Electric vehicles are closer associated with environmentalist than race fanatics, but Nissan is looking to shake the perception with yet another race-ready version of its zero-emissions Leaf.
Nissan has already showed us a version of the Leaf ready for the road course, and now the Japanese automaker is setting its sights even higher with a Pikes Peak version of the EV. And, unlike the Nissan Leaf Nismo RC, the Pikes Peak Leaf will actually see action in this year’s race, marking the Leaf’s motorsports debut.
The Pikes Peak Leaf will be piloted by Nissan off-road truck driver Chad Hord.
The Leaf destined for Pikes Peak will compete in the Production Class for electric vehicles. Although the Leaf Nismo RC was heavily modified for racing – including a carbon fiber body shell – the Pikes Peak Leaf will be essentially stock, save for the removal of seats and carpets to make room for safety equipment. The hill climb car will use the same 107 horsepower, 207 lb-ft of torque electric motor found under the hood of every road-going Leaf.
“This is another innovative way to showcase the fun-to-drive nature of the Nissan Leaf and highlight that 100 percent electric vehicles perform very well in demanding situations like the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb,†said Ron Stukenberg, senior manager, Marketing Communications, Motorsports. “The instant torque available from the electric motor makes the Leaf a fun car to drive and the abundance of corners on the hill climb will give Chad a chance to take advantage of that torque.â€
The Nissan Leaf will compete in the 89th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 26.
