A modified Nissan Leaf will compete at this week’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and while it won’t be contesting for the outright win, it could certainly turn a few heads. The EV has been brought to life by Japanese racing team Samurai Speed and has undergone a number of important modifications to help it complete the grueling time trial.
Improving the EV’s aerodynamics was
Samurai Speed’s priority. With this in mind, the EV has been equipped with a
revised front fascia that incorporates a new bumper and a distinctive hood with
large air extraction vents. The hatchback also sports a massive splitter and
huge canards on either side of the bumper all in a bid to get the front wheels
to stick to the pavement.
Various other changes have been made.
These include the fitment of new side skirts and a set of five-spoke black
wheels wrapped in sticky tires. The rear end has also been transformed with a
fixed rear wing, a unique bumper, and a striking diffuser. You may also notice
that the Leaf has been converted into a two-door and has air intakes in place
of the rear side windows. Rounding out the alterations is a striking wrap from
AV Custom Wraps in California.
Samurai Speed doesn’t appear to have made
any modifications to the Leaf’s powertrain. What we do know is that it is based
around the flagship Leaf e+ that features a 62 kWh battery pack and an electric
motor with 214 hp that drives the front wheels. Having driven the Leaf
e+ before, we can confirm it is no slouch in a straight line, although it does
often have difficulty in transmitting its power through just the front wheels.
