By: NIssan Micra Cup 
May 17 2019 

The all-wheel-drive zero-emission model will be the official pace car for the 2019 Nissan Micra Cup, entering its fifth season this year

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 silverand-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.

To follow on social media:
Facebook: Coupe Nissan Micra Cup
Instagram: @nissanmicracup
Twitter: @MicraCup
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