IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Construction
of the first Nissan ZEOD RC chassis is nearing completion and the
ground-breaking car that will "electrify Le Mans" set to hit the
track for the first time in the UK in early September.
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After the recent completion of the car's carbon fiber tub, a
team of Nissan engineers has worked around the clock in the UK to
finish the inaugural car build and fit the twin electric engines
that will initially power the car.
Spaniard Lucas Ordonez was
announced last week as the official test and development driver for
the program at the Nissan 360 global media event in California.
The 28-year-old Spaniard was the inaugural Nissan PlayStation GT
Academy winner and this year recently scored a third place class
finish at the Spa-Francorchamps 24-hour.
Ordonez will climb aboard the Nissan ZEOD RC for the first time
next week when his custom-molded seat will be manufactured. When
the car hits the track for the first time, the ZEOD RC will run in
pure electric mode with zero emissions.
Throughout the course of the development program, Nissan will
test a number of "electrified" drive train options before locking
in its package for next year's Le Mans 24 Hour.
"We're at a very exciting time in the development of the car and
ready to kick off what will be an extensive test program between
now and when we roll out the pit lane for the first time at Le Mans
next year," said Nissan's Global Motorsport Director, Darren Cox.
"Just developing a single power train option in only twelve
months would be a mammoth task but we're looking to carefully
examine a number of options to ascertain which will be best suited
for Le Mans.
"But it is not just about what is going to be best for the race.
We're developing technologies that will speed up development of
road cars in the future. The Le Mans 24 Hour is the toughest
endurance event in the world and by participating in the event we
can really fast track the development of some of these
technologies."
The target of competing at next year's Le Mans 24 Hour is only
the first step of a number of challenges Nissan is going to set for
the innovative ZEOD RC program.
With Lord Paul Drayson recently
setting a new FIA land speed record for electric vehicles under
1000kg, the Nissan ZEOD RC now has a new benchmark to aim for.
"While we're aiming to reach 300km/h (186mph) under electric
power at Le Mans, the Nissan ZEOD RC certainly has the capability
to go faster than that in a land speed record configuration
situation," Nissan's Director of Motorsport Innovation,
Ben Bowlby said.
"At the Circuit de la Sarthe at Le Mans you have to have the
right gear ratios installed to pull the car out of corners and
chicanes. You don't have a 'flying mile' with a long run-up before
you enter the timing zone for a land speed record attempt.
"But that could potentially be our next target post Le Mans.
Taking the Nissan ZEOD RC to Le Mans and becoming the first car to
complete the entire 8.5 mile circuit is our first target."
Nissan's invitation from the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) to
compete in the 2014 Le Mans 24 Hours was announced by Nissan
Chairman and CEO, Carlos Ghosn in
Japan in February this year. The
car will compete under the ACO's 'Garage 56' entry – an additional
spot on the grid for vehicles that showcase new and innovative
technology.
Nissan has partnered with French tire manufacturer Michelin to
produce tires for the new prototype. Nissan previously joined
forces with Michelin on the Nissan DeltaWing program.
About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include
automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing,
sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is
dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green
Program and has been recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the
Year in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 by the U.S Environmental
Protection Agency. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan
and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and
www.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the Americas media sites
NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.
About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is
headquartered in Yokohama, Japan,
and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more
than 236,000 employees globally, Nissan sold more than 4.9 million
vehicles and generated revenue of 9.6
trillion yen (USD 116.16
billion) in fiscal 2012. Nissan delivers a comprehensive
range of over 60 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. In
2010, Nissan introduced the Nissan LEAF, and continues to lead in
zero-emission mobility. The LEAF, the first mass-market,
pure-electric vehicle launched globally, is now the best-selling EV
in history.
For more information on our products, services and commitment to
sustainable mobility, visit our website at
http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.
SOURCE Nissan Motor Company
