Nissan Cars

2011 Nissan Juke-R Concept

2011-11-24T09:02:00.001-08:00

Dubbed the world's fastest crossover, Nissan Juke-R is a unique concept car that combines the power, speed and handling of Nissan's flagship GT-R sports car with the bold, exciting design of the Juke crossover model. Images and video reflect the thought-provoking, energetic style of this urban rebel crossover, while its foreboding matt black finish enhances the car's rebellious personality.

The car's unique, impactful styling places Juke's curves and lines over GT-R's 3.8-litre engine, drivetrain and suspension, making Nissan Juke-R the most testosterone-packed compact crossover in the world. It is a force to be reckoned with not only in performance but also in its bold and menacing design.

Large, provocative vents in the front bumper provide cooling for the Nissan Juke-R's twin turbo V6 engine, while subtle submerged ducts in the bonnet help draw air through the engine bay. Flared wheel arches cover the GT-R's 20-inch RAYS forged alloy wheels to merge with a new sculpted skirting. At the back of the car a dynamic split rear wing provides the supercar crossover with down-force, while twin pentagonal exhausts emit the GT-R's evocative engine note.

Inside, the Juke's motorcycle-inspired console is at the centre of a modified interior cabin fitted out to go racing complete with twin race seats, full race harness and a race-spec roll cage. GT-R steering wheel, pedals, dials and 7-inch touch-screen display are built into a modified version of Juke's dashboard.

Officially announced by Nissan Europe in October 2011, Nissan Juke-R is not a production car but a special, road legal concept car. Two versions of the Nissan Juke-R are being created - one in left-hand-drive and one in right-hand-drive. Nissan Juke-R will go into testing in late November 2011 before it's unleashed on the world to take on the urban playground.

2011 Nissan Pivo 3 Concept

2011-11-17T04:28:00.000-08:00

It all started in 2005. Since featuring PIVO 1 at the Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan has introduced six other EV concepts, all demonstrating Nissan's dedication to creating exciting and innovative zero emission mobility solutions. And at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan will be revealing the PIVO 3, its eighth EV concept. Yet this is not just a show car - PIVO 3 is what Nissan envisions to be a more "realistic" EV of the near future.

PIVO 3 takes Nissan's EV portfolio another step forward. Building on the pioneering PIVO 1 and PIVO 2, the new PIVO 3 concept moves from the realm of imagination into a fully-evolved vehicle that envisions life in tomorrow's cities. Where PIVO 2 was a highly innovative vehicle that stood alone as a concept car, PIVO 3 evolves in the direction of "smart community" with greater feasibility, credibility and an extended scope of mobile performance. Nissan believes PIVO 3 is very close to what the next step in urban mobility will be.

Francois Bancon, Deputy Division General Manager of Product Strategy and Product Planning Division, explains: "PIVO is one of the answers for active urbanists living in mature markets. Through the three PIVO proposals, we have gained a deep understanding of their needs in such large, metropolitan areas.

Each of the eight concepts that we have created address different needs, different communities, different lifestyles for different markets. That makes zero emission mobility an ambitious statement for the company… At Nissan, we believe that the world is changing and mobility has a role to play to make it better."
2011 Nissan Pivo 3 Concept

As part of Nissan's long-term commitment to lead the way in mass-marketed zero-emission mobility, PIVO 3 stands alongside the Nissan LEAF as a practical approach to sustainability for the real world. Nissan LEAF is a compact hatchback; PIVO is an ultra-compact city commuter targeting singles and couples living in and enjoying an urban lifestyle.

Comes when it's called, with automated parking and automatic charging functions

With Automated Valet Parking (AVP), PIVO 3 will revolutionise the parking experience by connecting to and responding to infrastructure. No longer does a driver need to find a parking space, physically park the car, or remember which space the car is parked. Nissan PIVO 3 can park automatically in specially-equipped parking lots. While the driver shops or takes care of business, PIVO 3 recharges itself or sells excess power to the grid. Later, the driver can call PIVO 3 and summon it to the driver's location using a smartphone. This AVP function not only creates more freedom in private life, but it can also contribute to society and benefit the environment by supplying electric power on the regional grid. PIVO 3 points the way to mobility as a service - always on, available and reliable.

U-turn in 4 metres, with zero turn gap

Nissan PIVO 3 is a remarkably compact package, measuring just under 3m in length and seating three in a 1+2 layout. The compact body and narrow-tread wheels with IWM (in-wheel motors) enable an extremely small turning radius with zero turn gap. PIVO 3 is very agile and can effortlessly park in tight spaces. Such manoeuvrability also aids the driver who has taken a wrong turn onto a narrow street. Instead of having to back out in reverse gear, PIVO 3 can make a legal U-turn in a road only 4m wide. Considering that most public roads around the world are at least 4m in width, this means that a U-turn is almost always possible because of its 2m minimum turning radius.

Package leverages electric drive, by-wire technology and in-wheel motors

Like the previous PIVO 1 and PIVO 2, PIVO 3 uses electric power and by-wire control technology to permit freedom of layout and the downsizing or elimination of many mechanical parts. Again, similar to PIVO 2, PIVO 3 uses in-wheel motors (IWM) to give wheels great freedom of movement, and more space in the vehicle chassis. Moreover, PIVO 3 balances the advantages of IWM with user friendliness by keeping wheel rotation within a range that will maintain a natural steering feel for the typical driver.

Seamless mobility built on friendly innovation

Guided by the philosophy of "friendly innovation", Nissan seeks to ensure that the customer perceives cutting-edge technology as being truly easy to use and understand. In this context, one of the engaging features of Nissan PIVO 3 that it inherits from the previous PIVO 2 is the Robotic Agent interface. The car acts as a partner or personal assistant to the driver, with companionship conveyed by the Robotic Agent. Based on this approach, PIVO 3 supports a life of seamless mobility, using cloud computing and infrastructure (e.g. AVP and charging facilities) to connect with the city. A "smart" personal filter selects information relevant to the current driver, location and vehicle.

Mature exterior styling integrates narrow-tread rear tyres

Externally, Nissan PIVO 3 shows mature styling with bold surfaces and a new stance. Front fenders extending out of a crouching chassis with a sculptural front exude a look of agility. Long body lines and angular planes combine in a dynamically active form. Rear styling cues emphasise strong presence within compact dimensions. Trim and stylish mobility is promised by the new stance, which attractively reveals narrow rear track width.

Interior design

Inside, Nissan PIVO 3 presents a distinctive design centering on driving controls that seamlessly integrate with interior and exterior styling. Side-view monitors take the place of mirrors, using Nissan's Around View Monitor system to reveal the car's surroundings and help minimise blind spots. The centre console features an ultra-wide display for GPS and other information, and together with a sub-monitor and the Robotic Agent, is positioned to interact discreetly with the driver. Carefully stitched leather and silver-hued trim meld in a "snow white" and "EV blue" color scheme to produce a tasteful, high-quality ambience. Smooth surfaces add to the refined feel within the compact cabin dimensions, rather than emphasising environmental frugality.

Next stage of urban mobility

With its home charging capability, Nissan LEAF liberates the driver from dependence on gasoline. It also has the potential to store renewable energy and even supply the household with electricity. From this "LEAF to HOME" connection, Nissan PIVO 3 expands the possibilities to include the entire electrical grid. When EVs represent a larger percentage of all cars, collectively serving as part of a city's infrastructure, advanced electric vehicles like PIVO 3 could help balance electric power supply and demand - around the clock and around the town. Such a powerful synergy of smart cities, cloud computing and EVs opens the door to the urban society of tomorrow.

Here, once again, Nissan demonstrates its commitment as a responsible corporate citizen to zero emission mobility with an inspired vision of the way we will live and drive in the near future.

2012 Nissan GT-R

2011-11-17T04:06:00.001-08:00

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced the launch of the 2012 Nissan GT-R. The new model goes on sale November 24, 2011 in Japan and arrives in European showrooms in January 2012.

Significant improvements to the engine, chassis and transmission, plus a new lightweight "For TRACK PACK" version (currently available in some market such as Japan, UK), which accentuates the pure performance potential of the Nissan GT-R are the key changes to Nissan's flagship model for the 2012 model year.

When it was launched, the iconic GT-R created a new type of super car. Performance and handling were exceptional, of course, but more importantly the car's potential was accessible to all drivers under all conditions. It was greeted with universal praise but Nissan's policy of constant development means the GT-R continues to evolve.

The latest version, which is due on sale in Europe in January 2012, is the most efficient yet. It offers even greater performance but this is allied to improved economy and lower emissions to provide further excitement to drivers and passengers.

As well as more power, the 2012 Nissan GT-R has a newly developed asymmetric suspension which compensates for greater weight on the driver's side in RHD models, enhanced transmission 'feel' and a stronger body for extra rigidity and ever better handling.
2012 Nissan GT-R

There's also the arrival of a new "For TRACK PACK" version (currently available in some markets such as Japan, UK) which inherits the DNA of the Spec-V model and turns the Nissan GT-R into a light-weight two seater for the ultimate in trackday performance.

Engine

By improving the Nissan GT-R's engine efficiency, its fuel economy has been decreased from 12L to 11.8L/100 Kms, while engine output rises significantly from 390kW to 404kW (550PS) from 6,400rpm with maximum torque of from 612 to 632Nm (64.5kgfm) from 3,200 to 5,800 rpm.

Engine response and torque at mid- and low-speeds, and power at high revolutions, has been significantly improved, mainly due to:
Improved intake efficiency
Better air flow resistance, which has been reduced by the addition of an intake manifold fitted to the head of each unit and the use of resin in the enlarged air intake duct for the intercooler
Improved exhaust emissions efficiency and enhanced control
Reduced air flow resistance thanks to a more compact under floor catalyzer which improves emissions efficiency and reduces weight
Improved exhaust valve cooling performance by the adoption of a newly-designed metallic sodium-filled valve. At the same time, valve control timing, the air mixture ratio and ignition timing have been improved

Transmission

Shift feels and quietness has been refined thanks to a strengthened design of the shift fork arm and a firmer fixing bearing for the flywheel housing. A special differential oil R35 COMPETITION Type 2189E (75W140), which was developed for competition is now used in every version of Nissan GT-R.

Body

As well as greater power and torque, the reinforcing of certain areas around the rear part of the engine compartment and dash panel deliver more responsive handling while a greater sense of the vehicle's grip on the road is transmitted to the driver.

At the same time, more precise production methods, accompanied by advancements made in the vehicle body, have improved the inter-vehicle detection capability. This was achieved by changes in the positioning of the sensor and more rigid, highly-damped vehicle body, and by adding a more accurate acceleration sensor in areas with higher sensitivity in the vibration testing of each vehicle body.

Suspension and brakes

Accounting for the added weight of the driver in a right-hand drive vehicle coupled to the fact that the propeller shaft for front wheels is located on the right side of the vehicle; the Nissan GT-R's suspension in RHD versions has been set asymmetrically. For the front suspension, there's a harder spring rate on the left side while at the rear the suspension arm has been installed upwards on the left side and downwards on the right. This means an imbalanced wheel load when the car is stationary, but which is equalized during driving, providing improved responsiveness, smoothness and steering feel, as well as enhanced cornering stability and riding comfort (for RHD only).

NCCB (Nissan Carbon Ceramic Brakes) are available as a factory-installed option for the Nissan GT-R Premium Edition and EGOIST grade. These brakes accentuate the car's agile road hold and supple ride feel thanks to a dramatically-reduced spring weight and refined, sharp braking performance unique to carbon ceramics. (In addition, service parts prices for the rotors and pads have been reduced.)

Interior

The quality feel of the instruments placed in front of the driver have been enhanced by the addition of blue lighting inside the tachometer ring to match the shift position indicator light giving a more sophisticated atmosphere in the cockpit.

Rear View Camera device will be standard on all models.

The Bose® sound system woofers, have been changed to Bose® Precision Sound System woofers that were developed for the EGOIST grade to further enhance sound quality.

"For TRACK PACK" (currently available in some markets such as Japan, UK)

"For TRACK PACK" (currently available in some markets such as Japan, UK) is a new version in the Nissan GT-R line up, designed for customers who want to enjoy a more visceral driving experience in their Nissan GT-R.

Jointly developed with NordRing Company in Japan, it features revised suspension settings, extra brake cooling (front and rear), and aluminum-alloy wheels from Spec-V made by Rays (with black quartz chrome color coating). The front spoiler with carbon air duct has been exclusively made for this edition and is installed as a set.

To reduce the car's weight, this edition is a two-seat configuration with quilted fabric mats in place of the rear seats. The front seats are covered with leather and high-grip fabric, newly developed for the "For TRACK PACK" version and which firmly holds the driver in place during even the most spirited of trackday action (RHD only).

2012 Nissan Murano

2011-10-25T23:55:00.001-07:00

Nissan Murano, the premium crossover, is more luxurious than ever. Updates to the interior, revisions to the tail-lights, a new design of alloy wheel and changes to the instrumentation enhance even further the already high levels of comfort and style found in Nissan's flagship model.

The majority of the changes take place inside the well-appointed cabin. More sophisticated white lighting (replacing the orange used previously) and revised lettering feature on the instrument dials. At the same time, the centre stack surround is now better integrated into the cabin by being finished in the same colour as the rest of the dashboard.

Perhaps the most obvious change, though, is to the leather seat facing and the leather on the door panels which now use pleated stitching rather than the ruched effect seen previously. In the rear compartment, the optional DVD screen previously mounted in the roof has been replaced by two individual screens integrated into the rear of the front seats headrest.

External changes include new tail-lights which have a strong visual link to the lamps found on Qashqai and which feature a clear arrowhead lens outside the red lens section. Two new metallic body colours - Pearl White and Graphite Blue - contrast with a new five V-spoke design of 18-inch alloy. The stylish five twin-spoke design on the 20-inch wheel remains unchanged.

Models destined for the Russian market gain the latest infotainment system, which has already been adopted in Europe, while high-grade models also benefit from a heated steering wheel. So popular is Nissan Murano in Russia that the country has three model grades on offer, while the majority of Western Europe countries concentrate on the most luxurious version only.
2012 Nissan Murano

Nissan Murano is the third string to Nissan's Crossover bow, providing a range-topping model above Juke and Qashqai. Popular in a number of European markets - and especially in Russia - sales were boosted by the arrival in 2010 of a diesel version for the first time. Coinciding with a subtle facelift that boosted its premium feel, the diesel opened the model to many more buyers.

The 2.5-litre dCi engine, which was specifically engineered for Europe with significant input from engineers at Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE), has won praise for its power and refinement. Coupled to a six-speed automatic gearbox with Adaptive Shift Control, the four-cylinder unit offers the perfect balance of performance and efficiency, with 190PS and 450Nm at just 2,000 rpm on offer. CO2 emissions are 210g/km while combined cycle fuel economy is an impressive 10.6 l/100kms.

The diesel version accounts for about 90 per cent of Nissan Murano sales in Western Europe, with the remainder taken by the smooth and powerful 3.5-litre V6 engine, with 256PS and 334Nm.

Refined and comfortable, Nissan Murano is noted for its high levels of equipment. For the vast majority of markets this means 20-inch alloy wheels, power tailgate and colour rear and kerbside cameras all fitted as standard. Murano also features Nissan Connect Premium satellite navigation system with 7-inch touch screen, HDD 9.3 Gb music server, iPod, Bluetooth and aux connectivity combined with premium 11 speaker BOSE system and the option of a rear seat DVD entertainment system.

The list also includes Scratch Shield paint, rear privacy glass, bi-xenon headlamps, cruise control and Nissan Murano's signature electrically folding rear seats, which can be raised or lowered easily and conveniently from the luggage area.

