Looking at the racing world as a medium to draw attention to the seemingly untapped potential of electric vehicles, Nissan is set to showcase the LEAF NISMO RC (Racing Competition) at the 2011 New York International Auto Show.
Beyond the undeniable physical similarities between this new model and the production LEAF, the former stands out in a number of ways. Designed as a true race car, it features no rear doors, rear seat, trunk, audio system, navigation, carpeting and other amenities that lose relevance during a competition.
Removing these components and using a carbon fibre monocoque bodywork helped Nissan engineers drop the weight by about 40 percent to a mere 938 kilos (2,068 lbs). The LEAF NISMO RC is also 0.8-inch longer, 6.7-inch wider and remarkably 13.8-inch lower.
Under the body is a lithium-ion battery that transfers 107 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. In preliminary testing, the car produced 0 to 100 km/h accelerations in 6.85 seconds and a top speed of 150 km/h. It is projected to have a running time of around 20 minutes under racing conditions.
Handling is enhanced by a double-wishbone suspension (front and rear), driver-adjustable brake balance and 18-inch wheels wrapped in P225/40R18 Bridgestone racing tires.
''The Nissan LEAF NISMO RC will serve as a rolling laboratory for the accelerated development of EV and aerodynamic systems, as well as a platform for the development of new green motorsports series,'' said Carlos Tavares, chairman of Nissan Americas.
The new electric race vehicle will likely make a series of special demonstration appearances at various motorsports venues in 2011.
Beyond the undeniable physical similarities between this new model and the production LEAF, the former stands out in a number of ways. Designed as a true race car, it features no rear doors, rear seat, trunk, audio system, navigation, carpeting and other amenities that lose relevance during a competition.
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| Photo: Nissan |
Removing these components and using a carbon fibre monocoque bodywork helped Nissan engineers drop the weight by about 40 percent to a mere 938 kilos (2,068 lbs). The LEAF NISMO RC is also 0.8-inch longer, 6.7-inch wider and remarkably 13.8-inch lower.
Under the body is a lithium-ion battery that transfers 107 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. In preliminary testing, the car produced 0 to 100 km/h accelerations in 6.85 seconds and a top speed of 150 km/h. It is projected to have a running time of around 20 minutes under racing conditions.
Handling is enhanced by a double-wishbone suspension (front and rear), driver-adjustable brake balance and 18-inch wheels wrapped in P225/40R18 Bridgestone racing tires.
''The Nissan LEAF NISMO RC will serve as a rolling laboratory for the accelerated development of EV and aerodynamic systems, as well as a platform for the development of new green motorsports series,'' said Carlos Tavares, chairman of Nissan Americas.
The new electric race vehicle will likely make a series of special demonstration appearances at various motorsports venues in 2011.
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