Hot Nissan Ariya Nismo spied on test

• New flagship version of the Ariya with Nismo branding
• Sportier, more aggressive bodykit and wheels
• Rivals could include Kia EV6 GT and Tesla Model Y Performance

Nissan has been spotted testing what appears to be a hot version of the Ariya electric SUV, likely to be a Nismo-branded variant. The Nissan Ariya Nismo will tap into a growing market for hot electric SUVs, and will have to go up against plenty of rivals such as the Kia EV6 GT, Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and of course the Tesla Model Y Performance.

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The car was spotted undisguised, and pictures reveal a sportier-looking version of the Nissan Ariya complete with a bodykit and large 20-inch alloy wheels shod with high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres. There’s also a more prominent rear spoiler and diffuser for added style and improved aerodynamics.

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Although Nismo is better known for its higher-performance versions of the Nissan GT-R and Z sports coupes, the Ariya would not be the first time the division has developed a hotter version of one of the brand’s SUVs, having previously come up with the feisty Juke Nismo crossover.

It’s also not the first time Nismo will have created a higher-performance version of one of the car’s electric offerings, with a high-performance Nissan Leaf Nismo having previously been released in Japan with a larger battery pack and recalibrated motors.

There’s no official information about the upcoming Ariya Nismo’s powertrains or performance figures, but there could be an increase over the range-topping Ariya’s already-punchy 388bhp output. Aside from this, a Nismo model would certainly offer an upgraded suspension and chassis setup for improved agility and driving feel.

Nissan remains tight-lipped about this new performance model, so there’s no knowing when it could go on sale or how much it will cost. With the most expensive version of the Ariya currently costing around £60,000, however, a new flagship halo Nismo performance SUV looks set to be an expensive proposition.

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