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A high-performance model of the next-generation Nissan Leaf might be on the playing cards if there’s enough demand for a high-performance model of the electrical SUV, in line with a US report.
The third-generation Leaf is because of arrive in Australia in early 2026, based mostly on the identical underpinnings because the Nissan Ariya mid-size electrical SUV that was lastly launched in Australia final month.
A portmanteau of Nissan and Motorsport, Nismo is the Japanese model’s efficiency sub-brand, with Nismo mannequin grades together with the Nismo Ariya, which is already on sale in Japan, positioned above above common variations.
The one Nismo mannequin variant at present on sale in Australia is the Z Nismo sports activities coupe, however earlier Nismo flagships bought right here have been based mostly on its 370Z predecessor in addition to the R35 GT-R tremendous coupe and the earlier Juke gentle SUV.
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Chatting with US outlet Carscoops, a senior supervisor at Nissan USA, Christian Spencer, stated a Nismo model of the third-generation Leaf – which morphs from hatch to SUV and options design parts impressed by the Z – is one thing the corporate may introduce if there’s sufficient name for it.
“I can say we’re at all times open to exploring… we’re at all times exploring issues that prospects are considering,” he informed CarScoops.
“If we see that demand from the client base, we’re going to observe it.”
Claimed to dash from 0-100km/h in 5.0 seconds, the Ariya Nismo has a extra highly effective dual-motor electrical powertrain that produces 320kW of energy and 600Nm of torque, in addition to upgraded suspension, however not different parts usually added to sports activities fashions like greater brakes.
“The Nismo model has quite a lot of variation throughout the globe,” Mr Spencer informed CarScoops. “So in Japan, for instance, Nismo has lots deeper roots in a number of the electrical automobiles.
“Within the US we try to focus it slightly bit extra simply because the driving setting is totally different… Japanese roadways are small and steeper, so the that means for Nismo varies slightly bit.”
A Nismo model of Nissan’s hottest mannequin in Australia, the X-Path mid-size SUV, was revealed in Japan in April, earlier than order books opened in September. It has a give attention to dealing with and dynamics moderately than improved energy.
The brand new Leaf is due in Australia early subsequent yr. Native pricing and specs are but to be introduced, however aside from SUV-like styling it carry a considerably elevated vary.
A bigger new 75kWh battery will provide as much as 604km (WLTP), which is way more than the outgoing Leaf’s better of 385km, thnks partly to improved aerodynamics.
The usual model is slower than its predecessor, with a 0-100km/h declare of seven.4 seconds, however a Nismo model would probably be a lot faster – particularly given the Ariya Nismo’s 5.0-second declare.
Pricing can also be anticipated to be greater for the larger new British-built Leaf, which once more incorporates parts made on the Nissan Australia casting plant in Dandenong outdoors of Melbourne.
MORE: Discover the Nissan Leaf showroom
