Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., together with Nissan Motorsports & Customizing Co., Ltd. (NMC), has revealed the Aura NISMO RS Concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2026, showcasing a bold vision for a next-generation high-performance electrified hot hatch and hinting at potential future production.
Developed as a technical validation model, the concept evolves from the Aura NISMO and integrates the high-output e-POWER system from the X-Trail NISMO, combining motorsports-inspired engineering with mass-production vehicle technologies. Nissan confirmed it is exploring the feasibility of bringing the concept to market.
Aggressive design with functional aerodynamics
The Aura NISMO RS Concept builds on the brand’s “Agile Electric City Racer” philosophy with a more muscular and track-focused design. Wider fenders expanded by 145 mm, a 20 mm lower ride height and a broader stance give the car a low center of gravity and commanding road presence.
A full aerodynamic package — including a front spoiler, side skirts, rear diffuser with signature NISMO red accents, airflow-optimized front fenders, side air splitters and a dedicated rear spoiler — has been developed to increase downforce while minimizing drag. The concept is finished in an exclusive Dark Matte NISMO Stealth Gray, designed to maintain visual consistency under varying light conditions.
Motorsports-driven performance upgrade
At its core, the concept pairs the compact, lightweight Aura NISMO platform with Nissan’s high-output series-hybrid e-POWER drivetrain, delivering a significant increase in power to the wheels and sharper throttle response.
Handling and stability are enhanced through the widened body, high-grip tires and NISMO-tuned e-4ORCE all-wheel control technology, offering improved traction and cornering capability. Braking is reinforced by large opposed-piston calipers — four-pot units at the front and two-pot at the rear — ensuring strong stopping performance despite an approximate 100-kg weight increase over the standard Aura NISMO.
Nissan and NMC stated that the concept will continue to be refined, with possible applications in motorsport as well as future commercialization.
Strategic importance for NISMO
“Under our Re:Nissan strategy, we are committed to introducing heartbeat models at speed that resonate with customers,” said Yutaka Sanada, President and CEO of NMC. “The Aura NISMO RS Concept is our first offering born from the collective expertise of NMC. NISMO has always pushed people and technology to the limit in motorsports, and we will continue delivering that excitement to customers and fans worldwide.”
Key specifications (Aura NISMO RS Concept)
- Length: 4,262 mm
- Width: 1,880 mm
- Height: 1,485 mm
- Kerb weight: 1,490 kg
- Front motor: 150 kW / 330 Nm
- Rear motor: 100 kW / 195 Nm
- Power generation engine: 1.5-litre turbo (106 kW / 250 Nm)
- Drivetrain: e-POWER with e-4ORCE AWD
- Wheels: NISMO LM GT4, 18×9.0J
- Tyres: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 (245/45R18)
With its blend of aggressive styling, electrified performance and motorsports DNA, the Aura NISMO RS Concept highlights Nissan’s intent to redefine the future of performance-oriented hybrid vehicles.
