Photo: X-Tomi Design
Honestly, we find it amusing that we're talking about the Nismo brand again. They failed to deliver the hot hatchbacks and sportscars that they promised, yet transitioned mainly into body kits without the accompanying engine mods.
By contrast, if you look back at the history of the Renault Sport fellows, you'll see a mid-engined Clio, a stripped out hatchback (the Megane R26R) and the Spider and so much more. Now that's a performance brand!
Anyway, people were surprised to hear that a Nismo version of the all-new Leaf could be on its way. But we weren't!
There was already a Nismo body kit that could transform the look of the old Leaf for about $8,000, as well as the Leaf Nismo RC race car. Nissan also made several of the very cool BladeGlider that could drift. So basically, this company is the one to watch when it comes to sporty mass-market EVs.
After hearing about the rumor, X-Tomi set about rendering the new Leaf Nismo. In fact, he probably would have done it anyway. The outcome looks pretty much as expected, gaining the trademark red and black garnish over the lower part of the bodywork. Lowered suspension and bigger wheels also help with the look.
For the most part, it looks like an ordinary hot hatch, perhaps a relative of the new Micra. And that's because Nissan intentionally designed its EV to look mainstream.
Just because there will be a Nismo version doesn't mean it will have more power. The modus operandi of this company is to sell plenty of accessories that you don't need, such as carpets, interior lights and wheel air caps. After that, they hit you with the body kit and maybe an exhaust system. But it's not like you can fit one of those to the Leaf. That's why we mainly expect to see an updated Vehicle Control Module that allows for more on-the-limit handling. But Nismo won't make your next drag racing machine.
As standard, the Leaf is an electric motor with a max output of 150PS and 320Nm of torque allowing a top speed of 90mph. But a slightly more gusty version is coming next year.
Anyway, people were surprised to hear that a Nismo version of the all-new Leaf could be on its way. But we weren't!
There was already a Nismo body kit that could transform the look of the old Leaf for about $8,000, as well as the Leaf Nismo RC race car. Nissan also made several of the very cool BladeGlider that could drift. So basically, this company is the one to watch when it comes to sporty mass-market EVs.
After hearing about the rumor, X-Tomi set about rendering the new Leaf Nismo. In fact, he probably would have done it anyway. The outcome looks pretty much as expected, gaining the trademark red and black garnish over the lower part of the bodywork. Lowered suspension and bigger wheels also help with the look.
For the most part, it looks like an ordinary hot hatch, perhaps a relative of the new Micra. And that's because Nissan intentionally designed its EV to look mainstream.
Just because there will be a Nismo version doesn't mean it will have more power. The modus operandi of this company is to sell plenty of accessories that you don't need, such as carpets, interior lights and wheel air caps. After that, they hit you with the body kit and maybe an exhaust system. But it's not like you can fit one of those to the Leaf. That's why we mainly expect to see an updated Vehicle Control Module that allows for more on-the-limit handling. But Nismo won't make your next drag racing machine.
As standard, the Leaf is an electric motor with a max output of 150PS and 320Nm of torque allowing a top speed of 90mph. But a slightly more gusty version is coming next year.
Google News