MOTION
NISSAN BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Nissan knows how to apply its expertise in high-end car production to clientele at both ends of the consumer scale. Time and again, the Japanese automaker – who, together with Renault and Mitsubishi Motors, forms the world’s largest automotive group, and sells more than 10.6 million cars a year – surprise us with special vehicles that are unique in their own way. Nissan is currently attracting attention with two such models. Since 2010, Nissan has proven its competence in sustainable mobility with the pure electric vehicle, the LEAF. Right from the start, the LEAF, with sales of over 380,000 cars, has taken the lead in the growing sales of electric vehicles to top the global sales list. The latest model is the LEAF 3.ZERO, with the 2018 successfully launched 40 kWh battery, offers a range of 270 kilometers in the new WLTP cycle. And that’s not all. The LEAF e + 3.ZERO special model, limited to 5,000 units across Europe, is currently supplying even more e-power: its electric motor boosted to 217 hp and the 62 kWh lithium-ion battery guarantees a range of up to 385 kilometers.
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The GT-R50 by Italdesign is to dream beautifully and in pure contrast to the LEAF. A spectacular super sports car with much cult potential, which Nissan has built as a limited edition of 50 autos, supported by the world-famous Italian design company Italdesign. Just in time for the 50th anniversary of the Nissan GT-R sports car and Italdesign, Nissan’s latest offering pays homage to the great fan base of sporty automobiles. Powered by a handcrafted 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine and with a power output of 720 hp, the GT-R50 ensures enthusiasm wherever it is spotted. Since its debut at the famous Festival of Speed in Goodwood, UK, it is with interest to see who will be the fortunate owner of this vehicle in the future. Starting at € 990,000, the dream GT-R50 comes true.
Text: THOMAS BOROWSKI Photo: NISSAN