When a manufacturer announces an ultra high-performance version of one of its sports cars, built by their in-house tuning arm, you might pause for a moment and think, “that’s cool”, before carrying on with your day.
Sure, it’s great to see another high-performance car hit the market, but it’s not exactly eyebrow raising. Manufacturers should be churning out high-performance, limited-production variants of Corvettes, Mustangs, and GT-Rs. It's one of the main reasons sports cars exist. Can one imagine Chevy not building a Z06 or ZR1 Corvette? Neither can we.
But what about less obvious tuning targets? Our eyebrows went up a little when Toyota built a TRD version of the last gen Camry. That surprised us, but in the best possible way.
And if you thought a spicy Camry was unlikely, Nissan said, “hold my beer,” when it recently unveiled the 2026 Armada Nismo.
That’s right, the biggest Nissan SUV, a body-on-frame, three-row, seven-passenger brute will be available as a Nismo when 2026 models begin arriving at dealerships this fall.
We we’re pleased to learn the Armada Nismo isn’t just a branding exercise. Nissan is making mechanical changes to separate the Nismo from regular Armadas. The biggest upgrade is more power from the Armada’s standard 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, which jumps from 425 horsepower to 460. Nissan says the extra output was achieved through revised engine programming and, “careful fine tuning of valve clearances,” according to a press release. Of note, 460 hp can only be achieved with premium fuel.
Also on board is a louder low-restriction exhaust, re-tuned electric steering, and an Adaptive Electronic Air Suspension. All have been designed for a sportier, performance feel, Nissan says. The Armada Nismo rides on grade-specific 22-inch forged alloy wheels.
As for appearance, the Armada gets the full Nismo treatment with unique front and rear fascia, grille, side steps and rear spoiler. Fender flares, and red painted brake calipers complete the exterior look, along with a smattering of Nismo badges.
Inside, the Armada Nismo comes draped in red accents that appear on the center console, steering wheel, and dashboard. Other notable features include front seats with adjustable bolsters, aluminum pedals, ambient lighting, and quilted leather seating with red stitching and red accent panels.
Color options include Nismo Stealth Gray (also available on Z Nismo), Nismo Stealth Gray with Super Black Roof, Black Diamond Pearl, Everest White Pearl Tricoat, and Everest White Pearl Tricoat with Super Black Roof.
Pricing has not been announced, but given the fall arrival timeline, it should be revealed soon.
Photos courtesy of Nissan
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