Nissan ups the ante with Ariya Nismo

NISSAN pulled the covers off a Nismo-enhanced version of its Ariya mid-sized electric SUV at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon ahead of its Japanese market debut later this year – and it is much more than a wheel and sticker package.

Taking to the stage in Japan, the souped-up BEV packs more powerful electric motors yielding swifter acceleration, the upgraded performance met with a retuned chassis and grippier Michelin tyres, as well as a host of aerodynamic enhancements.

Nissan will offer two variants of the Ariya Nismo, the B6 offering a 270kW/560Nm tune and 66kWh lithium-ion battery pack, and the B9 a beefy 320Nm/600Nm plus larger 91kWh battery.

By way of comparison, the standard Ariya makes 160kW and 300Nm. Nissan has not released acceleration times for the Nismo versions but confirmed both drive all four wheels. Kerb weight is listed at between 2080 and 2220kg.

The Ariya Nismo will join the Z Nismo and GT-R Nismo in Japanese showrooms later this year, but arrival timing for any Ariya variant on Australian shores remains unclear.

Stylistically, the Nissan Ariya Nismo sports a new-look front bumper with aerodynamic splitter, a rear diffuser, more aggressive 20-inch aluminium wheels, and red exterior garnishing.

Inside are sportier seats up front with Nismo embroidery, red accenting, and enhanced software.

The software tweak includes a Nismo driving mode Nissan says improves response while further adding an option for sounds that are “evocative of Formula E racing”.

“The stylish and futuristic crossover SUV is Nismo’s flagship EV model. It offers powerful acceleration, a spacious upgraded cabin, and the quiet operation unique to electric vehicles,” said Nissan in a statement.

“Based on the Ariya e-4orce and featuring a dynamic new-generation EV Nismo design, the Ariya Nismo delivers greater confidence and peace of mind thanks to its extremely powerful yet smooth acceleration, exemplary handling, and stellar aerodynamic performance, all brought about by Nismo’s exclusive tuning.

“Performance that’s extremely dynamic yet smooth and easy to control is produced by the motor’s approximately 10 per cent greater peak output combined with special acceleration tuning and an exclusive NISMO driving mode that maximises response.

“The sound produced is evocative of Formula E racing, further adding to the excitement.

“Nismo’s special tuning for each chassis component combined with e-4orce electric-drive four-wheel-control technology and dedicated tires mounted on highly rigid 20-inch aluminium wheels generates superior stability and turn-in ability as well as better line-tracing and enhanced cornering ability at high speeds.”