Rate It: Giving the Nissan LEAF the NISMO Treatment

Colin
By Colin Wood
Oct 16, 2020 | Nissan, nismo, Rate It, Leaf

Here in the U.S., NISMO versions are limited to the 370Z, GT-R and the controversial, now-dead Juke. In other parts of the world—namely Japan—NISMO models throughout the entire Nissan lineup are much more commonplace.

For example, buyers in Japan who want a sportier version of the all-electric LEAF can opt for the NISMO version.

Although the NISMO version doesn’t get a more powerful electric motor or even all-wheel-drive, it does get a few improvements like a revised suspension, a retuned computer for more immediate pedal response, and a customized “cornering stabilization system.”

As well, the LEAF receives an exclusive NISMO bodykit and a set of 18-inch wheels. Inside, the car gets “carbon-like” finishes and an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel with a red center mark.

So is the Leaf NISMO a solid take on a sporty electric car, or is Nissan too willing to slap a NISMO badge on its cars for the sake of it? Furthermore, would you buy a Leaf NISMO if sold in this neck of the woods?

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Comments
volvoclearinghouse
volvoclearinghouse PowerDork
10/16/20 1:46 p.m.

Add a third pedal and I'm in.

nderwater
nderwater UltimaDork
10/16/20 2:07 p.m.

I'm not against any car maker offering a performance suspension and less intrusive traction control.  I'm really surprised that Nissan didn't offer this car a bump in power/torque though--it should only take a few lines of code, right?

californiamilleghia
californiamilleghia SuperDork
10/16/20 3:44 p.m.

I have been noticing the red center mark on the steering wheel lately , 

Do I need to get out my  Red nail polish  and put it on my Chevy Express vans steering wheel to be  with the "In crowd " 

300zxfreak
300zxfreak Reader
10/18/20 9:19 a.m.

In reply to californiamilleghia :

Well, obviously making the "center mark" is the only way some folks can tell if they are going straight ahead. Of course, after they've turned the wheel 360 degrees they think they are still going straight ahead. 

drock25too
drock25too Reader
10/18/20 9:26 a.m.
californiamilleghia said:

I have been noticing the red center mark on the steering wheel lately , 

Do I need to get out my  Red nail polish  and put it on my Chevy Express vans steering wheel to be  with the "In crowd " 

That's for us old circle track guys who can't figure out where the steering wheel goes once we take it off. 

Mike (Forum Supporter)
Mike (Forum Supporter) GRM+ Memberand SuperDork
10/18/20 1:14 p.m.

I'm all for it. ICE cars at almost every price point come in the low-end base models, the lux models, and the sport models. The electric cars on the market mostly try to occupy the environmental personality. I think it's well past time where electric cars get to be more than just the environmentally friendly option. 

MINI knows what I mean - their site for the MINI Electric has performance as the first menu item.

There are fun, fast, practical gas cars for people who can't afford a Boxster. There should be the same in electric cars for people who can't afford a Tesla Model 3 Performance.

mad_machine (Forum Supporter)
mad_machine (Forum Supporter) GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
10/18/20 4:12 p.m.
volvoclearinghouse said:

Add a third pedal and I'm in.

why would you want a manual in an electric vehicle?

spacecadet (Forum Supporter)
spacecadet (Forum Supporter) GRM+ Memberand SuperDork
10/18/20 6:12 p.m.
mad_machine (Forum Supporter) said:
volvoclearinghouse said:

Add a third pedal and I'm in.

why would you want a manual in an electric vehicle?

THIS,

 

the cry for a  clutch and a stick on an electric car is among the more ridiculous requests I've seen with electric cars.

spacecadet (Forum Supporter)
spacecadet (Forum Supporter) GRM+ Memberand SuperDork
10/18/20 6:14 p.m.
nderwater said:

I'm not against any car maker offering a performance suspension and less intrusive traction control.  I'm really surprised that Nissan didn't offer this car a bump in power/torque though--it should only take a few lines of code, right?

the Leaf batteries may not be setup to handle the extra current.

nissan leafs for years had thermal issues on their batteries because they were air cooling instead of a liquid cooling system.

noddaz
noddaz GRM+ Memberand UltraDork
10/18/20 6:52 p.m.

Not bad looking for a Leaf.   That is a Nisssan I would drive.

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