Nissan announced today that they're taking the Leaf electric model to the track, in the form of the new Nismo RC (Racing Competition) race car. The powertrain of Nissan's Leaf racer remains the same as the one of the production car, meaning a Lithium-ion battery powering an electric motor. From where we're standing, this is about the only similarity between the production car and the Nissan Leaf Nismo RC.
The Leaf Nismo RC is built with a carbon fiber monocoque body, and features an driver-adjustable rear wing, fixed windows, a rear-wheel-drive system, a double-wishbone suspension design front and rear and driver-adjustable brake balance.
The Nissan Leaf Nismo RC has a 3.9-inch shorter
wheelbase than its production cousin, is 0.8 inches longer, 6.7 inches wider and is 40% lighter.
Nissan's Leaf Nismo RC develops 107 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque and is able to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.85 seconds. It's top speed is rated at 93 mph.
With the Leaf Nismo RC, Nissan is trying to develop future EV aerodynamics, plus other technologies
as well. The world debut of the Nissan Leaf Nismo RC race car will take place at the 2011 New York International Auto Show on April 20th.
UPDATE: The first Nissan Leaf Nismo RC video was added after the jump.
Nissan Leaf Nismo RC video:
