Nissan’s Nismo Spirit in the Ariya

Photo Source: NISSAN

Creating the Ariya was not enough for Nissan, so it pushed the boundaries of its all-electric SUV and transformed it from a mundane electron-powered electric vehicle into a sleek crossover. Indeed, following the GT-R, Z, and Japan-only Skyline, the automaker introduced its fourth Nismo (NISsan MOtorsport) model, which removes the internal combustion engine. The Nissan Ariya Nismo debuted on January 12 at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon, and it is not merely a concept – the sportier body kit is accompanied by a power bump. 

Granted, it took some time for Nissan to roll out its next-generation electric vehicle, and since then it has been marketing the Ariya in every conceivable way. First, it took on a pole-to-pole expedition on all-electric power, and now there is a more athletic variant if the regular e-4orce models are too pedestrian for enthusiasts’ liking. Even though there is no official word on whether the vehicle will make it to the United States just yet, there is a strong case to do so given the competition.

Ariya Nismo Variants

Two iterations of the flashy Ariya Nismo launched for the Japanese market: the B6 and the B9. Differences between the two primarily boil down to battery capacity and overall acceleration. To clarify, the B6 is powered by a 66-kilowatt-hour battery pack, and its dual-motor setup accelerates up to 362 horsepower and delivers 413 pound-feet of torque, or approximately 27 horsepower more than the standard all-wheel drive Ariya e-4orce Engage trim. 

The B9, on the other hand, is much more powerful as it is equipped with the 91-kilowatt-hour pack and turns the output up to 413 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. The power boost translates to 24 horsepower over the standard Engage Plus, Evolve Plus, and Platinum Plus e-4orce versions. 

The manufacturer announced it increased the electric motors’ peak output by roughly ten percent and made “special acceleration tuning,” including a new Nismo-specific driving mode. It also incorporated a sound generator “evocative of Formula E racing,” which the company contends makes the car even more exciting. 

Design Cues

The Japanese engineering team working on the Ariya Nismo altered not just the powertrain, but the vehicle’s exterior and interior looks as well. At the front, the Ariya Nismo features an improved fascia. While it keeps the same narrow headlights and the V-shaped daytime running lights, it sports a black panel between them instead of the dotted one utilized on the regular Ariya. 

Moreover, the bumper has redesigned side scoops to enhance aerodynamics, while under the apron, Nismo installed a piano-black splitter adorned by a red stripe and the motorsports’ specialist lettering. From its profile, the car’s new 20-inch aluminum wheels stand apart with their five double-spoke design with black and brushed metal details. These are encased in high-performance Michelin tires, helping the car’s road-holding and straight-line acceleration. 

Nismo also altered the bodywork’s styling by applying red stripes on the redesigned side sills. At the same time, the motorsports specialist enhanced the car’s back to lower drag. Inside, the Ariya is not a mundane vehicle, so Nismo’s work was even more challenging since it had to improve something at high levels. Still, it installed suede-upholstered new sports seats with integrated headrests and adequate badging on the seatbacks. The dashboard supports a wide screen made from two displays: a touchscreen for the infotainment system and one for the instrument panel. 

In short, there are sportier bucket seats, more red-accented trim, and high quality features to differentiate the Nismo from the standard Ariya. Although there is no word yet about an American Nissan Ariya Nismo, if you would like to learn more about what the automaker has to offer, please come visit Nissan of Fort Pierce. We can help sell your current vehicle or bring it back to life like new with an online service appointment to our service center.