Nissan Launches All-new LEAF NISMO RC Electric Race Car

Nissan recently launched its all-new Nissan LEAF NISMO RC at the Nissan Crossing in Tokyo’s Ginza district in Tokyo. The new model is an electric race car that has more than double the maximum power and torque output of its predecessor. The all-new Nissan LEAF NISMO RC was developed by Nissan’s racing subsidiary, NISMO, which is known for its expertise in race technology. The car debuted at the recent annual NISMO Festival which was held at the Fuji International Speedway, where it raced alongside the company’s new electric race car for the Formula E series.

The Nissan LEAF NISMO RC comes with an aggressively sleek, revamped exterior and all-wheel drive and dual electric motors when it comes to performance. While it has zero-emissions power, it does deliver an exciting ride and incorporates advanced drivetrain components and battery technology derived from the Nissan LEAF, which is one of the most popular electric cars in the world.

Commenting on the new model, Executive Vice President Daniele Schillaci, Nissan’s global head of marketing, sales and electric vehicles said that the all-new LEAF NISMO RC serves to highlight how Nissan is focusing on a higher level of power and performance for its electric models, thus making them more exciting for customers. He said that the all-new Nissan LEAF NISMO RC perfectly represents the brand’s philosophy of Nissan Intelligent Mobility.

In the long term, Nissan plans to make as many as six all-new LEAF NISMO RC vehicles which will be deployed around the world.

The pinnacle of electric power, now with all-wheel-drive

The all-new Nissan LEAF NISMO RC is powered by two electric motors at opposite ends of the chassis. The two motors together produce a total of 240 kilowatts (120 kW each) and supply quite a high level of 640 Nm of instant torque to the wheels. This is more than double that of the previous version of the LEAF NISMO RC, which made its debut in in 2011. The model’s drivetrain technology which includes the high-capacity lithium-ion battery and inverters has been sourced from the new Nissan LEAF.

The outstanding cornering ability of the LEAF NISMO RC can be attributed to its new all-wheel-drive system. For each axle, the power is managed independently and hence the tire instantly gets torque so that it has maximum grip to make it possible for the vehicle to move efficiently and quickly around the track. Like its predecessor, the battery pack has been placed in the middle of the vehicle to optimize its chassis weight balance. The electric motors and inverters are placed over the front and rear tires.

The LEAF NISMO RC sports features a full carbon-fiber racing monocoque structure and a number of  lightweight components and, giving it a kerb weight of just 1,220 kilograms. The power-to-weight ratio makes it possible for the vehicle to go from zero to 100 kph in only 3.4 seconds, which is 50 percent faster than its predecessor.

External Styling

Though it is derived from the original LEAF NISMO RC, the exterior of the all-new Nissan LEAF NISMO RC has a more aggressive look. The characteristic features of the front end which has been completely restyled are Nissan’s signature V-motion grille and the vehicle’s long hood. The sportiness of the model is accentuated by the distinctive silver-and-black paint scheme and the NISMO red accents, just like the Nissan Formula E car.

The car’s three-piece bodywork includes removable front and rear sections, fixed windows, LED headlights and tail lights, and an adjustable rear wing for ideal downforce on the tarmac. The length of the model is slightly more than that of its predecessor, at 4,546 millimeters while its wheelbase is 2,750 millimeters. The Nissan LEAF NISMO RC gas a wide and low stance, while the roof to road distance is only 1,212 millimeters, which is more than 300 millimeters less than the production Nissan LEAF.

LEAF NISMO RC displays

Nissan will showcase the all-new Nissan LEAF NISMO RC at Formula E races and major shows and events around the world.