Nissan ZEOD RC Prepping for First Drive, Still No Engine Plan

NissanNissanJapan, 1932 > present159 models
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says that the construction of the first ZEOD RC is progressing, and the first carbon fiber driver tub for the car has been completed, but Nissan says that it is still testing multiple powertrains for the car. It plans to test the car on-track for the first time in early September.

The ZEOD RC will be powered by two electric motors. But how energy will be supplied to those motors and whether there will be a supplemental internal combustion engine to provide power as well, has not been decided. Nissan says that a final decision has not yet been made and it is testing multiple options. When it begins testing, it will start out under pure electric power.

The benchmark for the car is to reach 300km/h (186mph) under pure electric power in race trim at Le Mans and be the first car to complete a full 8.5-mile lap of the track under electric power. 

"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.

"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,” said Nissan's Global Motorsport Director, Darren Cox.

Inaugural GT Academy winner Lucas Ordonez has been nominated as the car's test driver and will get into the car next week for the first time to fit the car's seat. 

The ZEOD RC has been invited to be the experimental Garage 56 entry for the 2014 24 Hours of Le Mans. Development is being led by Ben Bowlby who also led the DeltawingNissan DeltaWingJapan, 2012 > present19 photos
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project.