Who says that electric cars can’t be fun, or as a matter of fact, raced?
Certainly not Nissan, the Japanese manufacturer today unveiled a racing version of the companies all electric Leaf.
The new Leaf NISMO “RC” which stands for for Racing Competition, will make its official racetrack debut at various motor sports venues around the world.
According to Nissan, “the Leaf 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.
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.”
The biggest difference between the street-going version of the Leaf and Leaf NISMO RC is that the race car is rear wheel drive versus the front wheel drive street car.
“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,” said Carlos Tavares, chairman, Nissan Americas, speaking at the New York International Auto Show.
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