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Nissan has just announced the launch of the Note Aura Nismo, the ‘hot’ version of their Note Aura EV which makes use of the Yokohama firm’s new e-Power electrified powertrain. They make mention of its intentions as a “swift electrified city racer” and that it keeps in line with Nismo’s spirit and ethos of next-generation design, exhilarating handling, agile response, and smooth acceleration.
The Nismo splitter finished in red immediately differentiates the EV from its non-Nismo sibling, and the Formula-E inspires styling continues to the 17-inch aluminium wheels, red mirror caps and side skirts, and an aggressive rear fascia that includes a distinctive bumper and diffuser package and the Japanese performance arm’s iconic bright red layered double-wing, which offers real downforce.
Jump into the Note Aura Nismo’s cabin and you’ll be reminded of the fact that this is no ordinary EV – keeping in line with the theme, you’ll notice the specially trimmed Recaro seats and Nismo-specific graphics in the instrument cluster.
The powertrain is unchanged from that of the standard Note Aura, with a 1,2-litre three-cylinder engine acting as a generator, connected to a pair of electric motors which drive the wheels. It produces 99 kW and 300 N.m of torque – it won’t set your hair alight, but Nissan promises that the a focused suspension setup and Nismo-specific driving mode with increased response will make for a dynamic and thrilling experience. The Note Aura’s Normal and Eco Modes have also been specially tuned by the arm, thus providing “more comfortable driving.”
Nissan SA currently has no plans to bring the Note Aura premium-hatch or its Nismo stablemate to South Africa.
