Nissan Unveils Aura NISMO RS Concept, Signals Possible Production Future At Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 

LAGOS  – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., in collaboration with Nissan Motorsports & Customising Co., Ltd. (NMC), has unveiled the Aura NISMO RS Concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2026, showcasing a bold vision for a high-performance hot hatch that blends cutting-edge electrified technology with motorsports-inspired design and engineering. 

The Aura NISMO RS Concept builds on the foundations of the Aura NISMO, transforming it into a more aggressive, performance-focused machine. 

Central to the concept is the integration of the high-output e-POWER system from the X-Trail NISMO, marking a significant step up in power delivery and driving dynamics. 

Developed as a technical validation exercise, the model draws on technologies proven in mass production alongside expertise honed through Nissan’s extensive motorsports activities. 

Nissan has confirmed it is actively exploring the possibility of bringing the concept to market as a production vehicle. 

Visually, the Aura NISMO RS Concept evolves the “Agile Electric City Racer” design philosophy into a more muscular and assertive form. Sharper body surfaces and significantly widened fenders – expanded by 145 mm – are complemented by a 20 mm reduction in ride height, resulting in a lower centre of gravity and a strikingly aggressive stance. 

Aerodynamic performance has been carefully enhanced through the addition of a front spoiler, side skirts, airflow-optimised front fenders, side air splitters and a rear diffuser, all highlighted with NISMO’s distinctive red accents. A dedicated rear spoiler further improves stability at speed. 

Collectively, these elements are engineered to increase downforce while reducing drag. The concept is finished in an exclusive Dark Matte NISMO Stealth Gray paint, designed to maintain a uniform appearance under varying light conditions. 

Under the skin, the Aura NISMO RS Concept reflects years of motorsports-driven engineering aimed at elevating acceleration, handling and braking performance. 

By combining the lightweight proportions of the Aura NISMO with the X-Trail NISMO’s high-output e-POWER series-hybrid powertrain, the concept delivers a substantial increase in responsiveness and pedal feel, significantly transforming its on-road character. 

The widened body enhances stability and handling on both straight roads and challenging curves. High-grip tyres work in tandem with NISMO-tuned e-4ORCE all-wheel control technology to deliver strong traction and precise cornering. 

Braking capability has also been upgraded, with large opposed-piston calipers – four-pot units at the front and two-pot at the rear – ensuring confident stopping power despite an approximate 100 kg increase in weight compared with the standard Aura NISMO. 

Nissan and NMC have indicated that further development and optimisation of the concept are planned, not only for potential future commercialization, but also with racing applications in mind. 

Commenting on the unveiling, Yutaka Sanada, President and Chief Executive Officer of NMC, said the concept aligns with the company’s broader strategic direction. 

“Under our Re: Nissan strategy, we are committed to introducing heartbeat models at speed that resonate with customers,” Sanada said. “We are extremely pleased to unveil the Aura NISMO RS Concept as our first offering born from our collective NMC expertise. 

Since the beginning, NISMO has pursued motorsports with a belief in pushing people and technology to the limit to achieve victory. That passion has driven innovation and peak excitement, and we will continue striving to deliver that to customers and fans worldwide.”