Ultimate big banana B9 potentially as quick as a GT-R.

EXTRA spark has been added to the New Zealand-cited Ariya electric car, with confirmation of special project Nismo models, one potentially as quick off the line as the performance house’s vaunted GT-R 35.

Two levels of Nismo Ariya have been been shown at the Tokyo Auto Salon, which opened on Friday night.

Nissan NZ is preparing to release the standard editions of Ariya here, though the timing has yet to be shared. It has made no comment about the Nismo product, which in ultimate B9 all-wheel-drive form has 320kW and 600Nm.

Regardless how it fits into the distributor’s schedule, the spirits editions will certainly be on the watchlist of grey importers, who have effectively ‘owned’ Nissan’s inaugural electric, the Leaf, in almost all it production life and have done with Nismo versions.

Some grey import Ariyas have already come to NZ, though with stockers of around $130,000 - pricing that might turn out to well above where Nissan NZ will want to position it.

Due to launch in Japan in spring, with other markets yet to be confirmed, the Ariya Nismo ultimately has up to twice the power of the base everyday version.

The more potent version of the special bases on the e-4orce model, which currently serves as the flagship of the range.

The donor uses dual motors, one on each axle, and a 91kWh gross, 87kWh net lithium-ion battery pack, delivering peak outputs of 225kW and 600Nm, 0-100kmh of 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 200kmh.

There are also single-motor, front-wheel drive Ariyas, which can do up to 530km - so, 30km more than the e-Force - on a charge on the 87kWh battery pack, while a smaller 66kWh gross, 63kWh net battery is also offered (maximum range 402km).

The Nismo models will come with both battery sizes. The entry is the Ariya Nismo B6 e-4orce, with 63kWh, making 270kW and 560Nm. The top level B9’s outputs are twice those as for an entry-level, single motor Ariya.

Nissan hasn’t delivered any performance data, but it’s noted the types don’t weigh any more than the donors - so 2080kg for the B6 and 2210-2220kg for the B9.

There’s speculation the B9 has potential to be the most accelerative vehicle the company has ever put into production apart from the R35 GT-R coupe.

Full technical detail has yet to come out, but the Nismos have an exclusive driving mode to maximise their responses snd there is a synthesised sound that takes its cues from Formula E racing, where Nissan is one of the leading contenders.

Aside from taking 20-inch wheels, the Ariya Nismo models are defined by a meaty lower body kit, including a protruding front splitter and a rear bumper design that mimics a diffuser; Nissan says the revised styling both reduces aerodynamic drag and increases downforce at higher speeds.

The cabin is enlivened by Nismo-specific details, such as red contrast stitching, lots of microfibre surfaces, a steering wheel with a 12 o'clock marker, and deeper, more sculpted Nismo bucket seats.