Ariya, Nissan’s new electric SUV, isn’t even in the hands of its first Kiwi customer yet but the company has already unveiled a Nismo version at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2024. A launch is planned in Japan for Q3 of this year.
Ariya is Nissan’s premier EV, and the spacious, futuristic-looking crossover drives and performs well, from our initial brief evaluation of the vehicle. It’s spacious too, thanks to a compact drivetrain, and its quiet operation is typical of modern electric vehicles.
Word emerged at the end of 2023 that the firm was working on a warmed-over version of Ariya and it had been spotted around the Nurburgring.
Now we can report that Ariya Nismo is based on the AWD variant of Ariya (e-4ORCE) and features an evolved EV Nismo design, enhanced performance, better handling and improved aerodynamic performance through careful tuning. A body kit with red highlights is part and parcel of Ariya Nismo when it launches formally later in the year.
The motor output is enhanced, responsiveness is evidently improved and the engineers have finessed acceleration tuning. A Nismo driving mode maximises the enhanced response while motor noise is said to remind of a Formula E racer.
Numerically, the Nismo version of Ariya is slightly heavier (2210kg versus 2080kg) due to its 91kWh battery pack versus 66kWh for the e-4orce variant. However, it has 320kW of output to the regular Ariya’s 270kW, and 600Nm of torque versus 560Nm. Given the feistiest Ariya can manage 0-100 in a tick over 5sec, we’d imagine the Nismo will do it in four-point something.
Nismo has selected core chassis components for the sportier Ariya. Along with e-4ORCE four-wheel-control technology and dedicated Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres affixed to 20-inch aluminum rims, the result is said to be superior turn-in and stability as well as better line-tracing and enhanced cornering ability at speed.
Aerodynamic performance is improved thanks to race-derived technologies that reduce drag and provide greater downforce at higher speeds. The reduced drag in particular is important for EV range (not available as yet for Ariya Nismo).
The cabin is enhanced with specially designed Nismo seats and trim, typically with alcantara finish.
