to take science and turn it into a living, breathing, exhilarating machine.
The Hidden Language of Data
Numbers speak – but it takes a special talent to know what they're really saying. NISMO engineers are involved during the entire process of vehicle development. Combing through an incredible amount of data, engineers can pinpoint the exact points to make the vehicle have that unique NISMO feel.
Collaborate, Never Compromise
It takes a special skill set to create a NISMO. Engineers must be capable drivers and development drivers must be fluent in the language of engineering. This allows them to work together, raising the bar for excellence in both disciplines. The result is a vehicle that feels as good as it performs.
The "Secret Ingredient"
NISMO engineers ride along with development drivers – testing, gathering data, experiencing. Working together, the "NISMO-ness" is constantly unfolded. It's a process that is constantly repeated until Engineer and Driver are satisfied.
Handling that Makes Every Corner an Occasion
Intimately Connected to the Road
You feel it through the wheel, the seats, the pedals. Competition-tuned suspensions can feature enhancements like stiffer springs, body dampers, and chassis reinforcements to create incredible handling and precision. Your NISMO responds to your commands as if it were reading your mind.
Body and Chassis Reinforcement
Inside the World of NISMO
NISMO vehicles go through a series of body and chassis stiffness reinforcements after the vehicles leave the assembly line.
Large Structural Support
NISMO models get large diameter structural supports. Each part is applied after the vehicles leave the assembly line by a unique team. Each attachment bolt is checked, then double-checked.
Gripping Performance
The Touchpoint Between Car and Road
Bend into a corner and the steering tells you everything you need to know. Step on the brakes and feel control that lets you perfectly balance the chassis for precise handling. Hundreds of tire, brake, and wheel combinations are tested on track and street to find the right match for the chassis and to make sure you’re hard-wired to your drive.
It All Starts with Tires
Inside the World of NISMO
The right tires are essential to everything else. You can’t tune the shocks, the coils, or even choose the right wheel stiffness until you get the right tire size and compound chosen.
A Driver-Focused Cockpit
Track-Inspired Ergonomics
Deeply bolstered sport seats hold you as you corner. Alcantara® cloth improves your grip on the steering wheel. Inspired by rally driving and drifting, there’s even a red signature atop the steering wheel to let you know where 12 o’clock is. In a NISMO cockpit, car and driver become one.
Hand-Built Passion
Inside the World of NISMO
NISMO models start off being assembled like the regular version. But when the other vehicles are done, the NISMO models have an extended journey. A hand-built journey.
Painted By Hand
A special hand-masking process (unique to NISMO models) is required to achieve the NISMO brand colors on each vehicle produced. To achieve the level of quality demanded, key parts including side sills and bumpers are painted in 3 separate steps. Each step requires a technician to precisely hand-mask off each layer of color. These extra steps ensure enhanced durability and the highest quality.
Individually Assembled
Technicians apply body parts unique to NISMO models like side sills and rear spoilers. Each is carefully hand-inspected to ensure proper alignment and fit.
Behind-the-scenes NISMO Videos
Get an insider's look at how NISMO vehicles are engineered and built, and go for a pulse-raising 360-degree thrill ride.
A Heritage of Innovation
A History of Tenacity
Nissan’s racing legacy began more than 80 years ago and continues today. It’s an amazing story of determination, adversity, and passion for the sport. Here are some highlights.
Competition begins, innovation accelerates
Tamagawa speedway
In only its second year, the passion for motorsport is obvious. At a 1200-meter oval track near Tokyo, Datsun® - the original brand of Nissan, which later became known officially as Nissan – employs the NL75 racer’s new DOHC supercharged engine to win against other, much larger foreign cars, starting the legend of a “Giant Killer”. It also begins the tradition of taking lessons learned from racing, and bringing them to our street vehicles.
