MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – This weekend, the Nissan Micra Cup will kickoff its fifth season in Bowmanville between May 17-19, where the LEAF NISMO RC will be in action on the race track as the official pace car for the 2019 Nissan Micra Cup series.
The all-new Nissan LEAF NISMO RC, an electric race car with more than double the maximum power and torque output of its predecessor, was unveiled last November in Tokyo. This will be the first time in the history of motorsports presented in a Canadian or North American series that a 100 per cent electric car will take to the track.
“As the pioneer of the world’s first mass-market electric vehicle, we at Nissan are thrilled to present a vehicle that has the potential to steer towards a new era of motorsport,” says Steve Milette, president of Nissan Canada Inc. “The Nissan LEAF NISMO RC is a paragon of zero-emission leadership and Nissan Intelligent Mobility. It has unbelievable power, which is sourced directly from the technology of the Nissan LEAF on the roads today. I am thrilled that motorsport fans will get to see this power in action on the race track as it leads the convoy of Micra Cup race cars this weekend.”
Nissan Micra Cup fans will be able to see the Nissan LEAF NISMO RC up-close in the paddock, and witness it in action on the track at three main events of the 2019 Micra Cup season:
- Canadian Tire Motorsport Park: May 17-19
- Circuit Trois-Rivières: August 9-11
- Canadian Tire Motorsport Park: August 23-25
The car, which was developed by Nissan’s racing arm, NISMO, with its race technology know-how, debuted at the annual NISMO Festival at Fuji International Speedway last December, appearing alongside Nissan’s new Formula E electric race car.
With dual electric motors, all-wheel-drive and an aggressive, restyled body shape, the purpose-built car demonstrates how Nissan’s electric vehicle technology can deliver exciting yet quiet, zero-emission power – a key component of the company’s Nissan Intelligent Mobility vision. The model is equipped with advanced battery technology and drivetrain components from the Nissan LEAF, the world’s best-selling electric car.
Nissan built six all-new LEAF NISMO RC vehicles to deploy around the world, so that fans can experience the power and excitement firsthand.
The pinnacle of electric power, now with all-wheel-drive
Powering the all-new Nissan LEAF NISMO RC are two electric motors at opposite ends of the chassis. The motors produce 322 horsepower (161 each) and 472 pound-feet of instant torque to the wheels. They more than double the maximum power and the torque output of the previous LEAF NISMO RC, which was introduced in 2011. Drivetrain technology sourced from the new Nissan LEAF include the high-capacity lithium-ion battery and inverters.
A new all-wheel-drive system gives the LEAF NISMO RC its outstanding cornering prowess. Power is managed independently to each axle, instantly supplying torque to the tire with the most grip to let the car maneuver quickly and efficiently around the track. Similar to the previous model, chassis weight balance has been optimized by the midship location of the battery pack, with the electric motors and inverters ideally placed over the front and rear tires.
The LEAF NISMO RC features a multitude of lightweight components and a full carbonfiber racing monocoque structure, allowing it to tip the scales at just 1,220 kilograms. The power-to-weight ratio results in an impressive performance of zero to 100 kph in just 3.4 seconds – 50% quicker than the previous model.
Race-ready styling
While the exterior of the all-new Nissan LEAF NISMO RC is spiritually based on the original LEAF NISMO RC, it sports a more aggressive exterior. A long hood and Nissan’s signature V-motion grille highlight the totally restyled front end. The distinctive silver and black paint scheme with NISMO red accents – similar to the Nissan Formula E car – make the LEAF NISMO RC seem like it’s in constant motion, even when sitting still at the
starting line.
The car’s three-piece bodywork includes removable front and rear sections, fixed windows, LED headlights and tail lights, and an adjustable rear wing for ideal downforce on the tarmac. The model is slightly longer than its predecessor, with an overall length of 4,546 millimeters and a wheelbase that measures 2,750 millimeters. The Nissan LEAF NISMO RC sits wide and low to the ground, with its wind-cutting form measuring only 1,212 millimeters from roof to road – more than 300 millimeters less than the
production Nissan LEAF.
The Nissan Micra Cup races on MICRA CUP TV
For those who cannot attend the event, races will be broadcast live on the series YouTube channel on Saturday at 10:05 a.m. and Sunday at 3:30 p.m. on https://www.youtube.com/MicraCupTV. In addition, the series will post multiple live video interviews and weekend footage on their Facebook page throughout the event.
Social media content will be uploaded regularly in English and French on the official Nissan Micra Cup Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages.
For more information on the Nissan Micra Cup, please visit the official series website www.micracup.com.
