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Nissan Ariya Nismo specs and performance revealed

Nissan has revealed more details about its Ariya Nismo performance model, including its power, 0-62mph time and a host of body and chassis upgrades.

It announced in July that it was bringing a Nismo-tuned version of its large electric SUV to Europe and has now confirmed that it will use a retuned version of the Ariya’s existing two-motor setup to offer 423bhp and 443lb ft – a 121bhp jump over the current Evolve model.

That will get the Ariya Nismo from 0-62mph in five seconds – 0.7 quicker than other models. Reining that back in are vented front and rear disc brakes and a new ‘i-Booster’, which increases braking performance through revised regeneration tuning.

To manage the four-wheel-drive powertrain Nissan has retuned the e-4ORCE system with a 60:40 rear bias, which the brand boldly claims gives the Ariya greater turning and lateral forces than the GT-R Nismo. Thankfully, the suspension has also been given a going-over with revised stabilisers, spring rates and shock absorber settings, and the steering recalibrated for improved feel.

Helping with the increased pace are a number of bodywork tweaks that have improved the car’s aerodynamics. These include new spoilers and air curtains inspired by Formula E (naturally) that help reduce drag, and a new front splitter, extended lower bumpers, twin diffuser and ducktail rear spoiler. The rear-end upgrades apparently help reduce the car’s lift coefficient by 40%.

Other changes that improve the car’s looks and aid its performance are new bespoke 20-inch Nismo alloy wheels that reduce unsprung mass and improve brake cooling. These are shod with Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres.

Away from the technical upgrades, the Ariya also gets the Nismo treatment inside, with sports seats finished in a ‘suede-like’ material with the Nismo logo stitched into them. The wood texture on the dash gets a darker finish to contrast with the red stitching and there are new sportier designs for the car’s digital guages.

The Ariya Nismo is due to go on sale in early 2025, although UK dealers will be taking pre-orders from later in September. There’s no word on price but expect it to bring a significant premium over the current range-topping e-4ORCE 87kWh Evolve, which starts at £54,840.

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Matt Allan

Matt is Editor of EV Powered. He has worked in journalism for more than 20 years and been an automotive journalist for the last decade, covering every aspect of the industry, from new model reveals and reviews to consumer and driving advice. The former motoring editor of inews.co.uk, The Scotsman and National World, Matt has watched the EV landscape transform beyond recognition over the last 10 years and developed a passion for electric vehicles and what they mean for the future of transport - from the smallest city cars to the biggest battery-powered trucks. When he’s not driving or writing about electric cars, he’s figuring out how to convert his classic VW camper to electric power.