Nissan’s all-new LEAF NISMO RC electric race car has made its official debut at the NISMO Festival at Fuji International Speedway.
Looking nothing like the road-going LEAF, the RC features dual electric motors, all-wheel drive and an aggressive, restyled body shape.
Nissan says the purpose-built car demonstrates how its electric vehicle technology can deliver exciting yet quiet, zero-emission power – a key component of the company’s Intelligent Mobility vision.
With more than double the power and torque of its predecessor, the car is equipped with advanced battery technology and drivetrain components from the Nissan LEAF, the world’s best-selling electric car.
“The all-new LEAF NISMO RC shows how we’re setting our sights even higher when it comes to raw power and performance – making electric vehicles even more exciting for customers,” Executive Vice President Daniele Schillaci, Nissan’s global head of marketing, sales and electric vehicles, said.
“It’s our most thrilling expression yet of the philosophy of Nissan Intelligent Mobility.”
Nissan plans to build six all-new LEAF NISMO RC vehicles that will be deployed around the world, so fans can experience the power and excitement firsthand.
Powering the all-new Nissan LEAF NISMO RC are two electric motors at opposite ends of the chassis.
The motors produce a combined 240kW and an astounding 640Nm of instant torque to the wheels.
They more than double the maximum power and the torque output of the previous LEAF NISMO RC, which was introduced in 2011.
A new all-wheel-drive system gives the LEAF NISMO RC its outstanding cornering prowess.
Power is managed independently to each axle, instantly supplying torque to the tire with the most grip to let the car maneuver quickly and efficiently around the track.
Similar to the previous model, chassis weight balance has been optimised by the midship location of the battery pack, with the electric motors and inverters ideally placed over the front and rear tires.
The LEAF NISMO RC features a multitude of lightweight components and a full carbon-fibre racing monocoque structure, allowing it to tip the scales at just 1220kg.
The power-to-weight ratio results in an impressive performance of zero to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds – 50 per cent quicker than the previous model.
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