Buckle up, European performance enthusiasts! Nissan’s performance arm, Nismo, is making a much-anticipated comeback to the continent this year. However, if you were picturing a roaring gasoline-powered sports car, you might need to adjust your expectations a bit.
The first offering under the revived Nismo badge is the 2024 Nissan Ariya Nismo, a sportier iteration of the brand’s popular electric crossover. Like the standard Ariya, the Nismo variant boasts a choice between two battery packs.
The base model packs a punch with a 66 kWh battery, generating 362 horsepower and a hefty 413 lb-ft of torque. Stepping up to the higher-spec version brings a larger 91 kWh battery, pushing output to 413 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque.
While the Ariya Nismo carries a curb weight near 4,800 pounds, Nismo promises a more thrilling driving experience thanks to a dedicated performance mode and a slew of special tweaks. Visually, the Ariya Nismo sheds its standard counterpart’s skin for a more aggressive look.
A sculpted front splitter slices through the oncoming air, while sculpted side skirts channel airflow and enhance stability. A sporty rear spoiler completes the aerodynamic package, and unique 20-inch wheels fill the arches for a confident stance.
Red accents sprinkled throughout the blacked-out design elements a signature Nismo touch subtly announce the Ariya Nismo’s performance intentions. The 2024 Nissan Ariya Nismo offers an exciting proposition for European drivers seeking a blend of electric thrills and Nismo’s renowned performance heritage in a stylish crossover package.
Stepping inside the Nissan Ariya Nismo reveals a sportier environment compared to the standard Ariya. Nismo-branded front sports seats with red stitching hug the driver and passenger, while red accents on the dashboard and center console create a more performance-oriented ambience. Dedicated Nismo badging throughout the cabin further emphasizes this distinction.
But the enhancements go beyond aesthetics. Nissan has tweaked the e-4ORCE system to deliver a more engaging driving experience. This translates to optimized power and torque distribution to the rear wheels, enabling smooth and linear acceleration even at high speeds. A specially tuned suspension setup and upgraded brake pads round out the package, promising sharper handling and confident stopping power.
The European debut of the Ariya Nismo is set for the London E-Prix, giving European consumers their first look at this exciting electric vehicle. While specific pricing details will vary by country and will be announced later, one thing’s for sure: the Ariya Nismo is poised to inject a dose of performance into the electric crossover segment.
