Nissan presents Aura NISMO RS Concept with e-POWER at TAS 2026

Nissan has unveiled the Aura NISMO RS Concept at Tokyo Auto Salon 2026, showcasing a high-performance e-POWER hot hatch and hinting at future production plans.

Nissan has unveiled the Aura NISMO RS Concept at Tokyo Auto Salon 2026, outlining a new direction for compact performance models built around an electrified architecture. The debut took place on January 9 in Japan and marked one of the headline reveals on the company’s stand.

The concept is derived from the production Aura NISMO but adopts a far more aggressive and technically focused character. It serves as a technical validation exercise, combining technologies already proven in mass production with know-how gained through motorsports development. At the heart of the project is the high-output e-POWER system from the X-Trail NISMO, where the wheels are driven exclusively by electric motors while a gasoline engine functions solely as a power generator. This configuration delivers the immediate response of electric drive without the need for external charging.

Visually, the Aura NISMO RS Concept signals its elevated performance intent. The body is widened by 145 mm and lowered by 20 mm, creating a lower center of gravity and a more muscular stance. A comprehensive aerodynamic package — including a front spoiler, side skirts, a rear diffuser with NISMO’s signature red accents and a dedicated rear wing — is designed to increase downforce while reducing drag. The Dark Matte NISMO Stealth Gray finish was chosen to maintain a consistent appearance under varying light conditions.

Chassis development focuses on control and stability to match the increase in output. A wider track, high-grip Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires and a retuned e-4ORCE all-wheel control system work together to enhance traction and cornering precision. Braking performance is reinforced by large opposed-piston calipers — four-piston units at the front and two-piston at the rear — engineered to cope with an approximate 100 kg weight increase over the standard Aura NISMO.

Nissan emphasizes that the Aura NISMO RS Concept is more than a show car. The project aligns with the company’s Re:Nissan strategy, which prioritizes so-called “heartbeat models” designed to strengthen emotional engagement with the brand. Further refinement is already being considered, both for potential future commercialization and for possible applications in motorsport.