The original Nissan Leaf launched on the auto market in 2010 as a high-performing all-electric car. It was the first all-electric car that Nissan produced, and it initially gained widespread popularity around the world. In fact, the Nissan Leaf still holds the record as one of the best-selling electric cars in the world. However, as other major auto corporations like Chevrolet and Tesla released their own high-performing EVs, Nissan’s Leaf car fell out of the spotlight—although it still remains a popular choice among drivers in the market for an affordable all-electric car.
In 2011, Nissan launched the first Leaf Nismo RC. This racing, all-electric car was an upgraded, modified version of the 2010 Leaf. It was a groundbreaking invention that combined the speed and power of a race car with the eco-friendliness of an EV. The 2011 Nissan Leaf Nismo RC was showcased at the 2011 Tokyo Motor show and the 2011 New York Auto Show. It was tested and demonstrated many times, but was never mass-produced worldwide. Nissan did not release any new Nismo versions of their classic Leaf EV between 2011 and 2019.
Nissan’s 2019 Leaf Nismo RC is a much-needed upgraded model of the all-electric Leaf Nismo RC from 2011. This new and improved model promises to offer modern features, speed, power, and high performance that rival that of other popular all-electric vehicles on the current auto market. The idea behind the 2019 Leaf Nismo RC comes from the 2011 model. It also builds off of an updated concept that Nissan initially showcased to attendees of the Tokyo Motor Show in 2017. This unveiling increased hype among Nissan followers regarding the possibility of a new sporty Nismo version of the beloved Leaf model. The waiting period finally came to an end with the launch of the 2019 Leaf Nismo RC, which is very similar to Nissan’s 2017 concept but features more advanced technology and modern styling.
Power and Speed
The 2019 Nissan Leaf Nismo RC delivers impressive speed and power, especially considering that this newly released model is one hundred percent electric and does not run off of traditional fuel like most other powerful race car models. It includes dual electric motors that produce 240 kW of zero-emission power and 640 Nm of torque between the two of them. A high-performing lithium-ion battery helps power the brand new Leaf Nismo RC.
This sporty car offers impressively fast acceleration and can effortlessly and smoothly reach a speed of 60 MPG from 0 MPH in less than 4 seconds. It is very lightweight— weighing in at only 1,220 kg—which contributes to its smooth, speedy acceleration and impressive power output. Its 18-inch aluminum wheels help the Leaf Nismo RC move more quickly without getting slowed down by air and wind. Plus, a unique Intelligent
Trace Control system and electric power steering increase the stability of the 2019 Leaf Nismo and allow drivers to maneuver sharp turns more smoothly and effortlessly.
Exterior Styling
As you would expect from a classic race car, the exterior of the Leaf Nismo RC is sporty, stylish, and modern. It has a hatchback style with a sporty body shape complete with fixed windows, layered double wings, and a rear wing for added power. The Nismo RC comes in nine different fun, sporty exterior colors—including silver, gray, black, and more—and features a modern metallic finish.
Its body is longer than the traditional Nissan Leaf and sits lower to the ground, which helps it reach higher speeds more quickly and offer a smooth ride. Plus, its three-piece body features removable sections in the front and the rear, and its rear wing is adjustable to maximize speed, power, and performance.
Availability
Unfortunately, the new Nissan Leaf Nismo has very limited availability—at least for the time being. It is currently only on sale in Japan, and Nissan has not yet made any concrete plans to begin distributing this newly released model in the United States. Nissan has discussed plans to distribute six demo Leaf Nismo RC vehicles around the world, but mass production of these cars is not currently on the table.
A new 2019 Nissan Leaf vehicle was also recently launched and is readily available for purchase. Although the 2019 Nissan Leaf and the 2019 Nissan Leaf Nismo RC are both under the umbrella of Nissan, the Nissan Leaf Nismo model is produced by Nissan’s racing branch NISMO and does not offer the same accessibility to buyers that the regular 2019 Leaf does.
