Nismo's electric future? 2024 Nissan Ariya Nismo electric car unveiled at Tokyo Auto Salon with outputs that put the Toyota bZ4X EV to shame

Nissan has pulled the covers off the hotted-up version of its electric SUV, the Ariya, before the base model has landed in Australia.

Revealed at the Tokyo Auto Salon, the 2024 Nissan Ariya Nismo is more than just a style pack, offering up power and specific chassis tuning that puts its outputs in line with some rather quick variants of popular models like the Polestar 2 or Tesla Model Y, or even a base model Porsche Taycan.

In its most potent form, the Ariya Nismo makes 320kW and 600Nm, with proper chassis tuning and functional styling by Nismo, making it not only faster but also, in theory, better handling than the standard version.

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There are two versions - a smaller battery ‘B6’ with a 66kWh battery and outputs of 270kW and 560Nm, and the aforementioned 320kW version: the B9 with a 91kWh battery.

The former weighs 2080kg, according to Nissan, while the latter sits between 2210 and 2220kg due to the larger battery.

In its most potent form, the Ariya Nismo makes 320kW and 600Nm.

The brand hasn’t confirmed performance specifications like 0-100km/h times, but with Nissan’s e-4orce all-wheel-drive system in play for traction, even the less powerful of the two should be no slouch - sub-five seconds to 100km/h would be an easy get.

In terms of dynamics, Nissan says Nismo has worked on “special tuning for each chassis component”, while even exterior design affects aerodynamics “thanks to race-derived technologies that reduce drag and provide greater downforce at higher speeds”.

On the inside, Nismo-specific seats and trim make the hi-po version of the electric SUV stand out over the base model.

Even inside, Nismo-specific seats and trim make the hi-po version of the electric SUV stand out over the base model.

Here in Australia, those hoping to get their hands on the Ariya will have to wait for Nissan to actually launch the Ariya here in the first place - Nissan Australia Managing Director Adam Paterson says it’s a challenge to do so given other markets with stricter emission regulations are prioritised for manufacturing slots.

There are two versions - a smaller battery ‘B6’ with a 66kWh battery and outputs of 270kW and 560Nm, and the aforementioned 320kW version: the B9 with a 91kWh battery.

"We want to get it to Australia. Day by day, month by month, we see the VFACTS number and the electrification rate is growing and it is increasing… but the car is doing well, and there are (other) markets that require it more from an emissions standpoint.

"So, that's the challenge we continue to endure."