Manufacturers bring alternative power to Le Mans

Honda and Nissan are each exhibiting their idea of the future of motor sports this weekend at Le Mans. The event, called Le Mans ver le Futur, features cars with alternative power plants that could be the future direction of car racing.

Honda is bringing the Honda CR-Z Racer, which retains the streetcar's hybrid power but adds a turbocharger to the CR-Z's 1.5 liter engine bringing power up to 200hp. The car was built by Honda Performance Development who also builds the LMP2 car that will be competing in the race.

Nissan is bringing the Nissan Leaf Nismo RC, a race-prepped, wide-body version of the regular Leaf. Nissan claims the Leaf Nismo RC is the first ever zero emission racing spec production vehicle. Nissan also supplies engines to LMP2 teams and will be competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The Le Mans ver le Futur is not a competition but a way for manufacturers to show off more sustainable race cars. The cars will be running demonstration laps before the start of the main race.