Leaf Test Drives in the US

[sparky]

Thanks. Nice to see a marker dropped for MT Car of the Year.
In the spec table at the end of the article, is that 3400lb (mfr) the first "official" weight we've seen?

 

[Boomer23]

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/alternative/1009_2011_nissan_leaf_second_opinion/index.html

The specs on the last page show a Nissan quoted 0 to 60 mph time of 11.5 sec. Slower than a Prius by more than one second.

First I've seen this in print, though maybe I'm not as eagle-eyed as some.

I'm sure that it seems faster, though, due to the instant torque characteristic of the motor.

 

[Boomer23]

Thanks. Nice to see a marker dropped for MT Car of the Year.
In the spec table at the end of the article, is that 3400lb (mfr) the first "official" weight we've seen?

Though the article text says 3600 lb.

 

[evnow]

http://www.detnews.com/article/20100916/AUTO01/9160467/1148/auto01/NHTSA++EPA+officials+test+drive+the+Nissan+Leaf

NHTSA, EPA officials test drive the Nissan Leaf

The Japanese automaker has had one of its early models in the nation's capital for most of the week, offering test drives to auto reporters and government officials.

The Leaf -- which was in Hawaii for two days this month, and also made stops on the west coast and Detroit -- is visting the White House complex today.

Nissan officials were showing the vehicles to staff from the White House Council on Environmental Quality, which is on Jackson Place next to Lafayette Park.

Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass., also got a Leaf test drive. Markey -- who owns a Toyota Camry hybrid -- was spotted in front of the Leaf on Wednesday on Capitol Hill with actress Eva Longoria. The two posed for a picture in front of the Leaf.

 

[evnow]

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/reviews/healey/2010-09-16-test-drive-nissan-leaf_N.htm

Review: 2011 Nissan Leaf electric car is a treat to drive
Overall: Generally sweet to drive, but still a second or third car for most Americans because of unexpected demands, unplanned trips that could exceed range.

 

[LakeLeaf]

Don't think anyone has posted this yet - from today's USA Today

Review: 2011 Nissan Leaf electric car is a treat to drive

Unfortunately, it doesn't really say much - although it was spread across two pages of the paper today.

 

[cdub]

USA Today:

Ugggggly. We did manage to badger Nissan into providing a photo of a red one, and jazzed up thus it almost averts a gag reflex. Otherwise, stinko.

One nuance, neither good nor bad: The idea of tailfins has been carried forward. Nose fins atop the headlights direct airflow, cutting wind noise around the mirrors and reducing range-ruining air resistance.

Why does everyone say this car is ugly? I kind of like it. The only thing a little strange is the headlights.

 

[johnr]

Why does everyone say this car is ugly? I kind of like it. The only thing a little strange is the headlights.

At first I thought the car was ugly, it resembles a catfish - but as time went on it grew on me and now I really like its distinctive appearance

 

[DeaneG]

I was afraid it would be ugly, but after seeing the light blue styling model, my wife and I agreed that it was at least better looking than a Prius.

 

[Yodrak]

Show of hands - who remembers the 'bug-eye' Sprites and Triumph TR2 and TR3 ?

The only thing a little strange is the headlights.

 

[evnow]

Why does everyone say this car is ugly? I kind of like it. The only thing a little strange is the headlights.

I think the back is weird too. They could have extended the roof and made the back flat.

 

[LEAFfan]

Show of hands - who remembers the 'bug-eye' Sprites and Triumph TR2 and TR3 ?

The only thing a little strange is the headlights.

*Raises hand*

 

[LEAFfan]

Why does everyone say this car is ugly? I kind of like it. The only thing a little strange is the headlights.

I think the back is weird too. They could have extended the roof and made the back flat.

Exactly! Then we wouldn't need that rear wiper and washer!

 

[cdub]

I'm sure there's some aerodynamic reason for it.

 

[evnow]

I'm sure there's some aerodynamic reason for it.

Not much - you just need the right spoilers. I think they wanted to make something which would stand out ....

 

[cdub]

Baby got back?

 

[leafcarguy]

http://www.nissanleafinfo.com/

 

[TimeHorse]

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/reviews/healey/2010-09-16-test-drive-nissan-leaf_N.htm

Say wha!

Leaf — and, we imagine, almost any other pure battery electric vehicle — should be considered a second or third car for most folks.

Yeah, my secondary car is the one I use 350 days a year; but my primary car, oh that I use a whopping 5.2425, so of course its primary! Geesh!

 

[evnow]

Yeah, my secondary car is the one I use 350 days a year; but my primary car, oh that I use a whopping 5.2425, so of course its primary! Geesh!

Yes - apparently these guys don't know the meaning of primary.

I guess they put their vacation home as their primary residence too ...

 

[sparky]

http://blog.caranddriver.com/10best-surprise-the-nissan-leaf-burns-a-different-petroleum-product/

But the big surprise was that with the stability control shut off, the environmentally friendly Leaf will do an NHRA-grade front-drive burnout. The Leaf’s surprising burnout gives me hope for the future of the automobile.

That's the first I've heard of that technique for more torque.