To follow on social media:
Facebook: Coupe Nissan Micra Cup
Instagram: @nissanmicracup
Twitter: @CoupeMicra
Youtube: MicraCupTV
Nissan Micra Cup on the track:
- Practice session: Friday, May 17, 11:10 a.m. – 11:40 a.m.
- Qualifying: Friday, May 17, 3:20 p.m. – 3:50 p.m.
- First race: Saturday, May 18, 10:05 a.m. – 10:35 a.m.
- Second race: Sunday, May 19, 3:30 p.m. – 4:10 p.m.
2019 Nissan Micra Cup Calendar:
- May 17- 19: Victoria Day Weekend SpeedFest, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Ontario
- June 1 -2: Kyle Nash Memorial, Calabogie Motorsports Park, Ontario
- July 26 – 28 : Summer Classic, Circuit Mont-Tremblant, Québec
- Aug 9 – 11 : Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières, Québec
- Aug 23 – 25: NASCAR Weekend, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Ontario
- Sept 27 – 29: Fall Classic, Circuit Mont-Tremblant, Québec
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About the Nissan Micra Cup
Presented by JD Promotion Compétition in collaboration with Nissan Canada, the Nissan Micra Cup is now in its fifth season. This exclusive-to-Canada series is comprised of six race weekends in Ontario and Quebec. From May to September, drivers compete in Nissan Micra base model S cars which – in true spec series style – are equipped identically, allowing the most talented drivers to stand out. The series is aimed at young karting drivers, the average Canadian looking for any entry point into motorsport competition, or anyone who wants to experience the adrenaline rush of a race. All in all, the Nissan Micra Cup is made for motorsport enthusiasts looking for the thrill and excitement of the race, without having to spend extravagant amounts of money.
For more information on the Nissan Micra Cup, please visit the website www.micracup.com.
About the Nissan Micra
In 2014, the Nissan Micra returned to Canada after 23 years as an all-new model, offering Canadians unbeatable value with the lowest starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) in Canada. The Micra is easy to drive and park, thanks to excellent all-round visibility and turning radius, electric power steering and a power to weight ratio that surprises. Powering the front-wheel drive Micra is a DOHC 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine rated at 109 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 107 lb-ft. of torque @ 4,400 rpm.
About Nissan Canada Inc.
Nissan Canada Inc. (NCI) is the Canadian sales, marketing and distribution subsidiary of Nissan Motor Limited and Nissan North America, Inc. NCI was the first Japanese-based automaker to incorporate in Canada in 1965, and now directly employs 306 full-time staff across offices in Vancouver (BC), Mississauga (ON), and Kirkland (QC). There are 208 independent Nissan dealerships, including 81 that also act as Nissan Commercial Vehicles dealers, 114 electric vehicle-certified dealers, and 42 INFINITI retailers across Canada.
More information about Nissan in Canada and the complete line of Nissan and INFINITI vehicles can be found online at www.nissan.ca and www.INFINITI.ca.
About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized annually by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year since 2010. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and INFINITI vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.INFINITIUSA.com, or visit the U.S. media sites NissanNews.com and INFINITINews.com.
About Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Nissan is a global full-line vehicle manufacturer that sells more than 60 models under the Nissan, INFINITI andDatsun brands. In fiscal year 2017, the company sold 5.77 million vehicles globally, generating revenue of 11.9 trillion yen. On April 1, 2017, the company embarked on Nissan M.O.V.E. to 2022, a six-year plan targeting a 30% increase in annualized revenues to 16.5 trillion yen by the end of fiscal 2022, along with cumulative free cash flow of 2.5 trillion yen. As part of Nissan M.O.V.E. to 2022, the company plans to extend its leadership in electric vehicles, symbolized by the world’s best-selling all-electric vehicle in history, the Nissan LEAF. Nissan’s global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, manages operations in six regions: Asia Oceania; Africa, the Middle East India; China; Europe; Latin America; and North America. Nissan has partnered with French manufacturer Renault since 1999 and acquired a 34% stake in Mitsubishi Motors in 2016. Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi is today the world’s largest automotive partnership, with combined sales of more than 10.6 million vehicles in calendar year 2017.
For more information about our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit nissan-global.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn and see all our latest videos on YouTube.
Media contacts:
Didier Marsaud
Director, Corporate Communications
Nissan Canada
Telephone: 905-629-6400
Email: didier.marsaud@nissancanada.com
Roxane Barry
Planner, Product Communications
Nissan Canada
Telephone: 905-629-6461
Email: roxane.barry@nissancanada.com