Top car brand returns to UK for the first time in three years after fan-favourite model was banned for being too loud
A TOP car brand is returning to the UK for the first time in three years after one of its fan-favourite models was banned for being too loud.
The firm will use “race-derived technologies” to offer a sporty twist on a popular SUV.
Nismo pulled out of the UK when the 370Z sports car was discontinued in 2021.
The company’s name stands for Nissan Motorsport and it operates as the in-house performance arm of the giant Japanese manufacturer.
Its back catalogue has included suped-up versions of beloved Nissan models including the Micra, Juke and Note.
Nismo still makes cars in Japan but hasn’t hit British shores in quite some time.
Current models are headlined by a variant on the iconic GT-R, dubbed the “Godzilla” thanks to its ability to crush competition.
Gear up, Europe – the Ariya Nismo is on its way
Nissan
However, the GT-R was banned entirely in the UK in 2022 as it was deemed ‘too loud’ under EU noise rules.
Now, though, Autocar reports that the high-performance brand will make a comeback to the UK in the near future.
A new version of the Ariya crossover SUV, unveiled at this year’s Tokyo motor show, has been confirmed for European sales.
The new car will be based on the range-topping Ariya e-4orce EV but feature an overhauled exterior and a bit of extra juice under the bonnet.
A large ducktail spoiler has been added to the back, while a vortex generator (a set of small fins designed to improve aerodynamic handling) has appeared on the roof.
The exact specs are as yet unconfirmed, but the Japanese version will boast a 362 horsepower batter as standard, with a more powerful 429 horsepower variant also available.
It is expected to comfortably clear the top speed of the base Ariya, which sits at 124mph.
No information has been released on range, but at around two tonnes and with all that power, it’s not likely to be the most economical offering on the market.
Inside, the changes are minimal but will see a new set of seats, trimmed in suede and Nismo branding.
Inside Nissan’s Sunderland factory where Qashqai is born every two minutes
Back in May, SunMotor’s own Rob Gill took a tour around Nissan’s giant Sunderland factory and gave readers a look inside the slick process which sees a Qashqai born every two minutes – here’s what he learned:
By 2030, the mega-selling Qashqai and Juke will become electric only, like Leaf.
Batteries will be assembled at one of three gigafactories next door.
A new microgrid incorporating the existing wind and solar farms will have the capability to produce all the energy the car and battery plants need.
Sunderland started out building Bluebird in 1986 and has now topped 11 MILLION cars. One in three UK-built cars is made right here in the North East — more than 400,000 a year — with a new Qashqai born every TWO MINUTES.
Qashqai is the crown jewel. The do-it-all SUV continues to set records as the fastest car to one, two, three and four million units.
Line them up end to end and they would stretch from Sunderland to Mount Fuji.
Now a smarter, more sophisticated Qashqai with built-in Google has started rolling out of the factory gates, priced from £30k.
Another thing that impresses is the pride and precision of the 6,000 people who work here — exactly the reason why the Japanese continue to invest billions in futureproofing the plant.
You are born either red and white or black and white in these parts.
But absolutely everyone is backing Nissan’s green team.
Likewise, the price is still a mystery but is, again, expected to exceed the standard model, which is about £50,000.
Announcing the car in promotional material, Nissan said: “The return of an icon: Nismo is Europe-bound, with the all-electric Ariya Nismo.
“This sleek and sporty crossover combines Nissan’s strong Nismo heritage with cutting-edge electric vehicle technology, featuring an aerodynamic design and dynamic suspension for elite handling.
“Gear up, Europe – the Ariya Nismo is on its way.”
It comes after Mclaren unveiled a new £1.8 million supercar that can touch 60 in less than 3 seconds.