Nissan has unveiled the Leaf NISMO RC, the brand’s electric racecar, which has more than double the maximum power and torque of its predecessor.
The Nissan Leaf NISMO RC, which was developed by Nissan’s racing arm, NISMO, will officially debut on Dec. 2 at the annual NISMO Festival at Fuji International Speedway.
The model is equipped with advanced battery technology and drivetrain components from the Nissan Leaf electric car.
The new racecar has dual electric motors and all-wheel-drive. It is built to demonstrate the carmaker’s ability to deliver “exciting yet quiet, zero-emission power.”
Said motors, which are placed at opposite ends of the chassis, produce 240 kilowatts, or 322hp (120kW each) and 640Nm combined.
These figures are more than double the maximum power and the torque output of the previous Leaf NISMO RC, which was introduced in 2011.
Helping the Leaf NISMO RC stay glued to the road is a a new all-wheel-drive system.
Power is managed independently to each axle, supplying torque to the tyre with the most grip.
Similar to the previous model, the chassis weight balance is optimised by the midship location of the battery pack, and the electric motors and inverters are placed over the front and rear tyres.
Lightweight components and a full carbon-fiber racing monocoque structure enable the Leaf NISMO RC to weigh just 1220 kilograms.
The racecar does zero to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds – 50% quicker than the previous model.
Nissan plans to build six all-new Leaf NISMO RC vehicles to deploy around the world.
New Nissan Leaf is currently the most advanced electric car for the masses
