Nissan: The epitome of EV motorsport and the ultimate expression of All-Wheel Drive converge in the Nissan booth at CIAS

  • With two visually-spectacular, unique vehicles, and all the latest production models in the Nissan lineup on display, the Nissan booth at the Canadian International Auto Show demonstrates innovation and excitement across the automotive spectrum
  • Nissan LEAF NISMO RC makes its first appearance at major public auto show
  • Nissan Canada announces Nissan LEAF NISMO RC will be an official pace car for the 2019 Nissan Micra Cup season
  • Altima-te AWD project vehicle makes regional debut after its initial unveiling at the Montreal auto show
  • For the complete gallery of Nissan headliners at the 2019 CIAS, please click here.

Toronto, Ont. – Today at the 2019 Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS) in Toronto, Nissan marked the first public auto show display for the all-new LEAF NISMO RC, an electric race car developed by NISMO featuring an aggressive body shape, advanced battery technology and all-wheel drive capability. During its media presentation today, Nissan officially announced the LEAF NISMO RC will be in action on Canadian race tracks as one of the official pace cars for the 2019 Nissan Micra Cup, entering its fifth season this year.

“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 Joni Paiva, 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 tracks as it leads the convoy of Micra Cup race cars this season.” 

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

Nissan’s pinnacle of electric power, the LEAF NISMO RC
The purpose-built, zero-emission race car from NISMO is sure to turn heads at the CIAS. 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.

Using its racing know-how, NISMO created an exciting way to show the potential of Nissan’s zero-emission technology – a key component of the Nissan Intelligent Mobility vision.

Powering the all-new Nissan LEAF NISMO RC are two electric motors at opposite ends of the chassis. The motors produce 322 combined horsepower (161 horsepower each) and an astounding 472-lb. ft. 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.

Altima-te AWD Project Vehicle makes regional debut in Toronto
Continuing a Nissan tradition, another Nissan wearing heavy-duty DOMINATOR Tracks from American Track Truck is on display at an auto show. Unlike the “Warrior” family of Nissan crossovers equipped with tracks, this one-off vehicle is a sedan, symbolizing the AWD configuration for the 2019 Altima in Canada.

Like the Rogue Warrior which debuted at the 2016 Montreal International Auto Show (MIAS), the Altima-te AWD was modified entirely by Quebec-based Motorsports in Action (MIA), using the DOMINATOR® track system from American Track Truck.

The tracks measure 1,220 millimetres/48 inches long, 750 millimetres/30 inches tall and 380 millimetres/15 inches wide. The Altima-te AWD required more extreme body and chassis modifications compared to the changes that were made on the Rogue Warrior project vehicle.  The most prominent exterior modification to Altima’s exterior is seen in the front and rear fenders that were flared out by 180 millimetres/7 inches on each side, to accommodate the DOMINATOR, track system, expanding the total body width by 360 millimetres/14 inches. This results in a noticeably assertive stance, while maintaining Altima’s sedan design essence and flowing lines.

The Altima-te AWD will be on display at the 2019 CIAS for public days, and will then be displayed at the Vancouver International Auto Show in March. To see the video story and read more about the Altima-te AWD, click here.

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