Nissan has released a series of photos where it is testing a four-wheel-drive electric vehicle built upon the Leaf e+ architecture.
The hatchback body depicted here serves only as a test mule for the new car. Aside from a special paintjob, it sports 17-inch wheels and glossy trim accents. The car comes powered by two electric motors (one per axle) that combine into what the Japanese carmaker calls the Electric All-Wheel-Control. The Leaf Nismo RC racecar has the same powertrain, rated at 309 hp (230 kW) and 680 Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque.
Nissan’s next SUV based on the Ariya Concept will also likely land with the same powertrain. Its acceleration, braking and cornering performance are being described as ‘racecar-like’. The Leaf is 120 mm (4.7”) shorter, 90 mm (3.5”) slimmer and 90 mm (3.5”) less tall than the Ariya Concept. The wheelbase of the standard Leaf EV measures 2,700 mm (8.86 feet) long. Just whether the concept car has the same dimensions is unclear, though.
Inside, there is a new 12.3-inch multimedia display replacing the old 8-inch one. The instrument panel displays torque distribution between the axles, among other things.
Nissan promises to make the new EV accelerate fast but smoothly. It also says each wheel will be able to brake independently from the others. The AWD system will be operable in all conditions, and both engines will support regenerative braking.
The production car should hit the market next year.