(continued from above)
The all-new Nissan Leaf is powered by 48 laminated compact lithium-ion
battery modules and a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 107
horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, providing a highly responsive, fun-to-drive
experience that is in keeping with what consumers have come to expect from
traditional, gasoline-powered vehicles.
Unlike internal-combustion
engine-equipped vehicles, Leaf's powertrain has no tailpipe and thus no emission
of CO2 or other greenhouse gases while being driven. The Nissan Leaf can be
charged up to 80% of its full capacity in 30 minutes when equipped with a quick
charge port and using a DC fast charger. Charging at home through a 220V outlet
is estimated to take approximately eight hours. The advanced lithium-ion battery
pack carries an industry-competitive warranty of 8 years or 100,000 miles.
"There's little debate on the need to reduce vehicle emissions in the
future. Nissan is taking an aggressive approach to establishing leadership in
zero-emission vehicles, with the Leaf being our first effort," said Al
Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North
America, Inc. (NNA). "However, we're not doing this solely to meet regulations
or to wrap the Nissan brand in a green halo. We're producing the Nissan Leaf
because it makes good sense to Nissan and to our customers."
Leaf's
Exterior Designed for "Smart Fluidity"
The new Nissan Leaf's
dedicated EV body is designed to offer "smart fluidity" - a fusion of
sophisticated aerodynamic management and aerodynamic acoustics with the freedom
provided by the new EV layout. The smooth, elegant movement of the body starts
from the low, compact hood, moves through the iconic shoulder character line and
on toward the large rear spoiler.
The distinctive exterior styling is
characterized by sharp, upright V-shaped design featuring long, up-slanting LED
headlights with a blue internal reflective appearance. The headlights split and
redirect airflow away from the door mirrors, reducing wind noise and drag. The
headlights also consume about 50 percent of the electricity of conventional
halogen headlights. In the rear, the slim-type aerodynamic LED taillight design
and crisp corners combine with the aerodynamic muffler-less rear bumper with
rear diffuser to manage the aerodynamics of the rear end without compromising
rear interior roominess. The coefficient of drag is just 0.29.
Nissan
Leaf's charging point is hidden under a small door located in the front of the
vehicle. The 5-door hatchback design also features chrome door handles,
aerodynamic outside mirrors and a large greenhouse to provide a bright interior
environment. Attractive 5-spoke 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels mounted with
205/55 R16 Bridgestone Ecopia tires are standard. Five exterior colors are
available: Glacier Pearl, Blue Ocean, Brilliant Silver, Super Black and Cayenne
Red.
Distinctive "EV Touch" Interior
The roomy 2011 Nissan
Leaf interior offers a pleasingly modern design created to provide a unique "EV
touch" with "simple and human flow." The bright, welcoming atmosphere starts
with the wide, high tech instrument panel design - which is dominated by a twin
combination meter display in front of the driver and a center "floating" piano
black C-stack with a 7-inch information display.
Nissan Leaf: Review (2/2)