Currently reading: Nissan Leaf Nismo concept previews upcoming production version

Nissan will launch "racier" version of EV in a bid to attract younger audience

The new Nissan Leaf will be offered in Nismo form to enhance its appeal and attract younger buyers - and a new concept on show at the Tokyo motor show previews its look.

Following images shown at the Nissan Futures event earlier this month, the concept arrives wearing more aggressive bumpers, deeper side skirts and unique wheels.

Design chief Alfonso Albaisa has previously told Autocar that a “racier” Nismo version would be produced to help the second-gen hatch reach image-conscious buyers — something its predecessor struggled to do. 

Image uploaded from ios 1 15

“The previous Leaf’s design wasn’t popular with the majority of people,
so its look couldn’t contribute to sales,”
 he said. “The new car
 is lower, wider and sportier, with the point
 of this design being to
 get greater accessibility of the market.” 

Albaisa said it will be easy to develop Nismo parts for the new Leaf. Such a practice isn’t new to Nissan because it offers Nismo trim on several models, including the Juke. 

A hotter Leaf E-Plus is also due in 2019. It will have higher-capacity batteries and a stiffer structure. A Nismo pack could make such a model constitute a performance variant. 

Related stories: 

Nissan Juke Nismo review 

2018 Nissan Leaf prototype first drive 

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brian245 3 October 2017

Previous design was not popular..............

This latest one falls into the same category with the fussy detailing and creases all over the place just like the new Micra which looks quite hideous.

Does Chris Bangle work for Nissan now?

Bob Cholmondeley 2 October 2017

Looks too much like a boy

Looks too much like a boy-racer tart-up job.

rpf72 2 October 2017

Design

I have the current (excuse the pun) Leaf and I'm really happy with it. I think this next- generation Leaf has taken a backwards step design-wise. Aside from the BMW i3, other 'lecky cars aren't as radical looking as they could be. Or should be.