Friday 30th August 2013

Nissan ZEOD RC takes shape

Lucas Ordonez confirmed as test driver as the ZEOD prepares to hit the track

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We first saw the Nissan ZEOD RC shortly before its public debut at Le Mans, at which point it was just a concept. It's now approaching reality though, the first chassis in the final stages of preparation ahead of Nissan's GT Academy winner and former DeltaWingdriver Lucas Ordonez taking it onto the track for the first time in the next week or two at an undisclosed UK location.

Like its driver the ZEOD is going from virtual to real

For this first test the ZEOD RC will run purely on electric power while Nissan works on "a number of 'electrified' drive train options before locking in its package for next year's Le Mans 24-hour."

Le Mans isn't the only target for the ZEOD RC though, Lord Drayson's recent 204mphrecord for sub-1,000kg electric cars inspiring a possible attempt on that too.

"While we're aiming to reach 186mph under electric power at Le Mans the Nissan ZEOD RC certainly has the capability to go faster than that in a land speed record configuration," says DeltaWing designer and now Nissan Director of Motorsport Innovation Ben Bowlby. He insists that Le Mans is the first target but with the right gearing and suitable run-up for a 'flying mile' LSR attempt it might be something to consider once the ZEOD RC has competed in the 24-hour in its 'Garage 56' experimental vehicle capacity.

You can see a quick video of the build here (and below) and be sure of plenty more noise about the project over the coming months as Ordonez settles into his new role as lead test and development driver.

 

 

[VeeDub Geezer]

Still catches my attention everytime... Love it

[anonymous-user]

Fuel filler cap on a 'lecy car. Whatever will they think of next........ ;-)

[muckyman]

ZEOD, crap name. Delta Wing way cooler.

That is all.

[Debaser]

Looks like they had to fit stabilisers to the front. A wider front track would sort out their problems...

[RAClNG SNAKE]

Are Nissan sharing chassis development with the guys running the original Delta Wing or are they now unconnected?

[Krikkit]

RAClNG SNAKE said:

Are Nissan sharing chassis development with the guys running the original Delta Wing or are they now unconnected?

IIRC development was done jointly until the team was sold off from Nissan - since then the chassis will be gradually diverging.

[exceed]

Without watching the video (at work) what kind of magic arc reactor type batteries are going to allow this car to travel on electric power for 24hours.

A combustion engine???

[bsdnazz]

exceed said:

Without watching the video (at work) what kind of magic arc reactor type batteries are going to allow this car to travel on electric power for 24hours.

A combustion engine???

It's going to be a hybrid driver train with an electric motor and an IC engine. The thing about Zero Emissions On Demand is that the driver will be able to put the vehicle in a purely electric power mode on demand. This does not mean the car will drive on electric all the time...

[AlexiusG55]

I imagine that the best way for a pure-electric racing car to work would be a battery-swap in the pit.