Next Nissan LEAF images leaked again
Pure-electric hatch snapped as it rolls off production line; will have longer range, advanced aero and driverless techNissan's security surrounding its all-new LEAF electric hatch has been compromised once again, with two images being tweeted directly from the Japanese car-maker's Oppama plant south of Tokyo.
Like the previous leak earlier this month, the images posted prove the next LEAF borrows heavily from the fifth-generation Micra that's not available in Australia.
At the rear of the car, things are a little more daring but it's clear that Nissan wants to play safe with its pure-electric hatch this time and not scare away buyers with sci-fi-inspired looks.
Despite looking conventional, the LEAF's body has been sculpted to incorporate advanced aerodynamics that minimise drag to help maximise its pure-electric range.
Claimed to have been inspired by an airplane wing, the LEAF is said to generate zero lift at highway speeds.
This, says Nissan, not only makes the new LEAF more stable at speed and less impacted by cross winds but much quieter at cruising speeds.
Under its more slippery skin, the new LEAF is expected to trade the current car's 30kWh battery pack for a larger, more energy dense 40kWh lithium-ion cell.
Later on, a long-range 60kWh version will also be available that, combined with the new aero, should see the Nissan have a range of around 550km -- more than double the current version.
Other new innovations set to be introduced by the next LEAF is the option of wireless charging that will see Nissan offer induction pads for domestic recharging at home.
The Japanese car-maker will also introduce a novel one-pedal driving option that will allow drivers to slow and accelerate using just one pedal.
The new e-Pedal replies on heavy brake regeneration to slow the car in normal scenarios, although you'll still need to stab the brake pedal in an emergency.
Finally, the second-gen LEAF will also gain Nissan's ProPILOT semi-autonomous cruise control and parking aid.
Set to be revealed at an event in Japan on September 6, the LEAF will face new competition from the Tesla Model 3 when it goes on sale in 2018.
Nissan hasn't given any indicative pricing for its new range-topping hatch, but the original LEAF was last sold here for around $40,000.
More official teases are expected ahead of the LEAF's global debut next month.
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