Nissan has announced a brand new Leaf Nismo RC with substantial updates and is more powerful and torquier than the previous version that came into light seven years ago. At the annual Nismo Festival at Fuji International Speedway on December 2, the Leaf Nismo RC racer will debut alongside the Formula E racecar that currently in its most advanced generation yet.
The Nissan Leaf Nismo RC is based on the latest generation Leaf that saw several upgrades over the original model with a compelling exterior and interior. Adorning its styling, the Nismo RC has become more attractive than ever and it uses a couple of 120 kW electric motors, as opposed to the 80 kW unit that drove only the rear wheels in the old model.
Each motor drives front and rear axles making it effectively all-wheel-drive in comparison and it can accelerate from zero to 100 kmph in just about 3.4 seconds – about 3.45 seconds quicker than the previous model. Externally, the Nissan Leaf Nismo RC gains revised bodywork and more aggressive styling.
The purpose built race car signifies Nissan’s advancement in electric technology while delivering “exciting yet quiet” power, which is a key mantra in the Nissan Intelligent Mobility vision. Sharing the drivetrain components and battery technology from Leaf makes it even more special, as the latter is the best-selling EV in the world.
While the Japanese auto major refused to disclose the battery capacity, we suspect it could use the 60 kWh unit. To maintain its exclusivity, Nissan will only roll out six examples of the Leaf Nismo RC and they will be presented across the globe. The combined system power output stands at 240 kW (322 horsepower) and the peak torque delivered is around 640 Nm.
The Nissan Leaf Nismo RC will act as a technology showcase for the brand as well and it tips the weighing scale at 1,220 kilograms. The exterior is nothing short of scintillating with sharper design elements and character lines are of aerodynamic importance. The massive rear wing and diffuser also do their part in entering the corners with high downforce.
