Skip to main content

Nismo-tuned LEAF headed for production looking all fast and furious, but nothing new is under the hood

Nissan LEAF Nismo
Image used with permission by copyright holder

We nodded with approval when we saw the Nissan LEAF Nismo concept back in 2011. Then we read about the vehicle and our excitement for a performance-tuned version of the Nissan LEAF quickly turned to disappointment when we realized that the LEAF Nismo was in no way quicker; it simply looked sportier.

Typically, when Nismo sinks its teeth into a vehicle, the result is a credit to Japanese engineering ingenuity. Nismo has taken vehicles like the 370Z and made them that much more exciting on the outside as well as under the hood. When Nismo decided to take on the LEAF, it must have bitten off more than it could chew because it left the electric drivetrain completely untouched.

Recommended Videos

What Nismo did to the exterior, though, was pretty striking. It created a distinctive body kit with an aero bumper, a rear under protector, rear diffuser, extended side sills and 18-inch wheels. The resulting improvements aren’t just visual but also aerodynamic. The LEAF Nismo body produces more downforce, which allows the LEAF to stay firmly planted to the road.

Autocar is reporting that Nissan has pushed to send the LEAF Nismo into production this summer. They say it won’t be coming to Europe but we here at Digital Trends wouldn’t be surprised if we didn’t see at least a couple LEAF Nismos end up Stateside.

While the LEAF Nismo might not be faster, Nissan still brags that the LEAF will make a 0-60 run in around seven seconds. Add to that mildly improved aerodynamics and the LEAF Nismo will probably be a kick to drive, if not extremely unusual compared to other Nismo offerings of the past.

No official figures have been announced but we presume the sticker price will be around the $50,000 mark, if not a bit more. With the LEAF Nismo, buyers will be paying for exclusivity and not for performance.

Nick Jaynes
Former Automotive Editor
Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…
8 key things you need to know from Apple’s WWDC 2025 event
From a fresh look and updated names, to new features, more intelligence and live translation
iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and macOS 26 shown on devices.

The WWDC 2025 keynote ran for just over an hour and a half. For those of you who don't fancy sitting through the whole presentation, we've pulled out the key things you need to know from the latest Apple event.

1. Welcome to the 26 club

Read more
Tesla’s robotaxi service is almost here, but it’s not the car you want to see
Silver Tesla Model Y Juniper side

Tesla chief Elon Musk has said that the automaker is aiming to launch its robotaxi service on June 22, in Austin, Texas.

“Tentatively, June 22,” Musk said in a post on X on Tuesday, adding: “We are being super paranoid about safety, so the date could shift.”

Read more
I tried an e-bike for the first time and now I’m hooked
It’s not about being a 'bike person', it’s about finding small upgrades to everyday life
A woman sitting on the Aventon Pace 4

Before this year, I’d never even touched an e-bike before, and the thought of riding one was never on my radar. With life already in constant motion thanks to two toddlers, biking wasn’t something I ever considered adding to the mix.

I’d always assumed e-bikes were for hardcore commuters or serious cyclists, not someone like me. I wasn’t looking for a big lifestyle change. I just wanted a quicker way to get to the park so we’d have more time to play before dinner.

Read more