As promised, the first of the new electric Nismo models is here. Say hello to the Nissan Ariya Nismo. The main takeaway? Power tops out at 423hp (almost as much as Nissan targeted when it originally announced the model).
It’ll be on sale with a choice of two battery sizes—a dinkier 66kWh unit will generate roughly 355hp, but the 91kWh will push almost 70hp more (and some 10% more power than a regular entry-level Ariya).
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Creating up to 599Nm of torque, Nissan tells us the Ariya’s Nismo-tuned all-wheel electric drive technology will give more stability in cornering and better acceleration. All that power and electric drive is coupled with a sportier aesthetic, too. Nissan hasn’t published any performance stats yet, but the thing isn’t light, weighing as much as 2.2 tons.
Which means there's a lot of work for that sportier aesthetic to do. There’s a lowered front end with a red-accented splitter, while black and red body trim wraps around the car past the newly developed 20-inch lightweight aluminum rims highlighted by prominent black arches.
Out back, two shark fin antennas, a gloss black roof spoiler (which looks a smidge longer) and a body-colored lip spoiler complete the bolder design and together, Nissan says, improve aero performance.
Obviously with this being the first electrified Nismo (we might have mentioned that), there’s none of that meaty engine noise of yore. Nissan’s solution? A fake one. The brand says it’s “reminiscent of the exhilaration of a Formula E car.” Ladies and gentlemen, start your squealing.
More photos of the Nissan Ariya Nismo:
NOTE: This article first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.
