Feel the thrill: Nissan reveals key specs for the high-performance Ariya NISMO on World EV Day
On the fifth anniversary of World EV Day, Nissan is readying its first high-performance EV, Ariya NISMO, to hit European roads.
Sleek, dynamic and 100% electric, it breaks the mould as an all-electric sensation that doesn’t compromise.
Building on Nissan’s rich NISMO heritage while retaining its Japanese-inspired design, Ariya NISMO combines all the benefits of the regular 87kWh Ariya e-4ORCE with a host of motorsport-inspired upgrades to deliver an even more exhilarating driving experience.
And just like its NISMO stablemates, it’s designed to be everyday accessible, offering stunning on-road performance in an affordable, practical package.
Meticulously engineered for aerodynamic performance
The Ariya NISMO’s sleek, aerodynamic design capitalises on its powerful, near-silent electric powertrain to give occupants a feeling of effortlessly slicing through the air. New spoilers and air curtains inspired by Formula E help reduce drag and smooth airflow along the body, while a new front splitter with canard vortices generators, extended lower bumpers, twin diffuser and ducktail rear spoiler help reduce the car’s lift coefficient by an impressive 40%, achieving CL 0.11 versus CL 0.18 for the regular Ariya.
Meanwhile, unique 20-inch ‘NISMO’-embossed ENKEI wheels combine with special Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres to deliver increased grip and on-road security while reducing un-sprung mass and improving brake cooling.
Manufactured using ENKEI’s proprietary ‘MAT Process’, the Ariya NISMO’s cast-aluminium rims offer a strength-to-weight ratio comparable to forged wheels, enabling designers to use thinner spokes to aid cooling.
Thrilling acceleration and cornering ability
The Ariya NISMO builds on the performance of the 87kWh Ariya e-4ORCE with a NISMO-tuned powertrain: power increases to 435 PS (429 HP / 320 kW) – up almost 130 PS – while torque remains an impressive 600 Nm. Combined, it’s enough to propel the Ariya NISMO from 0-62 mph (0-100kmph) in five seconds, and from 50-70 mph (80-120 kmph) in just 2.4 seconds.
Like all NISMO models, though, Ariya NISMO isn’t just about straight-line speed – in fact, thanks to enhancements to the car’s e-4ORCE four wheel-drive system and other upgrades, it achieves greater turning and lateral forces than the GT-R NISMO.
The suspension has also been comprehensively reworked, with revised stabilisers, spring rates and shock absorber settings, to achieve enhanced balance and body control, and greater agility at higher speeds. In addition, retuned steering adds increased resistance and a more direct feel as speeds rise.
Combined with the addition of ‘i-Booster’, which increases braking performance with revised regeneration tuning, drivers can experience the full thrill and agility of NISMO, while retaining a sense of security on the road. To further enhance the car’s versatility, it also features a new ‘NISMO’ driving mode to enhance how it responds to driver inputs, making it even more thrilling and enjoyable to drive.
Designed for luxury, built for comfort
The all-new Ariya NISMO features a meticulously redesigned interior, from the seats to its interior finishings, providing a premium experience for all.
The seats, trimmed in a suede-like material and featuring stitched NISMO logos, are specifically designed for sporting driving, offering enhanced support and body-hugging grip under hard cornering.
The essence of NISMO flows throughout the interior, from new digital gauge designs to the brand’s iconic red stitching on the steering wheel, along with signature NISMO-red accents throughout, creating a sporty and high-quality ambiance. This elegant atmosphere is further enhanced by a new blackened wood texture used throughout the vehicle, offering a sophisticated and modern look.
Start of sales
Initially available in one standard launch specification with a NISMO Stealth Grey exterior finish – as previously seen on GT-R – sales of Ariya NISMO will begin in January 2025.
However, UK customers can secure priority access to be one of the first to buy a right-hand-drive Ariya NISMO by contacting their local Nissan dealer later this month. Further information will be released in due course.
Regular sales are expected to start in January 2025, and the vehicle will be sold in all European markets where the model is already available, except Cyprus, Malta and Northern Ireland.
Revised Ariya line-up:
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)