You’d have been forgiven for forgetting about the Nissan Ariya NISMO, given it debuted at a Tokyo show that also saw much more exciting reveals. And it is, well, a 435hp Ariya. However, let’s not forget that Nissan forged its reputation with enthusiasts by adding features like Super HICAS all-wheel steer, ATTESA E-TS four-wheel drive and the R35’s box of tricks when the consensus was that too much tech would spoil the authenticity of the driving experience. They should be better prepared than most to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by electrification. And not resurrect the Juke NISMO.
Today it’s been confirmed that the Ariya NISMO will be coming to the UK, marking 40 years of the motorsport sub-brand and the first new model over here with the badge since the much loved old GT-R. Probably we’d all have preferred a Z NISMO, sure, but there we go. Nissan says the new Ariya is ‘dynamic, agile, and with a bold personality.’ There’s reckoned to be ‘added spark’ from the racetrack, too, which really does feel more of a stretch. But there are useful tweaks coming, including recalibrated e–4ORCE all-wheel drive and driver assists, better brakes, better tyres and tweaked suspension. Perhaps it won’t be an Ioniq 5 N, but hopefully the Ariya NISMO won’t just be a badging exercise either.
Nissan Europe’s VP of Marketing and Sales Mayra González is certainly keen: “Ariya NISMO strikes the perfect balance of the immediate response and acceleration of an all-electric car with the mechanical fine-tuning of a sports car, resulting in an outstanding car for day-to-day driving. With its striking design and stance, get ready to stand out from the crowd!” The Ariya will be at the Formula E in London this weekend, the first time the new NISMO has been seen in Europe, ahead of a full launch later this year. Maybe all that cynicism bubbling under will be cast aside and the Ariya will be a fitting birthday gift for NISMO. But just in case it isn’t, here’s an R34 GT-R S-Tune to swoon over as well.