Following the footsteps of the Leaf which also received the full Nismo treatment in 2018, the Ariya Nismo receives an uprated powertrain with outputs now up to 435 horsepower (367 horsepower in the Ariya B6 e-4orce)—a 10 percent jump over the regular Ariya. Together with a monster torque figure of 600 Nm (560 Nm in the Ariya B6 e-4orce), a recalibrated acceleration tuning, and an exclusive Nismo driving mode, it maximizes EV SUV’s responsiveness.

There’s even an optional sound generator that produces a note that’s evocative of Nissan’s Formula E racer.

The base Ariya Nismo B6 e-4orce weighs some 2,080 kilograms and packs a 66-kWh battery, while the Ariya Nismo B9 e-4orce weighs between 2,210 to 2,220 kilograms and packs a much larger 91-kWh battery.

Putting all that power to the pavement is a specially-tuned suspension. Using the e-4orce all-wheel drive as basis, the chassis has been tweaked. The 20-inch alloy wheels also offer better stability, turn-in ability, and high-speed agility.

Communicating all that dynamism, the Ariya Nismo receives exterior and interior enhancements. Aerodynamic performance has been improved with its new front splitter, side skirts, and rear lip spoiler. A red line wraps around all the lower body parts, and it’s complemented by additional red accents on the mirror caps and a Nismo logo in the middle of the front splitter. A center stripe is available optionally for the hood, too.

Inside, the Ariya Nismo receives an all-black cabin, down to the wood trim. The driver receives a more sculpted steering wheel with red stitching and a red 12 o’clock marker. A bright red center section spans the air vents in the dash, and all the backlit panels from the standard car now glow in the same hue. The perforated faux suede seats also have more aggressive bolsters and red accents.