Nissan is actively developing the next generation of the Navara, expected to debut next year. However, before the new generation is unveiled, rumors about a high-performance Nismo model have started to emerge. The Nissan Navara Nismo is set to challenge the Ford Ranger Raptor. Ivan Espinoza, Nissan's chief planning officer, confirmed that the company is seriously considering the production of the Navara Nismo, hinting at collaboration with partner companies. He stated, 'This is something we look forward to, and you can imagine seeing something like this with the partners we are working with.'
Espinoza highlighted local partnerships in Australia as a prime example. He said, 'Of course, particularly this can happen in Australia. It's something where we have been doing very well and customers are very happy with what we offer. The Navara and Patrol in Australia came out with the special Warrior edition resulting from the collaboration between Nissan and Australian company Premcar. The same company may also be involved in developing the Navara Nismo, which could surpass the off-road-focused Pro-4X edition.'
The Navara Nismo is likely to feature a more powerful engine to compete against the Ford Ranger Raptor, which operates with a V6 engine. The Nissan 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo engine, producing 425 horsepower and 699 Nm of torque, seems to be a suitable option. It is available in the new Patrol and Armada models. However, it's unclear whether this engine would fit the new Navara platform. Espinoza mentioned that the V6 engine is currently exclusive to the Patrol, but added that parts of it could be transferred to some future models.
This isn't the first time the Navara Nismo has been heard of. Initial reports about the high-performance truck emerged in 2014, just months after the current generation of the Navara D23 was introduced. The idea faded for a while, but the buzz has started again over the past year.
At the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, then-Nismo chief Espinoza hinted at a flagship Navara while speaking to Australian media. The next generation of the Nissan Navara is expected to share its underlying structure and diesel and hybrid powertrain options with the Mitsubishi Triton, as part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. Interestingly, Mitsubishi is also working on a flagship version of the Triton featuring the Rally Art badge, which may borrow the Nissan V6 engine.
