NISSAN LEAF NISMO RC | Nissan Leaf Nismo RC: The Zero-Emission Racing Car!
CAR / NEWS
March 16, 2015

NISSAN LEAF NISMO RC | Nissan Leaf Nismo RC: The Zero-Emission Racing Car!


NISSAN LEAF NISMO RC


The Zero-Emission Racing Car!


Nissan North America exhibited the Leaf NISMO RC, an EV racing car based on the production EV Leaf, at the 2011 New York Auto Show.


By Dai Matsuo




Accelerates from 0-62 mph in 6.85 seconds


While based on the Leaf, the Leaf NISMO RC differs significantly in both appearance and internals. Its overall length is about 20mm longer than the Leaf, its width is about 170mm greater, and its height is a racing-car-like 350mm lower. The wheelbase is approximately 99mm shorter. With a ground clearance of about 60mm, its actual dimensions are nothing like the Leaf's.

In keeping with its racing car nature, the vehicle's weight has been thoroughly reduced. The use of a carbon fiber monocoque and a removable three-piece body, along with the elimination of rear seats, rear doors, and air conditioning, brings the weight down to a mere 938kg.

The motor is the same as that used in the production Leaf model, producing a maximum output of 80kW and a peak torque of 281Nm. It accelerates from 0-62 mph in 6.85 seconds and reaches a top speed of 149.7 km/h. The battery, composed of 48 modules, can be rapidly charged to 80 percent in 30 minutes, allowing for approximately 20 minutes of driving even under race conditions.

Other differences from the production Leaf include the placement of the power unit and the drive wheels. Instead of a conventional front-wheel drive, the motor, battery, and inverter are all mounted mid-ship in the rear, driving the rear wheels. The suspension is a double-wishbone setup front and rear, and the brake balance is adjustable by the driver. The wheels are 18-inch, six-spoke units fitted with Bridgestone 225/40 R18 racing tires.

While it may bear little resemblance to the Leaf, its commitment to zero-emission racing embodies Nissan's forward-thinking spirit, making it a noteworthy model.