Conquering a 19-day Challenge Others Couldn’t Endure
Australian Rally
Battling poor roads, floods, and extreme temperatures, Nissan furthers its reputation for durability by finishing first in its class at the “The World’s Cruelest Rally” around the Australian continent. At the wheel was Yasuharu Nanba, who later becomes the first president of NISMO. Half the entrants didn’t finish the 16,600-km course – deemed so severe, it was never used again.
The Skyline Overtakes the Porsche and Inspires a Generation
Shock at Suzuka
World Class performance. The Skyline® GT earns Pole position in qualifying for the 1964 JAPAN Grand Prix, and then overtakes a Porsche® 904 Carrera® GTS, taking the lead at the Japan Grand Prix. Not only a surprise to Porsche®, it becomes one of the pinnacle moments for motorsport and Japan.
New Continent – New Records
240Z in the U.S.A.
In 1970, the 240Z was a favorite among private racers, and began a tradition of collecting titles in SCCA C Production. The Z wins the C Production National Championships in 1970 and 1971. The Z legend continues with a 350Z win in the Touring 3 race at the 2016 SCCA National Championships, marking Nissan’s 100th SCCA Runoff title – the first automaker in SCCA history to achieve such an incredible landmark.
Return of the King
GT-R Revival
After bringing the GT-R back in 1989, it returns to motorsport with a vengeance, lapping all competitors to win its first race in 1990. It becomes one of the most dominant racers ever in the All-Japan Touring Car Championships, with an unprecedented 29-race winning streak through 1993. It becomes a worldwide phenomenon, winning the 1991 Spa Francorchamps 24 hours. In Australia, the GT-R wins the title for 1991 and 1992, and earns the nickname “Godzilla”.
Rising to New Challenges
Group C Success
Participating in Group C in Japan from 1984, Nissan’s Group C car builds an impressive record, including three wins in 1990-1992. After the team creates its own chassis in 1991, drivers Masahiro Hasemi, Kazuyoshi Hoshino, and Toshio Suzuki serve notice on the world stage with a win at the prestigious 1992 24 Hours of Daytona with the R91CP.
Podium Finish
24 Hours of Le Mans
With a Le Mans program that began in 1986, the 1998 NISMO-developed Nissan R390 GT1 takes on the world's most legendary endurance race. With a 3rd-place finish in the GT1 class, it becomes the first time a Japanese team stands on the podium at Le Mans. In addition to this, 4 of the top 10 finishers in GT1 were Nissan vehicles.
Fairlady Z GT500 Rides to Victory in Its Debut Year
2004 All Japan GT Championship
Successor to the Skyline GT-R R34, the Fairlady Z quickly proved its competitiveness by winning its very first race. Satoshi Motoyama and Richard Lyons drove it to victory. The Fairlady Z went on to win Round 6, culminating with Nissan securing the Team title for the season, and Motoyama and Lyons taking home the Driver’s crown.
Motorsports
Always Racing Forward
NISMO MOTORSPORT
Get an overview of where we are racing, about our cars and what people are talking about.
NISMO Community
Eat, Sleep, Breathe NISMO
A place to share, enjoy, and experience. Welcome to the home of the most passionate enthusiasts on the planet.
NISMO Driving Academy
Accelerate Your Performance
The perfect way to learn the limits of you and your NISMO, and improve your driving skills in a safe environment.
NISMO GT Academy
Your Chance to Go Pro
Take your skills from the virtual world of Gran Turismo on PlayStation® to the awesome experience of reality in one of the most unique programs in motorsports.
NISMO Events
What Are You Doing This Weekend...
From Texas to Tokyo, find a gathering of NISMO enthusiasts near you, including the annual NISMO Festival, celebrating the most potent Nissan vehicles ever to turn a wheel.
NISMO Parts and Accessories
Parts for Perfection
Find parts and accessories for your NISSAN and NISMO vehicle.
NISMO Performance Parts
Take your vehicle to the next level with motorsport-tested, precision-engineered performance parts.
NISMO Merchandise
Show your NISMO pride with this unique collection of performance-inspired merchandise.