The Ariya or Something Else?
Nissan has released a preview for an upcoming Nismo model with enhanced performance. The enigmatic car is scheduled to make its debut at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon, and can be seen as a dark outline, leaving much to the imagination.
The maker has chosen to stay silent, stating that the car will be exposed at the end of this week. Other than confirming it as a “Nismo road car,” no further details have been disclosed by Nissan. Therefore, the question remains – what exactly could it be?
Nissan has confirmed their plans to release a Nismo variant of the popular Ariya electric vehicle, as evidenced by spy shots of a production-ready model undergoing testing last year. With its sleek design already making a statement, the in-house tuner has elevated the EV’s appearance with a dynamic body kit, upgraded 20-inch wheels, and enhanced front brakes and tires for a more sporty feel. The heavily undisguised prototype suggests that an official debut could be on the horizon.
On January 12, the Tokyo Auto Salon, one of the largest automotive shows in Japan, opened its doors to car enthusiasts. This year’s show featured an exciting array of new models and concepts from NISMO, Nissan’s performance division. With a total of 10 vehicles on display, NISMO showcased its latest upgrades and modifications for popular models such as the GT-R, March, and Note e-Power. The highlight of the show was the unveiling of the 14th generation NISMO sports car, which drew in crowds with its sleek design and powerful engine. Fans were also treated to a special showcase of NISMO’s racing heritage and future plans for motorsports. Don’t miss out on the latest updates and developments from NISSAN and NISMO at the Tokyo Auto Salon! #NISSAN #NISMO #TAS2024 #NissanTAS
Nissan Europe Chairman, Guillaume Cartier, has recently stated his ambition to electrify Nismo and produce high-performance Nissan electric vehicles. In reference to the Ariya, Cartier acknowledged the difficulty in creating a Nismo edition that surpasses the impressive performance of the base model. Nevertheless, he emphasized that Nismo electric offerings will feature distinctive suspension configurations and powertrain systems.
It is highly anticipated that the Nismo Ariya will feature a significantly higher level of strength compared to its lower-level versions. The premium model guarantees an impressive 389 horsepower, which is undoubtedly substantial. However, potential competitors such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and Tesla Model Y Performance far exceed with outputs of 601 and 455 hp respectively.
It is noteworthy to mention that the Ariya is currently capable of accelerating to 60 mph in approximately five seconds. Therefore, one can anticipate the Nismo-enhanced version to reduce this time by at least half a second.
Aside from a potential Nismo version of the Ariya, there seems to be no other significant debut on the horizon from Nissan’s performance department. In recent times, the brand’s high-performance team has been busy enhancing both the latest Nissan Z and the Skyline (known as the Infiniti Q50 in the United States). While the former saw a considerable increase in power, it is limited to an automatic transmission, much to the disappointment of avid drivers.
Returning to the enigma of the Nismo, Nissan has announced that the grand reveal will occur on January 12 (January 11 in the US). The highly anticipated unveiling will be held during the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon, an event where Nissan intends to showcase various Nismo-inspired cars and original concepts.
Is it the Ariya Nismo that comes to mind, or is there another contender? Share your thoughts in the comment section.Do you reckon it’s the Ariya Nismo, or maybe there is a different possibility? Feel free to express your opinions in the comments down below.