The 2014 ZEOD RC’s debut took place this week at the headquarters of Nissan’s performance arm, NISMO, in Yokohama, Japan. Though it looks similar to the concept first shown at this year’s Le Mans, the actual race car features revamped styling, new cooling inlets and aerodynamic updates.
Nissan says 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.
2012 Nissan DeltaWing project
A similar setup, minus the electric drive system, was extensively tested in the DeltaWing project, which Nissan was previously involved with.
Nissan has revealed a few performance metrics, however. The automaker claims its ZEOD RC will be 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 185 mph and is said to be capable of lapping the famous French circuit faster than existing LM GTE cars thanks to its aerodynamic shape and low weight.
Full testing is now underway. A public outing will take place this weekend at the Fuji round of the 2013 World Endurance Championship. Already confirmed as one of the car’s drivers is original Nissan GT Academy winner Lucas Ordonez. He will be joined by Michael Krumm, a Super GT and FIA GT1 champion, during testing.
Note, Nissan’s end goal for the ZEOD RC is to develop new electric vehicle technologies for a planned LMP1 prototype that, if all goes to plan, will one day be competing against similar prototype racers from Audi, Porsche and Toyota.
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