Petrol power for potential Nismo Navara

The Japanese brand is keen on creating a high-performance variant of the Navara, and is currently building a business case to cash-in on growing demand for lifestyle-focused recreational models.

While still far from a reality, Nissan Australia boss Stephen Lester told Drive during the launch of the latest limited edition Navara Black Series in Western Australia this week that it wouldn't "pull the wool over the eyes" of consumers when it comes to genuine performance.

"For connoisseurs of performance vehicles, as Australians are, there is no pulling the wool over their eyes - it has to be fit for purpose and true to form," Lester said, in a thinly veiled swipe at the Ranger Raptor being exclusively offerd with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel.

"There is no official status of Nismo and Navara. What we have said and will continue to discuss internally is our desire to see a performance model based on Navara - I think there is a perfect market here in Australia for it. There is no denying the ute segment is very strong and will continue to be, and there is a lot of successful competoitors there and we, being Nissan, believe we have the capability to deliver a product that Australian consumers would lust after.

"Our view is there is a market demand there and we would love to see Nissan bring that to life."

Without confirming any details, Lester admitted Nissan's preference would be to see the high-performance Navara powered by a petrol engine rather than a turbo diesel as the former provides the kind of power, performance and emotional elements demanded by genuine fast car enthusiasts.

With that, Nissan has a number of options available, from the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 in the Infiniti Q50 Red Sport that produces 298kW and 475Nm, the heroic Nissan GT-R's 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 that delivers up to 441kW in the full-house Nismo version or the high-tech variable compression turbo engine in the upcoming Infiniti QX50 that offers the power of a petrol engine with the economy of a diesel.

"I can’t speculate on the engines, but I would say that it lends itself towards a petrol engine in that sense but I will leave that, ultimately, in the hands of the engineers," Lester said.

"What would get Australians excited, in my view, is real performance numbers and real performance capability - where the rubber meets the road is equally as important as what it says on paper.

"We have to look at what the capabilities would deliver out of the power plant to understand where that is going to fit in and then decide on that direction."

Providing a potential glimpse at what a toughened-up version of the Navara could look like, Nissan revealed a concept vehicle at the Hannover commercial vehicle show in Germany this week that features a host of unique design elements that lend themselves to a Ranger Raptor rivalling Navara.

While the headline element of the Dark Sky Concept is its mobile telescope, developed in conjuction with the European Space Agency, the car features a new front bumper with LED headlights, an illuminated red strip of LEDS in the lower section and an integrated nudge bar.

The suspension has been raised, it rides on all-terrain tyres and its tray is lined with a unique tub liner that features portable battery packs built into each side.

The car is also fitted with Nissan's latest semi-autonomous driver aids, including adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance.