A high-performance model of the next-generation Nissan Leaf may very well be on the playing cards if there’s ample demand for a high-performance model of the electrical SUV, based on a US report.
The third-generation Leaf is because of arrive in Australia in early 2026, primarily based 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 the moment on sale in Australia is the Z Nismo sports activities coupe, however earlier Nismo flagships offered right here have been primarily based on its 370Z predecessor in addition to the R35 GT-R tremendous coupe and the earlier Juke mild SUV.
CarExpert can prevent hundreds on a brand new automotive. Click on right here to get an excellent deal.
Talking to US outlet Carscoops, a senior supervisor at Nissan USA, Christian Spencer, mentioned a Nismo model of the third-generation Leaf – which morphs from hatch to SUV and options design components impressed by the Z – is one thing the corporate might 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 enthusiastic about,” he instructed CarScoops.
“If we see that demand from the client base, we’re going to comply with 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 elements sometimes added to sports activities fashions like greater brakes.
“The Nismo model has a number of variation throughout the globe,” Mr Spencer instructed CarScoops. “So in Japan, for instance, Nismo has lots deeper roots in a few of the electrical autos.
“Within the US we attempt to focus it a bit of bit extra simply because the driving setting is completely different… Japanese roadways are small and steeper, so the which means for Nismo varies a bit of 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 deal with dealing with and dynamics somewhat than improved energy.
The brand new Leaf is due in Australia early subsequent 12 months. Native pricing and specs are but to be introduced, however other than SUV-like styling it deliver 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 partially 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 seemingly be a lot faster – particularly given the Ariya Nismo’s 5.0-second declare.
Pricing can also be anticipated to be increased for the larger new British-built Leaf, which once more incorporates elements made on the Nissan Australia casting plant in Dandenong outdoors of Melbourne.
MORE: Discover the Nissan Leaf showroom
