Nissan announced the upcoming debut of a new and “electrified” Nismo model which is scheduled for January 12, just in time for the Tokyo Auto Salon. While the automaker doesn’t mention the name of the model, the teaser suggests it will be based on the Ariya. At the same time, a new report from Japan reveals the Nismo-specific features of the electric SUV thanks to a bunch of allegedly leaked presentation slides.
The official preview on Nissan’s YouTube channel depicts a portion of the model’s silhouette, which looks identical to the Ariya. This is not surprising, as prototypes of the EV have been spotted testing at the Nurburgring on various occasions last year. These featured a sportier bodykit, larger-diameter wheels, and lowered suspension, hinting at a new Nismo-branded product.
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The latest report from Japanese media Mag X confirms the rumors about the Nissan Ariya Nismo, with what looks like official presentation slides revealing the upcoming upgrades. Starting with the exterior, the Nismo-specific bodykit includes a redesigned front bumper with a pronounced splitter, joined by similar extensions for the side sills and rear bumper. There is also an additional lip spoiler on the tailgate, and a new set of 20-inch Enkei alloy wheels shod in Michelin Pilot Sport rubber.
According to the leaked documents the Ariya Nismo will be available in six colors, including single-tone (Prism White, Dark Metal Gray, Midnight Black) and bi-tone (Prism White, Deep Ocean Blue, Stealth Gray) options with a Midnight Black roof. Inside, the model will reportedly feature a set of bucket seats, a sportier steering wheel, a black roofliner, and a generous amount of red accents.
Besides the new shoes, the Nismo-branded Ariya will benefit from a stiffer suspension setup featuring revised spring/damper rates, alongside stronger stabilizer bars. Nismo engineers will improve the braking and steering systems while tweaking the settings of the electronics for maximum performance. Furthermore, a new Nismo driving mode will reportedly add Formula E sound effects in a quest to improve the overall experience.
Special tuning is also planned for the e-4ORCE powertrain, resulting in improved performance. According to the leaks, the 0-120 km/h (0-75 mph) acceleration will be completed a full second faster compared to the standard model. Note that the most potent version of the Airya is fitted with dual electric motors producing a combined 389 hp (395 PS / 290 kW) and 442 lb-ft (599 Nm) of torque. Mag X suggests that the Nismo version will be available with both the 63 kWh and the 87 kWh battery options.
We will learn more on January 12, when Nissan will unveil the performance-focused version of its electric SUV. The Ariya won’t be the only Nismo-badged model at the Tokyo Auto Salon, where it will be joined by the hot version of the GT-R, Fairlady Z, and Skyline.