And naturally, Murano benefits from Nissan's All-Mode 4x4-i intelligent four-wheel-drive system promising surefooted handling and grip under even the trickiest of conditions.

2012 Nissan Qashqai

2011-10-25T23:49:00.000-07:00

In line with its Pure Drive strategy, Nissan continues to innovate to improve CO2 and fuel economy performance to deliver no compromise, real benefits for consumers. As part of this strategy Nissan is introducing a new Pure Drive version of the top selling Nissan Qashqai equipped with a new state-of-the-art 1.6 dCi engine.

This new engine is the perfect example of Nissan's Pure Drive strategy, replacing the previous 2.0 dCi with a more efficient engine that not only delivers lower emissions and considerably improved levels of fuel economy but which offers the same level of performance as the bigger engine.

Best of all, when coupled with Nissan's Stop / Start system CO2 emissions tumble to just 119 g/km.

At the same time, innovative new options become available on the Nissan Qashqai range, including a new CVT gearbox and, for the first time on a C-segment car, Around View Monitor. AVM uses a series of small cameras located on the exterior of the vehicle to make parking and manoeuvering as safe as possible by giving the driver a real-time helicopter view of the environment around the car.

The moves will underline Nissan's leadership of the booming Crossover market and keep Nissan Qashqai one, or even two, steps ahead of its opposition.

"When Qashqai was launched in 2007 it quickly re-wrote the C-segment rule book, offering innovation and character in a previously conservative market. Its combination of SUV looks and toughness with dynamic handling, strong performance and plenty of interior space captured the imagination of the car-buying public."
2012 Nissan Qashqai

"After a little more than four and a half years, we've built more than one million Qashqai and seven-seat Qashqai+2 models at our Sunderland factory where we have three shifts working 24 hours a day to keep up with demand. On average we build 1,200 examples every day, with more than 80 per cent of production exported from the UK," said Trevor Mann, Senior Vice President, Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management, Nissan Europe.

"The new Pure Drive 1.6 dCi Nissan Qashqai, especially with innovative features like Stop / Start System and the Around View Monitor, will cement our leadership of the Crossover segment," he added.

The new engine and Stop / Start System has been a joint development between Europe and Japan with Alliance Partner Renault concentrating on the engine and Nissan perfecting the automatic cut off system. It had been originally hoped to introduce the two elements at the same time.

Unfortunately the tragic earthquake which affected Japan so badly at the start of the year has led to a short delay in the manufacture of the Stop / Start System's electronic components. As a result, Nissan Qashqai models built between now and December and powered by the new engine will not have Stop / Start. But even without the system, CO2 emissions are a still impressive 129g/km. From January production, however, Stop / Start System will become a standard feature.

"The new Alliance 1.6 dCi engine is such a significant development that we decided not to wait for the Stop / Start System before launching the car. Lowering emissions is a priority at Nissan and it was felt better to reap the benefits of the dCi engine as soon as we could," said Pierre Loing, Vice President, Product Planning, Nissan Europe.

The Pure Drive designation is given to every Nissan product that emits 130g/km of CO2 or less. On its introduction the 'cut off' point was 140g, but as part of the Nissan Green Programme membership of this exclusive club gets tougher all the time. The programme will instigate a further drop to 120g in 2013.

Nissan's Pure Drive champion is, naturally, the zero emission 100% electric Nissan LEAF but the recently introduced Nissan Micra DIG-S heads the conventionally-powered cars. Its technically advanced three-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol engine uses direct injection and a supercharger to deliver brisk performance but with excellent fuel economy and CO2 emissions of just 95 g/km.

The Nissan Qashqai 1.6 dCi

Available on both Nissan Qashqai and Qashqai +2 models, the new dCi engine has been jointly developed with Alliance partner Renault.

Its arrival in Qashqai is in line with Nissan's policy of 'penalty-free' engine downsizing: the 1.6-litre direct injection diesel engine gives the fuel economy and emissions expected from an engine of its size, but with power and torque figures anticipated from a 2.0-litre engine.

Notably compact, the engine, which displaces 1598cc, is a state-of-the-art unit with more than 30 patents registered representing an investment of €230 million.

Thanks to its 130PS, it is the most powerful of its size in the world while its peak torque figure - an exceptional 320Nm: exactly the same as the 2.0-litre dCi it is replacing - is developed at only 1,750rpm with some 80 per cent available from a mere 1,500 rpm. The resulting dynamic performance lifts the latest Nissan Qashqai well above the 1.6-litre class norm: top speed is 190 km/h, with 0-100 km/h taking 10.3 secs.

But this performance gain is not at the expense of the environment. Its combined cycle fuel consumption (NEDC) is 24 per cent better than the 2.0 dCi - 4.5 l/100km as against 5.9 l/100km - while it produces much lower CO2 emissions - 119 g/km rather than 155 g/km.

These figures refer to the 2wd manual version of Nissan Qashqai: the equivalent Qashqai+2 with Stop / Start System produces 123g/km, while figures for 4wd versions are 135g and 139g respectively.

High Technology Inspiration

The starting point for the engineering team was 'square' architecture, allowing large-diameter valves to be housed in the cylinder head for more efficient filling of the combustion chambers. It's a technique inspired by motor racing and seldom seen in modern diesel road car engines.

Downsizing

Reducing the weight of the cylinder block, cutting mechanical losses and reducing dynamic forces have resulted in the best balance between fuel consumption and performance.

Stop / Start System

The 1.6 dCi features Stop / Start System. Reducing CO2 on a mass-market car to 119g/km brings real economic as well as environmental benefits for many consumers.

Smart Energy Management

Stop / Start System is combined with alternator regeneration, using deceleration energy to charge the battery. The regenerative braking system alone is responsible for a 3% reduction in CO2

Cold-Loop, Low-Pressure Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)

This dCi engine is the first to have been developed in Europe using cold-loop, low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation. By recycling the exhaust gas at a lower temperature, emissions of nitrogen oxides and CO2 are reduced.

Thermo Management

The system uses a valve located in the cooling circuit upstream of the cylinder head and cylinder block. When the engine starts from cold, the valve is closed and prevents water from circulating around the combustion chambers. This allows the engine to reach its ideal working temperature more quickly, optimizing combustion efficiency.

Internal friction is also reduced thanks to the quicker warm-up of the oil. The result? More power, lower fuel consumption and lower emissions.

Variable Displacement Oil Pump

Unlike a conventional oil pump which has a fixed capacity, the Variable flow pump delivers only the right amount of oil to avoid unnecessary energy loss. The power needed to drive the oil pump is minimized and varies with engine speed.

Variable Swirl Technology

'Swirl' describes the phenomenon of air rotating inside the cylinder, much like a cyclone. As a result the air-fuel mix is optimised for engine speed conditions reducing fuel consumption, while also minimising the emission of CO2 and other pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulates.

Among many other refinements, considerable attention was paid to the new engine's acoustic performance thanks to advanced work on combustion in order to deal with noise generation at source. Customers get a smooth, quality, refined ride experience.

"This is a remarkable engine, best in class in so many respects. It provides the dynamic driving performance expected of a 2.0-litre diesel yet produces fuel consumption and emission figures better than the 1.5-litre dCi unit," said Jerry Hardcastle, Vice President, Vehicle Design and Development, Nissan Europe. "Its refinement levels are a match for anything you'll find in the D-segment and with Stop / Start System its environmental credentials are all the more impressive. All in all, it's a perfect example of engine downsizing - and the philosophy behind Pure Drive - at work."

Around View Monitor

Qashqai will be available with Nissan's Around View Monitor: it's the first time such an innovative feature has been available on a C-segment car.

In fact, Nissan was the first manufacturer to introduce Around View Monitor anywhere in the world - made available in Japan on the Nissan Elgrand in 2007. In Europe the system has most recently been seen on the Infiniti EX and iconic FX

Combining the feeds from small cameras mounted on the front grille, tailgate and both door mirrors, the system projects an overhead 360° 'helicopter view' of the area around the vehicle onto the Nissan Connect satellite navigation and infotainment screen.

A natural progression from the rear facing parking camera pioneered by Nissan - its first application was on the 2002 Nissan Primera - Around View Monitor makes parking or slow speed manoeuvres simple and safe. The 360° helicopter view gives the driver a clear indication of obstacles around the car. The system switches on automatically when the car is placed in reverse or, while driving up to 10 km/h, by pressing the "camera" button on dashboard; then it switches off once the car has reached a set speed.

If preferred the feed from each camera can be displayed individually and the system can operate as a simple reversing camera which incorporates course lines on the screen to guide the driver to the correct path into the chosen parking spot.

Around View Monitor will make it first appearance on equipment laden special versions of Nissan Qashqai and Qashqai+2 due early 2012. As well as Nissan Connect and AVM - the two systems are interlinked - the special versions will also feature a full-length panoramic glass roof and smart dual tone black and silver 18inch alloy wheels. AVM will also be optionally available on Acenta and Tekna versions (depending on markets).

New CVT gearbox

The latest generation of Nissan developed continuously variable transmission will be introduced on 117PS 1.6-litre petrol-powered Nissan Qashqai models early 2012. The CVT version will increase Qashqai's market coverage.

The Nissan Qashqai range

Since its launch in March 2007, the Nissan Qashqai has redefined Europe's mid-size hatchback market. Designed and built in Europe, Qashqai - the original Crossover - adopted a genuinely fresh approach to a traditional, conservative sector of the market... and Nissan's bold stance has been a resounding success.

In under five years, European sales of Nissan Qashqai and its seven-seat sister Qashqai+2 have exceeded 1,000,000 units, with more than 80 per cent of sales going to first time Nissan buyers. The longer Qashqai+2 arrived in the autumn of 2008 to expand the appeal of the range still further.

March 2010 saw the first major change to Nissan Qashqai as a refreshed model was introduced to help it maintain its class-leading sales performance, a move that surprised many competitors who, at the time, were still playing catch up and had yet to bring their own crossovers to market.

There were visual changes including a new bonnet, grille, wings and new headlamps at the front and new rear lights and a re-profiled tailgate at the rear. The changes were set off by fresh designs of alloy wheel. Discreet aerodynamic improvements, including the adoption of full-length underbody panels, saw the CD figure fall to 0.33. As well as smoothing the airflow under the car, the panels helped reduce noise intrusion into the cabin.

Inside there were easier to read instruments and a great emphasis on quality with new materials, new colours and other subtle touches for a feeling of increased sophistication. Mechanically a number of small changes enhanced the vehicle's dynamics still further. Dampers were retuned for improved body control, reduced noise and better bump-thump absorption while the steering feel was also improved.

The basic mechanical layout remained unchanged with front- or ALL MODE four-wheel drive and fully independent suspension by sub-frame mounted struts at the front and a multi-link rear.

With the arrival of the new 1.6 dCi engine, the range line-up now encompasses two petrol and three diesel offerings. The entry-level 1.6-litre petrol develops 117PS while the 2.0-litre petrol produces 140PS. The entry-level diesel is the 110PS 1.5 dCi, while the 150PS 2.0-litre dCi unit remains to power the automatic 4WD version only. As before, the range runs through Visia, Acenta and Tekna specifications with the special version featuring a high level of equipment as well as reinforced exterior Crossover design.

2012 Nissan Maxima

2011-09-02T09:30:00.000-07:00

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) announced U.S. pricing for the 2012 Nissan Maxima, which is on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide. Maxima is again offered in two well-equipped models - Maxima 3.5 S and Maxima 3.5 SV, each featuring a standard 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine and Xtronic CVT® transmission - and with no price increase despite a number of significant enhancements for the new model year.

For 2012, Nissan Maxima receives a refreshed exterior - with a new front grille design, new rear combination lights, and new 18-inch and 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Inside, the roomy Nissan Maxima interior's enhancements include a new meter cluster illumination color (white), new Dark Piano-hairline trim, a new Atlantic Cherry wood tone trim, a new metallic-finish trim, and a new Cafe Latte interior color. There's also a new audio segment display and new audio/HVAC knob design. In addition, two new exterior colors are offered: Java Metallic and Dark Slate.

The other big news for the 2012 Maxima is the addition of a special Limited Edition Package for the 3.5 S model, which features smoked appearance headlights, High Intensity Discharge (HID) Xenon headlights, a compass in the rearview mirror, 18-inch aluminum-alloy Dark Hyper Silver finish wheels, a rear spoiler, dark satin chrome front grille, fog lights, outside mirrors with integrated turn signals and metallic trim. The Limited Edition Package provides excellent value at an MSRP of $710 USD.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for the 2012 Nissan Maxima include:
Maxima 3.5 S CVT - $31,750 USD
Maxima 3.5 SV CVT- $34,450 USD

About the 2012 Nissan Maxima

The flagship Nissan Maxima continues to set the bar for Nissan sedans, combining breakthrough sports sedan styling, a driver-oriented cockpit, ample comfort and luxury for passengers and an advanced drivetrain anchored by Nissan's legendary VQ-series V6 engine.

Along with its refreshed exterior - with a new front grille design, new rear combination lights, and new 18-inch and 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels - enhancements for 2012 include a new meter cluster illumination color, new available trim selections, a new Cafe Latte interior color, and two new exterior colors. A special Limited Edition Package with unique equipment is also added to the range of available packages that includes a Premium Package, Sport Package and Tech Package.

The 2012 Maxima is offered in two well-equipped models - Maxima 3.5 S and Maxima 3.5 SV, each featuring a standard 290-horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve VQ-series V6 engine and Xtronic CVT® with manual and "Ds" (drive sport) modes and available paddle shifters. Nissan Maxima's sporty interior design combines a driver-oriented cockpit with ample comfort and luxury for passengers. The wide range of available technology includes a premium Bose® audio system, RearView Monitor and Nissan Hard Drive Navigation system with XM NavTraffic Real-Time Traffic Information and XM NavWeather™ (XM subscription required, sold separately).

2011 Nissan Leaf Nismo RC Concept

2011-04-20T12:12:00.001-07:00

The name on the back panel, just under the massive adjustable rear wing, says Nissan Leaf. The powertrain is an 100% zero emission advanced Lithium-ion battery design, just like that found on the world's first affordable mass market electric vehicle. And despite its lack of rear doors, rear seat, trunk, audio system, navigation, carpeting and other amenities, there is a discernable family resemblance. But that is where the similarities between the production Nissan Leaf and the Nissan Leaf Nismo RC end. As indicted by the "RC" - for Racing Competition - this new electric vehicle, which makes its world debut at the 2011 New York International Auto Show on April 20th, is purpose-built to bring new meaning to the term "Racing Green."

Already a world leader in zero emission production vehicles with the late 2010 launch of the Nissan Leaf passenger vehicle in the United States, Europe and Japan, Nissan is now looking at the racing world as a way to draw attention to the seemingly untapped potential of electric vehicles.

"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.
Nissan Leaf Nismo RC Concept (2011)

The new electric race vehicle will likely make a series of special demonstration appearances at various motorsports venues in 2011, with the company exploring pioneer zero emission competition spec series in future years.

A Serious Racing Machine

The Nissan Leaf Nismo RC is designed and constructed as a real racing machine, starting with its full carbon fiber monocoque bodywork. The three-piece bodywork includes removable front and rear sections, fixed windows, LED headlights and taillights and adjustable rear wing. Building on the unique exterior styling of the production Nissan Leaf, the 2-door race version was created by Nissan Global Design Center in Japan. Special 4-coat Pearl White paint with blue Nismo/Zero Emission graphics completes the exterior.

