If you want the ultimate driving experience Nissan can offer, it’s going to be a NISMO. Nissan Motorsport (NIS-MO), the racing division of the Japanese brand, has been carving out its legacy on and off-track since the mid-1960s. NISMO’s early passion and perseverance for motorsport eventually developed transcendental superstars that ushered the brand into the global spotlight, most notably, the Nissan Skyline GT-R.
Yet, it was not until 2008 that we received our first fully-fledged NISMO model stateside. Since then, there have been eight limited-production NISMO models that have made their way to the U.S. market, from coupe to SUV, and we have gone through each one and organized them by horsepower. Curious to know what makes each of these rare Nissan models so special? Follow along as we dissect the best Nissan has to offer!
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other authoritative sources.
8
2019 Nissan Sentra NISMO
Horsepower Rating: 188
Perhaps the absolute last thing that comes to most enthusiasts’ minds when thinking about the NISMO brand is the 2019 Nissan Sentra NISMO. Many of you may be surprised that this vehicle even exists, and we’d go out on a limb that the majority of people have never seen one in person, despite the ubiquitous nature of the Nissan Sentra.
That is perhaps partially to blame because this Nissan Sentra NISMO really doesn’t look too much different from the standard model, even though the NISMO variant was a completely different experience. The 2017 Nissan Sentra NISMO, featuring a 188-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four, was the first time we ever got a turbo in a Nissan Sentra model stateside. While CVT models are most common, the six-speed manual variant is the cultured pick. Although this hot-blooded Sentra sedan may not get you envy-breeding Instagram clout, it is serious fun and slept on by the majority of the public.
7
2016 Nissan Juke NISMO
Horsepower Rating: 214
Another NISMO model that may be forgotten in the annals of time is the 2016 Nissan Juke NISMO, the fire-breathing variant of the brand’s now-discontinued crossover SUV. The Nissan Juke already looked quirky and distinctive even before the NISMO treatment, so these performance and styling upgrades make it stand out more than ever.
As much as we think it’s easy to laugh about the Nissan Juke, the NISMO variant, with 215 horsepower in NISMO RS trim, is no joke. The Nissan Juke NISMO shares the same 1.6-liter turbocharged engine as the Nissan Sentra NISMO, but with more power than the Sentra ever got. Why did Nissan design the front end to look like that? We still don’t know. Yet, what we do know is that the Nissan Juke NISMO is genuinely a good time behind the wheel and is a bona fide jack-of-all-trades with more positives than not.
6
2008 Nissan Frontier Nismo
Horsepower Rating: 261
Perhaps the most obscure and outlandish NISMO model is the 2008 Nissan Frontier NISMO. Yes, at one time, there once was a NISMO truck, but unlike other NISMO models, it didn’t receive any additional power upgrades. The 4.0-liter V-6 that powered the Frontier was the most powerful engine in its class, so Nissan instead focused on the truck’s off-road capability.
As a result, included in the package were NISMO-spec Bilstein dampers, skid plates, a unique interior, front fog lights, bespoke 16-inch wheels, along with aggressive off-road tires. Yet, where the Frontier NISMO really impressed was with its standard electronic locking differential, along with four-wheel limited slip for 4×4 models and two-wheel limited slip for 4×2 models. The 2008 models saw even more boosted functionality with an added bedliner, a track channel system, tie-down cleats, and many more nice utility features.
5
2008 Nissan 350Z NISMO
Horsepower Rating: 306
Our first pure performance NISMO model we received in North America was the 2008 Nissan 350Z NISMO. If you want a limited-production sports car that looks nothing like the standard model, the Nissan 350Z NISMO is one of the greatest examples of an all-time glow-up. The aerodynamics package is straight off the Super GT championship-winning Z race car, and the rear diffuser specifically is legendary for its massive protruding square design.
As far as modern sports cars go, the 350Z NISMO is often undervalued and overlooked. The 350Z chassis is one of the most responsive and fine-tuned experiences you will find in any sports car, and the NISMO took that performance even further. Nissan even went as far as stitch-welding the 350Z NISMO to achieve maximum rigidity, along with additional structural bracing around the car. Combine that with details like Brembo brakes at all four corners and even proper-spec RAYS forged wheels from the factory! We suggest that if you have one of these rare beauties, never let it go.
