Car maker Nissan is the latest surprise entrant to the smartwatch arms race currently consuming tech manufacturers, unveiling the Nismo at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The revelation of the new gadget comes just days after Samsung became the first big player to enter the fray with its Galaxy Gear offering last week, while Apple is widely rumoured to launch its own offering along with the latest iPhone tomorrow.

Sceptics are uncertain exactly what appeal most of these devices will have across the wider community, but the Nismo appears to offer a practical advantage by monitoring not only the biometrics of the user, but also the car as well.

Nissan will also be able to send tailored messages to the watches, whilst the developers hope to be able to include ECG heart monitoring and EEG brainwave monitoring technology in the future, along with body temperature.

Gareth Dunsmore, marketing communications general manager, Nissan Europe, said: "Wearable technology is fast becoming the next big thing, and we want to take advantage of this innovative technology to make our Nismo brand more accessible.

“On track, Nissan uses the latest biometric training technologies to improve the performance of our Nissan Nismo athletes, and it is this technology we want to bring to our fans to enhance their driving experience and Nismo ownership."