Nissan presents Aura Nismo RS Concept at TAS 2026

MANILA: Nissan Motor Company Limited and Nissan Motorsports and Customizing Company Limited (NMC), have presented the Aura Nismo RS Concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon (TAS) 2026. 

Per the Japanese automaker, the Nissan Aura Nismo RS Concept is a high-performance hot hatch. It started as an Aura Nismo, then merged form and function with aggressive styling and aerodynamics.  

Not just here to show off its looks, the Nissan Aura Nismo RS Concept also boasts a healthy increase in output to the wheels thanks to the X‑Trail Nismo’s e-Power system. 

Designed as a technical validation exercise, the prototype leverages vehicle technologies refined through mass production and expertise gained from motorsports development. 

“Under our Re:Nissan strategy, we are committed to introducing heartbeat models at speed that resonate with customers,” NMC President and Chief Executive Officer Yutaka Sanada was quoted as saying.

“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’ll continue striving to deliver that to customers and fans worldwide,” he added. 

Other stories: PH auto dealers group's Nov. 2025 YTD sales nearly hit 424K-unit mark Zigwheels weekly wrap: Jan. 5-9 DOTr to LTO: suspend DL confiscations

Purpose-built design 

Outside, the Nissan Aura Nismo RS Concept builds from the Aura Nismo’s “Agile Electric City Racer” design. 

Notable is its more muscular, performance-driven styling with sharp surfaces. 

Eye-catching are its wider fenders — expanded by 145 millimeters (mm) — combined with a 20 mm drop in ride height to deliver a low center of gravity and an aggressive silhouette.

Aerodynamic enhancements include a front spoiler, side skirts, a rear diffuser with Nismo’s signature red accents, airflow-optimized front fenders, side air splitters and a dedicated rear spoiler. 

Nissan Motor Company Limited pointed out that the above bodykit is designed to improve downforce and reduce drag. 

Rounding up its exterior features is the exclusive Dark Matte Nismo Stealth Gray finish, which ensures a consistent surface look despite sunlight intensity.

Performance development

As briefly covered above, the Nissan Aura Nismo RS pairs the Aura Nismo’s lightweight form factor with the X‑Trail Nismo’s high-output e‑Power powertrain. 

This results in a significant boost in power at the pedal and transforms its driving dynamics.

Nissan Motor Company Limited explained that the concept car’s wide body extends its overall stance and handling ability on straight and twisting roads. 

Further, high-grip tires and Nismo tuned e‑4ORCE all-wheel control technology provide impressive traction and cornering performance. 

Braking performance, on the other hand, is enhanced by large opposed-piston calipers — four-pot front and two-pot rear — ensuring confident stopping power despite a roughly 100 kilogram weight increase over the Aura Nismo.

Also read: 

Zigwheels PH most viewed for 2025: Nissan Terra

Nissan opens 1st 3S pop-up store in PH

Nissan rolls out ‘Daring Rides, Lucky Drives’ aftersales campaign

Connect with us through our various social media pages:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZigWheelsPhilippines

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zigwheelsph/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zigwheels

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZigWheelsPhilippines/