Nissan Zeod RC makes track debut

Following its DeltaWing project Nissan is coming back to Le Mans in 2014 with the Zeod RC. This time, though, Nissan is acting alone, and not with the cooperation of Don Panoz, who is pushing on with a DeltaWing Coupé project of his own.

Zeod stands for Zero Emissions On Demand and at its launch event at Fuji Raceway the car ran solely in electric mode. And not terribly far, either. But it’s early days in this innovative project.

For now details of the car’s internal combustion engine are under wraps. It’s planned that the petrol engine will first be tested in the Zeod RC early next year, with the goal of racing the car at next year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Indeed, the Zeod RC represents a bigger aim of Nissan to race the Zeod, or a derivative thereof, in the LMP1 category in future years.

Nissan says the petrol engine should be good for 12 laps of the 13.6km Circuit de la Sarthe by which time the Zeod RC should have recharged its battery enough to allow for one complete lap at full race pace.

We’re currently in the genesis of an electric powered racing era, with Le Mans in Nissan’s sights and the FIA Formula E category due to start next year as well. We’re not sure how far electric-powered motorsport will take us, but it’ll be interesting finding out.

Nissan Zeod RC hits the track at Fuji

• Electric prototype runs at Fuji Speedway for the first time
• Nissan’s Executive Vice-President talks about ZEOD RC
• Nissan-powered teams take top seven LM P2 positions in rain-curtailed FIA WEC race

Fuji, Japan (Oct. 21, 2013) – Nissan’s revolutionary ZEOD RC electric prototype had its on track debut in Japan last weekend with Michael Krumm at the wheel of the car that will race at next year’s Le Mans 24 Hours.

The car was unveiled at Nismo headquarters in Yokohama on Thursday and performed three demonstration runs at Fuji Speedway in conjunction with the Japanese round of the FIA World Endurance Championship.

The Nissan ZEOD RC will complete an entire 8.5 mile lap of Le Mans next year on pure electric power at speeds in excess of 300km/h (186 mph). When running on its internal combustion engine, the ZEOD RC will recharge its battery using regenerative braking.

Key Nissan executives including Executive Vice President Andy Palmer were on site at Fuji to see the car’s debut.

The car will now head back to the UK this week to continue its testing and development program. The Nissan ZEOD RC will occupy “Garage 56” at Le Mans next year – an entry reserved for cars showcasing new and innovative technology previously not seen at the French endurance classic. Nissan will use the ZEOD RC programme to develop technologies for its planned future LM P1 assault.

“This has been a fantastic opportunity for everyone involved to bring the Nissan ZEOD RC to Japan to present the car at Nismo and then show the car at Fuji Speedway for the fans,” Nissan Global Motorsports Director, Darren Cox said.

“The reaction from the fans has been amazing – especially the young fans. We had a very poignant moment watching the car on track with Mount Fuji in the background. We know we have a very big mountain to climb to develop this electric vehicle technology for Le Mans but seeing the reaction from the young fans is a key reason why we are doing this.

“It was a pity that the weather spoiled the day on Sunday for the FIA WEC race but we were thrilled to be able to bring the car here for loyal Japanese fans.”

Download

• Nissan Zeod RC press kit (3.1mb PDF)