Nissan Set to Expand Nismo Line-Up in the UK with Electrified Models
Nissan is planning to introduce more high-performance Nismo models in the UK, including sports cars and tuned versions of mainstream vehicles. The company recently confirmed that the Ariya Nismo will be launched in Europe as the electric SUV’s new performance flagship. This will mark the return of the Nismo branding to the region since the GT-R Nismo was discontinued due to strict emissions regulations.
One of the key challenges for Nissan has been meeting emissions regulations in order to sell certain models in the UK. However, Ivan Espinosa, Nissan’s global product strategy chief, revealed that electrification will allow the brand to bring these models to the market. He stated that the future interpretation of their high-performance cars will likely be electrified, not only to align with the brand’s direction, but also because regulations are pushing them in that direction. This indicates that Nissan sees electrification as a viable solution to meet emissions standards and continue offering performance vehicles.
Espinosa also mentioned the possibility of other key nameplates receiving the Nismo treatment. This strategy would allow Nissan to bring Nismo excitement to a wider range of customers. While he didn’t specify which models would be next, he emphasized that any future Nismo models would be focused on performance.
Furthermore, Nissan has hinted at an electrified future for the GT-R badge. Last year, the company showcased the Hyper Force concept, which could potentially lead to a production version of an electric GT-R. Espinosa believes that making electrified sports cars will make it easier to bring them to markets that currently have restrictions.
The UK market, in particular, holds significance for Nissan. Espinosa acknowledged that there are many enthusiasts in the UK and expressed the company’s desire to bring sports cars back to the region. This suggests that Nissan sees potential demand for high-performance vehicles in the UK and is committed to catering to that market.
Overall, Nissan’s plans to expand its Nismo line-up in the UK with electrified models demonstrate the brand’s commitment to performance and its recognition of the importance of meeting emissions regulations. By embracing electrification, Nissan can continue to offer exciting and high-performing vehicles while also aligning with global trends and regulations. The introduction of the Ariya Nismo and the potential for future electrified models offer an exciting future for Nissan enthusiasts in the UK.
