Unmodified Nissan Leaf entered in Pikes Peak Hill Climb [w/videos]

Filed under: Motorsports, Hatchback, Nissan, Electric

2011 Nissan Leaf - Click above for high-res image gallery

"With electric automobiles popping up like dandelions across the landscape of American driving, it's no surprise that they will be part of the field at the 89th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 26."

So says the press release you'll find waiting for your prying eyes after the break. While it's true that we're not exactly surprised that an electric car will make its way up to the top of the historic hill - there was, after all, a dedicated electric vehicle class for 2010 - we are a little curious whether a completely stock Nissan Leaf has any chance of dethroning current EV Hill Climb record holder Ikuo Hanawa of Japan.

Certainly, Leaf driver Chad Hord knows what he's doing, as he currently pilots an off-road racing truck in the TORC series. In any case, we'll find out soon enough if the Leaf's 110 horsepower and 90-mile-per-hour top speed has the stuff to hang with the purpose-built EV racers; Hanawa will again contest the championship in his Concept two-wheel drive 2010 Custom Summit HER-02.

Oh, and about that dandelion thing... those are generally unwanted guests of those who actually care about keeping a lush carpet of green in their yards. Maybe not the way lovers of automotive greenery want to think of their rides, eh? Check out the complete press release after the break for all the details, and spend a few minutes watching Hanawa's record-setting HER-02 do its thing on the Peak.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan LEAF

[Source: Pikes Peak International Hill Climb]

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Unmodified Nissan Leaf entered in Pikes Peak Hill Climb [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/25/unmodified-nissan-leaf-entered-in-pikes-peak-hill-climb-w-video/

Mike Hailwood Dave Kennedy Piercarlo Ghinzani Nico Hülkenberg