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The layout of the NISMO RC is also markedly different from the production sedan, offering a mid-ship location for the battery pack, electric motor and inverter - with drive to the rear wheels versus the production Nissan Leaf's front-wheel drive. The NISMO RC also utilizes a double-wishbone suspension design front and rear and driver-adjustable brake balance. It rides on 18-inch 6-spoke wheels and 225/40 R18 Bridgestone racing tires.

Like the production Nissan Leaf, the NISMO RC is powered by a lithium-ion battery composed of 48 compact modules and a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 107 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. It can be charged up to 80 percent of its full capacity in 30 minutes using the quick charging port located inside the rear cowl. And unlike other competition vehicles, the NISMO RC has no tailpipe, no emission of CO2 or other greenhouse gases while being driven, and no exhaust sound.

In preliminary testing the NISMO RC produces 0 to 62 mph acceleration in 6.85 seconds and a top speed of 93 miles per hour. It is projected to have a running time of around 20 minutes under racing conditions.

"There's a perception among some people that electric vehicles fall on the dull side of the automotive enthusiasm scale - which is certainly not the case with either the production Nissan Leaf or this electrifying Nissan Leaf NISMO RC," added Tavares. "Nissan Leaf owners are fully embracing this new world of zero emission technology. We believe the same potential exists in the motorsports world as well, with Nissan proud to be first on the starting grid."

Nissan Leaf NISMO RC Concept: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications