NISSAN LEAF NISMO RC: RACING GREEN
Fully race-prepared version of the world's most popular electric vehicle
unveils a zero emission future for motor sport
- Nissan LEAF silhouette hides a mid-engine electric race car
- Longer, lower and lighter than road going Nissan LEAF
- Created as a mobile EV laboratory
- Precursor to a possible ‘green' race series
MOSCOW (29 August, 2012)-A possible future direction for international motor sport will be on display at the Moscow Motor Show. The Nissan LEAF NISMO RC (for Racing Competition) is a purpose-built, 100 per cent zero emission, all-electric racing car.
Using the advanced Lithium-ion battery design pioneered for the award winning Nissan LEAF, the racing version has been created as a rolling laboratory to accelerate development of EV and aerodynamic systems, as well as a platform for the development of new green motorsports series.
The Nissan LEAF NISMO RC is designed and constructed as a real racing machine, starting with the full carbon fibre monocoque bodywork. The three-piece bodywork includes removable front and rear sections, fixed windows, LED headlights and taillights, and driver-adjustable rear wing.
Building on the exterior styling of the production Nissan LEAF, the two-door race version was created by Nissan Global Design Center in Japan. It is slightly longer, wider and, most notably, considerably lower than the production car. As well as being 35cms lower, it sits far closer to the ground - the ground clearance is just 6cms compared to 16cms for the road car. The racing version is also around 40 per cent lighter.
It also differs in its mechanical layout, with the electric motor, inverter and battery pack being mid-mounted and driving the rear wheels rather than the front. It has double wishbone suspension front and rear and sits on 18-inch six spoke wheels shod with racing tyres.
Apart from these modifications, just like the production car, the Nissan LEAF NISMO RC is powered by a 48-module lithium-ion battery pack and a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 107bhp and 280 Nm of torque. It can be charged up to 80 per cent of its full capacity in 30 minutes using a quick charger.
It takes less than 7 secs to sprint to 100km/h from rest and has a top speed of 150km/h. While under racing conditions, a full charge lasts around 20 minutes. And it does it all in near silence and with a complete absence of tailpipe emissions.
As well as appearing at motor shows, the Nissan LEAF NISMO RC has been showing its potential at race tracks around the world, becoming the first electric-powered racing car to set a time at the world famous Goodwood Festival of Speed, held annually in the UK.
Driven by reigning FIA GT1 World Champion Michael Krumm, the Nissan LEAF NISMO RC proved to be one of the quickest racing saloon cars on the hill, beating a number of more powerful conventional machines along the way.
