"High-speed, Baja performance": Why Nissan Navara NISMO won't go on the Ford Ranger Raptor attack

A Nissan Navara Nismo won't go head-to-head with the Ford Ranger Raptor on off-road capability, but would instead forge a new path of "high-speed Baja performance" that is says is more in keeping with the attributes of its performance sub-brand.

That's the word from Ivan Espinosa, Nissan's Vice President of Product Strategy and Planning, who told media a Nismo variant for the next-generation Navara is "in my brain, or in my heart."

"Nismo has been focused on on-road cars. We’re doing a great job with GT-R and Z," he said. "But (a Navara), why not? We could look at it. But not in the form of an off-road crawling truck, but something more speed oriented, like Baja or something.

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"That’s something that is in my brain, or in my heart, for quite a long time."

Not quite a confirmation, but it's clear the brand will study the global potential of finally producing a model that would go up against the Ranger Raptor in the high-performance ute space, albeit in a slightly different direction.

"There is a long list of things we have to do, unfortunately. We might do something, but it’s nothing that we can confirm as of now," he said.

"There are reasons why we do some cars, like the brand-halo approach. This is one of the reasons why we could potentially do it.

"What I have in mind is something more on the high-speed, Baja performance front. That is what I’d like to do. Whether we will do it or not, I cannot tell you.

"It’s something that’s a bit unique, and where Nismo capability could contribute and stand out."

One thing we do know is that a Navara Nismo almost certainly wouldn't appear in the current ute, with a new model tipped for a 2024, or early 2025, arrival.

We would also expect more power, but not necessarily a larger engine, with the brand saying that would contravene "the global trend".

"Today, clearly the global trend is towards more power, yes, through electrification. But towards bigger engines? Not so much," said Mr Espinosa.

But the good news is that doesn't mean the Nismo wouldn't have to use our Navara's 2.3L twin-turbo-diesel engine (140kW and 450Nm). The brand says a Navara Nismo would need to have global appeal, which could spawn a Frontier Nismo (America's answer to the Navara), unlocking a 231kW petrol V6.

Will it go from head and heart to showroom? Cross your fingers.