Merk Car World

Nissan Leaf Nismo RC

The Nissan Leaf Nismo RC is 3.9-inches shorter, 0.8-inches longer, 6.7-inches wider and a staggering 13.8-inches lower than the garden-variety 2011 Nissan Leaf. At 2.4-inches, its ground clearance is just high enough to pass over a New York-sized cockroach. And in case you're wondering, "RC" doesn't stand for "remote control" -- at least not in this application. Nissan designed this track-attacking EV with "Racing Competition" abilities, much like it did with the recent R35 GT-R RC
Underneath the Leaf RC's carbon fiber body resides a monocoque set inside a custom chassis built by Nismo, Nissan's in-house performance division, in conjunction with Nissan's Global Design Center. For ideal weight distribution, Leaf RC's 80 kW AC synchronous motor, lithium ion batteries, and inverter are mounted mid-ship.
Forged aluminum 18-inch wheels wrapped in Bridgestone slicks attach to front and rear control-arm suspension. Rear-wheel drive replaces the production Leaf's front-wheel drive layout. There is even an adjustable rear wing for optimum aerodynamic setup on a variety of tracks. Weighing just 2068 pounds, the RC is 40-percent lighter than the road-going Leaf.
The powertrain remains the same, however, producing 102 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. Nissan says the Leaf RC can hit 60 mph in 6.85 seconds and a top speed of 93 mph. Of course, going full bore has its limits: in racing situations, the RC lasts a maximum of 20 minutes.
In being a legit track monster, there are no rear passenger doors or seats, nor is there a stereo, climate control, carpet, or any other creature comfort. Instead, a racing bucket, slim steering wheel, roll cage, and fixed Lexan windows make their way inside the Leaf RC. Its LED head and taillights have been designed to provide ample lighting during nighttime events if necessary.
That's right, we said "events." Rumors are suggesting Nissan's executives are pushing to race the RC in a yet-to-be-established eco-friendly motorsport series. The "Who, What, Where" will be answered soon.