62540
Nissan Leaf to reverse into the record books
Posted on 
At the Goodwood Festival of Speed this year, the Nissan LEAF will attempt to set a new Guinness World record for the fastest time over a distance of one mile in reverse
After thrilling crowds at the Goodwood Festival of Speed (FoS) last year by driving a Nissan JUKE up the hill climb course on just two wheels, professional stunt driver Terry Grant is all set to woo crowds once again when he attempts to complete the famous 1.16-mile stretch at the Goodwood House in an all-electric Nissan Leaf, but in reverse.
But how well engineered really is the world’s first mass-market 100 percent electric car to even attempt such a feat? What immediately comes to mind is the fact that being an all-electric the direct drive from the motor to its wheels should provide the LEAF with the same speed going backwards as it would achieve moving forward.
Also, with its batteries located under the floor of the car, the vehicle has a low centre of gravity making it very stable at high speeds with little body roll under cornering. And with fewer moving parts than a conventional car, there's less likelihood of mechanical issues thwarting this daring attempt.
Terry Grant’s planned attempt for 2012 FoS is part of Nissan's ambitious social media-driven campaign, The Big Turn On, which is spreading the EV message across Europe. The campaign aims to prove that as well as being environmentally friendly, the Nissan LEAF is safe, economical to run, practical, and fun to drive.
Looking forward to the challenge with certain misgivings, Terry said, “The LEAF Reverse Record isn't going to be easy and will be very challenging. I'd prefer to do it on a nice straight and level strip of tarmac rather than on Lord March's drive. The hill not only climbs, but is also full of twists, turns and obstacles.”
"It's a hugely technical test of speed and concentration. But despite the risks, the strength and integrity of Nissan LEAF's design gives me confidence. Whatever happens, I know I'm going to finish the weekend with a serious crick in my neck!"
While the Guinness World record attempt by Nissan at Goodwood should add further credibility to the LEAF’s easy drivability, the Japanese auto giant has also prepared a separate race-ready Nissan LEAF NISMO RC, which will racing against the clock at this year’s event in an attempt to set a hill record for electric vehicles. 2011 FIA GT1 Championship winning driver, Michael Krumm, who steered Nissan’s experimental ‘DeltaWing’ endurance racing car for the very first time at the 24 Hours of Le Mans this year will be attempting this unique feat.
Do you like this story?
- Previous Story
- Next Story
Readers' opinions ( 0 )
Post a Comment
Post a CommentLegendary Blower Bentley makes history at Bonhams auction
One of the greatest of all Bentleys, the special...
Goodwood's Glorious Festival of Speed
Lotus may have been right up there, replete with...
Ferrari 458 Spider at the Goodwood Festival of Speed: Hillclimb Footage
by Team ZigWheels
Making its UK debut at the Goodwood Festival of...
Chevrolet Enjoy : Special Coverage
Designed to take on everything from the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga to the Toyota Innova the Enjoy is...
Volkswagen XL1 : Special Coverage
The Volkswagen XL1 is a production ready technological masterpiece that showcases how efficient yet...