Dimensionally, the race car features a 3.9-inch shorter wheelbase, is 0.8 inches longer and 6.7 inches wider. The most dramatic difference is height, with the Nismo RC sitting more than a foot (13.8 inches) lower than the production Nissan Leaf. Ground clearance is limited to 2.4 inches, compared to 6.3 inches for the road going car. And, at 2,068 pounds, the race car weighs in at about 40 percent less than the production vehicle.

The layout of the Nissan Leaf Nismo RC is also markedly different from the production sedan, offering a mid-ship location for the battery pack, electric motor and inverter - with drive to the rear wheels versus the production Nissan Leaf's front-wheel drive. The Nismo RC also utilizes 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.

Like the production Nissan Leaf, the Nismo RC is powered by a lithium-ion battery composed of 48 compact modules and a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 107 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. It can be charged up to 80 percent of its full capacity in 30 minutes using the quick charging port located inside the rear cowl. And unlike other competition vehicles, the Nissan Leaf Nismo RC has no tailpipe, no emission of CO2 or other greenhouse gases while being driven, and no exhaust sound.

In preliminary testing the Nissan Leaf 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.

"There's a perception among some people that electric vehicles fall on the dull side of the automotive enthusiasm scale - which is certainly not the case with either the production Nissan Leaf or this electrifying Nissan Leaf Nismo RC," added Tavares. "Nissan Leaf owners are fully embracing this new world of zero emission technology. We believe the same potential exists in the motorsports world as well, with Nissan proud to be first on the starting grid."

2012 Nissan Versa Sedan

2011-04-20T11:56:00.001-07:00

Small on the outside, big on the inside. Smart technology with next-generation efficiency. A $10,990 starting M.S.R.P. and low cost of ownership. New dual injector system and sub-planetary CVT design. Expected combined city/highway fuel economy of 33 miles per gallon. New global "V" (for Versatile) platform. Sophisticated styling, high quality interior.

There are myriad ways the all-new 2012 Nissan Versa Sedan breaks new ground for entry-level compact sedans. And many ways to sum them all up. But perhaps a simple statement is best: Innovation Within Reach.

"Compact cars are getting a lot of attention lately due to rising fuel costs and concerns about the environment. Yet many buyers are disappointed in what they find - vehicles rife with compromise," says Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "This new Versa Sedan, a 'clean sheet' ground-up design, takes small cars in a whole new direction - proving that you don't have to sacrifice style for affordability, interior roominess for a smaller footprint, or drivability for high mpg."

Small When You Need It, Big Where You Want It

Knowing that entry-level vehicles are used as "workhorses" - for commuting on weekdays, errand running on weekends and transporting family and friends all week long - the designers of the new Nissan Versa Sedan sought to combine five-passenger practicality with a high degree of comfort and refinement. It also offers an unexpected level of available entertainment and connectivity features, such as Bluetooth®, navigation system with 5-inch touch-screen display, Satellite Radio and an iPod®/USB interface.
Nissan Versa Sedan (2012)

"We see buyers in this segment as people who are always busy, even while relaxing," explains Castignetti. "With the amount of time they typically spend in their vehicles, we want to make sure they feel good about their purchase long after the new car smell has worn off. So we invested in areas that they see and touch most - like available Fine Vision instrumentation, quality fabrics, bright trim work and comfortable seating for front and rear seat passengers."

The new Nissan Versa Sedan's interior volume of 90.0 cubic feet and trunk volume of 14.8 cubic feet (104.8 cubic feet total) are intended to not only look great on a specifications sheet - the passenger and cargo spaces have been configured for real-world use. Nissan Versa Sedan has, for example, more rear legroom than some mid-size sedans - trumping even luxury cars such as the Lexus LS460, BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. And the trunk design focuses on useable space, taking into consideration everything from the size of the hinges to the shape of the sidewalls. A 60/40-split fold-down rear seat is offered on SL models for even greater versatility.

Other available interior features include trip computer, power windows with driver's one-touch down, speed-sensing auto door locks, remote trunk release lever and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Two interior colors are available, Sandstone and Charcoal.

The Nissan Versa Sedan's new exterior design is also a departure from most current compact sedans, offering a fresh, refreshing design character that is both sophisticated and highly aerodynamic.

"The new Versa Sedan stands out as the only expensive looking car in the segment - with a lot of eye power," said Castignetti. "Its sculpted, dynamic proportions are modern without being gimmicky, projecting a much higher sense of design value than you might expect in a vehicle with a $10,990 starting M.S.R.P."

To achieve the new Nissan Versa Sedan's upscale look, the designers gave the exterior shape a strong sense of volume, with a wide shoulder width and a smooth silhouette. In front, Versa Sedan features Nissan's new signature sedan grille design and jewel-like headlights.

The front end blends smoothly into the cabin, which offers flowing curves, while design elements such as the shape of the trunklid help give the new Nissan Versa Sedan excellent aerodynamics, including a low coefficient of drag of just 0.31.

In addition, to help ensure superb functionality, fresh ideas were addressed in the initial stage between the designers and the engineering team. For example, the indented line in the middle of the Nissan Versa Sedan's sweeping roofline is not just a design feature, but a functional innovation that helps reduce the amplitude of the roof panel vibrations in order to create a quieter cabin interior without the use of reinforcement devices called "mass bumpers."

"Design and engineering came together in an extraordinary collaboration to create a level of sophistication that you not only see but also feel," adds Castignetti. "It helps provide a sense of 'modern value' that goes far beyond the mere purchase price, much like you expect from larger, more expensive sedans."

Other exterior features include a fixed roof antenna, body-color front and rear fascias and available chrome-accented grille, blacked-out B-pillar, chrome door handles and front fog lights.

The 2012 Versa Sedan is offered in eight exterior colors, including Metallic Blue, Blue Onyx, Super Black, Brilliant Silver, Magnetic Gray, Red Brick, Fresh Powder and Titanium - which has previously been reserved for the Nissan GT-R among Nissan models.

Next-Generation Efficiency and an All-New V Platform

One of the biggest challenges in designing a compact sedan, of course, is where to put everything - people, cargo, engine, transmission and other mechanical components. Often the solution is to gather a fraction of an inch here, a fraction there and hope they add up to a usable benefit. For the new Nissan Versa Sedan, the approach was a little more radical - create a totally new global platform and drivetrain, reducing the size of engine and transmission, reducing the number of component parts and reducing platform weight.

"It's unusual to develop a totally new platform for a vehicle in only its second generation, yet when driven by a culture of innovation, such investments are easy to make," explains Castignetti.

The 2012 Versa Sedan's all-new front-wheel drive global "V" platform, designated "V" for Versatile, utilizes nearly 20 percent fewer platform components and weighs around 150 pounds less than the previous "B" platform. While retaining the same 102.4-inch wheelbase and 66.7-inch width as the previous generation Nissan Versa Sedan, the new model is 1.2 inches lower in height (59.6 inches) and 0.6 inches shorter in overall length (175.4 inches). The biggest dimensional gain, however, is in the visible gain in trunk length - provided by a more compact engine/transmission design that allows for a 2.7-inch increase in rear overhang (the distance from the center of the rear tire to the rear bumper).

"The new Versa Sedan proves that when it comes to packaging and aerodynamic efficiency, not all small sedans are created equal," says Castignetti. "The same can be said of the engine, which beautifully balances excellent environmental performance, responsive power and smooth, quiet operation."

The second-generation 1.6-liter HR16DE 4-cylinder engine includes a range of cutting-edge technologies, making it one of the most advanced powerplants in class. For example, while the average engine uses only one injector per cylinder to inject fuel, the new Nissan Versa Sedan engine is equipped with two streamlined injectors mounted near the inlet valve for each cylinder. This dual injector system allows a wider injection of fuel, with the smaller nozzles delivering a finer spray (approximately 57 percent finer than the previous generation single injector design's particle size) to help achieve stable combustion.

The new compact, lighter weight engine also utilizes a twin Continuously Variable Timing Control (CVTC) system mounted on both intake and exhaust ports (versus conventional CVTC systems which are mounted only on the intake port), similar to the system used on the flagship Nissan Maxima. Using a CVTC on the outlet port increases thermal efficiency, decreases inhalation resistance and offers an approximate four percent improvement in fuel efficiency.

Other enhancements include the addition of a piston oiling jet, tuning of the piston top shape and expansion of the exhaust manifold diameter.

"To incorporate the new dual injector system into an entry-level vehicle is very fitting of Nissan's corporate philosophy of 'innovation for all' - bring advanced technology to high volume segments rather than saving them only for high-end machines," says Castignetti. "The new dual injector system also uses around half the amount of rare metals in the catalyzer by reducing the amount of unburned fuel and hydrocarbon emissions."

The new 1.6-liter engine is rated at 109 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 107 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm.

The Nissan Versa Sedan is available with a 5-speed manual transmission (1.6 S model only) and with a next-generation Xtronic CVT™ transmission. The CVT allows continuous change of the transmission gear ratio by connecting the two pulleys with a metallic belt and changing their diameter by using hydraulic pressure. The new CVT design adds an auxiliary gearbox using planetary gearing, helping improve efficiency.

The CVT also features a transmission ratio of 7.3:1, which is broader than those of conventional CVTs and even typical 7-speed automatic transmissions. Friction is reduced by about 30 percent, weight by about 13 percent and overall size by about 10 percent versus the previous Nissan Versa Sedan CVT design.

Nissan Versa also offers low rolling resistance P185/65R15 all-season tires with available 15-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

"The result of all these enhancements and advances is that the new Nissan Versa Sedan engine burns cleaner and uses less fuel, which combined with the improved CVT performance and better aerodynamics reduces overall fuel consumption by about five miles per gallon versus the 2011 Versa Sedan," says Castignetti. "Better mileage means fewer stops at the pump - and more 'room in the wallet' for other activities."

Fuel economy for the 2012 Versa Sedan is estimated at 30 mpg City, 37 mpg Highway and 33 mpg Combined with the CVT transmission (27/36/30 mpg with the 5-speed manual transmission) (preliminary estimates).

All 2012 Nissan Versa Sedans are equipped with an independent MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension, with front and rear stabilizer bars. Other standard equipment includes Electric Power Steering and power-assisted front disc/rear drum brakes. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) is also standard on all Nissan Versa Sedan models.

In addition, the new Versa will be the first Nissan model in the United States branded with the PUREDRIVE™ designation. PUREDRIVE will be used on models utilizing Nissan's most advanced technologies to promote eco-friendly driving and lower CO2 emissions.

Standard safety features found on every 2012 Nissan Versa Sedan include the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) (includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags and front seat side-impact supplemental air bags for chest protection), seat-mounted driver and front passenger side-impact supplemental air bags, and roof-mounted curtain side-impact air bags for front and rear outboard occupant head protection.

Additional safety features include standard LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system, child safety rear door locks, child seat upper tether anchors and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS).

Summer 2011 On-Sale Date

The all-new 2012 Nissan Versa Sedan will be available in three well-equipped models when it goes on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in summer 2011 - Versa Sedan 1.6 S (offered in 5MT and CVT versions), Versa Sedan 1.6 SV (CVT only) and Versa Sedan 1.6 SL (CVT only).

Along with the 1.6 S model's many standard features, the 1.6 SV adds cruise control, Fine Vision instrumentation, chrome grille accents, body-color dual power remote-controlled sideview mirrors, upgraded cloth seats, power windows and more.

Nissan Versa Sedan 1.6 SL models add 15-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, fog lights, variable intermittent wipers, chromed inside door handles, 60/40-split fold-down rear seat, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, steering wheel audio controls, USB/iPod® connectivity, upgraded audio system, door-linked map lights and more.

Just three options packages are offered: the Cruise Control Package (1.6 S CVT only); the SV Convenience Package (1.6 SV only) with Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, upgraded audio, iPod® control, map lights and front passenger vanity mirror. The SL Tech Package (1.6 SL only) adds the Nissan Navigation System with XM NavTraffic® (XM® subscription required, sold separately) and 5-inch color touch-screen display and XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately).

The 2012 Versa Sedan will be manufactured at Nissan's Aguascalientes, Mexico assembly plant that also builds Nissan Sentra models for the United States market.

"This all-new Nissan Versa Sedan is a total value proposition," concludes Castignetti. "The Big Small Car is bringing Innovation Within Reach to an eagerly awaiting audience."

2012 Nissan Tiida

2011-04-19T02:40:00.001-07:00

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. premiered an all-new hatchback model at the 2011 Auto Shanghai. This new model will be the new generation Nissan Tiida in China.

The Nissan Tiida hatchback, introduced in China in 2005 from Dongfeng Nissan, is a pioneer in the compact hatchback market in China, selling 85,000 units in 2010. Sold globally in 165 countries, the Nissan Tiida is the best-selling model in the current Nissan product lineup.

The all-new Nissan Tiida is targeted toward young families who value quality life. With appeal points such as 'premium and agile styling', 'class leading comfort' and 'PURE DRIVE revolutionary powertrain', the new model will continue to be a leading model in the compact hatchback market in China. Nissan will also be the first Japanese automaker to introduce a turbo-charged engine in the Chinese market, with the introduction of the new Tiida's turbo series.

Based on a keyword 'Fluid & Brisk', the new Nissan Tiida delivers a new, premium feeling with a smooth, streamlined bodyside, well-balanced proportions and advanced-design exterior parts, such as grilles and lamps with refined details. To further enhance its spacious interior, which has been well received in the previous generation Tiida hatchback, the wheelbase length has been increased by 100mm to ensure best-in-class rear knee room. With increased length and breadth of the front window and optimally-shaped side mirrors for ease of use, visibility is significantly improved contributing to stress-free driving.

Interior design is developed using another keyword - 'Calm & Refined'. With a comfortable interior to embrace the driver and passengers, an elegant and precisely-crafted meter, a floating center cluster, and wide, super-soft armrests, the car provides premium space offering comfortable feeling in driving.

Driving comfort is also realized by soft, comfortable seats with low vibration which brings about less fatigue during driving.

Installed is a reliable, easy-to-handle, fuel-efficient Nissan HR16DE engine which has been employed in a number of Nissan vehicles. In addition, a range of PURE DRIVE low-emission technologies has also been added, such as latest dual injectors that provides far greater combustion efficiency by finely splashing fuel and Xtronic CVT with an auxiliary transmission. Select models of the all-new Nissan Tiida fully meet the stringent third phase fuel-efficiency requirements in China (draft data issued in Nov. 2009).

This new model, to be produced in the Dongfeng Nissan Huadu Plant in Guangzhou, will be released in late May 2011. Followed by its introduction in China, it will be launched in approximately 130 countries around the world by 2014.

2011 Nissan 370Z Roadster

2011-04-01T21:48:00.001-07:00

By starting design of the Nissan 370Z Roadster at the same time as work began on the Coupé, Nissan designers have been able to ensure the soft-top version has a sophisticated silhouette with better, more natural, integration of the hood into the overall design.

The distinctive result echoes the 'Z character' with a blend of sweeping curves and aggressively short overhangs while the shape of the roof itself flows more naturally into the rear of the car when the roof is in place.

When lowered, it tucks away under a body-coloured hard tonneau cover which also helps to reduce wind turbulence at speed, allowing occupants of the 'double cockpit' to enjoy fully the sounds and sensations of open air performance motoring.

Other design cues already seen on the Coupe have transferred to the Nissan 370Z Roadster. They include the distinctive boomerang LED rear and arrowhead front lights, while familiar 'Z' features such as the vertical door handles, twin tail pipes and 'Z' badges in the side repeaters are also present.

