What is Nissan Nismo?

Lots of manufacturers have a range of high performance vehicles in their lineups and, for  Nissan, the fastest offerings come from its Nismo division. While Nissan already produces sports cars including the GT-R and 370Z, Nismo injects even more power and performance to turn them into true road-going race cars. We’re taking a look at the models in the Nismo range to explain exactly what they offer. Our new car deals page will find you great deals on a new car, straight from the UK’s leading official dealers.

What is Nissan Nismo?

The name stands for ‘Nissan Motorsports’. Thanks to their superbly-crafted engines, Nismo models have the power to punch well above their weight. All offer ludicrous performance thanks to enhancements to the engine, drivetrain, brakes and suspension. In fact, pretty much every driving component on a Nismo will have been tweaked in some way over the standard model. From saving weight from interior trim pieces to minute changes to the turbocharger – Nismos are the most fastidiously developed Nissans available.

What models is Nissan Nismo available on?

Nissan Juke Nismo RS

It might be somewhat of a surprise to find the quirky Nissan Juke can be specced in Nismo-guise – it adds to the car’s already-left-field approach, but you’re guaranteed to stand out. The 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine might not have as much power as other Nismos, but the 215hp is enough to get the car from a standstill to 60mph in seven seconds. Its performance makes it an alternative to lots of run-of-the-mill hot hatches. The suspension’s been firmed up, but it manages to cosset the driver fromthe worst of the bumps, too. Inside, you’ll find Nismo sports seats and swathes of Alcantara.

Nissan 370Z Nismo

The Nissan 370Z is where the Nismo treatment comes into full-force – while it uses the same engine as the rest of the 370 range, it eeks an extra 15hp from the 3.7-litre V6, bringing total power up to 339hp. Other additions over its slower sibling include a full Nismo-bodykit, new suspension setup, wider alloy wheels and a full sports-Alcantara interior. As a result, it’ll feel tighter and more responsive on the road but, thanks to the standard 370Z’s already impressive stats, the 0-60mph run is almost identical at 5.2 seconds.

Nissan GT-R Nismo

This is where the Nismo engineers’ work really shines – a Nismo-tuned Nissan GT-R has capabilities that shame almost all supercars. It’ll get you from rest to 60mph in an eye-watering 2.7 seconds – that’s faster than a Ferrari California and even the mighty McLaren 650S. There’s around a £45,000 premium over a standard GT-R but, unlike most other cars of this pedigree, the Nismo keeps the basic GT-R’s usability and comfort. Along with the subtle but effective mechanical changes, you’ll get a beautifully-fitted Alcantara sports interior along with Nismo-specific alloy wheels and body kit.

Is Nissan Nismo worth it?

The Nissan Juke Nismo will set you back around £3,000 more than a top-of-the-range standard model – it won’t pull your hair out like the faster models, but it makes a good everyday fast car. The Nissan 370Z Nismo is around £10,000 more than the mainstream Coupe – a big difference when, for not much more than the £37,000 asking price, you could bag yourself a Porsche Cayman. The price difference is even more profound with the GT-R – a stonking £45,000 lies between the Nismo and the standard car. At £125,000, there are more than a few alternatives to choose from. As mentioned, however, there’s almost nothing on four wheels that’ll beat the Nismo GT-R.

What next?

If you like the sound of a Nismo Nissan, visit our Nissan Juke configurator, Nissan 370Z configurator and our Nissan GT-R configurator – you’ll get great deals from leading Nissan dealers. Alternatively, if you’re after something a little more sedate, our car chooser will help you narrow down your search. For brilliant prices on new cars, our new car deals page is worth a look.