2024 Nissan Ariya Nismo: Performance-tuned electric SUV revealed

The 2024 Nissan Ariya Nismo has debuted at the Tokyo Auto Salon ahead of its Japanese launch later this year.

Performance enhancements for the tuned mid-size Ariya electric SUV include more-powerful electric motors for quicker acceleration, a sports-tuned Nismo drive mode, a retuned chassis, Formula E-inspired race tyres, and improved aerodynamics.

The Ariya Nismo is the latest vehicle in the performance sub-brand's line-up, with other model including the Z Nismo, GT-R Nismo, Skyline Nismo (sold as the Infiniti Q50 outside of Japan), Patrol Nismo in the Middle East, and the Note Nismo hatch.

Two variants of the Ariya Nismo will be offered: The 'Nismo B6 E-Force' with a 270kW/560Nm electric motor and 66kWh lithium-ion battery, and the 'Nismo B9 E-Force' that ups power to 320kW/600Nm with a larger 91kWh battery.

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While the Nismo B6 is slightly down on the most-powerful version of the standard Ariya, the 290kW/600Nm E-Force Performance, the Nismo B9 becomes the most-potent version of the mid-size SUV sold to date.

Nissan has not confirmed acceleration times for either of the Nismo models, but the Nismo B9 will likely have a 0-100km/h sprint time in the four-second region, an improvement over the E-Force Performance's 5.1-second claim.

Nismo said the "special tuning for each chassis component" and dedicated Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres have allowed the car to provide "superior stability and turn-in ability as well as better line-tracing and enhanced cornering ability at high speeds".

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Aerodynamic performance has been improved using "race-derived technologies" from Nissan's Formula-E team, which is claimed to reduce drag and "provide greater resistance at higher speeds".

Design enhancements include a new lower front bumper with a splitter for added downforce, a race-inspired rear diffuser, new-design 20-inch alloy wheels, and red striping that wraps around the exterior.

Inside, the Ariya Nismo receives sportier front seats with part-suede upholstery and Nismo badging on the backrests, red accents throughout, and updated software.

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The 2024 Nissan Ariya Nismo electric mid-size SUV will launch in Japan in the Northern Hemisphere spring (September to November).

It is currently unclear if the Ariya Nismo will be offered outside Japan, though the most-powerful 'B9 E-Force' model could act as a rival to the Tesla Model Y Performance, Kia EV6 GT and Ford Mustang Mach-E GT in other markets.

Nissan Australia has not confirmed the local line-up for the Ariya, with exact launch timing still unclear as its arrival remains held up by global demand and Australia’s relaxed fuel efficiency regulations.