The car is a prototype racecar based on the production Leaf model and its first appearance is on April 20 at the New York International Auto Show. Unlike the production model, the race focused Leaf has no rear doors, rear seats, audio system, navigation, trunk, carpeting or anything that has no relationship with the racetrack.
The NISMO RC features a carbon fibre monocoque bodywork that has removable front and rear sections, LED headlights and taillights, fixed windows typical for racing, and driver-adjustable rear wing.
The biggest difference comparing to the road model is the NISMO RC’s height which is a healthy 13.8 inches (35 cm) lower than the road-going model version and ground clearance is limited to 2.4 inches (6.1 cm). In comparison to the standard Leaf, the race version has a 3.9-inch (9.9 cm) shorter wheelbase, and it is 0.8 inches (2 cm) longer and 6.7 (17 cm) inches wider than the production car.
The lithium-ion battery, electric motor and inverter are mounted in the middle of the car. The AC synchronous motor generates 80kW (107 hp) and total torque of 207 lb-ft (280 Nm). All that power is transferred to the rear-wheels via the same front-wheel drive of the production Leaf. Furthermore, the total weight of the car is just 2,068 pounds (938 kg) and that’s around 40% less than the standard model.
The car has for front and rear a double-wishbone suspension design and driver-adjustable brake balance, while it sits on tarmac versus 18-inch 6-spoke wheels and P225/40R18 Bridgestone racing tires.
Performance is race track specced with acceleration from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.85 seconds, and let’s not forget that is an electric vehicle, while top speed stops at 93 mph (150 km/h). Mileage under race conditions is good for 20 minutes.
“Combining the talents of NISMO, Nissan’s world renowned motorsports group, and engineers behind some of the company’s Super GT and FIA GT1 race teams, 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, Nissan Americas.
autoevolution will be attending the 2011 New York International Auto Show, so stay tuned for some real up close and personal shots of the vehicles, as well as for first-hand details of the motorized contraptions presented at the event.
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