Packing double the power and torque output of its predecessor, the all-new
Leaf Nismo RC made its North American debut in the Las Vegas event. The electric race car showcases the potential of the
brand’s zero-emission technology in an exciting package created by Nismo,
Nissan’s racing division. The Leaf Nismo RC packs dual electric motors,
advanced battery technology, and all-wheel-drive capability wrapped in an
attractive body shape.
Placed at opposite ends of the chassis and managing
power independently to each axle, the two electric motors produce 120 kW (163
PS) each for a total of 240 kW (326 PS) and 640 Nm of
instantly available torque.
Factor in the low weight of 1,220 kg made possible by the carbon fiber monocoque chassis, and the electric racer
goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds, a 50 percent improvement
over the previous-gen Leaf Nismo RC.
Nissan claims the new AWD system gives the Leaf
Nismo RC “outstanding cornering prowess,” which is something one expects from a
race car. In the Leaf’s case, that’s due to the instant torque supply being
channeled to the tire with the highest amount of grip for improved cornering
performance.
Styling-wise, the EV racer features a totally
redesigned front end featuring Nissan’s signature V-motion grille and a long
hood. Sitting glued to the ground, the race car seems like it’s in constant
motion, thanks also to the silver-and-black livery with Nismo red accents.
If only Nissan built a road-going Leaf looking half
as nice as this racer, we guess that it’d get lots of orders. But the ordinary
Leaf is doing just fine, so this will probably never happen.
