What Students in Automotive Service Technician School Should Know About the Nissan Nismo RC
They’re one of North America’s biggest car manufacturers, and they’re riding straight into the future. Nissan’s Leaf Nismo RC takes what had already been the world’s best-selling plug-in EV for three non-consecutive years, and finds ways to make it even more powerful. While the Nismo RC currently exists only as demonstration models, it is part of the automotive giant’s plan to have eight new electric vehicles launched by the year 2022.
Able to go up to 100 km/h in as little as 3.4 seconds and equipped with a carbon-fibre monocoque, it’s a fascinating experiment in how automotive companies are pushing electric vehicle technology to new heights. Here’s what automotive service technician students need to know.
With the Nismo RC, Less Really Is More
Thanks to its status as a 100% electric car, it not only comes without a tailpipe, but also no fuel tank. As a result, just like the original Nissan Leaf, the Nismo RC doesn’t release CO2 emissions, greenhouse gases, or exhaust noise. Its body is also equally low and wide, being divided into three sections and positioned about 300mm lower than the original Leaf. Furthermore, its carbon-fibre monocoque contains a roll cage, which helps give the vehicle a weight of 2,690 pounds—fairly light for an electric vehicle that has to carry large and very heavy batteries. Both lightweight and fuel-efficient, the Nismo RC is a great example for those with auto parts careers of how less is more when creating a racing vehicle.
It’s a Fully Electric Vehicle, and How They Make it Work is Impressive
Not only is the Nissan Nismo RC a fully electric race car, its components are largely taken from the original Leaf. Parts like the drivetrain and motor are exactly the same, as are the power inverters. Its battery, placed in the middle of the vehicle’s chassis for optimal weight distribution, is also the same as the Leaf, running at 40 kWh. It’s also got a 120-kilowatt electric motor on both axles (as opposed to the original Leaf, which contains only one), with power being managed independently on each one so that torque can immediately go towards whichever tire has the most grip on a race track. All of these factors help create a car that can perform impressively both in terms of speed and handling.
Aside From That, There’s Plenty Else for Those with Auto Parts Careers to Like
Though the Nismo RC isn’t currently for sale, its specs are certainly enough to catch the interest of those in an auto service technician course. With a horsepower of 322 and 472 pound-feet of torque given to all four of its wheels, it boasts more than twice as much torque and horsepower as the original Leaf’s 236 pound-feet and 147 hp. It also contains an adjustable rear wing, and both its front and rear sections are removable. Additionally, the vehicle contains LED headlights, tail lights, fixed windows, and all-wheel drive.
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