While a high-performance variant of Nissan’s modest electric vehicle may not have been on our wish list, it has now been confirmed, as reported by Autocar. The anticipated Nissan Leaf Nismo is set to go into production, revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show alongside a concept version that provides a glimpse of what the final model will look like.
Details regarding performance enhancements or mechanical upgrades for the Leaf Nismo compared to the standard model remain under wraps. However, the concept does offer insights into its sporty new design, featuring a body kit, distinct wheels, red trim, and a black stripe on the hood—albeit these modifications seem relatively conventional.
It’s important to note that the Nissan Leaf Nismo should not be mistaken for the upcoming Leaf E-Plus, which is expected to launch in 2019. The Leaf E-Plus will include larger batteries for increased range and a more robust structure. With a Nismo variant confirmed for the standard Leaf, it’s reasonable to speculate whether the Leaf E-Plus will also receive a Nismo edition, possibly a Leaf Nismo RS.
The announcement of the Nissan Leaf Nismo brings up a significant question: Is the expansion of Nismo models within Nissan’s lineup necessarily beneficial? Here at The Drive, we have expressed concerns regarding the current direction of Nissan’s performance division, particularly about how underwhelming models like the Nismo iterations of the Sentra and Juke are diminishing the value of the once-respected badge. The Leaf Nismo may not alleviate these concerns, but we will reserve judgment until more information is available and we have the opportunity to test drive it.
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