The Nissan Leaf Nismo RC might be powered by the same 107-hp electric motor that propels the consumer-oriented Leaf, but that's where the similarities end. With its purpose-built carbon-fiber body, monocoque chassis, race-tuned suspension setup, servo-less brakes, and powerless steering, the Nismo RC is a race-ready EV on steroids.

Nismo has created about a dozen Leaf RCs. Equipped with a huge Super GT-style wing and sitting ultra-close to the ground, it certainly looks the part, but does it drive the part as well? To see if the hype is real, we jumped behind the wheel of the experimental race car at Nissan's Oppama Grandrive proving ground, about one hour south of Tokyo.

The spec sheet tells the initial story. The RC is nearly 7 inches wider than the standard Leaf, but 13 inches lower, and, at a featherweight 2050 pounds, some 1300 pounds lighter. Though its powertrain retains the stock car's output of 107 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque, the lower curb weight considerably improves the RC's power-to-weight ratio. All of the critical hardware -- electric motor, inverter, single-speed reduction gearbox, and sizeable 192 lithium-ion battery pack -- is located just behind the cockpit, giving the car an ideal 50:50 front-rear weight distribution. The rearward shift also allowed Nismo to reroute the power from the front wheels to the rear.

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As I feather the throttle at the start, the RC lurches forward, pushing me hard against the seat. With maximum torque instantly on tap, it launches like a supercar. Just 6.8 seconds later, 60 mph arrives -- that's more than 4 seconds faster than the stock Leaf. Keeping the throttle floored, I'm surprised to see the RC reach a top speed of 95 mph and then stay there, thanks to the powertrain limiter.

The driving experience is reminiscent of a GT race car. Not in raw explosive speed, but in its rock-hard ride, nonexistent body roll, and deafening interior roar as the whine and whir of the motor combines with unfiltered road and tire noise. Throw it into a corner at around 50 mph and the RC doesn't even blink. The extensive suspension work makes it corners like it's on rails -- and there's no hint of understeer. Besides, the Potenza RE-11S semi-slicks deliver grip levels far beyond what the RC's motor can dish up.

The unassisted steering is heavy and takes some getting used to. Considerable effort is needed in tight corners, but the car goes exactly where you aim it. Brakes require extra effort as well. Pedal stroke is short and it requires more stomping than usual to pull the car up. Once you find the sweet spot, about 1/4 inch from the bottom end of the pedal extension, it becomes easier to regulate the RC's braking.

Nissan's aim with the Leaf RC is to show that electric cars do not have to be mundane forms of transport and can be fun to drive. With questions being raised on streets around the world regarding the Leaf's whisper-quiet ride and range anxiety factors, transforming a Leaf into an RC is one way to show that EVs can indeed be fun things to drive, and do have race applications. The only catch is that Toyota beat Nissan at its own game by setting the stake at 7 minutes and 47.794 seconds. That's the EV lap record time set around the Nurburgring by a modified Radical dubbed the EV P001. (You can see the lap on YouTube). The Leaf Nismo RC will need to double its power if it's going to mount a challenge. Will Nissan try? Only time will tell.