NISMO 40 years of motorsports and performance development mark a key milestone for Nissan. The company launched the Patrol NISMO and Z NISMO in the Middle East less than a year ago. These models extend NISMO’s legacy from racetracks to roads.
NISMO 40 Years: Origins and Founding Philosophy
Nissan founded NISMO in September 1984 in Omori, Tokyo. The division resulted from merging Nissan’s Advertising Division in Omori and the Special Car Testing Division in Oppama. Yasuharu Namba, the first president, stated that technology from motorsports feeds back into production cars. This philosophy guides NISMO operations.
In 1985, NISMO tuned the VG30 turbo engine into a 3.0-liter V-6. This engine secured victory at the WEC-JAPAN race for driver Kazuyoshi Hoshino. Moreover, NISMO entered the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1986.
Racing Achievements Across Decades
NISMO achieved wins at the Spa 24 Hours in 1991 and Bathurst 1000 with the R32 Skyline GT-R. The R91 CP took the overall title at Daytona 24 Hours in 1992. After the Group C era, NISMO developed components for road cars like the S13 Silvia and R32 GT-R.
The NISMO 270R and NISMO 400R followed in 1996 with a 2.8-liter RB26DETT engine producing 400 horsepower. In 2007, NISMO released the Fairlady Z Version NISMO as its first official volume road car. Furthermore, NISMO entered Formula E in 2018, earning six podiums and five pole positions in the debut season.
Nissan committed to Formula E through 2026. NISMO also won Super GT championships in 2003, 2004, 2008, 2014, and 2015. These results highlight automotive performance expertise.
Middle East Role in NISMO Road Cars
The Middle East received the Patrol NISMO in 2015 as the first region with an exclusive NISMO model. This version suited GCC conditions. The all-new Patrol NISMO, launched in 2025, features a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. It delivers nearly 500 horsepower and 700 Nm of torque in Sport Mode.
The model includes optimized aerodynamics and NISMO-tuned suspension. In addition, the all-new Z NISMO offers a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 420 horsepower and 520 Nm of torque. It incorporates motorsport-inspired aerodynamics.
“For more than 40 years, NISMO has represented the pure expression of Nissan performance, and the Middle East has become one of the most important markets where that spirit truly comes to life.”
Thierry Sabbagh, Divisional Vice President, President Middle East, KSA, CIS – Nissan, INFINITI
Current Competitions and Future Outlook
NISMO competes in Super GT and Formula E. It supports customer racing with the Nissan Z NISMO GT4 in the US and Japan. Recently, NISMO introduced the Ariya NISMO road car. As a result, NISMO maintains its focus on blending racing technology with everyday vehicles.
The Middle East connection strengthens through these launches. Nissan continues operations from its Yokohama headquarters across regions including AMIEO. Future models will likely build on this motorsports heritage, supporting regional demand for performance vehicles.