Nissan has officially launched a Nismo version of its hugely popular all-electric Leaf, with the world's best-selling electric car given a sporty makeover that includes new exterior styling and systems tuned for improved performance.
The all-new Leaf Nismo is based on the new Nissan Leaf launched last year, which packed a higher capacity battery, more power and a plush new interior. Nissan also announced last year that it was working on a Nismo concept, to be handled by its in-house tuning and performance arm of the same name. Other Nissan models to have received the Nismo treatment include the Serena, the Note and the GT-R.
The Leaf Nismo sports double-layered wings to improve downforce, a lower center of gravity, and custom 18-inch aluminum wheels that keep air resistance to a minimum. These rims are wrapped in Nismo's dedicated high-grip tires. The side sills, bumpers, grille and mirrors have also been reimagined, along with new LED day lights and custom rear fog lamps.
The interior has also been given a refresh, with the addition of Nismo's custom red accents, a three-spoke steering wheel, a shiny new instrument panel and an electronic shifter finished in gun-metal chrome.
A custom suspension system should make for smoother handling, while a custom tuning computer is said to offer delicate but strong acceleration. The power steering has also been custom-tuned, and a so-called Intelligent Trace Control system is claimed to make for better cornering.
The Leaf Nismo will be available in nine colors, including silver, two-tone black and dark grey. There's no word yet on global availability, but Nissan says the car will be on sale in Japan from July 31 onwards.
You can check out the Leaf Nismo in the promo video below.
Source: Nissan
