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The name on the back panel, just under the
massive adjustable rear wing, says Nissan LEAFTM. The
powertrain is an 100% zero emission advanced Lithium-ion battery design,
just like that found on the world's first affordable mass market
electric vehicle. And despite its lack of rear doors, rear seat, trunk,
audio system, navigation, carpeting and other amenities, there is a
discernable family resemblance. But that is where the similarities
between the production Nissan LEAF and the Nissan LEAF NISMO RC end. As
indicted by the "RC" − for Racing Competition − this new electric
vehicle, which makes its world debut at the 2011 New York International
Auto Show on April 20th, is purpose-built to bring new
meaning to the term "Racing Green”.
Already a world leader in zero emission
production vehicles with the late 2010 launch of the Nissan LEAF
passenger vehicle in the United States, Europe and Japan, Nissan is now
looking at the racing world as a way to draw attention to the seemingly
untapped potential of electric vehicles.
"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, speaking at the New York International Auto Show.
The new electric race vehicle will
likely make a series of special demonstration appearances at various
motorsports venues in 2011, with the company exploring pioneer zero
emission competition spec series in future years.
A Serious Racing Machine
The Nissan LEAF NISMO RC is designed
and constructed as a real racing machine, starting with its full carbon
fibre monocoque bodywork. The three-piece bodywork includes removable
front and rear sections, fixed windows, LED headlights and taillights
and driver-adjustable rear wing. Building on the unique exterior
styling of the production Nissan LEAF, the 2-door race version was
created by Nissan Global Design Center in Japan. Special 4-coat Pearl
White paint with blue NISMO/Zero Emission graphics completes the
exterior.
Dimensionally, the race car features a
3.9-inch shorter wheelbase, is 0.8 inches longer and 6.7 inches wider.
The most dramatic difference is height, with the NISMO RC sitting more
than a foot (13.8 inches) lower than the production Nissan LEAF. Ground
clearance is limited to 2.4 inches, compared to 6.3 inches for the road
going car. And, at 2,068 pounds, the race car weighs in at about 40 per
cent less than the production vehicle.
The layout of the NISMO RC is also
markedly different from the production sedan, offering a mid-ship
location for the battery pack, electric motor and inverter − with drive
to the rear wheels versus the production Nissan LEAF's front-wheel
drive. The NISMO RC also utilises a double-wishbone suspension design
front and rear and driver-adjustable brake balance. It rides on 18-inch
6-spoke wheels and P225/40R18 Bridgestone racing tyres.
Like the production Nissan LEAF, the
NISMO RC is powered by a lithium-ion battery composed of 48 compact
modules and a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 107
horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. It can be charged up to 80 per cent
of its full capacity in 30 minutes using the quick charging port located
inside the rear cowl. And unlike other competition vehicles, the NISMO
RC has no tailpipe, no emission of CO2 or other greenhouse
gases while being driven, and no exhaust sound.
In preliminary testing the NISMO RC
produces 0 to 62 mph acceleration in 6.85 seconds and a top speed of 93
miles per hour. It is projected to have a running time of around 20
minutes under racing conditions.
"There's a perception among some people
that electric vehicles fall on the dull side of the automotive
enthusiasm scale − which is certainly not the case with either the
production Nissan LEAF or this electrifying Nissan LEAF NISMO RC," added
Tavares. "Nissan LEAF owners are fully embracing this new world of zero
emission technology. We believe the same potential exists in the
motorsports world as well, with Nissan proud to be first on the starting
grid." |
