Tuesday, September 24

Nissan Ariya Nismo: sportiness and electrification in an SUV

Nissan has taken a further step towards sports electrification with the presentation of the Nissan Ariya Nismo at the Tokyo Motor Show.

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This electric SUV not only marks the return of the Nismo brand to Europe, but It also represents a significant advance in terms of technology and performance.

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With a clearly differentiated aesthetic and a performance that promises strong emotions, the Ariya Nismo is a testament to the future of high-performance electric vehicles.

The Ariya Nismo isn’t just an Ariya with a few tweaks; it’s a bold statement about how sportiness and technology can coexist in an all-electric vehicle.

The bodywork has been redesigned with a focus on improving aerodynamicsachieving a 40% more downforce than the conventional Ariya.

Aggressive and distinctive details, such as the new bumpers, side skirts and 20-inch wheels signed by Enkei, give it a unique personality, while the red and black touches characteristic of Nismo highlight its sporty character.

Nissan Ariya Nismo Performance

The interior of the Ariya Nismo has been redesigned to offer an experience that combines luxury and sportiness. High-quality materials, such as Leather, Alcantara and blackened woodare complemented by red stitching that runs across the dashboard and details on the steering wheel and the start button.

The sports seats, inspired by the cars of Formula Eare not only visually stunning, but also provide exceptional support and comfort, offering an immersive driving experience.

This combination of luxury and functionality is no coincidence. Nissan has put special emphasis on making the Ariya Nismo a vehicle that not only looks sportybut also offers a ride that supports it.

The driving experience has been enhanced with fine-tuning of the electronic and mechanical systems, ensuring that every acceleration, every curve and every braking is optimized for maximum enjoyment.

Nismo’s DNA and the influence of Formula E

The inspiration for the development of the Ariya Nismo comes directly from Nissan’s experience in Formula E. During the presentation of the Ariya Single Seater Concept A few years ago, Nissan made clear its intention to apply lessons learned in electric vehicle competition to its production models.

This translates into an Ariya Nismo that not only has an attractive design, but It also offers superior performancewith a throttle response that reflects advances in high-performance electric technology.

Tommaso Volpe, Nissan’s global motorsport directorhas been one of the main advocates of this synergy between Formula E programs and production electric vehicles.

According to Volpe, the feedback between the two projects has been crucial in developing a car like the Ariya Nismo, which combines the efficiency and sustainability of an electric vehicle with the thrills that only a Nismo can provide.

Nissan Ariya Nismo
Nissan Ariya Nismo. Credit: Nissan.
Credit: Courtesy

The basis of the Ariya Nismo is the e-4ORCE all-wheel drive systemequipped with an 87 kWh battery and two electric motors that generate 435 horsepower, surpassing the most powerful Ariya on the market.

This increase in power translates into acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.0 seconds, placing the Ariya Nismo at a competitive level within the high-performance electric SUV segment.

Although Nissan has not yet revealed the top speed or range of this model, The focus has clearly been on providing an exciting driving experience without compromising electrical efficiency.

To ensure the power is manageable and exciting at the same time, Nismo engineers have worked on a power delivery that is intense yet controllable.

Recalibration of the VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) system and the tuning of the e-4ORCE system allow for optimal distribution of engine torque, which improves both traction and stability.

Michelin Pilot Sport EV tires, combined with a tuned suspension and stiffer stabilizer bar, provide a more precise and sporty driving experience.

The Ariya Nismo isn’t just another electric SUV; it’s an example of how Nissan is using its rich history in motorsport to power its future in electrification.

Mayra González, Vice President of Nissan Europe’s Marketing and Sales Division, expressed her enthusiasm for the return of Nismo to Europe with this iconic model. “We are bringing this exciting brand back to our market, with a new model that perfectly balances the instant response of an electric car with the sporty set-up of a Nismo”he said.

The Nissan Ariya Nismo celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Nismo brand in style, combining decades of motorsport experience with the technology of the future.

As the world of electric vehicles continues to expand, models like the Ariya Nismo prove that electrification doesn’t have to mean the end of thrills and sportiness.