Nissan Leaf NISMO Concept seemingly previews sporty production variant

A new Nissan Leaf EV is arriving for the 2018 model year. The second-generation electric car eschews the prior model’s dowdy styling and limited 107-mile driving range in favor of a more modern look and a minimum range of 150 miles.

Nissan seems to want to go beyond generational upgrades, however, by expanding the model’s lineup.

A longer-range Leaf e+ trim is scheduled to arrive sometime next year with perhaps more than 200 miles of range due to trading the base car’s 40.0-kWh battery pack for a larger, 60.0-kWh unit.

Now U.K. publication Autocar is reporting that Nissan also plans to introduce a sport-oriented Leaf variant.

The racier Leaf NISMO concept is expected to be unveiled at this month’s Tokyo auto show.

A teaser of the hot hatch reveals that the model adds a hint of flavor to the new Leaf’s handsome but decidedly mainstream exterior design. Marked by a set of chunky split-spoke wheels, a redesigned front fascia, and aggressive side skirts, the NISMO concept reportedly previews a future production model.

While we can’t yet confirm any of the NISMO’s particulars — we’ve reached out to Nissan for comment — we’d be surprised if the vehicle doesn’t feature at least some meaningful chassis differences over its regular counterpart.

Needless to say, we’re eager to see if Nissan can produce an EV hot hatch and whether it might even channel some of the spirit of sport-compact icons such as the B13-generation Nissan Sentra SE-R.

Nissan seems to want to go beyond generational upgrades, however, by expanding the model’s lineup.