When Nissan unveiled the Ariya Nismo at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon in January, and it’s nothing short of a jaw-dropper – at least in photos as we didn’t get the chance to visit the tuner show in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Thankfully, I’m currently here in Japan, courtesy of Nissan Philippines, to witness the Tokyo E-Prix or Formula E, with the Yokohama-based automaker standing as the only Asian brand joining the competition. This will be a story for another time but this trip gave me the chance to see the Ariya Nismo in the metal when we visited the Nissan Crossing in Ginza. Obviously, I was awestruck, enough for me to reintroduce to you this hot crossover that needs to reach the streets of Manila
The Nissan Ariya Nismo, a crossover with a sporting twist, has raised the bar for electric vehicles with its aggressive design and enhanced performance. As it stands proud alongside its counterparts, the Tesla Model Y Performance and Hyundai Ioniq 5 N might just be glancing over their shoulders nervously. Let’s delve into what makes the Nissan Ariya Nismo a true standout.
Sporting a body kit that exudes flair, the Ariya Nismo commands attention. While exact performance figures are yet to be disclosed, it’s evident that this crossover will offer a thrilling ride. Nismo’s fine-tuning should provide exceptional handling and responsiveness from this hot EV, with a specially crafted Nismo mode for an extra kick. For those who crave an auditory thrill, the option to mimic the sound of Formula E racing should be an cool addition.
The aerodynamic enhancements of the Nismo package don’t just look good; they improve performance too. With a striking front lip, side skirts, a faux diffuser, and dual rear spoilers, the Ariya Nismo cuts through the air with precision. Rolling on 20-inch wheels wrapped in 255/45 tires, this crossover promises superior agility and stability, perfect for those who crave cornering prowess.
I didn’t get the chance to peek into the Ariya Nismo’s cabin, but based on press images, it exudes an aura of athleticism. Dressed in black upholstery with vibrant red accents, the Ariya Nismo’s interior looks sporty. Alcantara-clad seats should offer both comfort and grip, while the flat-bottomed steering wheel adds a touch of racing pedigree. Exclusive touches such as black open-pore wood on the center console elevate the interior to a level of luxury reserved for the discerning driver.
Now, let’s talk about the most important aspect of a sporty vehicle: power output, or outputs, in this case. The Ariya Nismo packs a punch with two variants: the B6 e-4ORCE and the top-tier B9 e-4ORCE. The B6 churns out a respectable 362 horsepower and 560 Nm of torque from its 66 kWh battery pack. Meanwhile, the B9 takes it up a notch with a staggering 429 hp and 600 Nm of torque, making it the most potent Ariya variant to date. The car’s a bit porky at 4,894 lbs, but that we’re sure this won’t be an issue given these figures.
The Nissan Ariya Nismo isn’t an EV for the masses, and you might even say that it’s a long shot to see this car in the Philippines, especially considering that the Ariya hasn’t even reached the country. But given what it is and what it can do, it should be an exciting proposition and a ball-buster for those claiming that EVs are boring.
The Ariya Nismo isn’t just a sight to behold—it’s a force to be reckoned with, something I wish I get the chance to drive and see on local roads.