Nismo is preparing a more powerful LEAF for Europe

Since 2010, when it unveiled its all-electric model, Nissan has been... kicking around the idea of a LEAF Nismo In 2011, it unveiled the LEAF Nismo RC (pictured first) which had an impressive design, was 40% lighter, produced 107bhp, sprinted from a standstill to 100mph in 6.8 seconds, finished at 150mph. and had a 20-minute race pace range. However, it never made it to production. 

On July 31 this year, Nissan began selling the LEAF Nismo in Japan for the first time. However, it refrained from announcing details about its performance, as well as if and when it will be available in the European and American markets. Why? The answer to the double question is... complex. 

Nissan will bring a new version of the LEAF in early 2019, which, for now at least, the Japanese automaker's EV marketing department is calling E-plus. This version, will carry a larger battery, probably 60 KW and its engine will produce around 200 hp (compared to 40 KW and 147 hp of the existing version) and will provide a range of more than 320 km. The thinking, then, is that in Europe the LEAF Nismo will be introduced in Europe wearing this engine, while in Japan an additional version, the E-plus, will be added. The question, of course, is whether the Nismo will undergo additional modifications (for example, and a new suspension) to give the LEAF performance that could potentially put it in the world of performance hot hatches. 

And while we'll have to wait to find out if the Nissan LEAF NISMO will come with the more powerful motor in our country, in Japan they've been enjoying the excitement and advanced technologies of the world's best-selling all-electric car for about a month now, with the sporty looks and performance offered by the NISMO.

The Nissan LEAF NISMO features a specially modified computer for quicker acceleration, special tyres and suspension for improved handling and driving comfort, as well as a stylish exterior and interior design. The model is based on the new Nissan LEAF, which debuted last October. The new LEAF offers the thrilling acceleration combined with the environmental performance of an electric motor, dynamic design and advanced technologies such as e-Pedal, ProPILOT and ProPILOT Park. 

The new Nissan LEAF is the embodiment of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the company's vision to change the way cars are powered, driven and integrated into society. The all-electric model has won numerous awards for its innovative technology and performance. It won the 2018 World Green Car Award at the New York International Auto Show and received 5-star safety ratings from both the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) and Japan's New Car Assessment Programme.

Nissan plans to sell 1 million electric vehicles per year, including the new Nissan LEAF, globally by fiscal year 2022.

External design

The Nissan LEAF NISMO features the distinctive NISMO dual airbags, which improve lift without affecting drag coefficient. Signaling the high-performance ride offered by the low center of gravity, the model features specially designed 18-inch alloy wheels that minimize air resistance.

The nine available body colours include the specially treated Brilliant Silver (M)* / Super Black and Dark Gray (M) / Super Black, with the distinctive two-tone NISMO series colour scheme.

*(M)= metal

Interior decoration

The sporty interior stimulates the senses with a strong injection of NISMO's custom red accents, including the triangular steering wheel with its distinctive red "mark". The dashboard features an exquisite carbon-fiber textured finish, while the electronic gear selector has a metallic, chrome-plated finish.

Context

The Nissan LEAF NISMO's special 18-inch high-grip tires and custom suspension system provide an extremely comfortable ride and stable handling. The car's specially configured electric power steering, as well as Intelligent Trace Control, offer high stability with lane-sensing capabilities.

Comfortable acceleration

The specially modified computer in the Nissan LEAF NISMO allows for a gentle, yet powerful response during acceleration. This results in an extremely comfortable drive, both on city streets and expressways.

And finally, a video of the Nissan LEAF NISMO