4
2020 Nissan 370Z NISMO
Horsepower Rating: 350
Next up is the Nissan 350Z NISMO’s successor, the 2020 Nissan 370Z NISMO. While certainly better looking than the 350Z variant, the 370Z NISMO traded some of the unabashed rawness of its predecessor for an increase in overall refinement. The Nissan 370Z NISMO is still, however, one of the nicest Japanese sports cars ever built. Nissan didn’t overlook a single detail with the 370Z NISMO, and this limited-production model is handsomely equipped both inside and out.
Whether it’s the Recaro seats, NISMO suspension, or the howling roar of the 350-horsepower 7,400 RPM-capable VQ V-6, the 370Z NISMO is easy to fall in love with from the very first drive. Seriously, few cars feel this good both in traffic and in the twisties, and little details like the dual subwoofer Bose sound system make this sweet sports car feel like the full package. Sure, you could spend crazy money on something like a Porsche 911, but we guarantee your money will be better spent on this near-perfect sports coupe.
3
2026 Nissan Z NISMO
Horsepower Rating: 420
The latest in the trio of modern Nissan Z-cars is the 2026 Nissan Z NISMO. Introduced as a NISMO variant for the 2024 model year, the new Z NISMO is the continued legacy of these high-performing Nissan sports cars. With the Z NISMO, we see the highest output in a Nissan Z model: 420 horsepower. This is achieved with the help of redesigned turbos, advanced timing, and better overall engine and oil cooling.
While the power of the Nissan Z NISMO is undeniable, a stain on its reputation is the fact that only the nine-speed automatic transmission is available, despite the fact that it offers NISMO-tuned clutch packs and ECU updates. Nissan says that’s because a manual is slower, but that logic is poppycock. The most likely reason is that Nissan simply doesn’t build a manual transmission that can handle the power, and they aren’t about to make one for this niche sports car when their company has been facing financial doom for years.
Yet, in true NISMO fashion, the 2026 Nissan Z NISMO is handsomely equipped with the full catalog of performance accouterments from suspension to wheels, to brakes, to added rigidity. Despite this, we can’t get over the fact that there isn’t a manual option, even when knowing the facts. TopSpeed’s William Clavey, during his review of the Nissan Z NISMO, states plainly, It’s so good as it is, but a manual transmission would make it perfect. Yes, we are crying about it.
2
2026 Nissan Armada NISMO
Horsepower Rating: 460
The loudest and proudest NISMO model ever made has to be the 2026 Nissan Armada NISMO. See one of these in person, and its imposing size alone is enough to leave a lasting impression on you. Yet, once you realize this is the most powerful Armada ever, with a whopping 460 horsepower from its twin-turbo V-6, you’ll be both impressed and terrified.
The first-ever Armada NISMO model shows that NISMO has no bounds to what they can and may elevate within the Nissan brand. Despite the crazy exterior, the Armada NISMO offers impressive features like NISMO-tuned adaptive electronic air suspension, sport exhaust, and retuned steering. On the inside, details like the standard Klipsch 12-speaker audio system and standard second-row captain’s chairs make this powerful SUV feel like it’s luxury-level asking price. Could you think of a more baller SUV to tow your Nissan track car with? Not a bad two-car solution!
1
2024 Nissan GT-R NISMO
Horsepower Rating: 600
If you want a Nissan that will put exotic supercars twice its price to shame, you won’t find a better option than the 2024 Nissan GT-R NISMO. The 2024 model year sadly marks the end of the legacy of one of the most legendary and dominant sports cars of all time, the R35 Nissan GT-R. Love it or hate it, the Nissan GT-R NISMO is an absolute speed demon, capable of reaching raw grip levels most drivers have never even dreamed of.
In the 2020 model year, the Nissan GT-R NISMO was heavily updated for even more insane performance, now touting damn near half of Nissan’s GT3 race car directly integrated into the NISMO. None of these upgrades was more impactful than the integration of the exact turbos used on the GT-R GT3 race car, boosting responsiveness and horsepower to 600 ponies at full tilt, the most of any production Nissan model. At 150 MPH+, the GT-R NISMO feels like it’s gliding effortlessly like a sharp knife just cutting through the air with ease. If you ever wondered what the ultimate track and daily vehicle is for all-out performance, it’s not a Porsche 911; it’s a Nissan GT-R NISMO.