Currently reading: Nissan reveals Ariya-inspired, single-seat EV racer concept

One-off racer has been developed using insights from Formula E and is styled to match new SUV

Nissan has revealed a new electric single-seat race car concept loosely based on its forthcoming Ariya SUV

Called the Ariya Single Seater, it serves to demonstrate "how the all-electric Nissan Ariya road car powertrain could be used in a bespoke single seater racing car chassis". 

The firm has not yet confirmed that it plans to produce a functioning, full-sized example – nor indeed plans for a dedicated race series using the car – but Autocar understands that Nissan hopes to produce a working version for dynamic displays at Formula E races. 

The concept is related to the production SUV in more than just name: the front is decorated with a similar, light-up V motif, while the side is claimed to take inspiration "from the Ariya’s fluid and efficient surfaces, exaggerated to a maximum in carbonfibre".

It looks, Nissan claims, "like it was shaped by the air itself". 

Nissan's participation in Formula E is said to have inspired the concept's creation. The firm's motorsport boss, Tommaso Volpe, said: "Our EV programmes inform our Formula E programme and vice versa, allowing for road-to-track technology transfer as well as track-to-road. 

"The Nissan Ariya Single Seater Concept explores the combination of the all-electric powertrain, dual motors and revolutionary all-wheel drive system of the Ariya with a pure single-seat racing chassis - a powerful demonstration of just how thrilling electric vehicles could be.”

Nissan has not given any powertrain or performance figures, but hints that it uses the production-specification Ariya powertrain – presumably the higher-output e4orce Performance system with up to 389bhp from its twin-motor, four-wheel-drive set-up. 

Felix Page

Felix Page
Title: Deputy editor

Felix is Autocar's deputy editor, responsible for leading the brand's agenda-shaping coverage across all facets of the global automotive industry - both in print and online.

He has interviewed the most powerful and widely respected people in motoring, covered the reveals and launches of today's most important cars, and broken some of the biggest automotive stories of the last few years. 

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Just Saying 2 December 2021
Battery supplied by Duracell no doubt!