After an intense eight months of development, design and construction, Nissan’s revolutionary Nissan ZEOD RC electric racecar was unveiled today
at the headquarters of Nissan’s performance arm, Nismo, in Yokohama. The Zero Emissions on Demand racer has gone from zero to ZEOD in a mere 33 weeks after Nissan Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn in February announced Nissan’s goal of returning to the Le Mans 24 Hours next year with electric power in the same venue as today’s announcement. The ZEOD RC will race next year at Le Mans after being invited by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest to occupy the “Garage 56” entry for vehicles showcasing new and innovative technology. Nissan is using the ZEOD RC as a test bed to develop new electric vehicle technologies for Nissan’s planned future LM P1 program.
The initial prototype showcar of the revolutionary electric racer was revealed at this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours, but today’s unveil at the Nismo headquarters showcased the dramatic evolution of the design featuring revamped styling, new cooling inlets and aerodynamic updates. The Nissan ZEOD RC will become the first car to complete an entire race lap of the 8.5-mile Le Mans circuit on nothing but electric power. The car will reach speeds in excess of 300km/h (185mph) and lap the famous French circuit faster than an LM GTE car. The driver will be able to switch between electric power and a small lightweight turbocharged internal combustion engine.
The car – which shares the same battery technology as the Nissan LEAF – will recharge the battery via regenerative braking. Fans will get the chance to take a close look at the Nissan ZEOD RC in the Fuji paddock throughout the course of the FIA World Endurance Championship weekend.