Nissan ZEOD
was already a fairly spectacular thing without any powertrain details. First revealed at last year's Le Mans, we knew it would feature a combustion engine to accompany the electric motor but nothing more.
400hp literally in his hands
Reading the spec sheet for its 1.5-litre DIG-T R turbo it's easy to understand the delay in releasing any information as it really is an incredible feat of mechanical engineering. It weighs 40kg yet makes 400hp from three cylinders. The engine's dimensions (500mm tall x 400mm long x 200mm wide) means it would fit in most aeroplane cabin baggage allowances. It revs to 7,500rpm and make 280lb ft of torque. Phenomenal.
Nissan has worked with Total developing the engine with the focus understandably on efficiency and reducing friction throughout the powertrain. The engine will power the ZEOD for the majority of the Le Mans laps, with the electric motor enough for around one lap an hour. It began testing with the completed drivetrain last week.
But perhaps most intriguingly of all is the prospect of this technology reaching Nissan's road cars. OK, don't expect a 400hp 1.5-litre triple in a Juke anytime soon but the future for downsizing isn't bleak. Nissan's Global Motorsport Director Darren Cox said of the engine "We're aiming to maintain our position as industry leaders in focussing on downsizing. Lessons learned from the development of the engine will be seen in Nissan road cars of the future." The next GT-R, due in 2015 or 2016, will definitely be a hybrid, so could this amazing little turbo form part of its powertrain?
See the 360-degree view of the engine here