Nissan Unveils Ariya Nismo for Japan
The Ariya arrived later than Nissan wanted, but it’s good enough to warrant a look from EV buyers. However, it didn’t have an engaging driving experience or much in the way of performance. Nissan’s changing that for 2024 – at least in Japan – with the new Ariya Nismo.
The Ariya Nismo gets chassis tuning and all-wheel drive, and its output reaches 429 horsepower in the most powerful configuration. Like it did with the Nismo Z and GT-R variants, Nissan gave the Ariya unique styling and an exclusive paint color to help it stand out.
Nissan introduced the EV for the Japanese market and said it would be available in the spring. That said, the automaker has not detailed plans to bring the vehicle to the U.S., though it’s more than a little likely we’ll see it before too long. Nissan needs something exciting to boost Ariya sales, and this could be the ticket.
The Ariya hasn’t been the hottest seller since making it to market, only moving 13,464 units last year. It’s also ineligible for federal EV tax credits, making it a hard sell against cheaper competitors like the Tesla Model Y and others. Supply has also been an issue for the SUV, as Nissan has struggled to get production up and running smoothly at the factory in Japan where it’s built.
[Image: Nissan]
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Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.
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The one-time EV leader has become the also-ran.
The Ariya is a poor value, and just as homely in person; more power won't help it.
Can someone help me pronounce that stupid name?
Say it as in Area 51, or like Mariah the overrated diva, or as in diarrhea?
Could they please re-veil it?