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."
Click on the links below to view videos:
At the Foot of Fuji: ZEOD RC - with Andy Palmer and Michael Krumm
#AskZEOD @ Nissan ZEOD RC Track Debut - Fuji Speedway
ends...
Notes to editors
About Nissan in the UK
- Nissan Sunderland Plant produces the Nissan Qashqai, Note and Juke and the 100% electric Nissan LEAF
- Production of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles began last year, 2012
- Total plant volume since 1986 stands at more than seven million units with 85 per cent of production exported to 104 markets worldwide
- Total investment made and announced since then is £3.5 billion
- 510,572 units were produced at Sunderland plant in 2012, a plant record
- Sunderland Plant currently employs 6,000 people
- Nissan's European Design Centre is located in Paddington, London and employs around 50 people
- Nissan's European Technical Centre is based in Cranfield, Bedfordshire and employs around 500 people
About Nissan in Europe
Nissan has one of the most comprehensive European presences of any overseas manufacturer, employing more than 14,500 staff across locally-based design, research & development, manufacturing, logistics and sales & marketing operations. Last year Nissan plants in the UK, Spain and Russia produced more than 695,000 vehicles including mini-MPVs, award-winning crossovers, SUVs and commercial vehicles. Nissan now offers 24 diverse and innovative products for sale in Europe today, and is positioned to become the number one Asian brand in Europe.
