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Nissan Leaf goes racing

Nismo unveil lightweight all-electric Leaf racing car

Nissan Leaf goes racing

By Chris Lloyd

April 2011

It's the Nissan Leaf with added spark! Nismo – the Japanese firm's tuning and motorsport division – has developed a mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive racing prototype version of Nissan's electric hatchback.

Called the Nissan Leaf Nismo RC (Racing Competition), this prototype shaves 40 per cent off the production model’s weight, taking it down to 938kg, through use of a full carbon fibre monocoque, three-piece bodywork and fixed windows. 

 

According to Carlos Tavares, chairman of Nissan Americas: "There's a perception among some people that electric vehicles fall on the dull side of the automotive enthusiasm scale, which is certainly not the case with this electrifying Nissan Leaf Nismo RC."

Even though the Nismo RC retains the road car’s 107bhp and 281Nm of lithium ion battery power, thanks to the hefty weight shedding, it dispatches the 0-62 sprint five seconds quicker than the standard car, at just 6.85 seconds. The Leaf’s top speed in race form increases just 3mph to 93mph. The race car’s body is also a full 13.8 inches lower than the standard car, with a 3.9 inch shorter wheelbase. Plus it’s 6.7 inches wider and an inch longer.

One problem facing both race and production Leafs is range. While the road car can cover just over 100 miles per charge, the race version is projected to race in 20 minute bouts, after which the batteries can be 80 per cent charged in 30 minutes. 

The Leaf Nismo RC debuted at the New York International Motor Show, and will make a series of special demonstration appearances at various motorsports venues in 2011. Nissan is also exploring the launch of a zero emission competition series for the car.

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1 Comment

The next Formula I Grand Prix cars should be electric or similar!

The forthcoming new generations of Formula I Gran PPrix Cars must also be powered by regenerative energy and not petrol. Or in 2012 the Formula I specification must be such that the race vehicle are only allowed a maximum of say 100 litres of fossil fuel and must complete a 500 km Formula I race with this fuel. This makes more ecological sense than the present antiquated basic regulations focused only on fossil fuel.

By vandenplas4litre on 21 April, 2011, 9:41am

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Nissan Leaf goes racing
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