In spite of its ridiculous, simpleton look, this Nissan LEAF NISMO RC is actually a very serious electric race car. The RC stands for Racing Competition.

Set for debut at the 2010 2011 New York International Auto Show on April 20th, this LEAF RC has been designed to discover possibilities for Nissan’s Green Motorsport program. The car will make a couple of special demonstration appearances at various motorsports venues in 2011. Nissan says they are also considering zero emission competition spec series in future years.

The LEAF RC features a full carbon fiber monocoque bodywork with removable front and rear sections, fixed windows, LED headlights and taillights and driver-adjustable rear wing. It also gets 4-coat Pearl White paint with blue NISMO/Zero Emission graphics completes the exterior.

This high voltage LEAF also gets a double-wishbone suspension design front and rear and driver-adjustable brake balance. It rides on 18-inch 6-spoke wheels and P225/40R18 Bridgestone racing tires. Engine-wise it has a 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 107 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. In preliminary testing the NISMO RC produces 0 to 62 mph acceleration in 6.85 seconds and a top speed of 93 miles per hour. It is projected to have a running time of around 20 minutes under racing conditions.

“Combining the talents of NISMO, Nissan’s world renowned motorsports group, and engineers behind some of the company’s Super GT and FIA GT1 race teams, the Nissan LEAF NISMO RC will serve as a rolling laboratory for the accelerated development of EV and aerodynamic systems, as well as a platform for the development of new green motorsports series,” said Carlos Tavares, chairman, Nissan Americas, speaking at the New York International Auto Show.