World’s best-selling electric car joins Nismo’s road car lineup for the first time; will go on sale July 31 in Japan.
19 Jul 2018 | 5844 Views | By Autocar Professional Bureau
The world’s best-selling electric car just got more oomph. The Nissan Leaf Nismo is to go on sale July 31 in Japan – combining, for the first time, the excitement and advanced technologies of the world’s best-selling electric car with the sporty image and performance of the Nismo road car ...
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The world’s best-selling electric car just got more oomph. The Nissan Leaf Nismo is to go on sale July 31 in Japan – combining, for the first time, the excitement and advanced technologies of the world’s best-selling electric car with the sporty image and performance of the Nismo road car series.
The Nissan Leaf Nismo features a custom tuning computer for more responsive acceleration, custom tires and suspension for improved handling and ride comfort, and stylish exterior and interior design.
The model is based on the new Nissan Leaf, which debuted in October 2017. The new Leaf offers the exhilarating acceleration and environmental performance of a 100 percent electric powertrain, a dynamic design, and advanced technologies such as e-Pedal and the ProPilot and ProPilot Park autonomous driving features.
Nissan aims to sell a million electrified vehicles a year, including the new Nissan Leaf, globally by fiscal 2022.
Nismo, Nissan’s motorsports and in-house tuning division, launched its road car series with the Nissan Juke Nismo in 2013. It has since added the March Nismo, Note Nismo, 370Z Nismo, GT-R Nismo and Serena Nismo.
Wolf in sheep’s clothing and green at that
The Nissan Leaf Nismo features the characteristic layered double wings of the Nismo road car series, improving downforce without compromising drag coefficient. Signaling the high-performance driving provided by its low centre of gravity, the exterior also includes custom 18-inch aluminium wheels that minimise air resistance.
The nine available body colors include the Nismo series’ custom Brilliant Silver (M) / Super Black two-tone and the Dark Metal Grey (M)/Super Black two-tone.
The sporty interior appeals to the senses with prominent use of Nismo’s custom red accents, including the three-spoke steering wheel with a red centre mark. The instrument panel features a custom carbon-like finish, and the electronic shift has a gun metal chrome finish.
The Nissan Leaf Nismo’s dedicated 18-inch high-grip tyres and custom suspension system provide a comfortable ride and stable handling. Its custom-tuned electric power steering and Intelligent Trace Control (cornering stabilisation system) provide high stability and lane-tracing abilities.
The custom tuning computer in the Nissan Leaf NISMO allows for a delicate but strong acceleration response. This results in comfortable driving on both city streets and winding roads.