Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Nissan, UK
2011 Nissan Leaf - Click above for high-res image gallery
Unlike gasoline-fueled vehicles, in which reverse gear only allows low-speed maneuvers, the Nissan Leaf packs an electric powertrain that, theoretically*, enables it to be driven backwards until it hits its top speed. This means that the Leaf, believe it or not, can whiz along in reverse at speeds of up to 90 miles per hour. That's precisely why professional stunt driver, Terry Grant, will attempt to set a rather usual record from the drivers seat of a Leaf.
The record-setting attempt - up the famed Goodwood Hill - is set to take place on Fourth of July weekend at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed. The goal is for the Leaf to become the fastest vehicle to be driven up the hill climb course - backwards.
If you're thinking that Nissan will wheel out its Leaf Nismo RC for this challenging hill climb, you'd be wrong. Apparently, the production Leaf is an almost-ready-made hill-climbing machine and can tackle most any incline in reverse.
*Before reversing down the tarmac to see if the Leaf hits 90 mph, make sure to read Nissan's disclaimer: In normal circumstances an electronic feature stops the Leaf from reversing quickly. The only modification that has been made to this Leaf is the removal of this feature.
Photos copyright (C)2010 Damon Lavrinc / AOL
[Source: Nissan]
Continue reading Nissan Leaf to attempt record-setting hill climb in... reverse
Nissan Leaf to attempt record-setting hill climb in... reverse originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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