Inside, the driver-focused cabin also boasts many features now synonymous with the Z, such as an engine Push Start button, floor hinged throttle pedal, centrally placed tachometer and three separate hooded dials - now including an oil temperature gauge - sitting centrally on the top of the dashboard and angled towards the driver.

The Nissan 370Z Roadster's roof is fully automatic with no requirement to latch it manually into place. The roof can be lowered at walking speeds and can also be operated from outside the car, by pressing and holding the door-locking button for three seconds. It takes just 20 seconds for the roof to be raised and locked into place or lowered out of sight beneath its tonneau.
Nissan 370Z Roadster (2011)

The fabric hood has been given a smooth inner lining covering the frame and reducing noise levels, while the system uses a new hydraulic pump that's silent in operation in place of the electric motor used previously.

Model Year 2011 Nissan 370Z in detail

Average speeds in Europe are higher than anywhere else in the world. At the same time, we have some of the most demanding roads on the planet... and some of the poorest road surfaces.

It's a combination of problems relished by chassis engineers from Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE). Fine tuning the Nissan 370Z chassis - double wishbones at the front and a multi-link rear - to suit European tastes has centred on the dampers which have been retuned to enhance ride comfort and high speed handling.

The changes provide significantly improved vertical wheel control resulting in a flatter ride on all surfaces and improved comfort on motorway/autobahn surfaces. In addition, high-speed stability is enhanced with better body control while road noise is better isolated thanks to changes to underbody insulation.

The advanced seven-speed automatic option now has a snow mode. When is use, the car sets off in second gear rather than first to avoid loss of traction. The system also regulates engine revs at low speeds to prevent wheel spin on ice or snow.

Additions to equipment levels include the arrival of a rear-view parking camera as part of the Nissan Premium Connect satellite navigation option and the standard fitment of a tyre pressure monitoring system. The latter is integrated into the dashboard computer display and operates a warning light should tyre pressures fall.

In all other respects, both the Nissan 370Z Coupé and Nissan 370Z Roadster are just as exciting and stylish as the cars launched two years ago.

Styling

Following a lead that can be traced all the way back to the 240Z of 40 years ago, 370Z's styling is that of a classic sports car layout featuring a long bonnet, compact cabin, short overhangs and a truncated rear.

Nissan 370Z measures 4245mm from bumper to bumper and sits on a 2550mm wheelbase, exactly 100mm shorter than its predecessor's. At 1315mm tall, it's lower by 10mm while it is wider by 30mm at 1845mm. To ensure the lower roofline doesn't impinge on interior headroom, the seating position has also been lowered, resulting in a lower centre of gravity.

At the same time, the torsional rigidity of the body has increased by up to 30 per cent compared to the 350Z, notably at the front where a bracing bar has been mounted on top of the suspension turrets. Extensive use of aluminium - it's now used for the doors and rear hatch as well as the bonnet - plus other weight saving measures have seen more than 32kg trimmed from the car's all-up mass, despite the addition of extra safety, environmental and luxury equipment.

Engine and transmission

At the heart of the Nissan 370Z is its exceptional 3.7-litre V6 engine. A development of the unit that powered the 350Z, the all-alloy 24-valve twin cam not only develops more power and torque but is also more response, more refined and more fuel efficient.

The addition of VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) technology helps deliver electrifying performance, the engine developing 328 PS and an impressive 366Nm of torque. It is coupled to a short throw six-speed sports manual gearbox or a seven-speed automatic.

When in S-Mode, the manual transmission features Nissan's Synchro Rev Control to ensures perfect rev matching when the driver is changing gear, delivering perfect 'heel and toe' changes every time.

Sensors on the clutch and on the gear lever itself monitor driver actions to blip the throttle on down shifts and maintain constant engine revs when changing up. As the sensors detect clutch pedal movement, the SRC system is primed, coming into operation when the gear lever is moved. By matching this information to vehicle speed, SRC knows whether the driver is slowing for a corner or changing up through the 'box.

Downshift Rev Matching is a feature on the automatic gearbox, too, which also has Adaptive Shift Control which learns a driving style and adjust shift patterns accordingly.

Wheels, tyres, steering and brakes

Grip is provided by purpose designed Yokohama Advan sport tyres, in different sizes front and rear. The front tyres are 225/50 R18, with wider 245/45 R18 at the rear. Available as optional equipped are larger RAYs lightweight forged alloy wheels shod with 245/40 R19 and 275/35 R19 Bridgestone Potenza tyres.

A viscous limited slip differential is standard along with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with combines electronically operated traction and stability systems to reduce engine torque and/or apply individual wheel braking if needed. For track day use, VDC can be deactivated via a dashboard switch.

The rack and pinion steering system has also been revised to provide more communicative feedback and better response around the dead ahead position. Now with electric speed sensitive assistance, the steering delivers greater agility around town and enhanced stability at motorway speeds.

Large ventilated discs can be found front and rear - 355mm (14.0 inch) at the front and 350mm (13.8 inch) behind - framed by four piston aluminium callipers at the front and twin piston callipers behind. The dark silver coloured callipers are inscribed with the Nissan name.

A full complement of electronic safety aids includes the latest generation ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

Equipment

Generous standard equipment levels can be found on 370Zs and includes an engine Start button with Nissan's Intelligent Key, 18-inch cast alloy wheels, sports brakes and a viscous limited slip differential. Seats are electrically adjustable and audio/phone controls are mounted on the steering wheel while Bluetooth connectivity is a standard.

The GT Pack versions add heated and ventilated leather/suede seats, a premium BOSE sound system, cruise control and 19-inch forged alloy wheels. The GT Pack also incorporates Synchro Rev Control technology on the manual version along with Uphill Start Support to ease hill starts.

Among the principal options are Nissan's advanced hard drive-based Connect Premium satellite navigation and music storage system. The 40GB hard drive can store much wider map coverage of Europe at the same time as offering 10GB storage for music files downloaded from personal CD collections. The system incorporates a high-resolution dashboard screen, DVD functionality and iPod USB connectivity and now includes a reversing camera. Also optionally available is Nissan's pioneering Scratch Shield paint, which 'heals' minor scratches to keep the bodywork looking like new.

"At launch, both the Coupé and Roadster were highly acclaimed for their combination of excitement and style. The subtle suspension changes developed specially to meet European demands and tastes - not to mention the enhanced equipment levels - make the 2011 Nissan 370Z more desirable than ever," said Thomas.

2011 Nissan 370Z

2011-04-01T21:42:00.001-07:00

Nissan 370Z has been given a series of subtle but significant changes designed to underline the car's status as one of the most exciting pure bred sports cars on the market and to cement its place as a dynamic leader.

The principal changes are to the chassis of both the Coupé and Roadster versions, to enhance ride comfort and high-speed handling. A new tyre pressure monitoring system enhances safety still further while a rear view camera integrated into the Nissan Premium Connect satellite navigation system makes reversing easier and safer, too.

Other changes include improved isolation of road noise on the Coupé, while automatic versions of both Coupé and Roadster now have a revised 'Snow' setting for enhanced grip when setting off on ice and snow.

"The changes to the 370Z are part of Nissan's programme of continual development to all its products. Perhaps most significantly, the fine tuning of the chassis has been developed in Europe for Europe," said Simon Thomas, Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing, Nissan in Europe.

"The Model Year 2011 370Z takes one of the most popular sports cars on the market and make it even more fun to drive."

Model Year 2011 Nissan 370Z in detail

Average speeds in Europe are higher than anywhere else in the world. At the same time, we have some of the most demanding roads on the planet... and some of the poorest road surfaces.

It's a combination of problems relished by chassis engineers from Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE). Fine tuning the Nissan 370Z chassis - double wishbones at the front and a multi-link rear - to suit European tastes has centred on the dampers which have been retuned to enhance ride comfort and high speed handling.
Nissan 370Z (2011)

The changes provide significantly improved vertical wheel control resulting in a flatter ride on all surfaces and improved comfort on motorway/autobahn surfaces. In addition, high-speed stability is enhanced with better body control while road noise is better isolated thanks to changes to underbody insulation.

The advanced seven-speed automatic option now has a snow mode. When is use, the car sets off in second gear rather than first to avoid loss of traction. The system also regulates engine revs at low speeds to prevent wheel spin on ice or snow.

Additions to equipment levels include the arrival of a rear-view parking camera as part of the Nissan Premium Connect satellite navigation option and the standard fitment of a tyre pressure monitoring system. The latter is integrated into the dashboard computer display and operates a warning light should tyre pressures fall.

In all other respects, both the Nissan 370Z Coupé and Nissan 370Z Roadster are just as exciting and stylish as the cars launched two years ago.

Styling

Following a lead that can be traced all the way back to the 240Z of 40 years ago, 370Z's styling is that of a classic sports car layout featuring a long bonnet, compact cabin, short overhangs and a truncated rear.

Nissan 370Z measures 4245mm from bumper to bumper and sits on a 2550mm wheelbase, exactly 100mm shorter than its predecessor's. At 1315mm tall, it's lower by 10mm while it is wider by 30mm at 1845mm. To ensure the lower roofline doesn't impinge on interior headroom, the seating position has also been lowered, resulting in a lower centre of gravity.

At the same time, the torsional rigidity of the body has increased by up to 30 per cent compared to the 350Z, notably at the front where a bracing bar has been mounted on top of the suspension turrets. Extensive use of aluminium - it's now used for the doors and rear hatch as well as the bonnet - plus other weight saving measures have seen more than 32kg trimmed from the car's all-up mass, despite the addition of extra safety, environmental and luxury equipment.

Engine and transmission

At the heart of the Nissan 370Z is its exceptional 3.7-litre V6 engine. A development of the unit that powered the 350Z, the all-alloy 24-valve twin cam not only develops more power and torque but is also more response, more refined and more fuel efficient.

The addition of VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) technology helps deliver electrifying performance, the engine developing 328 PS and an impressive 366Nm of torque. It is coupled to a short throw six-speed sports manual gearbox or a seven-speed automatic.

When in S-Mode, the manual transmission features Nissan's Synchro Rev Control to ensures perfect rev matching when the driver is changing gear, delivering perfect 'heel and toe' changes every time.

Sensors on the clutch and on the gear lever itself monitor driver actions to blip the throttle on down shifts and maintain constant engine revs when changing up. As the sensors detect clutch pedal movement, the SRC system is primed, coming into operation when the gear lever is moved. By matching this information to vehicle speed, SRC knows whether the driver is slowing for a corner or changing up through the 'box.

Downshift Rev Matching is a feature on the automatic gearbox, too, which also has Adaptive Shift Control which learns a driving style and adjust shift patterns accordingly.

Wheels, tyres, steering and brakes

Grip is provided by purpose designed Yokohama Advan sport tyres, in different sizes front and rear. The front tyres are 225/50 R18, with wider 245/45 R18 at the rear. Available as optional equipped are larger RAYs lightweight forged alloy wheels shod with 245/40 R19 and 275/35 R19 Bridgestone Potenza tyres.

A viscous limited slip differential is standard along with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with combines electronically operated traction and stability systems to reduce engine torque and/or apply individual wheel braking if needed. For track day use, VDC can be deactivated via a dashboard switch.

The rack and pinion steering system has also been revised to provide more communicative feedback and better response around the dead ahead position. Now with electric speed sensitive assistance, the steering delivers greater agility around town and enhanced stability at motorway speeds.

Large ventilated discs can be found front and rear - 355mm (14.0 inch) at the front and 350mm (13.8 inch) behind - framed by four piston aluminium callipers at the front and twin piston callipers behind. The dark silver coloured callipers are inscribed with the Nissan name.

A full complement of electronic safety aids includes the latest generation ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

Equipment

Generous standard equipment levels can be found on 370Zs and includes an engine Start button with Nissan's Intelligent Key, 18-inch cast alloy wheels, sports brakes and a viscous limited slip differential. Seats are electrically adjustable and audio/phone controls are mounted on the steering wheel while Bluetooth connectivity is a standard.

The GT Pack versions add heated and ventilated leather/suede seats, a premium BOSE sound system, cruise control and 19-inch forged alloy wheels. The GT Pack also incorporates Synchro Rev Control technology on the manual version along with Uphill Start Support to ease hill starts.

Among the principal options are Nissan's advanced hard drive-based Connect Premium satellite navigation and music storage system. The 40GB hard drive can store much wider map coverage of Europe at the same time as offering 10GB storage for music files downloaded from personal CD collections. The system incorporates a high-resolution dashboard screen, DVD functionality and iPod USB connectivity and now includes a reversing camera. Also optionally available is Nissan's pioneering Scratch Shield paint, which 'heals' minor scratches to keep the bodywork looking like new.

Nissan 370Z Roadster

By starting design of the Nissan 370Z Roadster at the same time as work began on the Coupé, Nissan designers have been able to ensure the soft-top version has a sophisticated silhouette with better, more natural, integration of the hood into the overall design.

The distinctive result echoes the 'Z character' with a blend of sweeping curves and aggressively short overhangs while the shape of the roof itself flows more naturally into the rear of the car when the roof is in place.

When lowered, it tucks away under a body-coloured hard tonneau cover which also helps to reduce wind turbulence at speed, allowing occupants of the 'double cockpit' to enjoy fully the sounds and sensations of open air performance motoring.

Other design cues already seen on the Coupe have transferred to the Nissan 370Z Roadster. They include the distinctive boomerang LED rear and arrowhead front lights, while familiar 'Z' features such as the vertical door handles, twin tail pipes and 'Z' badges in the side repeaters are also present.

Inside, the driver-focused cabin also boasts many features now synonymous with the Z, such as an engine Push Start button, floor hinged throttle pedal, centrally placed tachometer and three separate hooded dials - now including an oil temperature gauge - sitting centrally on the top of the dashboard and angled towards the driver.

The Nissan 370Z Roadster's roof is fully automatic with no requirement to latch it manually into place. The roof can be lowered at walking speeds and can also be operated from outside the car, by pressing and holding the door-locking button for three seconds. It takes just 20 seconds for the roof to be raised and locked into place or lowered out of sight beneath its tonneau.

The fabric hood has been given a smooth inner lining covering the frame and reducing noise levels, while the system uses a new hydraulic pump that's silent in operation in place of the electric motor used previously.

"At launch, both the Coupé and Roadster were highly acclaimed for their combination of excitement and style. The subtle suspension changes developed specially to meet European demands and tastes - not to mention the enhanced equipment levels - make the 2011 Nissan 370Z more desirable than ever," said Thomas.

2011 Nissan 370Z GT Edition

2011-03-07T12:25:00.001-08:00

Before the Datsun 240Z burst onto the scene more than four decades ago, the sports car was preserve of Europe and America. Until that point, Japan's motor industry hadn't contemplated anything as bold. But that classic rear-wheel drive 'Z' showed Nissan was a quick learner and it instantly captured the imagination of sports car enthusiasts all over the world.

The spirit of that pioneering 'Z' lives on in the latest Nissan 370Z. Like the 240Z, the 370Z - launched in 2009 - is powered by a six-cylinder engine and provides genuine excitement thanks to its performance oriented rear-wheel drive chassis. Like its forebear, its name indicates the size of engine under the bonnet: the original had 2.4-litres while the 370's V6 power pack displaces 3.7-litres.

But times change. Where the 240Z made do with 150bhp, the Nissan 370Z has more than double that, while 40 years of chassis development mean the latest version has levels of ride comfort, handling ability and safety that the original could only dream about.

And it's just got better. The Nissan 370Z GT Edition offers more for less. As well as 19inch RAYS forged alloy wheels in place of 18inch wheels, special body colours and unique GT stripes, the GT Edition actually costs less than the standard car.

