Is This The Nissan Ariya Nismo?

We'll know for sure when it debuts later this week.

By: Adrian Padeanu

Updated: Jan 10, 2024 at 4:45am ET

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Well, color us intrigued. The 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon opens later this week, and it'll be the venue where Nissan debuts a new Nismo model. The model is still unknown, but we do know it's a road-going vehicle with an "electrified" powertrain.

Some automakers use that word to denote pure EVs while others refer to plug-in hybrids. Judging by the shadowy teaser, though, we're tempted to believe this new Nismo will be fully electric. The silhouette hints at a performance model based on the Ariya. It wouldn't be the first Nismo-branded SUV, though – the Patrol Nismo has been on sale in the Middle East since 2015 and the Juke Nismo predates that by a few years.

Nissan Ariya Nismo Spy Photos

We've seen plenty of spy shots of an amped-up Ariya, adding credence to the potential Nismo model. This prototype spotted last November juicing up from a Tesla charging station near the Nürburgring had a sportier body kit, a lower ride height, and 20-inch wheels shod in Michelin Pilot Sport tires. The most obvious change was the chunky spoiler on the tailgate.

What do you think?

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There are no specs currently, but Nissan will probably pump up the output. In its most potent form, the dual-motor Ariya has 389 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. It does 0 to 60 mph in as little as 4.8 seconds, so it's no slouch. However, the Tesla Model Y Performance and Kia EV6 GT are still more powerful and quicker.

We will know what's hiding in this shadowy image later this week when the wraps come off. The 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon takes place Friday through Sunday, and Nissan will livestream the new Nismo's debut on January 12 at 10 AM local time. That works out to January 11 at 8 PM EST. The new model will share the spotlight with the 2024 GT-R Nismo and a limited-run 2024 Skyline Nismo.