FRANKLIN, Tenn., April 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The name on the
back panel, just under the massive adjustable rear wing, says
Nissan LEAF™. 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."
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110417/CL84545 )
(Logo:
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080506/NISSANWORDMARKLOGO
)
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 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 fiber 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 percent 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 utilizes 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 tires.
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 percent 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."
About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's
operations include automotive styling, design, engineering,
consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution
and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the
environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010 and has been
recognized as a 2010 and 2011 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year by
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. More information
about Nissan in North America and
the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found
online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.Infiniti.com.
About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's
second largest Japanese automotive company by volume, is
headquartered in Yokohama, Japan
and is an integral pillar of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating
with more than 150,000 employees globally, Nissan provided
customers with more than 4 million vehicles in 2010.
With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative
products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of
fuel-efficient and low-emissions vehicles under the Nissan and
Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero emission mobility, Nissan
made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first
affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of
numerous international accolades including the prestigious 2011
European Car of the Year award.
For more information on our products, services and commitment to
Sustainable Mobility, visit our website at
http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.
SOURCE Nissan North America