As the name implies, the GT Edition highlights Nissan's presence in GT racing on the world stage. As well as its continuing commitment to Super GT in Japan, Nissan has been one of the leading lights in the new GT1 World Championship, winning the prestigious Tourist Trophy in 2010 with the fearsome GT-R. The Nissan Z family has been a race winner in the FIA GT4 European Cup since its inception and competes annually in various 24 hour races - the highlight being the Nürburgring 24 hours.
Nissan 370Z GT Edition (2011)

The Nissan 370Z GT4 Cup race car has raced toe to toe against competition from Aston Martin, Porsche and BMW across Europe in the real world while it is also the racing gamers' vehicle of choice in the virtual world.

An innovative link with Gran Turismo 5 game for PlayStation® 3 has seen cyber racers compete against each other to win a drive in a real 370Z GT4 cup car. The 2011 GT Academy series is about to start with on-line gamers ready to swap the virtual world for the real thing.

The best will become part of the Nissan GT Academy, a motor racing ladder that could take top drivers from local series through the European Blancpain Endurance series right the way to international GT1 World Championship.

Nissan 370Z GT Edition in detail

The Nissan 370Z GT Edition recognises its heritage with a nod to the 1970s and the birth of the original Z car: special side stripes.

Grey 'GT' stripes running along the flanks of the car contrast with the each of the special edition's three body colours - metallic black, pearl white and Black Rose, the latter shade exclusive to GT Edition. The exterior is set off by the standard 19inch RAYS forged alloy wheels, which are finished in a dramatic anthracite colour.

The Nissan 370Z GT Edition introduces a number of significant suspension and equipment improvements which have also been adopted by the standard Coupé. In deference to the higher average speeds routinely enjoyed in Europe, the changes have been engineered by technicians from Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE). The principal modification has been to retune the dampers to provide the ideal balance between ride comfort and high-speed handling.

Equipment changes include the arrival of a rear view parking camera as part of the Nissan Premium Connect satellite navigation option and the standard fitment of a tyre pressure monitoring system. The advanced seven-speed automatic option now has a snow mode which, when applied, sets the car off in second gear and controls engine revs to prevent wheel spin on ice or snow. Refinement is enhanced by revisions to underbody insulation to reduce road noise.

Unchanged is the Nissan 370Z's exceptional 3.7-litre V6 engine. A development of the unit that powered the 350Z, the all-alloy 24-valve twin cam not only develops more power and torque but is also more response, more refined and more fuel efficient.

The addition of VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) technology helps deliver electrifying performance, the engine developing 328PS and an impressive 363Nm of torque. It is coupled to a short throw six-speed sports manual gearbox or a seven-speed automatic.

When in S-Mode, the manual transmission features Nissan's Synchro Rev Control to ensures perfect rev matching when the driver is changing gear, delivering perfect 'heel and toe' changes every time.

Sensors on the clutch and on the gear lever itself monitor driver actions to blip the throttle on down shifts and maintain constant engine revs when changing up. As the sensors detect clutch pedal movement, the SRC system is primed, coming into operation when the gear lever is moved. By matching this information to vehicle speed, SRC knows whether the driver is slowing for a corner or changing up through the 'box.

Downshift Rev Matching is a feature on the automatic gearbox, too, which also has Adaptive Shift Control which learns a driving style and adjust shift patterns accordingly.

The Nissan 370Z's chassis is a car enthusiast's dream: double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear end makes the most of Nissan's agile FM (Front Midships) rear-drive platform.

With a shorter wheelbase, wider track and stiffer shell than its predecessor, the Nissan 370Z has starred on track as well as on road. The innovative GT Academy programme takes computer gamers who have become Gran Turismo experts on PlayStation 3 and turns them into real race drivers. Now in its third season, winners will again race for a place on the grid in a GT4 race prepared Nissan 370Z at the Dubai 24 hours in January 2012 and, perhaps, on to the GT pinnacle, GT1.

Be assured that this is the real thing. Inaugural GT Academy champion Lucas Ordoñez will race in the Le Mans 24 hours with a Nissan-powered Le Mans Prototype car. Ordonez said: "Two and a half years ago I was at home racing on the PlayStation. I'm now a racing driver thanks to PlayStation and Nissan. I can't wait to race at the most famous race in the world in June for the SIGNATEC NISSAN team; it really is a dream come true. "

"The 370Z is an iconic sports car and the GT Edition underlines its appeal to enthusiasts everywhere," said Pierre Loing, Vice President Product Planning, Nissan International SA. "The combination of outstanding performance and the dramatic looks of this very special Nissan 370Z more than lives up to the heritage of its illustrious forebear while its strong links to the race track shows its true pedigree."

2012 Nissan Micra DIG-S

2011-02-19T11:34:00.001-08:00

Nissan's focus on reducing emissions is not restricted to creating zero emission electric vehicles like the pioneering and award-winning Nissan LEAF.

Developing advanced technologies as part of Nissan's PURE DRIVE strategy is driving the company's efforts to reduce emissions and fuel consumption from all its cars, and, has resulted in the launch of a new engine with one of the lowest CO2 figures in the world.

Powering the newest version of the popular Nissan Micra city car - the DIG-S - this advanced petrol engine produces just 95 g CO2/km and underlines Nissan's leadership in both zero and low emissions mobility.

A direct injection unit with a supercharger - hence the car's name: Direct Injection Gasoline-Supercharger (DIG-S) - the engine is the embodiment of Nissan's PURE DRIVE strategy, delivering sparkling performance, frugal economy and exceptionally low emissions. It has been designed to meet and exceed the everyday driving demands of the modern world and is the ideal partner for Micra, Nissan's small city car.

As well as reducing emissions, this new engine will reduce the cost of motoring in many European countries. In the UK, for example, cars producing less than 100g/km of CO2 attract no annual road tax and are exempt from the capital's daily congestion charge.

In France, customers buying a car producing less than 110 g/km receive a €400 bonus payment from the Government while in Holland cars like the Nissan Micra DIG-S are exempt from the country's BMP tax, saving around €1,000.
Nissan Micra DIG-S (2012)

"Nissan is just as committed to reducing emissions from cars powered by the internal combustion engine as it is to developing new zero emission electric vehicles. The Nissan Micra DIG-S showcases how far our engineers have come."

"Ultra low emissions with no compromise when it comes to drivability means the Nissan Micra DIG-S sets new standards for the current generation of city cars. No other petrol-powered compact hatchback can match its overall efficiency... and it is more than a match for an equivalent diesel," said Pierre Loing, Vice President Product Strategy and Planning, Nissan International SA

Technical innovation has been packed into the engine. The DIG-S uses the Miller cycle and direct petrol injection to raise the compression ratio to 13 to 1 for greater combustion efficiency and a supercharger for instant throttle response and added power. As well as delivering ultra low CO2 emissions, the lightweight, low-friction 1,198cc three-cylinder unit produces the power expected from a conventional 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine.

By minimising heat, friction and pumping losses as much a possible, Nissan's engineers have created an engine that sets the standard for the rest of the industry. Its three-cylinder configuration gives many benefits including less weight and further reductions in friction loss, thanks to having fewer moving parts. Further gains are made thanks to the adoption of advanced engine management systems with Start/Stop and energy regeneration.

The results are spectacular. The Direct Injection Gasoline-Supercharger (DIG-S) engine produces 72kW (98PS) and 142Nm, while CO2 emissions are 95 g/km for the manual version and 115 g/km for the CVT version. Maximum speed is 180km/h for manual. Combined cycle fuel economy figures for the manual Visia version is 4.1 l/100kmh .

In common with industry practice, these headline figures refer to the entry-level version - Visia - as higher levels of equipment found in plusher models mean extra weight which affects emissions performance. But such is the efficiency of the unit that the most popular version, Acenta, also promises an outstanding CO2 figure: just 99 g/km in manual form.

Low running costs are guaranteed not just by the excellent fuel economy but also thanks to tax concessions based on its emissions granted in many European countries and to lower servicing bills from the smaller engine.

This remarkable engine makes sub 100 g/km emissions performance easily accessible while low cost of ownership make it a serious alternative to a comparable diesel... with the added bonus of greater refinement. Its first appearance powering the new Micra makes for an irresistible combination.

Micra's city car credentials have been honed over decades of class leading models. Bristling with new technologies and based on a brand new platform, Europe-bound examples of the fourth generation Micra are built at an entirely new facility in India. It is also built in China, Mexico and Thailand and is sold in 160 countries around the world.

Launched late last year, it is the perfect city car being compact on the outside but spacious inside. City driving is eased by the class leading all-round visibility and by technology that is not only innovative but actually useful, too. Available either as standard or an option are features such as Nissan Connect, a fully integrated entertainment and information package incorporating touch screen satellite navigation.

But perhaps the most useful feature for a city car - and technology that's rarely found on much larger cars - is the Parking Slot Measurement (PSM) system. As its name implies, the system measures potential parking spaces and lets the driver know whether it is large enough for the car or not.

It is available in one body five-door body style, three trim levels - Visia, Acenta and Tekna - and with a choice of two petrol engines. As well as the DIG-S, there's a normally aspirated version of the 1.2-litre engine, developing 59kW (80PS).

The Nissan Micra DIG-S will be given its European debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show (March 3-13) with sales starting over the summer of 2011.

"It is clear that our new DIG-S engine offers the best solution for small cars like Micra. With instant throttle response, its performance and strong economy are a more than a match for any diesel engine with similar power outputs, but its emissions performance is much better," Pierre Loing.

"We have been able to achieve this ultra low CO2 figure in a cost effective package and without the complication of particulate filters needed to clean up diesel engine emissions and which are not entirely compatible with a car that spends much of its life in the city."

2011 Nissan Esflow Concept

2011-02-10T21:58:00.001-08:00

It may be a concept, but the Nissan ESFLOW electric sports car proves it's possible to remain environmentally sympathetic without having to give up the joy of driving.

It looks like a sports car, handles like a sports car and performs like one too. But Nissan ESFLOW Concept is different to every other sports car yet built: it's electric. Using technology pioneered in the award-winning Nissan LEAF, the EV concept shows that driving can still be as much fun tomorrow as it is today.

Nissan has a reputation for creating some of the most exhilarating sports cars on the market. Nissan has also developed the world's first practical Zero Emission family car, the Nissan LEAF.

Now Nissan has put that expertise together. It has captured the excitement of a sports car and the environmental benefits of an electric vehicle and blended them into one dramatic two-seater concept: ESFLOW.

Nissan ESFLOW Concept has been created from the ground up as a pure electric vehicle, to give an idea how a Zero Emission sports car of the future might look. Living ecologically has often been seen as an act of austerity - to save one's environmental conscience sacrifices must be made. ESFLOW is here to address that misconception.

Owning an ecologically sound car does not have to come at the expense of driving enjoyment. The briefest glance at the Nissan ESFLOW Concept is enough to tell you what kind of car it is: a long bonnet leading into a steeply raked, wrap around windscreen, the compact cabin placing the occupants bang on the car's centre of gravity, hunched arches over ultra-low profile tyres wrapped around six spoke wheels. ESFLOW is unmistakably a sports car, and those in the know will recognize its heritage - hints of classic and contemporary Nissan sports cars abound.
Nissan Esflow Concept (2011)

Vitally, ESFLOW is not an existing ICE (internal combustion engine) powered vehicle that has been adapted to run on electricity, but a sports car that's been designed from the outset as a Zero Emission vehicle. This means that Nissan's forward thinking designers have had free rein to place the power train and batteries in the optimum positions to benefit the car's handling and performance and enhancing the thrill of driving.

The Car

The Nissan ESFLOW Concept is based on existing technology, implemented in innovative ways. An attractive, head turning composite body covers an aluminium chassis, incorporating its own roll cage. The powertrain unit, which employs the same technologies installed in the Nissan LEAF, is tuned to offer a sporty driving experience.

The Powertrain

Nissan ESFLOW Concept is rear-wheel drive and it runs on two motors. The car's graceful proportions allow the twin electric motors to be placed above the axis of the rear wheels, in a mid-ship position,. These motors independently control the left and right wheels, and so the torque is optimized to ensure outstanding vehicle stability and control as well as efficient power regeneration. The motors produce enough torque in an instant for it to reach a 100kph in under 5 seconds.

Power for the motors comes from the same laminated lithium-ion battery packs used in the Nissan LEAF, but in ESFLOW the packs are located along the axis of the front and rear wheels. This centralizes the mass of the car, and thus its rotation point, close to the driver's hips. These cleverly positioned batteries enable the car to travel over 240km on one charge.

The Chassis

An aluminium chassis has been built around the drive train, taking full advantage of the opportunities that Zero Emission electric propulsion provides. Power cells are incorporated in such a way that they benefit ESFLOW's strength and poise, not detract from them. Indeed, unlike a conventional fuel tank, batteries do not get lighter as they provide energy, so the car's weight distribution remains constant throughout a drive.

The high waistline afforded by the Nissan ESFLOW Concept's classic sports car proportions allows strong, yet unobtrusive roll bars incorporated in to the structure behind the seats to safely take the entire load of the car in the event of a roll over, negating the need for obtrusive, thick, reinforced A-pillars and the blind spots they inevitably create.

This almost unobstructed view ahead will not be unfamiliar to fighter pilots, and just as such pilots speak of "strapping their planes on to their backs", we hope ESFLOW owners will also feel the car to be an extension of their bodies, reacting to their slightest whims. The driver must be at the centre of the sports car both physically and metaphorically.

The Body

The Nissan ESFLOW Concept is undoubtedly an attractive car. Crisp, clean lines not only convey the purity of its sporting potential, but suggest the clarity of electric power. The colour scheme chosen for the concept car is inspired by glaciers - highly reflective solidified liquid with blue tints in its shadows. Like its ZEV concept forebears and contemporary stable mate the ESFLOW's headlights and Nissan emblem are tinted cool blue. The six spoke wheels contain blue carbon inserts while the same material adorns the side sill, roof mounted lip spoiler and lower rear bumper.

Blue LEDs accentuate the futuristic lights slashed into the bodywork both front and rear. Where the Nissan LEAF's protrusive headlights are used to guide airflow around the door mirrors, this is not needed on Nissan ESFLOW Concept as the mirrors have been replaced with minute rear view cameras at the base of its A-pillars. The ESFLOW's front lights do protect a secret of their own however: flip out charging points built in to the air ducts beneath.

The Interior

Ecological minimalism need not come at the expense of luxury. The cabin of the Nissan ESFLOW Concept is clean and open and weight saving has been a priority throughout its design, but it is still a comfortable and pleasant place to sit. By far the heaviest components in modern cars' interiors are the steel framed, thickly upholstered and increasingly motorized seats. In ESFLOW the seats are sculpted into the rear bulkhead of the car, negating the need for a heavy frame. This of course means that they are immobile, but this is of no consequence as the fly-by-wire steering and pedals adjust electrically to the best spot to suit each individual driver's size and preferred driving position.

The seats themselves are upholstered in gold leather and perforated gold suede while the doors are trimmed in dark blue leather and suede. The blue and gold motif, the colour of sparks, is continued across the dashboard, which is also adorned with silver carbon trim, and features four multifunction illuminated LCD displays.

The Driver

Daniel, an ESFLOW owner, works in tech, but lives for the weekend. On Friday night after work, he gets behind the wheels of his ESFLOW which instantly links with his pocket PDA and determines the fastest route to his girlfriend's home. Finding street side parking is a synch as the Nissan ESFLOW Concept's compact dimensions allow it to slip in to the narrowest of spaces. On Saturday he drives to a popular club to exhibit his DJ skills and his friends are impressed by his cool EV sports car.

