The First-Ever Nissan Ariya Nismo Has Arrived, Flagship Spec Packs 429 HP

Once heralded as the Japanese automaker that helped popularize mass-market, 'affordable' EVs, Nissan has been dragging its feet as of late in the battery-powered game with the same second-generation Leaf throbbing around from $28,140 on the US market but feeling two decades behind the looks and specification of the $39k Tesla Model 3. Luckily, they have finally started selling the delayed Ariya crossover SUV as their belated response to the world's best-selling car of 2023 – the Tesla Model Y.

Frankly, it will take a lot of effort to catch up to Tesla after, not long ago, Nissan was boasting about producing the world's best-selling EV, but at least the new Nismo EV flagship is a (small) step in the right direction. Meet the teased and intensely-spied 2024 Nissan Ariya Nismo, the zero-emissions high-performance version that is based on the Ariya e-4ORCE and will initially launch in Japan in spring. After that, we will probably see it in America, too, where it will try to fend off the excellent credentials of the Tesla Model Y Performance.

With a new EV Nismo design language, the Ariya Nismo was conceived to deliver "extremely powerful yet smooth acceleration, exemplary handling, and stellar aerodynamic performance." The Nismo tuning includes 10% more power from the EV setup, tweaks to the acceleration curve, plus a new and exclusive Nismo driving mode. As a way to connect to the motorsport efforts, the soundtrack will be evocative of the Formula E series. There are also 20-inch alloy wheels to better showcase the Nismo version alongside the classic red details around the exterior.

Also, some race-inspired technologies are used to improve aerodynamics, resulting in lower drag levels and higher downforce at superior speeds. Meanwhile, subtle cues differentiate the model from the rest of the pack, plus the easy giveaway of "specially designed Nismo seats and trim." There will be two models available from the onset – Nismo B6 e-4ORCE and B9 e-4ORCE. They are mostly identical, save for a few key differentiators – the peak output is 270 kW and 560 Nm (362 hp and 413 lb-ft) for the first or 320 kW and 600 nm (429 hp and 443 lb-ft) for the second, while the batteries are 66 kWh and 91 kWh, respectively.

Of course, it's still too early to talk about pricing. Also, Nissan refrained from presenting any performance figures at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon – we don't know the acceleration times or the top speeds, and we especially have no idea about the impact (if any) on the EV range.