Nissan unveils new LEAF NISMO RC electric race car with dual motors

Under its racing brand Nismo, Nissan unveiled in Tokyo this week a new LEAF-based electric race car with dual motors: the LEAF NISMO RC.

Nissan says that the vehicle is equipped with “advanced battery technology and drivetrain components from the Nissan LEAF.”

They modified the powertrain to work with dual motors, which is not available on the consumer version of the LEAF.

According to the company, the two electric motors produce 240 kilowatts combined (120 kW each) and 640 Nm of instant torque to the wheels. That’s more than double the maximum power and the torque output of the previous LEAF NISMO RC, which was introduced in 2011 and based on the first generation LEAF.

Nissan writes about the car:

“A new all-wheel-drive system gives the LEAF NISMO RC its outstanding cornering prowess. Power is managed independently to each axle, instantly supplying torque to the tire with the most grip to let the car maneuver quickly and efficiently around the track. Similar to the previous model, chassis weight balance has been optimized by the midship location of the battery pack, with the electric motors and inverters ideally placed over the front and rear tires.”

The Japanese automaker made the LEAF NISMO RC with lightweight components and “a full carbon-fiber racing monocoque structure, allowing it to tip the scales at just 1,220 kilograms.”

Here’s what they did to the body of the LEAF:

“The car’s three-piece bodywork includes removable front and rear sections, fixed windows, LED headlights and tail lights, and an adjustable rear wing for ideal downforce on the tarmac. The model is slightly longer than its predecessor, with an overall length of 4,546 millimeters and a wheelbase that measures 2,750 millimeters. The Nissan LEAF NISMO RC sits wide and low to the ground, with its wind-cutting form measuring only 1,212 millimeters from roof to roa – more than 300 millimeters less than the production Nissan LEAF.”

Nissan released a bunch of images of the car, which will officially debut on Dec. 2 at the annual NISMO Festival at Fuji International Speedway:

The company says that the power-to-weight ratio results in “an impressive performance of zero to 100 kph in just 3.4 seconds – 50% quicker than the previous model.”

Here’s a quick video of the LEAF NISMO RC:

Executive Vice President Daniele Schillaci, Nissan’s global head of marketing, sales and electric vehicles, commented about the unveiling:

“The all-new LEAF NISMO RC shows how we’re setting our sights even higher when it comes to raw power and performance – making electric vehicles even more exciting for customers. It’s our most thrilling expression yet of the philosophy of Nissan Intelligent Mobility.”