Nissan unveils 2014 Le Mans challenger

Nissan has taken the wraps off its entry for the 2014 Le Mans 24 Hours. Revealed in the paddock of this year’s event (which begins on 22 June), the ZEOD RC builds on the company’s experience with the radical DeltaWing concept in 2012 and incorporates advanced electric drivetrain technology.

The ZEOD RC will run at Le Mans in ‘Garage 56’ – a special entry slot reserved by the race organisers for cars that do not conform to existing classes but showcase innovative automotive technology. ZEOD stands for Zero Emission On Demand, and although the car’s exact drivetrain layout has not been finalised, it’s expected to have the capability to switch between electric and internal-combustion power at the driver’s request.

The car was designed by Ben Bowlby – the man behind the Nissan-engined DeltaWing that raced at Le Mans last year – and incorporates lithium battery technology similar to that found in the company’s Leaf electric road car. “A car like this provides an incredibly challenging test bed for what could be highly effective options for road cars of the future,” said Bowlby. “Throughout the next 12 months, we’ll be testing multiple drivetrains in an extensive test programme.”

Nissan Executive Vice President Andy Palmer said: “The ZEOD RC is a natural progression from the development of the Leaf road car and the Leaf RC race car prototype. The technologies developed through this programme will form part of future innovations for Nissan road cars. We’re eagerly awaiting the opportunity to showcase the lessons learnt with the development of battery technology in the world’s oldest, toughest and most high profile endurance race.”

The ZEOD RC is set to begin testing later in the summer. Nissan says the car is a precursor to a full-on assault on Le Mans’ top LMP1 class at some point in the future, where it would go toe-to-toe with manufacturers such as Audi, Toyota and Porsche.