Electric vehicles may still have their fair share of doubters, but no one can deny that they are the future of the automotive market. Japanese manufacturer Nissan is well aware of this fact, and more than a decade after introducing the first-ever mass-produced EV in the form of the Leaf, it revealed its first battery-electric SUV in 2020 named the Nissan Ariya as part of its Nissan Next strategy. The Ariya was slated to go on sale in 2021, but that was pushed back, like many other things, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Ariya is a no-nonsense electric SUV for the masses, and it packs all the essentials in a compact package that offers a lot of variety and customization options to buyers since it can be configured in nine different trims. Range, performance, and power figures are more than respectable, and the exterior and interior have been designed from the ground up to reflect Nissan’s new strategy as it prepares for an all-electric future. The Japanese marque is eager to get back on top of the sales charts, and the Ariya looks set to make that happen if everything goes smoothly. Here are 10 things you should know about the Nissan Ariya.
1 The Exterior Design Is Fresh, But Unmistakably Nissan
The Nissan Leaf was the brand’s first mass-produced EV, and it had a really funky design for its time, but Nissan is aiming to take that one step further with the Ariya. The Ariya is a sleek and futuristic crossover SUV that screams ‘electric’ from every angle, and the coupe-like profile gives it a compact appearance despite it being quite spacious.
Nissan Ariya Exterior Dimensions
|
Wheelbase |
109.3 inches |
|---|---|
|
Length |
182.9 inches |
|
Width |
85.5 inches |
|
Height |
65.4 inches |
The front end is dominated by a V-shaped grille that contains Nissan’s crest in the middle and is flanked by narrow headlights and daytime running lights. The side profile is smooth and the roofline slopes sharply at the end to give way to the unique rear end that is itself dominated by a full-width lightbar and three-dimensional taillights inspired by Japanese woodwork.
2 It Is Based On A Brand-New EV Platform Shared With Renault
The Nissan Ariya is based on a new platform named the CMF-EV, an upgrade over the existing EV platform found in the Nissan Leaf and part of the Common Module Family jointly developed by Nissan and Renault. The CMF-EV platform has been optimized to deliver exceptional handling and the unique placement of the battery pack under the center of the vehicle allows for a low center of gravity and near-equal weight distribution between the front and rear of the vehicle. The flat design of the battery pack also gives the Ariya a flat floor, something that can improve structural rigidity as well as provide more space.
The CMF-EV platform can also be found in the Renault Megane E-Tech Electric and the upcoming Renault Scénic E-Tech, meaning cheaper component costs due to the shared parts.
3 The Nissan Ariya Produces Nearly 400 Horses
The Ariya may have been designed for the masses, but that doesn’t mean it holds back on power. The base version of the Ariya comes with a 238-horsepower electric motor with front-wheel drive, while the most powerful version dials that up all the way to 389 horsepower thanks to its two electric motors. As expected, the base version is a bit sluggish for an EV, with real-life tests showing it can reach 60 mph from a standstill in about 7.5 seconds, but the more powerful Platinum+ e-4ORCE version can reach the same speed in about five seconds.
Nissan Ariya Specs
|
Model |
Nissan Ariya FWD |
Nissan Ariya e-40RCE AWD |
|---|---|---|
|
Powertrain |
One electric motor |
Dual electric motors |
|
Power |
214–238 horsepower |
338-389 horsepower |
|
Torque |
221 pound-feet |
413-442 pound-feet |
|
0-60mph |
7.5 seconds |
5 seconds |
|
Electric Range |
Up to 304 miles |
Up to 289 miles |
|
Charging Time |
35 minutes@130kW |
40 minutes@130kW |
Unlike the Leaf which could only be configured in front-wheel drive, Nissan offers multiple all-wheel-drive configurations for the Ariya, and the AWD Engage version is a great ‘middle option’ thanks to the 335 horsepower produced by its two electric motors.
4 Over 300 Miles Of Range In Its Best Avatar
Range is often the most important number on the spec sheet of an EV, and the Nissan Ariya posts decent numbers across the board. The base Engage version offers a paltry 216 miles of range on one charge, but there are lots of other options to choose from. The front-wheel drive Evolve+, Empower+, and Premiere models offer up to 289 miles per charge, and the top-of-the-line Platinum+ has enough juice for 265 miles of range. The best range, however, is delivered by the Venture+ FWD version with 304 miles of range on offer on a single charge.
