Nissan unveils key specifications for the high-performance Ariya NISMO on World EV Day

On the fifth anniversary of World EV Day, Nissan is preparing to launch its first high-performance EV, the Ariya NISMO, in Europe. This sleek, fully electric vehicle blends Nissan's NISMO racing heritage with a bold, Japanese-inspired design, offering enhanced performance without compromise.

Based on the 87kWh Ariya e-4ORCE, the NISMO version adds motorsport-inspired upgrades for a more thrilling drive, while remaining practical and affordable for everyday use.

Here is everything you need to know:

Nissan Ariya Nismo Styling

The Ariya NISMO's sleek, aerodynamic design enhances its powerful, nearly silent electric powertrain, giving a sense of effortless motion. Formula E-inspired features like new spoilers, air curtains, and a front splitter with canard vortices reduce drag and airflow resistance, while extended lower bumpers, a twin diffuser, and a ducktail rear spoiler lower lift by 40%, achieving a coefficient of lift (CL) of 0.11 compared to the regular Ariya’s 0.18

Its unique 20-inch NISMO-branded ENKEI wheels, paired with Michelin Pilot Sport EV tires, improve grip and road performance while reducing unsprung mass and enhancing brake cooling. These cast-aluminum rims, produced using ENKEI’s advanced 'MAT Process,' offer a strength-to-weight ratio similar to forged wheels, allowing for thinner spokes to aid cooling.

Nissan Ariya Nismo Interior

The all-new Ariya NISMO boasts a carefully redesigned interior, offering a premium experience with upgraded seating and finishes. The seats, upholstered in a suede-like material with stitched NISMO logos, are crafted for sporty driving, providing enhanced support and a snug fit during sharp turns.

NISMO’s signature design elements are present throughout, including new digital gauge displays, red stitching on the steering wheel, and red accents, creating a sporty yet high-end feel. The interior’s elegance is further elevated by a new blackened wood texture, adding a modern, sophisticated touch.

Nissan Ariya Nismo Powertrain

The Ariya NISMO enhances the performance of the 87kWh Ariya e-4ORCE with a NISMO-tuned powertrain, boosting output to 435 PS (429 HP / 320 kW) and maintaining 600 Nm of torque. This allows it to accelerate from 0-62 mph in five seconds and from 50-70 mph in just 2.4 seconds.

However, the Ariya NISMO isn't just about speed. With an upgraded e-4ORCE all-wheel-drive system, it delivers better handling and cornering performance than the GT-R NISMO. The system, influenced by the ATTESA technology, adjusts power to each wheel 10,000 times per second for maximum grip, and a new 60:40 rear-bias setup improves agility and line-tracing by 12%.

Nissan Ariya Nismo Release Date

The Ariya NISMO will launch in January 2025, initially offered in a single standard configuration featuring a NISMO Stealth Grey exterior finish, previously showcased on the GT-R.