The new Nissan Ariya Nismo has up to 423bhp and a new Formula E-inspired noise

As promised, the first of the new electric Nismo models is here. Say hello to the Nissan Ariya Nismo. The main takeaway? Power tops out at 423bhp (almost as much as Nissan targeted when it originally announced the model).

It’ll be on sale with a choice of two battery sizes – a dinkier 66kWh unit will generate roughly 355bhp, but the 91kWh will push almost 70bhp more (and some 10 per cent more power than a regular entry-level Ariya).

Creating up to 442lb ft of torque, Nissan tells us the Ariya's Nismo-tuned all-wheel electric drive technology will give more stability in cornering and better acceleration. All that power and electric drive is coupled with a sportier aesthetic, too. Nissan hasn’t published any performance stats yet, but the thing isn’t light, weighing as much as 2.2-tonnes.

Which means there's a lot of work for that sportier aesthetic to do. There's a lowered front end with a red-accented splitter, while black and red body trim wraps around the car past the newly developed 20in lightweight aluminium rims highlighted by prominent black arches.

Out back, two shark fin antennas, a gloss black roof spoiler (which looks a smidge longer) and a body coloured lip spoiler completes the bolder design and together, Nissan says, improves aero performance.

Obviously with this being the first electrified Nismo (we might have mentioned that), there’s none of that meaty engine noise of yore. Nissan’s solution? A fake one. The brand says it’s "reminiscent of the exhilaration of a Formula E car". Ladies and gentlemen, start your squealing.

Sadly, for the time being, the Ariya Nismo will only be on sale in Japan. So what do we think?