Nissan has revealed a new “teaser” for the upcoming generation of the Leaf, confirming that the new model will adopt Nissan’s brand new 3-in-1 electric motor, which is 10% smaller than the motor used in the current generation of the Leaf and offers up to 214 hp of power and 355 Nm of torque, in selected versions.
In other words, the new Leaf’s motor delivers the same power as the current Leaf SV Plus, which also produces 214 hp of power and is powered by a 62 kWh battery.
Still, Richard Candler, Nissan’s vice president of global product strategy, revealed that “the new Leaf provides agile, smooth, and confident driving. All elements have been optimized to ensure efficiency.”
The new Leaf also benefits from a multi-link rear suspension system with a 66% increase in lateral stiffness. Combined with the CMF-EV platform and a stiffer body structure, the new Leaf promises to provide greater agility and comfort.
Despite being equipped with 19-inch wheels, Nissan confirms that the turning radius is better than that of the current Leaf, and that this improvement is facilitated by an enhanced electronic power-assisted steering system.
According to Nissan’s design director, Nobutaka Tase, the new generation of the Leaf will be the most aerodynamic production model the company has ever built, featuring a drag coefficient of 0.25 in Europe and 0.26 in the U.S. and Japan. The small difference is due to specific adjustments for each region, such as wheels and mirror design, with the European version being slightly more aerodynamic.
Furthermore, Nissan promises that the new Leaf will have a quieter cabin thanks to improved sound insulation and reduced vibrations.
Nissan has already announced that the European version of the new generation of the Leaf will be produced at the brand’s facilities in Sunderland, United Kingdom, and that the model is expected to be unveiled later this year.
