Alright, car enthusiasts, buckle up because Nissan has just dropped something truly special: the Ariya NISMO. Now, we all know the regular Ariya is a solid electric SUV, but the NISMO version? It’s like they’ve taken the standard model, given it a shot of adrenaline, and sent it to the gym. The result is a zero-emission vehicle that doesn’t just get you from A to B; it does it with style and a serious dose of fun.
Performance Upgrades
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. The Ariya NISMO isn’t just a visual makeover; it’s packing some serious upgrades under the hood. We’re talking a NISMO-tuned powertrain that boosts the power to a mighty 435 PS (429 HP / 320 kW). That’s almost 130 PS more than the standard Ariya, while torque remains at an impressive 600 Nm. What does all this mean on the road? A 0-62 mph (0-100kmph) time of just five seconds, and a blistering 50-70 mph (80-120 kmph) sprint in a mere 2.4 seconds. This isn’t just quick for an EV; it’s quick, period.
But it’s not just about straight-line speed. The boffins at NISMO have tweaked the e-4ORCE four-wheel-drive system to make it a real corner carver. This system can adjust power to each wheel 10,000 times per second, and with a new 60:40 rear-bias, it’s all about that sporty feel. They claim a 12% improvement in line-tracing performance, which, in layman’s terms, means it sticks to the road like glue. The suspension has also been comprehensively reworked with revised stabilisers, spring rates and shock absorber settings for enhanced balance and body control. They’ve even retuned the steering for a more direct feel as speeds increase.
To further enhance the driving experience, Nissan has added an ‘i-Booster’ which improves braking performance with revised regeneration tuning and new tyres. Plus, there’s a new ‘NISMO’ driving mode that enhances how the car responds to driver inputs, making it even more thrilling.
Style and Substance
Visually, the Ariya NISMO has had a subtle but effective makeover. The exterior features new spoilers, air curtains, a front splitter with canard vortices generators, extended lower bumpers, a twin diffuser and a ducktail rear spoiler. These enhancements aren’t just for show; they reduce drag, smooth airflow, and decrease the car’s lift coefficient by an impressive 40%. It achieves a CL of 0.11 versus 0.18 for the regular Ariya. It all adds up to a car that looks like it means business.
Then there are the unique 20-inch ‘NISMO’-embossed ENKEI wheels wrapped in special Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres. These aren’t your average alloys; they’re made using ENKEI’s ‘MAT Process’, offering the strength-to-weight ratio of forged wheels while aiding brake cooling.
Inside, it’s all about sporty luxury. The seats are trimmed in a suede-like material with stitched NISMO logos, designed for maximum support during hard cornering. There’s also the iconic red stitching on the steering wheel and NISMO-red accents throughout, creating a sporty and high-quality ambiance. A new blackened wood texture adds a sophisticated and modern touch.
Practicality Remains
Despite all these sporty upgrades, the Ariya NISMO hasn’t forgotten about practicality. The interior enhancements reflect the sportier character, but the convenience of the standard Ariya is retained. Nissan are keen to highlight that they’ve mined their sports car know-how to create a vehicle that’s thrilling on twisty roads, but refined on the highway or in town.
Market Availability
The Ariya NISMO will be available in Gun Grey, Pearl Black and two-tone colours which are White Pearl & Stealth Grey. Regular sales are expected to start in January 2025 across most European markets where the standard model is already available, except Cyprus, Malta and Northern Ireland.
Ariya Lineup
For those interested, here’s a quick breakdown of the Ariya lineup:
- Ariya NISMO e-4ORCE (87kWh)
- Ariya Evolve e-4ORCE (87kWh)
- Ariya Evolve (87 or 63kWh)
- Ariya Advance e-4ORCE (87kWh)
- Ariya Advance (87 or 63kWh)
- Ariya Engage (87 or 63kWh)
Final Thoughts
The Ariya NISMO is more than just a performance upgrade; it’s a statement. It proves that electric cars can be both environmentally conscious and incredibly fun to drive. Nissan has taken an already excellent EV and injected it with the heart and soul of NISMO, creating a vehicle that’s bound to turn heads and put smiles on faces. If you’re in the market for a zero-emission thrill, the Ariya NISMO is definitely one to watch out for.
So there you have it, folks. The Ariya NISMO: a new reference for zero-emission thrill, indeed
