Besides breaking new ground with the electric power plant aboard the NissanNissanJapan, 1932 > present159 models
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Zeod RC at Le Mans this year Nissan will also debuting at the 24-hour race a new internal combustion engine, which according to the brand will revolutionise standards of performance and efficiency.

The Nissan Zeod RC is set to become the first entry at Le Mans to complete a lap of the Circuit de la Sarthe under nothing but electric power in June. A single lap of each stint will be electric powered, while during the remaining time the racer will be powered by the new Nissan DIG-T R 1.5 litre three-cylinder turbo engine.

The very small engine weighs only 40 kilograms but produces an incredible 400hp. The engine is only 500mm tall, 400mm long and 200mm wide. Nissan's main focus with the Zeod RC was on downsizing and efficiency.

With a redline of 7,500rpm, the Nissan DIG-T R produces 380Nm of torque. With a 10hp per kilogram the new engine actually has a better power-to-weight ratio than the new engines to be used in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship this year.

The Nissan Zeod RC will occupy “Garage 56” at this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours, an additional entry reserved by the Automobile Club de l‘Ouest for new and ground-breaking technologies never previously seen at the classic French endurance event.

“Our engine team has done a truly remarkable job with the internal combustion engine,” said Darren Cox, Nissan’s Global Motorsport Director.

“Nissan will become the first major manufacturer to use a three-cylinder engine in major international motorsport. We’re aiming to maintain our position as industry leaders in focussing on downsizing. Lessons learned from the development of the engine will be seen in Nissan road cars of the future.”

“Our aim is to set new standards in efficiency in regards to every aspect of the car – powertrain, aerodynamics and handling.  For the powertrain we have worked closely with the team at Total to not only reduce friction inside the engine, but within all components of the powertrain. Friction is the enemy of horsepower and tackling that has been one of the efficiency targets we have concentrated on heavily.”

The Nissan Zeod RC hit the track for the first time last week with both the electric and internal combustion engines in place. Both of them run through the same five-speed gearbox that transfers power to the ground via Michelin tyres.

The Nissan Zeod RC will undergo an extensive test program over the next four months prior to it making its race debut at this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours on June 14-15.