On Sunday he drives through the mountains for leisure. ESFLOW's superb weight distribution and unobstructed view ahead enables him to effortlessly nail every apex, every time. His descent from the mountains is more relaxed and he allows the ESFLOW to overrun on the long sweeping curves, turning the potential energy he and the car gained climbing up the gradients back in to electrical energy he can use once he hits the roads around Barcelona.

As his ESFLOW sips energy in its garage Daniel prepares himself for the week ahead, batteries fully recharged.

2011 Nissan GT-R Egoist

2011-02-10T21:12:00.001-08:00

If 530 PS, one of the world's most advanced four-wheel drive chassis, and supercar rarity value are not enough, Nissan has the answer: the Egoist, the ultimate expression of the famed Nissan GT-R, lovingly created for each owner using only the finest materials.

This exclusive version - specially created by 'father' of the Nissan GT-R, chief vehicle engineer Kazutoshi Mizuno - has a hand-crafted interior using only the best quality hides, a Bose sound system tailored to the owner's exact dimensions and other features that showcase ancient Japanese art forms.

Such is the care and attention to detail given to every aspect of the car that the hand-painted badge on the steering wheel, for example, takes several days to create.

It is little wonder, then, that the Nissan GT-R Egoist, which is built only to special order, is reassuringly expensive and, as a result, is aimed at a very select audience.

"Exclusivity is something the wealthy have come to expect. And while the standard GT-R will never be commonplace, the Egoist combines genuine rarity with the most exclusive materials," said Pierre Loing, Vice President Product Strategy and Planning, Nissan International SA.

"It is meticulously assembled by hand-picked craftsmen and thanks to the range of interior and exterior colour combinations available it is unlikely that two Nissan GT-R Egoist models will ever be exactly the same."
Nissan GT-R Egoist (2011)

Nissan GT-R Egoist in detail

The Egoist has been developed from the 2011 version of the Nissan GT-R, which itself boasts a number of significant improvements to the engine, chassis and aerodynamics.

Revisions to the twin turbocharged 3.8-litre V6 give more power and torque - up from 485 to 530PS and 588 to 612Nm respectively - along with lower emissions and improved fuel consumption. Enhanced aerodynamics have increased downforce by 10 per cent while chassis and damper changes have sharpened the handling and smoothed the ride.

But creating Egoist has taken GT-R to new levels of indulgence, exclusivity and rarity. Much of the attention has been focused on the cockpit which features an upgraded full leather interior created by Seton Leather in Germany.

Leather trim now extends throughout the interior and includes areas such as the base of the front seats, the seat belt buckle surrounds, the A and B pillars, the centre console surround and the transmission tunnel. Leather can even be found lining the interior of the cup holders and covering the door sills. Plain and quilted finishes are used to provide visual contrasts between the sections.

But this is not ordinary leather. Seton has become the preferred supplier of a select group of performance and luxury car makers. Its leather is chosen over others for its quality and consistency thanks to the way Seton cares for its livestock.

The company raises only one breed of cattle and the animals are cared for in carefully monitored conditions in Bavaria in Southern Germany. They are raised for 18 months in specially controlled surroundings to ensure more consistent feeding and less likelihood of insect bites or imperfections in the hides caused by barbed wire and other foreign objects.

Thanks to this careful nurturing, they grow to be bigger than average and this, in turn, means that fewer hides are needed for each car. That said, the interior of every Nissan GT-R Egoist still needs no fewer than 15 hides.

Turning the hides into the leather package takes Seton more than two months before the trimmed pieces can be shipped to Japan for installation. Completion of the interior of each Egoist is undertaken by hand in the GT-R plant in Tochigi and entrusted to one Takumi - a master craftsman.

Each car is taken from the main production line and taken to a special studio area in the plant where the Seton leather package is waiting to be installed. It takes a total of three hours for each installation.

In total there are no fewer than 20 colour combinations available with either a single colour used throughout or contrasting treatments for the upper and lower portions of the interior. There are ten different colour options for the lower interior - including a pale pink - and four for the upper section. Further choices include the availability of six contrasting options for the stitching. Carpeting throughout is also colour co-ordinated. Taking all the possible options into account there's a total of 84 different colour combinations for owners to choose from

Complementing the Seton leather package, a suede-like material is used to trim the headlining, sunvisors, rear parcel shelf and lower door panels.

Once trimmed, the car is then returned to the line to complete the production process - including the comprehensive running in process, which can also be witnessed by the customer.

Another example of the time and painstaking precision involved in the production of the Nissan GT-R Egoist concerns the emblem on the steering wheel. The 'ordinary' GT-R has an enamel badge... elegant but mass-produced. For Egoist, an ancient Japanese art is employed for the badge which is hand painted in a traditional decoration style known as Urushi.

For GT-R the method used is called Makie and the skill can only be taught in the Ishikawa Prefecture - home of the GT-R - and before he can practise his art, the craftsman has to be Government approved.

For this very special GT-R, each badge is entrusted to one man, Kubota-san of the Goshikiya workshop. It takes many days to build up the layers of paint to create the depth of colour and the unique finish on the emblem. Each one, therefore, is unique.

Similar attention to detail has gone into the creation of a bespoke sound system for the car. Made by leaders in sound development Bose, the 11-speaker system features a newly developed switching amp and a world first in its use of a carbon composite mounting for a new 9-inch woofer.

The mounting base delivers high rigidity and high levels of damping with no weight penalties allowing a much clearer sound to be produced from the woofer.

But Bose goes one step beyond in perfecting the system for the Egoist owner. On visiting the showroom to place the order, detailed measurements are taken from the customer and his or her ideal driving position is established. The customer's height, leg length and preferred angle of the seat backrest are then fed to the factory to ensure the speakers are placed in the optimum position to maximise sound quality. It really is a made-to-measure sound system.

Completing the Egoist package are some features pioneered on the spectacular Spec-V version introduced in 2010. These include the special six-spoke forged RAYS alloy wheels - for Egoist they have a unique 'Blue Sword' finish - and a carbon composite rear spoiler.

There's also a choice of exterior colours, some of which are shared with other GT-R models... but as befits its exclusive status, Egoist is the only GT-R available in a new colour specially created for the car: Ultimate Opal White.

And it remains as discreet as possible, the only giveaway being a subtle Egoist badge on the boot.

Although less overtly sporting than the limited edition Spec-V version, Egoist remains one of the finest performing supercars of the era. The increase in power and torque cuts the 0-100 km/h time to a remarkable 3.046 seconds while top speed is 315 km/h.

The combination of advanced electronics, including the 'R Start' mode for racing starts, and the six-speed dual clutch gearbox - operated via magnesium paddles on the steering wheel - mean that, where conditions permit, all that performance is easily within reach.

The sure-footed chassis offers unmatched traction and handling and for 2011, GT-R now has an even more compliant ride thanks to subtle revisions to the springs and dampers. Braking performance has been enhanced, too. The front discs are larger to improve their resistance to fade under continued heavy use while the forged alloy wheels wear new Dunlop tyres specially created for GT-R.

"Nissan GT-R Egoist is a remarkable car. Yes, it is considerably more expensive than the standard GT-R but that reflects the top quality materials used in the interior and the dedication of the craftsmen who build the car. We have seen with the Spec-V version that GT-R customers appreciate rarity and exclusivity ... and there is no doubt that Egoist is the most special GT-R yet. It will appeal to a wealthy customers who appreciate the finest things in life, yet who don't want to brag. It's exclusive and is bound to be rare... but perhaps the most appealing thing about Nissan GT-R Egoist is just how discreet it is," said Simon Thomas.

2012 Nissan Sunny

2010-12-21T00:17:00.000-08:00

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. unveiled an all-new sedan model at the 8th China (Guangzhou) International Automobile Exhibition. Using the famed 'Sunny' name in China, this new model will go on sale first in China in January 2011 and then progressively across 170 countries worldwide under different vehicle brand names.

The Nissan Sunny was first introduced in China in 2003 and was significant as the first locally built model from the new Dongfeng Nissan partnership. Acclaimed by consumers for its combination of quality, space and driving performance, the Nissan Sunny quickly help establish a foundation for the Nissan brand in the passenger vehicle market in China.

A projected class leader in fuel economy, the all-new Nissan Sunny is expected to appeal to young families in their 30s looking for a medium sized sedan that combines a dynamic upscale design with the space, quality and features associated with the Sunny and Nissan brand.

Combining the proven Nissan 1.5-liter HR15DE engine with dual injectors and a new-generation Xtronic CVT with an auxiliary transmission, both of which are newly introduced in China, Nissan Sunny delivers ease in handling for city driving where there's frequent acceleration and deceleration, and superior environmental performance as a projected class leader in fuel economy.

MacPherson struts are used for the front suspension and a torsion beam for the rear suspension, making for sporty and agile driving at low speeds, and steady and stable driving at higher speeds.

The new Nissan Sunny will be produced in Dongfeng Nissan's Huadu Plant in Guangzhou and will be priced from RMB 82.8K to 112.8K (1.04 million - 1.41million yen).

2010 Nissan Ellure Concept

2010-11-22T14:08:00.001-08:00

As a longtime industry innovator in sedan design, notably the original Datsun 510 and numerous generations of Nissan Maximas, Altimas and Sentras, Nissan has always had an affinity for both the form and its buyers. So it should come as no surprise that in an environment where traditional sedan buyers have been migrating toward coupe and crossover SUV alternatives, along comes the engagingly seductive Nissan Ellure Concept, which makes its world debut at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show.

"While not intended as a preview of any upcoming production model, Ellure confirms Nissan's intention to be a strong player in the sedan segment for many years to come," explains Shiro Nakamura, senior vice president and chief creative officer, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (NML), who supervised the global design effort. "As an expression of our long-term vision for the next generation of great Nissan sedans, Ellure allows us to introduce a new sedan concept - one that honors the sedan's unmatched daytime functionality, yet has a more emotive, almost hidden ambience that comes to life after dark. It's an ideal fit for the needs of its projected owners, women in their '30s and '40s with a sense of sophistication and rebellion."

A Simple Yet Provocatively Modern Exterior
Nissan Ellure Concept (2010)

The Nissan Ellure Concept exterior expresses the warmth of a sculpture, but is defined by the solid movement of the shapes - and the control of light and dark in a way that is sophisticated yet rebellious. Its designers sought to shift the balance between rational values and emotional ones, expressing both intelligent, sustainable design qualities and a sense of passion and fun. The proportions of the new Ellure respect the basic layout and dimensions of a traditional mid-size sedan, while taking advantage of a next-generation compact hybrid powertrain. This allows the wheels to be pushed out to the corners, creating a stable stance and ample interior room, as well as a highly functional trunk - despite the smooth aerodynamic form.

The exterior projects a sense of strong mass, with a refined contrast between broad planes and strong shoulders. Rather than trying to hide its front-wheel drive dynamics, the body forms drape over the front wheels and radiate outward toward the sides and rear.

The bending of the sheet metal is utterly simple but dynamic - sheer and taut like a shock wave. Nissan Ellure is not designed to hide its "sedan-ness," as some so-called 4-door coupes do, but to honor the form with the way light transitions like a ribbon or wave from the bold front grille and lights, through the sculpted shoulder lines and on to the full glass roof and strong rear end. It's all about using a sense of tension and release to keep the shape interesting and the viewer interested.

While not intended to project an obvious "eco" image, the Nissan Ellure design includes serious elements of efficiency. The deeply skirted front fascia and bold solid-transparent front grille with small openings direct the wind over and under the body. Nissan Ellure Concept also features a full underbody pan, molded side rearview camera housings (utilized in place of traditional outside mirrors), small wheel openings and full transparent covers over 21-inch 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels mounted with low-rolling resistance Michelin tires.

"Aerodynamics has become a critical element of design for all vehicles today, not just hybrids or EVs. We've used Nissan Ellure to explore subtle ways to reduce or eliminate body openings that can cause drag, such as the solid yet transparent coverings on the wheels and grilles, without impacting the beauty of the vehicle," said Nakamura.

The Nissan Ellure grille, with its large polished Nissan badge, was inspired by "Kamishino" Samurai formal coat. Like all of the major chrome accents on the vehicle, the grille slats combine brushed edges and bright surfaces to add a polished, almost jewel-like surfacing. The headlights and taillights incorporate an effect like the layering of fins or wings of a bird - condensed in some areas and spread out in others.

A nod to traditional Japanese design can also be seen in the Nissan Ellure's rear end, which is inspired by a "Torii" Shinto shrine gate. The sides of the vehicle are dominated by large 90-degree opening doors with rear-hinged rear doors for full panoramic interior access and easy ingress/egress.

Nissan Ellure's full tinted glass roof with integrated interior nighttime accent lighting caps the "duality" of design - transitioning from sophisticated in daylight and a somewhat wilder expression of light and movement at night.

The final accent to the Nissan Ellure Concept exterior is the paint treatment. The "Geode" White tri-coat mica paint features pearlescent/gold flake with a blue aspect that varies in appearance by tone and temperature of light.

A "Molten" Interior That Turns Up the Heat

Inside, Nissan Ellure's fluid movement of shapes, and control of light and dark, continues with its highly emotive environment. It is one space with two feelings - tailored by day, intimate and inviting by night. The high-contrast, energized warmth of the space imparts an almost molten, thermal energy, which is also captured in the tri-color scheme of "Molten Ice," "Molten Steel" and "Molten Gray."

Picking up the "shock wave" theme of the Nissan Ellure exterior, the dramatic instrument panel design flows from door-to-door, seamlessly integrating with the door panels and blending into the lounge-like rear seat to wrap the driver and passengers in an elegant and passionate space. With clean, intuitive touch interfaces, the wide display panel screens present information in a two-level layout, with information arranged by priority of use. The chrome-free leather (eco tanning process) on instrument panel offers a color gradation and use of heat repellent pigment to help reduced glare and air conditioning compensation. The special truncated shape of the steering wheel provides a clearer view of the instrument panel and display screens.

The front seats are covered with a black eco-suede utilizing recycled fibers (100% post industrial PET ultra microfiber). The seat design itself uses transparent red acrylic seatback panels and low shoulder height to reduce the usual "wall" between front and rear passengers. The front passenger seat design includes a forward-facing ottoman, and both front seats include elegant "floating headrests."

The "showpiece" of the interior is the "floating" center console with a sculptural, see-through effect, white leather covering and backlit red nighttime lighting. A console-mounted central controller provides intuitive control for HVAC, audio, navigation and other functions. The all-glass ceiling is embedded with special red mood lighting.

The three-person rear seat, covered in gray ultra-suede, provides the roominess of sedan but the feeling of coupe. The "shock wave" carpeting design, with rings of color radiating from center out, follows the topography of the interior. The carpeting itself is made from handmade strips of 100% wool felt, which is naturally water repellent.

Other interior features include hidden audio system speakers embedded in doors and headrests, interior "alcove" style, recessed lighting design and armrest touch controls with haptic feedback.

"We've provided a private and passionate inside space that the owner can feel is completely her own. Not a hangout space in itself, we see the Nissan Ellure interior as mobile social space hosted by the driver," adds Nakamura.

A Proposed Eco Drivetrain

Along with displaying Nissan's future sedan design language, the new Nissan Ellure presents a conceptual preview of how future Nissan sedans can balance the conflicting desires for fun-to-drive performance, ample passenger/luggage utility and sustainable mobility.

The Nissan Ellure Concept drivetrain is conceived as a supercharged 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder with Intelligent Dual Clutch Control (one motor/two clutch design with lithium-ion battery) and 25 kW electric motor, matched with an Xtronic CVT™ and front-wheel drive. It would also include an independent suspension, regenerative braking, and advanced drive-by-wire electric/hydraulic steering to make sure the driving experience is as dynamic and rewarding as Ellure's physical properties.

