Race-Ready Nissan Leaf NISMO RC Debuts in Europe

Electric powertrain technologies are invading every aspect of the automotive world, including the realm of motorsports. Electric vehicle pioneer Nissan has enjoyed mass appeal with the Leaf and Leaf+, and now seeks to apply its years of battery-powered knowledge to the European racing circuit with the introduction of the Nissan Leaf NISMO RC.

©nissannews.com

An all-wheel drive speedster, the Leaf NISMO RC more than doubles on its predecessor’s power and torque, delivering 322 hp and 640 Nm of pure race track goodness. And acceleration isn’t too shabby either, taking 3.4 secs to reach 100 kmh from a standstill. Add a gross weight of 1,220 kgs to the equation, and it’s obvious that the NISMO RC can compete with the best of the European lot, considering that current generation electric hypercars in the region have trouble achieving any weight below two tons.

©nissannews.com

Nissan also claims that the all-wheel setup is more than just a gimmick—it actually serves as a testing ground for the Japanese carmaker to advance its technologies and push the boundaries of what an all-electric powertrain and all-wheel drivetrain can achieve.

[gallery ids="75633,75635,75630">

Given that the Leaf is the first electric car to surpass 400,000 units in sales, the data that Nissan collects from the NISMO RC during its racing stints should benefit a lot of electric vehicle (EV) buyers, and make future EVs a lot more exciting.

Making its first touch down at Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain, the innovative racer distills the learnings from the top-selling EV with Nissan Motorsport know-how to showcase the power, innovation and excitement of Nissan dual-motor electric vehicle technology.

©nissannews.com

"Nissan's experience as a pioneer in electric vehicles for the road, combined with NISMO's 60-plus years of motorsport innovation, led to the conception of a unique car," said Michael Carcamo, Nissan Global Motorsport Director.

"For Nissan, the 'E' in 'EV' also stands for 'Exciting'. Putting this philosophy front and center, we created the LEAF NISMO RC. It amplifies the fun-to-drive aspect of electric mobility, raising the thrills offered by EVs to a new level," Carcamo added.

As with the Leaf NISMO RC, every Nissan EV model boasts a thrilling driving experience that represents Nissan’s commitment to intelligent design and advanced connectivity. When Nissan unveiled the Leaf e+ at last year’s CES, the carmaker bragged that its flagship EV can do a stunning 400-plus kilometers on a single charge while possessing the brand’s signature ProPilot Assist Technology, which uses a combination of smart steering, acceleration, and braking systems that can run in full automatic mode to help ease driver workload in heavy highway traffic and long commutes.

©nissannews.com

Also read: Nissan Eyes Deep Job Cuts, Plant Closures Amid Massive Profit Loss
CES 2020: Nissan Uncovers All-Electric All-Wheel-Drive Twin Motor System

Read All

Featured Articles

Recommended Articles For You

Read All

Featured Cars

  • Upcoming

Car Articles From Zigwheels

  • News
  • Article Feature
  • Advisory Stories
  • Road Test
  • Zigwheels PH weekly wrap: September 8-12
    Zigwheels PH weekly wrap: September 8-12
    Cesar Miguel . Sep 12, 2025
  • Hyundai Venue returns to PH with P778k starting price
    Hyundai Venue returns to PH with P778k starting price
    Cesar Miguel . Sep 12, 2025
  • Suzuki PH formally launches Fronx
    Suzuki PH formally launches Fronx
    Paulo Papa . Sep 12, 2025
  • Volkswagen presents ID. Cross Concept at IAA Mobility
    Volkswagen presents ID. Cross Concept at IAA Mobility
    Paulo Papa . Sep 11, 2025
  • Ford PH to highlight new Everest Wildtrak this weekend
    Ford PH to highlight new Everest Wildtrak this weekend
    Ruben Manahan IV . Sep 11, 2025
  • Check out the GWM Ora 03’s key rivals
    Check out the GWM Ora 03’s key rivals
    Cesar Miguel . Sep 12, 2025
  • Here are the Ford Territory Hybrid’s strengths, weaknesses
    Here are the Ford Territory Hybrid’s strengths, weaknesses
    Cesar Miguel . Sep 12, 2025
  • VinFast VF 5: top 3 reasons to buy
    VinFast VF 5: top 3 reasons to buy
    Paulo Papa . Sep 09, 2025
  • Check out the Subaru WRX’s closest alternatives
    Check out the Subaru WRX’s closest alternatives
    Cesar Miguel . Sep 08, 2025
  • Lynk & Co. 01 vs BYD Sealion 5 DM-i vs Changan Nevo Q05: Chinese hybrid SUV smackdown
    Lynk & Co. 01 vs BYD Sealion 5 DM-i vs Changan Nevo Q05: Chinese hybrid SUV smackdown
    Paulo Papa . Sep 05, 2025
  • How well do you understand traffic signs?
    How well do you understand traffic signs?
    Cesar Miguel . Sep 09, 2025
  • How car collectors can take advantage of Liqui Moly products
    How car collectors can take advantage of Liqui Moly products
    Ruben Manahan IV . Sep 08, 2025
  • Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 12, 2025
  • What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 11, 2025
  • Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 26, 2025
  • Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S HEV: sporty yet sustainable
    Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S HEV: sporty yet sustainable
    Paulo Papa . Sep 08, 2025
  • ELECTRIA: JMC EV3 - cutesy city slicker
    ELECTRIA: JMC EV3 - cutesy city slicker
    Cesar Miguel . Sep 04, 2025
  • First drive: Here’s why the Li Mega is the ideal pick for those who wants to be chauffeured
    First drive: Here’s why the Li Mega is the ideal pick for those who wants to be chauffeured
    Paulo Papa . Aug 27, 2025
  • GWM Cannon: range day
    GWM Cannon: range day
    Paulo Papa . Jul 29, 2025
  • First drive: BYD Sealion 5 DM-i
    First drive: BYD Sealion 5 DM-i
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 21, 2025