New York 2011: Nissan's Leaf Nismo RC ready to jolt motorsports world?

Nissan Leaf Nismo RC concept – Click above for high-res image gallery
Countless auto industry pundits have suggested that there would be no better way to accelerate the development of EV technologies than for someone with the wherewithal to organize a racing series just for electric cars.

Nissan appears to agree with that strategy, having just unveiled its Leaf Nismo RC (Racing Competition) concept here at the New York Auto Show. The juiced-up hatchback has lost a couple of doors and nearly four inches out of its wheelbase in the transition to competition spec, but it's a whopping 6.7-inches wider and nearly an inch longer – proportions that are exaggerated by its minimal ground clearance of 2.4 inches. With its carbon fiber body shot in special white paint, the Nismo RC ends up looking a bit like a really, really angry vacuum cleaner, and that's just fine by us. All-in, Nissan says the motorsports special weighs just 2,068 pounds – around 40 percent lighter than your garden-variety Leaf.

The Nismo RC rolls up to the starting line packing 107 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque, and its lithium-ion pack can reach an 80 percent charge state in just 30 minutes. Still, if the Leaf is ever to be raced, we're thinking that some sort of swappable battery solution will have to be developed; otherwise pit stops are going to be rather leisurely.

Despite its menacing appearance and real racecar engineering, Nissan says its top speed is just 93 mph and its battery would likely only last about 20 minutes in competition. In other words, while this is a promising start, we don't see the Nismo RC spawning its own race series just yet.

High-res galleries below, official press release after the jump.


Gallery: Nissan Leaf Nismo RC: New York 2011

Kia Hampsters win Nielsen's Top Auto Ad Award for second year in a row

Kia Soul Hamsters in "This or That" - Click above to watch video after the jump
Kia has taken home the top honors in the Nielsen Automotive Ad of the Year awards for the second year in a row. The company's troupe of dancing hamsters managed to make the biggest impression on viewers in the "A New Way To Roll" spot in 2009 and the rodents managed to pull off a similar stunt in 2010 with the automaker's "This or That" ad.

Nielsen hands out the awards based on response information collected from 2.5 million viewers across 24 networks, and according to Kia, the hamster spots have helped increase Soul sales in a big way. The boxy compact saw its sales figures increase by 50.8 percent last month compared to March 2010.

The Soul wasn't the only winner, though. Ford took home two awards in different categories, with the Fiesta netting honors for the best green ad and the company earning best sales event spot with its "Swap Your Ride" commercials. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz grabbed the best luxury campaign trophy with its "Triumphant" spot for the SLS AMG and Toyota walked away with the Spanish Advertiser of the Year title.

Follow the jump for the press release, as well as a replay of the winning "This or That" ad.


Gallery: Kia Soul This or That music video stills

Opel removes governor on Insignia OPC 'Unlimited', runs to 168 mph

Opel Insignia OPC 'Unlimited' – Click above for high-res image gallery
In its current form, the 325-horsepower Opel Insignia OPC (you know, the car that the upcoming 255-hp Buick Regal GS was supposed to but sadly won't replicate) will carry speeds of up to 155 miles per hour before its electronic nannies kick in and prevent your speedometer's needle to climb any higher. But since European buyers are able to take their cars onto the unrestricted Autobahn, Opel has now created a special version of the OPC – dubbed 'Unlimited' – that removes its top-end cut-off.

With its electronic limiter removed, Opel says that the Insignia OPC will reach speeds as high as 168 mph. This new top speed only applies to OPC sedans fitted with the automaker's six-speed manual transmission.

Unlimited models are visually distinguished by blue Brembo brake logos, as well as a revised tachometer and speedometer. Opel says that a special edition of the Unlimited OPC with a matte black wrap is also in the works. Buyers will also automatically be enrolled in an OPC performance driving training course at the automaker's proving grounds in Dudenhofen, Germany, where they will learn how to properly manage the driving dynamics of this delicious performance sedan.

If you ask us, 155 mph is plenty fast, especially for a public road like the Autobahn. But if you're on a closed track with a long straightaway, that added 13 mph will no doubt come in handy. Click past the jump for Opel's official press release.


Gallery: Opel Insignia OPC 'Unlimited'

2013 Dodge Viper coming in late 2012, stability control confirmed

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