Nissan Ellure also wears a "PURE DRIVE" badge, indicating it would be part of Nissan's range of low CO2/low fuel consumption internal combustion engine or hybrid vehicles.

PURE DRIVE vehicles use Nissan's most advanced technologies to deliver to customers an optimal balance of top-level fuel consumption and value. Nissan seeks to provide the right solution tailored to market circumstances and customer needs.

The Sedan Re-imagined

With lines that gain energy as they move through the exterior, an interior that is as engaging as it is inviting, and effortless technology embedded with intuitive intelligence, Ellure stands as Nissan's latest expression of innovation for design.

"When all is said and done, the sedan will always be core to the Nissan product portfolio. Our goal is to rejuvenate the sedan's attractiveness to buyers who might have migrated to other segments, or who are coming reluctantly into the category," adds Nakamura. "By respecting its strengths, while recognizing that emotion is as critical as function, Nissan Ellure Concept could well be the wave, or more correctly the 'shock wave,' of future sedans."

2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet

2010-11-22T06:23:00.000-08:00

As the world's first all-wheel drive crossover convertible, the 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet breaks new ground in both the crossover SUV and convertible segments. With its never seen before design and custom boutique style, the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet is unlike anything on the road - blending all of the things people love in a crossover with the open air enjoyment of a convertible. Making its world debut at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in early 2011.

"When people think of a crossover, they think of a combination of the driving sophistication of a sedan with the utility of a sport utility. This new Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet adds an unexpected third element, the ability to make everyday activities more exciting with open air driving," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "However, with its extraordinarily engineered convertible top, standard all-wheel drive and room for four adults plus cargo, the CrossCabriolet is not just for cruising South Beach or Malibu. It's a vehicle to take to lunch, running errands or on a long ski weekend in any part of the country."

Possibilities Await: Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet Design Concept

The impetus behind innovation is often as simple as asking questions not posed before, such as how do you overcome the functional limitations of a convertible? "Everyone loves the convertible experience, no one loves the convertible reality - compromised trunk space, a cramped back seat or none at all, and a lack of flexibility for everyday life," said Castignetti. "The Murano CrossCabriolet is the reinvention of versatility, encouraging people to rethink what a convertible can be."
Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet (2011)

The all-new Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet overcomes these obstacles, combining elegant design and state-of-the-art engineering. One of the priorities in the convertible top design was the retention of the traditional Murano silhouette with the top up, and a luxurious, sophisticated appearance with the top down.

The transformation of the Murano body from Crossover to CrossCabriolet and from 4-door to 2-door meant more than just removing the top. Along with creating new front doors (7.9 inches longer than 4-door Murano front doors) and eliminating the B-pillars, the structure has been reinforced from the A-pillar rearward. The cloth convertible top also includes a rear glass skylight, helping create a wide-open interior environment even with the top in the closed position. Dual Pop-up Roll Bars are also standard. The coefficient of drag remains close to that of the hardtop Murano, just 0.39 Cd versus 0.37 Cd.

One of the keys to the CrossCabriolet's design's success is the convertible top's exceptionally compact size when stowed, which allows both additional interior and cargo volume (normally taken up by a traditional convertible stowage design). The hydraulically operated top mechanism includes an automatic power latch/unlatch system. Operation switches are located on the center console and driver's door handle. With the top down, the stowed size is similar to that of a conventional 2-seat roadster. Trunk capacity with the top down is 7.6 cubic feet, enough to fit two sets of golf clubs or two carry-on suitcases. With the top closed, cargo capacity expands to 12.3 cubic feet.

Along with the unique convertible top appearance, the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet exterior also includes High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon projector headlights with auto on/off function, front fog lights and Nissan 370Z-inspired LED taillights.

Other features include body-colored front and rear bumpers, chrome door handles, body-colored dual power/heated outside mirrors, and rear window defroster with timer. Along with convertible style, the CrossCabriolet offers the high ground clearance of a Murano for easy ingress and egress and enhanced driver visibility.

Six exterior colors are available: unique Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet colors Sunset Bronze and Caribbean, plus Merlot, Platinum Graphite, Super Black and Pearl White.

A Highly Rewarding Interior

The luxurious Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet interior starts with a foundation of the top-of-the-line Murano LE and takes it to the next level of standard features and convenience items. The tall windshield and A-pillar design combines with the body's high beltline and high rear seat shoulders to help reduce conventional interior air turbulence with the top down, allowing conversation between occupants.

Premium materials are used throughout the interior, with the standard leather- appointed seats available in a diagonally quilted premium leather, double-stitched pattern for added elegance. The interior's curving, sculpted lines, half-matte chromed trim finish and unique wood-tone trim, tuned to match each of three available interior colors, add an additional rich, quality feel. Interior colors include Black, Cashmere (light brown) and Camel (brown).

The Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet comes fully equipped, with a long list of standard features including 8-way power heated driver's seat with power lumbar support, 4-way manual heated front passenger seat with easy entry function, heated steering wheel, 2-position driver's seat memory system for seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors, passenger seat easy entry release button on instrument panel for driver access, driver and front passenger seatback pocket, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and Nissan Intelligent Key™ with Push Button Ignition.

Every CrossCabriolet also comes with a standard Nissan Hard-Drive Navigation System with 9.3GB Music Box® hard drive and XM NavTraffic® (XM® subscription required, sold separately), Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver and RearView Monitor.

Open-air road tunes are provided by a Bose® AM/FM/CD audio system with 8 speakers including subwoofer, automatic audio adjustment for soft-top up/down position, integrated Interface System for iPod®, speed-sensitive volume control and auxiliary audio input jack. XM® satellite Radio (XM® subscription requires, sold separately) is also standard.

"The interior of the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet provides a custom boutique feel. With numerous color combinations offered between the exterior, interior and convertible top, owners can express their own distinctive sense of style," added Castignetti. "It's a rare convertible that allows four passengers to feel equally comfortable, which this stunning new design absolutely does - as well as equally indulged."

Under the Skin: Pure Murano

Open air driving is not the only emotional reward the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet provides - it also offers a secure, rewarding driving experience. Its no-compromise drivetrain is shared with the all-wheel drive hardtop Murano, starting with the proven "D" platform (also utilized on Maxima and Altima sedans) and standard 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 producing 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. The engine design includes the Nissan variable Induction Control System (NICS), twin knock sensors, low exhaust pressure, a 10.3:1 compression ratio, and 6,000 rpm redline.

The engine is mated to a standard second-generation Xtronic CVT™ with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) for sporty response and smoothness, which utilizes an advanced, sport-tuned controller with adaptive logic for driving comfort or driving performance as conditions require. The advanced all-wheel drive system connects the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system, yaw sensors, wheel slip sensors and steering angle sensors to distribute torque according to driving conditions.

The Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet's lightweight 4-wheel independent suspension features MacPherson struts in front, a multi-link rear design, cradle-type front subframe and front and rear stabilizer bars. Also utilized are dual-flow path shock absorbers for responsiveness and reduced ride harshness.

Steering is provided by a twin-orifice vehicle-speed-sensitive power-assisted steering system, while the braking system includes 4-wheel vented disc brakes with Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and G-sensor. Every CrossCabriolet comes with 20-inch split 5-spoke titanium finish aluminum-alloy wheels with P235/55R20 Toyo Proxes A20 all-season tires.

Standard Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet safety features include the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and an occupant classification sensor and door-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor, along with front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, Zone Body Construction with front and rear crumple zones, front seat Active Head Restraints, Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), Vehicle Security System (VSS) and Dual Pop-up Roll Bars.

One Fully Equipped Model

The 2011 Murano CrossCabriolet is offered in one fully equipped model. Along with the many items previously mentioned, standard features include power front windows with one-touch up/down and auto-reverse feature, Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control, and a 7-inch color display for audio, climate control, fuel economy, maintenance and comfort and convenience systems.

Also included are highly functional storage systems, including a two-tier center console storage box with fold-out function, cell phone holder, dual seatback pockets, Fine Vision gauges and driver instrumentation with white backlighting, illuminated steering wheel controls, auto door lock feature, four cupholders, tilting and telescoping steering column, auto-dimming rearview mirror, cruise control with illuminated steering wheel mounted switches, front door map pockets, and Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system.

Only two options are available with specific exterior colors - a Camel interior with upgraded leather and the black top, and the Brown top/Cashmere interior combination (with upgraded leather).

"The versatility and functionality of a true all-wheel drive crossover, the unique open air driving experience of a pure convertible - the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet is a breakthrough in concept, design and execution," said Castignetti. "Innovation meets Murano with stunning results."

2011 Nissan GT-R

2010-10-21T22:58:00.001-07:00

Since its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2007, the Nissan GT-R has enthralled its customers as the definitive accessible supercar. The 2011 Nissan GT-R has been developed under the theme of the 'World's best multi-performance and pleasure of responsive driving'. The exterior features more strength and stability, while the traditional creative flair associated with the GT-R's striking appearance has also been updated, to offer improved aerodynamics. A sportier interior complements the enhanced design.

Engine and Transmission

Engine output is significantly improved to 530PS (390KW)/6,400rpm, with the maximum torque of 612Nm from 3,200 to 6,000rpm. The engine cover is, enigmatically, painted red to illustrate its enhanced performance.

By adopting an ultra-low precious metal catalyst and an engine control module fitted with high-capacity microprocessors, cleaner emissions have been achieved. Fuel economy has also been improved by modifying the boost pressure of the turbocharger, valve timing and air mixture ratio along with larger diameter inlet pipes and a modified exhaust system.

SAVE mode is a newly-adopted system, replacing 'snow Mode', which optimises driving torque and modifies the gearshift schedule to improve fuel economy when driving on motorways or open roads. The features of Snow Mode are also retained.

Standing start performance can now be maximised through the use of R mode. To activate, the driver must select R mode, depress the brake whilst in gear, apply full throttle and release the brake as soon as possible. The system will monitor oil temperatures to ensure reliability is maintained and prevent further use if the temperatures rise above the maximum allowance.
Nissan GT-R (2011)

To help control tight turning at slow speeds a new 2-Wheel drive mode will temporarily shift the car to 2-Wheel drive as long as the speed is below 6MPH and the steering wheel is turned more than half way.

Body

A very rigid and lightweight strut supporting bar, made of carbon composite with an aluminium honeycomb, has been installed in the partition wall of the engine compartment. By linking right and left struts to quickly receive suspension input, the vehicle body's responsiveness is enhanced.

An additional support member has been installed in the passenger's side dash panel. The responsiveness of the chassis is further improved by enhanced rigidity achieved by the connection with the engine compartment.

Suspension and Brakes

For the front suspension the spring, shock absorber and stabiliser has been modified to improve the vertical load response of the tyre. The front caster angle is increased from 5°35 to 6°00 to improve tyre road-holding ability when steering and stability in a straight line.

The rear suspension toe performance has been modified by changing the roll centre height to a lower position. This gives an improvement to the grip of the inside edge of the tyres while conducting turning manoeuvres.

An aluminium free-piston shock absorber has been newly-developed, which generates more precise damping force to constantly provide stable road-holding and a load shift that quickly responds to the driver's input. Reduced shock absorber friction provides a quality and smoother ride.

To help lengthen the life span of the front brake discs a larger diameter disc is fitted (Φ390+10mm). Developed uniquely by Nissan offering more resistance to fade at high temperatures when driven hard.

Tyres and wheels

The Dunlop SP SPORT MAXX GT 600 DSST CTT tyre has a new compound to improve grip. With a revamped structure and improved rigidity of tread and sidewall, straight-line stability in rutted roads is enhanced.

Newly-designed, lighter and more rigid aluminium forged wheels, made by Rays are provided to improve tyre responsiveness to vertical load. Knurling inside the wheel has been modified to avoid any tyre rotation deviation caused by the Nissan GT-R's improved engine output. On the wheel surface, the new colour, Hyper Blue Black Chrome, oozes quality and features a performance feel, thanks to a deep gloss created by a five-layered coating.

Exterior and aerodynamics

Even with a more intense and stable chassis, the Nissan GT-R's world-beating aerodynamic performance has been further improved. Downforce has been increased by around 10%, while a co-efficient of drag is further reduced from 0.27 to 0.26.

Stability is improved by an enlarged bumper and grille openings, with increased three-dimensional effects.

The front bumper has been redesigned, with double rectifier fins which increases front downforce by around 10%, while reducing air resistance inside the engine compartment and also increases the air flow through a radiator which cools the front brakes. Each side incorporates an LED daytime running light fitted with a large-diameter reflecting surface emitting a high-intensity white light.

A newly-designed rear bumper with a low centre of gravity has been created and features a sculptured lower part with an extended rear end. By extending the rear diffuser, underfloor cooling performance is enhanced, with reduced air resistance.

Cooling performance for the rear exhaust silencer is improved and rear downforce is increased by about 10% by introducing a rear bumper air outlet, which removes air in the rear wheel housing.

The four tailpipe finishers have also been enlarged.

A high-intensity LED rear fog lamp is now incorporated within the extended rear diffuser.

Six exterior colours are available, including two new colours - Metallic Black, replacing solid Kuro Black and Daytona Blue replacing Titanium Grey.

Interior

A newly-shaped pad and finisher surround the navigation system display, with uniform stitch lines, illustrates the enhanced feeling of quality.

The heater control panel now has a real carbon finish surrounding the switches which are now all finished in matt black.

The paddle shifters have been changed to feature magnesium.

Chrome-plated rings in the console and air-conditioner outlets are finished with a sporty, black and smokey coating.

Seat

Despite the Nissan GT-R being a one grade line up, there is the option to choose between two different seat choices at no additional cost.
Recaro Black, as the name suggests features the Recaro name and is a leather appointed bucket seat with red side flashes. This comes complete with a dark headlining and a red flash on the gear lever
The second choice is a premium leather covered seat available in black or light grey. Supplied with this seat design is a light grey coloured headlining providing a lighter feel to the interior

Both seats provide an improved level of comfort and safety while cornering. In addition, fatigue levels are reduced for the thighs and lower back by changing the shape and extending the length of the seating surface. They come with electric adjustment for forward, back and height, along with two switch levels for heated seat intensity.

Pricing

With the new on the road price of £69,950 (incl 20% VAT) Nissan GT-R still represents outstanding performance at a competitive price. The standard 'no extra cost' specification list remains as strong as always with Premium Connect HDD satellite navigation, Bose stereo system, iPod™ connectivity, hard drive music storage, Bluetooth phone connection, 20" alloy wheels, runflat tyres, and individual climate control air conditioning. Add that to the performance delivered from the V6 twin turbo through the GR6 twin clutch system, with the aid of the 4 wheel drive system, and the on the road price, the Nissan GT-R remains untouchable.

2010 Nissan Townpod Concept

2010-10-05T07:06:00.000-07:00

Nissan Townpod provides a simple platform, which each user can individually tune to their own peculiar needs. Be they a musician transporting their kit between gigs, a delicatessen proprietor distributing their wares or an architect carrying drawings to a client, each can adapt the interior of their Nissan Townpod using proprietary as well as third-party sourced accessories.

Not so many years ago the car's basic remit might have been to take a single occupant to work five days a week, have sufficient trunk space for a weekly trip to the supermarket and enough seats to transport a nuclear family to the coast for a long weekend. More recently, classic sedans and estates have evolved into hatchbacks, MPVs, SUVs and now crossovers, all designed for particular segments of the population, but none tailored to the specific needs of individuals who cannot be, and indeed strive to not be, so easily pigeon-holed.

