Race-Tuned Nissan Leaf EV Heads To New York

At the New York Auto Show this week, Nissan is set to unveil a new dimension in zero emissions motoring. The Nissan Leaf Nismo RC (Racing Competition) is a purpose-built electric vehicle that's ready for the race track.

Within the Leaf Nismo RC is a 100% zero emission advanced Lithium-ion battery, just like that found on the world’s first affordable mass market electric vehicle. Nissan reduced weight by removing the Leaf’s rear doors, rear seat, trunk, audio system, navigation, carpeting and other amenities. Despite these changes, the RC's resemblance to the standard Leaf is still apparent.

Nissan is already a world leader in zero emission production vehicles, thanks to the launch of the Leaf. Now, Nissan is looking to the racing world to see what kind of impact an all-electric powertrain could have.

“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 Leaf Nismo RC will make a series of special demonstration appearances at various motorsports venues in 2011. However, Nissan stresses that this vehicle is a real racing machine. In addition to its full carbon fiber monocoque bodywork, the RC is shorter and wider than the standard Leaf.  And, at 2,068 pounds, the race car weighs in at about 40 percent less than the production vehicle. The suspension has been specially tuned for the track and it rides on 18-inch 6-spoke wheels and P225/40R18 Bridgestone racing tires.

“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.”

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