Nissan Is Launching Something Exciting in January, Including the Z Nismo We All Want

A Mystery Nismo Model Arriving in Tokyo
Nissan has made clear it’s serious about bringing Nismo back to the spotlight, and the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon in January is shaping up to be a big moment for that push. The brand has confirmed it will roll out several new Nismo models at the January show in Makuhari Messe, including a new concept that’s set to take center stage during its press conference on January 9. Nissan isn’t sharing much about the concept yet, but its top billing hints that it’s meant to put real excitement and credibility back into the Nismo name.

Nissan isn’t just showing off one-off concepts this time. It’s bringing production and near-production models too, which shows this is a real push for performance and customization – not just a collection of show cars.

The Z Nismo MT, Finally
One of the announcements we most wanted to hear was confirmation of a Fairlady Z Nismo (or Z Nismo here) equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. Confirmed before by an executive of Nissan’s American arm, this variant is aimed at drivers who want maximum engagement, aligning neatly with Nissan’s renewed focus on enthusiast appeal. The Nismo MT will be shown in public at the event, ahead of the refreshed Fairlady Z’s Japanese launch scheduled for summer 2026.

Nissan is also teasing another Nismo model, but it’s keeping the name under wraps for now. From the first images, it looks even more aggressive than the Note Aura Nismo, with wide rear fenders and sharp lines that point to a more track-focused build. Nissan hasn’t shared what’s under the skin yet, but the design hints at a true special edition rather than just a styling upgrade.

What Else Nissan is Bringing to TAS
Nissan’s other Tokyo Auto Salon entries cover a lot of ground. There’s the X-Trail Rock Creek Multibed Wildplay, a camping-ready concept that’s reminiscent of the American Rogue Rock Creek, but with even more gear. The new Leaf Autech will also be there, bringing a more upscale, handcrafted feel to the electric hatchback.

You’ll also find “Matchy’s March,” a restored Nissan March with a manual transmission swap done by students from Nissan Automobile College. Plus, there’s a 2016 Motul Autech GT-R on display to honor Super GT driver Tsugio Matsuda’s retirement. The whole lineup shows how Nissan is mixing nostalgia, customization, and next-generation performance all in one place.