Nissan LEAF NISMO RC (Racing Competition) Takes Zero Emission
Strategy to a New Dimension - the Race Track
The name on the back panel, just under the massive adjustable rear wing, says Nissan LEAF. The powertrain is an 100% zero emission advanced Lithium-ion battery design, just like that found on the world's first affordable mass market electric vehicle. Despite the differences such as the rear doors, rear seat, trunk, audio and navigation systems and carpet, you can tell at a glance that this car is related to the Nissan LEAF. However, the similarities between the mass-produced Nissan LEAF and the Nissan LEAF Nismo RC end there. As can be understood from the initials RC, which stand for Racing Competition, this car, which debuted at the 2011 New York International Auto Show, was developed specially to give a new meaning to the term "Racing Green".
Released for sale at the end of 2010 in the United States, Europe and Japan, the Nissan LEAF is already a world leader in the zero emission vehicle market. Now, as a way to draw attention the future possibilities of electric cars, Nissan has turned their attention to the world of competition.
The Nissan LEAF Nismo RC combines the strengths of Nismo, Nissan's world-renowned motorsports division, and the engineers that support the GT-R in its races in the Super GT series and the FIA GT1 World Championship. It functions as a platform for further advancement in "green" motorsports by being a "driving laboratory" in electric vehicle technology and aerodynamics.
A True Racing Vehicle
The Nissan LEAF Nismo RC uses a full carbonfibre monocoque chassis and is designed and built as a bona fide racing vehicle. The three-part body allows for the front and rear sections to be detached. In addition, fixed position windows and LED head and tail lights are employed, while the rear wing is adjustable. This 2-door race-spec model was designed at the Nissan Global Design Center beginning with the unique exterior of the commercially available Nissan LEAF as its base. Its look is topped off with four coats of pearl white detailing and a blue Nismo/Zero Emission logo.
The Nissan LEAF Nismo RC's body is 20mm longer, 170mm wider, and has a 99mm shorter wheelbase than the commercially available Nissan LEAF. The biggest difference is the 350mm drop in height. While the commercially available model has 160mm of ground clearance, the Nismo RC has 60mm. Also, the vehicle's weight has been lightened by approximately 40%.
The internal layout of the Nissan LEAF Nismo RC also differs greatly from the commercially available model. The battery pack, motor and inverter have been moved to the middle of the vehicle and the drivetrain changed from front-to rear-wheel drive. Also, the suspension employs both a front and rear double wishbone configuration and the driver is able to adjust the brake balance. Bridgestone P225/40R18 racing tyres give tread to the Nissan LEAF Nismo RC.
Like the commercially available Nissan LEAF, the Nissan LEAF Nismo RC is equipped with 48 compact lithium ion battery modules and a high response AC synchronous motor developing 80kW and 280Nm. Using the quick charging port inside its rear cowl, the Nissan LEAF Nismo RC can be charged up to 80% of its full capacity in 30 minutes. In contrast to other racecars, the Nissan LEAF Nismo RC has no exhaust pipe, thus emits neither exhaust noise nor CO2 or other greenhouse gases during use.
In tests, the Nissan LEAF Nismo RC posted a top speed of 150 km/h and acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 6.85 seconds. It is estimated that under racing conditions the Nissan LEAF Nismo RC will be able to run for 20 minutes on a full charge.
In June 2011, the Nissan LEAF Nismo RC made an appearance at the Circuit de la Sarthe prior to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France and conducted demo laps of the 13.6km course. The following month, it traveled to England and had a go at the hillclimb at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, renowned as the largest motorsports event on the planet.