In conjunction with the reveal of two new electric concept vehicles at Tokyo Motor Show 2017, Nissan has formally announced their intention to join Formula E for the 2018-2019 season. This pledge is exciting news for racing car and EV enthusiasts everywhere and stands to give the manufacturer a global platform to show off their design prowess.
The two new zero-emission concepts—the LEAF Nismo and IMx crossover—represent Nissan’s big all-electric plans and their push for intelligent mobility. The former car, specifically, represents the manufacturer’s engineering sophistication as it announces its plans to enter Formula E racing. It will offer a sportier suspension, Continental summer tires, and recalibrated tuning that aims to improve the availability of the original machine’s 147 horses and 236-lb.-ft. of torque. As a result, the vehicle will be more lively and responsive.
Nissan will become the first Japanese car maker to enter the racing championships. Competing in season 5 of Formula E in late 2018, the manufacturer (along with other participants) will for the first time be able to develop a substantial portion of the vehicle’s electric powertrain components. While all contestants must still utilize the same chassis, it will be a fresh one that differs from that featured this December for season 4.