Electric cars are so versatile! It is adaptable enough to convert a small SUV into an electric racer.
This is the case for Nissan’s latest design, the Ariya Single Seater Concept.
It is loosely based on the forthcoming £40,000 Ariya SUV – the electric model that will sit above the Qashqai in the Japanese brand’s range – and uses the same powertrain but incorporates it into a ‘motorsports-inspired package’.
From school run, to starting grid: The powertrain that will feature in the forthcoming Nissan Ariya SUV in Britain is hidden beneath this single-seater Formula-E racer.
Although the silhouettes are identical, the engine that powers the vehicle is very similar.
Nissan hasn’t confirmed the performance capabilities of the racer, though says it uses the same CMF-EV platform, e-4ORCE four-wheel drive system and dual-motor electric powertrain that underpins the most potent versions of the all-new electric SUV, which is likely to cost around £60,000 when order books open shortly and offer a maximum range of 310 miles.
It should be able to produce 389 bhp, and 600 Nm of torque.
Nissan hasn’t yet confirmed performance of this racer but says that it runs the same CMF–EV platform, e-4ORCE 4WD system and dual motor electric powertrain as the SUV’s most powerful versions.
Single Seater Concept’s body is made of ultra-light carbon fibre and is designed to look like a bullet, rather than a brick-filled with passengers.
The most potent versions of the new Nissan Ariya SUV are likely to cost around £60,000 when order books open shortly and offer a maximum range of 310 miles
This setup allows even the SUV to reach 62 mph at rest in just 5.1 seconds. We imagine that the Formula-E version will take a few seconds less, as the Single Seater Concept doesn’t have the bulky weight.
The bodywork is ultra-light in carbon-fibre and the shape of the bullet will help to increase its speed.
In terms of the styling, the racer uses the same illuminated ‘V’ motion grille design, which is very similar to the daytime running lights that feature on the family car you can buy in Nissan showrooms in 2022.
The two cars are quite different but they have a few similarities, like the V-shaped running light at the front.
It is designed to show off the powerful powertrains that will be the backbone of future family cars.
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship participation by Nissan has inspired its creation.
The Japanese brand says the side view of the Single Seater Concept takes inspiration from the Ariya SUV’s ‘fluid and efficient surfaces’, though exaggerated to the maximum by the switch to carbon panels.
According to the company, “Overall, the Nissan Ariya Single Seater Concept depicts a form that, like the Ariya’s, seems to have been shaped by air,”
The concept was created to show off the powertrains of future family cars. However, it has been also inspired by Nissan’s involvement in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. If a working model is made, the car can be displayed during races weekends.
Nissan could develop a concept Nissan that can be displayed at racing weekends or other events.
Ariya’s SUV, built in Japan rather than Nissan UK Sunderland, will be ready for order within a few months
Prices for entry versions with smaller batteries are expected to start from £40,000 to £45,000
‘At Nissan, we dare to do what others don’t,’ explained Juan Manuel Hoyos, global marketing manager.
‘With this concept we want to showcase the high-performance potential of the Ariya’s powertrain in a motorsports-inspired package that not only hints at the design and styling of the road car that inspired it, but that also demonstrates a new and efficient EV performance language.
‘Acting as a testbed for future technological evolution, this project can help bring excitement from the road to the race track, and also demonstrate Nissan’s expertise in transferring knowledge and technology from the race track to the road.’
The Ariya SUV, which will be built in Japan and not Nissan UK’s Sunderland factory, is due to be available to order in a matter of months, with the entry price for smaller battery versions with a range of up to 211 miles is expected to start from £40,000 to £45,000.
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