Nissan Ariya Range And Charging
|
Battery Size |
Range |
Charging Time |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Nissan Ariya Engage |
63 kWh |
Up to 216 miles |
50 minutes@130kW |
|
Nissan Ariya Higher Trims |
87 kWh |
Up to 304 miles |
50 minutes@130kW |
This may all seem a bit confusing, but you can head to the EPA’s website to get a comprehensive look at the range figures offered by the different versions of the Nissan Ariya.
5 As Many As Nine Different Trims On Offer
2024 Toyota Tundra 1794 Limited Edition Unveiled At State Fair Of Texas
Toyota created a buzz at the State Fair of Texas when they unveiled the 2024 Tundra 1794 Limited Edition. This special edition is based on the 1794 Edition Tundra, known for its luxurious leather interior and impressive off-road capabilities. However, the Limited Edition takes it a step further by offering exclusivity and unique accessories.
The 1794 Edition Toyota Tundra is named in honor of Texas’ oldest ranch, established in 1794 near present-day San Antonio. Toyota purchased a significant portion of this ranch for its San Antonio plant, where both the Tundra and Toyota Sequoia are manufactured.
Porsche 911 Dakar Takes Unconventional Approach to Nürburgring Lap
If you’re familiar with onboard laps of the Nürburgring, get ready for something different. In a video reminiscent of racing video games like Need for Speed, Forza, or Gran Turismo, Sport Auto’s Christian Gebhardt puts a real-life twist on cutting corners to optimize lap times and outpace competitors.
Gebhardt, behind the wheel of the Porsche 911 Safari, strayed from the traditional tarmac and purposefully veered onto the nearby grass multiple times. Remarkably, he had the full approval of the Nordschleife management team to engage in this normally prohibited activity on the renowned race track.
MANSORY P9LM EVO 900: A Radical Transformation of the Porsche 911 Turbo S
In the world of super sports cars, the MANSORY P9LM EVO 900 stands out as a game-changer. This unique conversion of the Porsche 911 Turbo S Coupé (soon available as a convertible) is a limited edition with only 10 units. It combines exclusivity with high-performance engineering in an iconic package.
MANSORY, known for their expertise in automotive refinement, has taken the Porsche 911 Turbo S and created the P9LM EVO 900. With an impressive power increase to 900hp and 774 lb/ft of torque, this vehicle can reach a top speed of 211 mph and accelerate from 0-60 in under 2.5 seconds.
The conversion goes beyond power enhancements; it includes a complete redesign with a full carbon bonnet and Forged Carbon add-on parts. The bodywork comes in two versions, with an optional two-tone special paint finish. The introduction of new forged wheels in 21 and 22 inches further enhances the vehicle’s appeal.
The “P9LM EVO 900” features a striking front design with enlarged air intakes in the carbon front apron. It also has a new 3-pipe exhaust system and a redesigned diffuser for improved airflow. The rear apron and large retractable rear spoiler contribute to increased downforce on the rear axle.
MANSORY has ingeniously enhanced the performance of the P9LM EVO 900. Changes to the 3.8-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder boxer engine include larger VTG turbochargers, a water-cooled intercooler, a high-performance exhaust system, a sports air filter, and a reprogramming of the engine control unit (ECU).
The vehicle’s superior performance is further supported by the 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox, standard four-wheel drive, newly developed MANSORY suspension components, and “FV.5C” rims fitted with high-performance sports tires.
The interior of the “P9LM EVO 900” has also been completely redesigned with high-quality leather upholstery and carbon applications. The steering wheel features a carbon and leather combination, with a carbon ring displaying a shift light and digital display for speed and engine revs. Customers can customize the color, pattern, decorative stitching, and carbon applications according to their preference.
In a world of high-performance vehicles, the limited edition MANSORY P9LM EVO 900 offers unmatched luxury and speed, solidifying its status as a true sports car icon. It takes the Porsche 911 Turbo S to new levels of performance and aesthetics.
View All Porsche 911 Turbo Ss For Sale
MANSORY P9LM EVO 900 Photos:
19 Photos
5 Popular Engines for Classic Car Engine Swaps
When it comes to classic car engines, the Chevy Small Block stands out as one of the most popular choices. This engine has been used to power numerous muscle cars and is known for its versatility across different car brands. Whether it’s Ford, Chevy, or Dodge, you can find a small block engine under the hood. What makes the small block impressive is its ability to generate high horsepower without falling apart.
One advantage of the Chevy Small Block is the abundance of parts. While you can buy a new 350 cubic inch small block from Chevy, many aftermarket companies offer their own complete engine assemblies. If you’re on a budget, you can also find various versions of the Chevy small block on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Craigslist, and other online marketplaces specializing in car parts. With six decades of production, you’re likely to find Chevy small block parts in your local junkyard.