Nissan ZEOD RC electric racer revealed

Nissan’s dramatic-looking ZEOD RC is set to become the first car to complete an entire lap of the Le Mans 24 Hours race using nothing but electric power.

Unveiled in Yokohama, Japan just eight months after it was first announced, the Zero Emissions On Demand project is essentially a test-bed for a future Nissan LMP1 campaign.

Nissan ZEOD RC 2013 Front Side

However, before that happens, the prototype is going to compete at Le Mans next year. Event organiser, Automobile Club de l'Ouest, has invited Nissan to take the ‘Garage 56’ entry which is reserved for cars incorporating new technologies.

The ZEOD RC’s pace should be faster than the LM GTE category entries, and speeds along the Mulsanne Straight are expected to top 185 mph (300 km/h). The drivers will be able to switch between pure electric power and a small-capacity turbocharged internal combustion engine, with a brake energy recuperation system helping to recharge the battery pack while on track.

Nissan ZEOD RC 2013 Rear SideNissan ZEOD RC 2013 Front

Commenting on the car, Shoichi Miyatani, Nismo President, said: “The ZEOD RC utilises our technology gained through the development of the Nissan Leaf Nismo RC, the first EV racer based on the mass-production zero emission vehicle.

“The Leaf RC’s energy management and efficient energy recovery system that is suitable for racing are just examples. We believe these technologies serve as important steps for using EV for motor sports.”

Following its Japanese debut, the ZEOD RC’s development will resume ahead of its Le Mans debut in June. Michael Krumm and Lucas Ordóñez have been appointed as test drivers for the programme.

Related posts:
2013 Euro-spec Nissan Leaf
Nissan Leaf Nismo RC

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts:

Saab 9-3 Aero Carlsson

Image
Saab has got experience of producing special editions in honour of rally driver Erik Carlsson, having previously named versions of the 900 and 9000 after him during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Now it has decided to do it again, this time to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Swedish driver’s first win in Britain’s RAC Rally, which was achieved at the wheel of a Saab 96. Thankfully, the company has resisted the urge to just bung some fancy alloys and a few other extra bits onto something like a mid-range diesel model. Instead, it appears to have resurrected the limited edition Turbo X from a couple of years ago, as the new edition similarly features a turbocharged 2.8 litre petrol V6, Saab’s XWD all-wheel drive system and a six-speed automatic gearbox. The result is the 9-3 Aero Carlsson saloon, which turns out to be a very rapid car. With 276 bhp (205 kW / 280 PS) and a healthy 400 Nm of torque, the 0-60 mph (96 km/h) dash takes just 6.9 seconds. But it’s in the mid-range t...
Read more

American spec Fiat 500

Image
Fiat has released the first details and images of the North American specification 500. The tiny city car will be available in Pop, Lounge and Sport trim levels, and is distinguished from the European version by its more aggressive front and rear bumpers, bigger grille and flared sills. Another unique feature is the engine. Fiat has decided to use the 1.4 MultiAir unit currently found in models such as the Fiat Punto Evo and Alfa Romeo MiTo. Perhaps it felt that using the forthcoming two-cylinder TwinAir in the American 500 would have been too much for markets there to take? There’s no word yet on what power output the MultiAir will have, although in its current applications it comes with either 103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS), 133 bhp (99 kW / 135 PS) or 167 bhp (125 kW / 170 PS). Similarly, prices have yet to be confirmed, but hopefully both details will have been sorted out by the time the order book for the 500 hatch opens later this year. For convertible fans, the 500C is due ...
Read more

i10 N Line versus the Up! GTI

Image
Hyundai has confirmed specifications and pricing for its sporty i10 N Line. This new variant – which arrives at dealers later this month – benefits from some cosmetic tweaks, unique suspension components and a more powerful 1.0 litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine.
Read more