For many years Nissan has had a Leaf Nismo RC racecar. In fact, that very same car competed right here in South Africa earlier this year. Read more about that historic event by clicking here. Nissan has just unveiled an all-new Nissan Leaf Nismo RC electric racecar.

The new version was developed by Nissan’s in-house racing division, Nismo. It has dual electric motors, all-wheel drive and a restyled body shape. Nissan plans to build six all-new Leaf Nismo RC models. Each will be sent to a different part of the world so that fans can experience the vehicle first hand.

All-wheel-drive

Powering the all-new Nissan Leaf Nismo RC are two electric motors, one per axle. Output of the two motors is a combined 240 kW, coupled with 640 N.m of instant torque to the wheels. These outputs are more than double the maximum power and the torque output of the previous version of the all-electric racecar. The Leaf Nismo RC uses the high-capacity lithium-ion battery and inverters from its road-going namesake.

Power is managed via electronically controlled torque-vectoring. The wheel with the most power on each axle is always given more power. The heavy battery pack has been placed between the axle lines for better agility.

The Leaf Nismo RC makes extensive use of lightweight components, not least of all a racecar-style and a full carbon-fibre monocoque. As a result, it weighs an impressive 1 220 kg. Nissan claims that it will sprint from zero to 100 km/h in just 3,4 seconds.

In their own words

“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,” said Executive Vice President Daniele Schillaci, Nissan’s global head of marketing, sales and electric vehicles. “It’s our most thrilling expression yet of the philosophy of Nissan Intelligent Mobility.”

See the new model in action here alongside its Formula E sibling.