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| Video: Behind the Wheel of the Nissan Leaf NISMO RC Posted: 09 Jun 2011 11:51 AM PDT
The Nissan Leaf NISMO RC using the same all-electric drivetrain as the road going Leaf, but in a body built for racing. With 107 horsepower and 207 ft-lbs of torque on tap, it's not exactly setting any power records…but it is 40% lighter than the production Leaf, and the heavy battery pack has been relocated to the middle of the car for better weight distribution. We’ve already seen footage of the NISMO RC Leaf in action, but not yet from inside the car. The result is a race car that certainly seems capable of handling the track at Sodegaura Forest in Japan, as this in-car video shows. But for many racing fans, the sound of the race cars is a big part of the draw. So how does the NISMO RC Leaf sound? Not too shabby, if you ask me. It could be the video, but the Leaf sounds remarkably like a jet engine to me. As an added bonus for the drivers are also better able to hear their spotters, as well as hear the competition coming up on them. That will be helpful this weekend, as Nissan will return to the famed 24 Hours of Le Mons with three entries, as well as bringing the NISMO RC Leaf to the track to play with the big boys. This comes on the heels of the announcement that a stock Nissan Leaf will also be entered into the Pikes Peak Race to the Clouds. Watch the video and let me know what you think; is this how the future of automotive racing will sound? Or does the NISMO RC Leaf sound just plain old whimpy? Source: Nissan Chris DeMorro is a writer and gearhead who loves all things automotive, from hybrids to HEMIs. You can read about his slow descent into madness at Sublime Burnout or follow his non-nonsensical ramblings on Twitter @harshcougar.
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| Cyclone-Powered Steam Racer Aims for World Record this Summer Posted: 09 Jun 2011 08:20 AM PDT
I always get giddy when someone goes after a land speed record, and the current record for steam-powered vehicles rests with the British and their "kettle" racer. But whereas that vehicle features a one-off engine, Chuk's streamliner will be powered by a Cyclone motor, a Rankine Cycle heat regenerative external (yes, external) combustion engine. It's kind of hard to explain how it works, but basically the explosion from the fuel combustion spins around heating coils that turn water into steam in as little as five seconds. The water, which doubles as the engine lubricant, becomes steam, pushing down the six-cylinders in sequence, producing efficient power with far fewer pollutants in an engine that can run on almost any fuel. The Cyclone motor will make its maiden voyage in Chuk's streamliner, as they aim to beat the 148 mph record set by the British kettle. Last year at this time, Chuk was still looking for sponsors; he has obviously cleared that hurdle, and I look forward to seeing what the steam-powered streamliner can do. Will they reach their 160 mph goal? Is this the engine of the futre? Can't wait to find out. Source: Inhabitat via Team Steam | Cyclone Chris DeMorro is a writer and gearhead who loves all things automotive, from hybrids to HEMIs. You can read about his slow descent into madness at Sublime Burnout or follow his non-nonsensical ramblings on Twitter @harshcougar.
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