We’re still learning about the all-electric Nissan Ariya, but it looks like the Japanese automaker’s engineers are a few steps beyond the currently available trim levels. A new set of spy photos from the Nürburgring captures an Ariya doing tricks, but it’s not any version we’ve seen so far. Body modifications combined with sticky tires and a lower stance suggest this is an Ariya Nismo.
What specifically sets this Ariya apart from the others? Let’s start at the front, where Nissan installs a different fascia. It’s not drastically different, but the vertical vents on the ends are a bit shorter. A single horizontal body line runs across the bumper instead of running downward from the air vents, giving the Ariya Nismo a stockier face. Below, a large lower air vent is more aggressive in design, and there’s a small chin spoiler underneath. Small fins adorn the edges of the lower fascia.
Moving rearward, the side skirts give the appearance of a slightly lower ride height, although we think this prototype In fact is lower depending on the visible distance between the wheels. Speaking of wheels, this Ariya forgoes an aerodynamic design for the 20-inch double-spoke five-stars, and the tires aren’t rated for low rolling resistance.
These are Michelin Pilot Sports in 255/45 version, not the most aggressive performance tires on the market, but certainly not standard spec for the Ariya. The brakes (at the front anyway) seem a little larger and a small lip spoiler is mounted just below the window. The rear fascia also features sharper edges.
21 Pictures
Such body modifications are consistent with what we often see on Nismo-modified models, like the Z Nismo. If Nissan sticks to this formula, it likely means only a modest increase in power over the current Ariya in its most powerful form. This would be an e-Force AWD model in Engage+, Evolve+ or Platinum+ trim, generating a combined output of 389 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. Exceeding 400 hp for an Ariya Nismo seems like a safe assumption, but if Nissan wants to compete with the Kia EV6 GT and Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, it would need something closer to 600 hp.
At the moment, we have no information on the release date of the Ariya Nismo. Given that this model is available without any camouflage, it wouldn’t be totally surprising to see something by the end of 2023.
We’re still learning about the all-electric Nissan Ariya, but it looks like the Japanese automaker’s engineers are a few steps beyond the currently available trim levels. A new set of spy photos from the Nürburgring captures an Ariya doing tricks, but it’s not any version we’ve seen so far. Body modifications combined with sticky tires and a lower stance suggest this is an Ariya Nismo.
What specifically sets this Ariya apart from the others? Let’s start at the front, where Nissan installs a different fascia. It’s not drastically different, but the vertical vents on the ends are a bit shorter. A single horizontal body line runs across the bumper instead of running downward from the air vents, giving the Ariya Nismo a stockier face. Below, a large lower air vent is more aggressive in design, and there’s a small chin spoiler underneath. Small fins adorn the edges of the lower fascia.
Moving rearward, the side skirts give the appearance of a slightly lower ride height, although we think this prototype In fact is lower depending on the visible distance between the wheels. Speaking of wheels, this Ariya forgoes an aerodynamic design for the 20-inch double-spoke five-stars, and the tires aren’t rated for low rolling resistance.
These are Michelin Pilot Sports in 255/45 version, not the most aggressive performance tires on the market, but certainly not standard spec for the Ariya. The brakes (at the front anyway) seem a little larger and a small lip spoiler is mounted just below the window. The rear fascia also features sharper edges.
21 Pictures
Such body modifications are consistent with what we often see on Nismo-modified models, like the Z Nismo. If Nissan sticks to this formula, it likely means only a modest increase in power over the current Ariya in its most powerful form. This would be an e-Force AWD model in Engage+, Evolve+ or Platinum+ trim, generating a combined output of 389 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. Exceeding 400 hp for an Ariya Nismo seems like a safe assumption, but if Nissan wants to compete with the Kia EV6 GT and Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, it would need something closer to 600 hp.
At the moment, we have no information on the release date of the Ariya Nismo. Given that this model is available without any camouflage, it wouldn’t be totally surprising to see something by the end of 2023.