François Bancon, general manager of Nissan's Exploratory and Advance Planning Department, elaborates, "Only they know what is essential for their lives, so it is logical that they should be the ones who determine the ultimate specification of their cars. For them an off-the-shelf solution is not enough and the best-equipped people to tailor-make their cars are themselves. What is more revealing is that Nissan Townpod users do not appreciate stereotypes or status symbols. For them, the ultimate status is to have no status."

Which brings us back to the functional, yet chic, but in no way pretentious tee-shirt. Just like the Nissan Townpod.
Nissan Townpod Concept (2010)

Exterior design

Externally Nissan Townpod consist of many familiar elements, yet it is different. It employs the same zero-emission technology found within Nissan LEAF. Charging points can be found in the nose behind an automatically retracting cover, which appears to be backlit thanks to its electric blue painted surrounds reflecting subtly off the car's "Stratosphere White" body paint. Similar electric blue hints are visible behind the door handles, number plate, the spokes of the alloy wheels and within the headlamp pods. The car does not need to shout that it is an EV. It more subtly suggests its ecological and economical credentials.

The headlights reflect Nissan Townpod's philosophy of stylish utility by serving as position markers when the blue "petals" are closed and headlights when open, while the external location of the pods eases basic maintenance. Similarly, the semi-silvered coating over the indicators is not just for effect. The mirror-like finish turns them into modern reflectors when the turn signals are not in use.

The innovative position of the headlights also allows a coupe-esque bonnet line, not dissimilar to Nissan Z, which feeds in to a visor-like wraparound, blue tinted glass house, reminiscent of Nissan Cube, while the galls to body proportions hark back to the rat-rods of the fifties.

The car is decidedly more van-like with its split rear doors. The rear features back lights on the right, a number plate on the left, and a rear-door handle set into a concave surface . Viewed from above the car's space-maximising rectangular footprint flows into an elliptical roof, offering more graceful lines as well as increased aerodynamic efficiency.

The rear lights are designed to reflect light like cut jewels when not in use, and to sparkle rather than simply glow when illuminated. Innovative hinges allow the rear doors to slide, then open in confined spaces and then fold to the side of the car so as not to obstruct passing traffic or pedestrians. As the rear lights are positioned in the all encompassing rear doors a second set of position and indicator lights is located in the bottom sill of the doorway. A hatch-like sun roof, directly above the cargo area, allows Nissan Townpod to carry taller objects.

Interior design

The idea of simple form following function continues within Nissan Townpod. The cargo area, passenger space and dashboard are remarkably uncluttered yet do not feel spartan. Just because the interior is utilitarian by design does not mean that it cannot be stylish. The driver is faced with an uncomplicated yet futuristic steering wheel and two familiar stalks to operate the lights and wipers, but other than these controls - which are beautifully simple in their own light - the flowing dashboard is devoid of mechanical switches. Forward or rearward drive is selected using an uncomplicated joystick set into the right-hand side of the driver's seat base.

Dual Screen Display

All controls for ancillaries such as climate control and media playback are accessed through two centrally mounted digital screens. The upper monitor serves as an instrument panel, displaying car speed, battery status and remaining range as well as a satellite navigation system. This system is also equipped with Bluetooth wireless technology, allowing it to communicate with the driver's Personal Digital Assistant (PDA).

Masato Inoue, Product Chief designer of Nissan, explains, "Today, the first thing many people do when they climb aboard their car is program the navigation unit with a phone number, address or other details. This step will be unnecessary in Nissan Townpod as the car will communicate with your PDA's scheduling function to find out where you are due to be and at what time. Accordingly, the navigation system will not only plot a route to your next meeting, but will map out a plan for all your appointments that day. If, due to unexpected traffic delays for example, one appointment appears likely to clash with another, the car will let you know so you can take appropriate action. It will also be able to suggest the most convenient time and place for you to recharge its lithium-ion batteries."

The lower touchscreen provides all controls for the navigation system, allows users to perform system checks on the whole car and operates Nissan Townpod's audio system.

"Who knows how we will store music in 2020?" says Bancon. "Not so long ago cars were fitted with cassette players, then CD players and now we must be iPodTM compatible. This will not remain the same for long, so Nissan Townpod must be forwards compatible with whatever must-have device sits in our future."

Just as Nissan Townpod can connect wirelessly with the driver's PDA, so it will also be able to access occupants personal music collections, or what ever device they use to receive Internet radio. "These devices may remain in passengers' pockets, but it is also beneficial to keep them in within view, in some kind of bracket. But we do not know what these devices of the future will look like, let alone where passengers will want to keep them. So, we have developed The Puck", Bancon concluded.

Easy Access

Access to the cargo area from the rear is unobstructed, thanks to the ingeniously hinged back doors, while gaping apertures on either side mean that cumbersome loads, or wriggling toddlers, can be placed in the car with ease at the curbside. These ultra wide doorways are possible because there is no "B-pillar" set between the traditionally hinged front doors and the sliding doors at the rear, with the locking mechanism of the former set into the leading edge of the latter.

Disappearing Long Sliding Rear Seat

The rear seat itself has an interesting trick incorporated into its design. While it is not uncommon to find rear seats that slide or fold, enabling passengers to either prioritize leg room or luggage space, the ultra-slim design of the seats means that the rear bench can fold and slide right into the back of the front seats, freeing the entire, flat-bottomed space behind to carry bulky cargo.

Color Scheme

The dichotomy of having a stylish, professional cabin coupled with utilitarian cargo capabilities is accented by the use of soft artificial suede in front, but super-light, yet hard-wearing blue weave in the rear. The blue reflects Nissan Townpod's professional, businesslike capabilities, while the yellow reminds the user that the car can be used for fun, too.

The Puck

The Puck is a rubber ball, about the size of a squash ball, with a wide groove cut into it.

This groove can accommodate drink holders, cell-phone rests, hand-bag hooks or other items Nissan or third-party manufacturers think will be useful as the tools we use in our daily lives evolve. The Pucks themselves slot into rounded troughs set into the car's dashboard, doors and center console. Their position and orientation are ultimately decided by the user, not the car's designers. "In this way, owners can easily customize the interior of Nissan Townpod to suit their particular needs. The system is completely open source - we encourage individuals or other organizations to come up with accessories to complement this platform, " Inoue said.

We have only begun to scratch the surface of the possibilities for the system."

Conclusion

While Nissan Townpod has been created with the world's entrepreneurs in mind, its appeal is likely to go beyond this expanding demographic to new families building their first home or retirees turning a hobby into a business. In other words, anybody who appreciates the customizable utility of its van-like abilities coupled with a chic and stylish cockpit designed with the future and not just today, in mind.

"The self employed tend to have very high expectations. They need to make the most of every investment. They will be early adopters of the possibilities made available through the convergence of electric-vehicle innovations and information and technology." Bancon said. "At its core, a car is a means to transport people or goods from one place to another as simply and easily as possible. Nissan Townpod's design supports the essence of its function. It is a smart car for people who demand more."

2011 Nissan Murano

2010-09-03T03:00:00.001-07:00

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) released information and photography of the new, refined 2011 Nissan Murano, which is set to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in mid-October 2010. The second generation Nissan Murano, introduced in 2009, now offers a refreshed grille and bumper design, new taillights, a new 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheel design and a number of interior and content refinements - all intended to keep Nissan Murano's visually distinctive styling fresh and exciting.

Also for 2011, two new models have been added to the lineup, SV FWD and SV AWD, for a total of eight models, providing Nissan Murano buyers with the widest range ever of equipment and features to match their exact needs and budgets. Other changes include the addition of one new exterior color, Graphite Blue, and a new wood grain hue on Murano LE models.

"With its contemporary exterior design, 'mobile suite' interior, advanced technology and refined, premium driving feel, Nissan Murano stands out as a modern crossover SUV like no other," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "With the enhancements for 2011, there are even more reasons for consumers to put Nissan Murano on the top of their shopping lists."

All 2011 Muranos feature a standard VQ-series 3.5-liter DOHC V6 rated at 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque on regular unleaded gasoline, and an advanced Xtronic CVT™ that provides a sporty and smooth driving experience. Nissan Murano is available in front-wheel drive or with an Intuitive All-Wheel Drive system, and all Muranos come with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS) standard. Murano is built on Nissan's proven "D" platform, which provides a solid foundation and lightweight suspension components, dual flow path shock absorbers and a twin-orifice speed-sensitive power steering system.
Nissan Murano (2011)

The most striking visual element of the 2011 Murano is once again its dramatic body, which imparts a "modern art" feel while still maintaining its distinctive "Murano-ness." The front end features a bold grille with new, revised design and wide front headlights, a wide hood that sweeps into the bodylines, powerful wheel arches and an aggressive stance with available 20-inch wheels. Nissan Murano's rear end features a unique rear glass shape, integrated rear roof spoiler, large redesigned rear LED taillights and dual exhaust outlets with chrome finishers.

Nissan Murano is also offered with an available dual panel power sliding glass moonroof with 2nd row skylight, adding to its open, airy interior feeling. Inside, Nissan Murano offers high levels of warmth and luxury - with available wood and aluminum accents, a 60/40 fold-flat rear seat with power return, heated front and rear seats, power liftgate and RearView Monitor.

Interior enhancements for 2011 include a new white meter color, new center stack colors and added equipment to various trim levels - driver's seat with power lumbar support (SV), RearView Monitor (SV), 7.0-inch color monitor (SV), auto dimming rearview mirror with compass and HomeLink® Universal Transceiver (SL) and heated steering wheel (SL). New audio and entertainment features range from the addition of standard iPod® connectivity and Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System to SV models to a Bose® audio system with nine speakers plus dual subwoofers for SL models. Other available technology includes an advanced touch screen Nissan Navigation System with 9.3GB Music Box™ hard drive.

The 2011 Nissan Murano is offered in eight well-equipped models: S FWD, S AWD, SV FWD, SV AWD, SL FWD, SL AWD, LE FWD and LE AWD.

2011 Nissan X-Trail

2010-08-02T06:44:00.000-07:00

From September 2010, buyers of the Nissan X-Trail SUV will benefit from a series of extensive updates to maintain its position in the SUV segment as one of the few, versatile and agile four-wheel drive vehicles on the European market.

Already well regarded for its durability, comfort, practicality and convenience, the changes refresh Nissan X-Trail's exterior styling; improve the interior perceived quality and functionality, as well as mechanical and aerodynamic changes. These revisions contribute to Nissan X-Trail's improved economy and CO2 output.

The most obvious changes have been made to the frontal aspect of Nissan X-Trail which emphasize a feeling of integration to the car body, with completely redesigned grille, headlights and bumper assembly. Directly from the front, the more sophisticated, technical appearance makes the car look more dynamic. The grille is of higher quality and flows down into the bumper assembly. The lower part of the bumper is angled outwards, suggesting a wider track and more solid stance.

The overall feeling from the front expresses the sense of unity to the top and bottom.

The grille retains the twin angled struts either side of the Nissan logo, which is a signature found on Nissan's SUV range globally.

The lights are sleeker and more technical in appearance, with either Xenon or halogen projectors (depending on grade) for the main lights, halogen parabole for the high beam. The turn signals remain integrated in the assembly above the headlights. On mid & high grade models, the background is painted black, and on the entry grades, silver. fog lamps are mounted below the headlights, recessed in the bumper.

Nissan X-Trail

At the rear, the Nissan X-Trail's distinctive vertical lights have been updated to incorporate LED light technology for the running lights and braking, improving fuel economy, visibility and, therefore, safety. The turn signal is incorporated into the lower portion of the light assembly, with the running/brake lights to the outside of it.

In profile, the Nissan X-Trail's stance has been improved thanks to an increase in wheel size, with a ten-spoke 18" alloy wheel design, which is also wider, now up to 225/55/18 in size giving to Nissan X-Trail even more stance to the road.

The small increase in tyre width has led to a slight widening of the wheelarch moulding, which adds a little extra presence to the Nissan X-Trail's stance.

There is also a new double five-spoke design of 17" wheel, giving an added premium feeling to the Nissan X-Trail thus equipped.

Nissan X-Trail's dimensions have slightly changed as a result of the exterior updates; the overall length has increased by 10mm as a result of the redesigned front end, while the height and width also increase by 10mm due to the increase in tyre width and diameter.

Moving to the interior, the design has been updated to give a more harmonious ambience thanks to improved materials and better colour coordination, in particular, the area around the base of the A-pillar.

The materials used for the switch surrounds on the steering wheel, around the gear selector and on the door-mounted armrest have all been improved for better touch feeling, while thicker, soft-touch materials have been chosen for the cloth seats.

For the leather equipped interior, the stitching is more attractive and more premium

The driver will appreciate the improved visibility and legibility of the new main combimeter, with bigger and clearer speed and engine speed readouts enhancing the quality. In between those principal dials is a new drive computer with a white-on-black display for maximum clarity. The computer offers a series of useful information for the driver, including: fuel economy, outside temperature (including ice warning function), cruising range, average speed and a reminder to take a break.

The drive computer screen can also display additional information such as warnings for low fuel, parking brake, undetected Intelligent Key and open door, as well as vital maintenance information, such as tyre maintenance, low oil and a service reminder.

Rear occupant comfort has been improved thanks to redesigned front seats, creating an additional 10mm of knee-room, without compromising on comfort for the front seat occupants. And to better survive the wear and tear of the Nissan X-Trail's busy daily life, the rear tonneau cover material has been upgraded.

Reflecting its role as a hard-working family car, the Nissan X-Trail can be specified with a glovebox that will either keep its contents warm or cold - ideal for drinks - depending on the prevailing conditions and if Nissan X-Trail's occupants need cooling down or warming up!

And to ensure that drivers and passengers returning to the Nissan X-Trail in cold conditions can defrost as quickly as possible, the heating system has been upgraded for quicker warm-up, as well as more efficient cooling in hot conditions.

Rear seat passengers can now enjoy a toasty drive as the revised Nissan X-Trail will be available with rear seat warmers, offering two levels of heating.

A new innovation for Nissan is the integration of the Nissan X-Trail's rear view camera display into the central ceiling mounted mirror, meaning cars that are not equipped with Nissan's navigation system can still benefit from the security, precision and confidence that comes from the rear view camera, complete with distance markings to help judge the proximity of the car or any obstacles behind.

The high resolution display appears in the rear view mirror when reverse is selected, meaning that the driver can reverse in full confidence without removing his eyes from the mirror. And the brightness of the display automatically adjusts according to the level of prevailing light, guaranteeing a clear image on screen. The display can be deactivated if the driver prefers, with the switch located in the interior mirror..

Under the Nissan X-Trail's skin, significant updates to the diesel version have resulted in improved fuel consumption, reduced emissions and Euro 5 compliance. A key innovation is the addition of an extra injector port, taking the total number to seven, while the piston bowl has been adapted for the new injector configuration.

The manual gearbox has revised ratios for a better compromise between acceleration, fuel economy and emissions, while the automatic gearbox has been modified for reduced friction. An additional feature is the gearchange indicator function in the drive computer screen, showing drivers when to change gear for optimised economy.

Thanks to optimised underbody aerodynamics, Nissan X-Trail's Cd is reduced from 0.36 to 0.35, and the adoption of low rolling resistance tyres, the Nissan X-Trail's environmental impact has been lessened, with significant improvements in C02 output and fuel consumption.

Speaking about the updates to Nissan X-Trail, Vincent Wijnen said: "All of these changes will reinforce the X-Trail as one of the few genuine compact SUVs which can just as comfortably tackle the demands of everyday family life, as it can a muddy, slippery track when it transports a family for a weekend of adventure. X-Trail customers love it for its ease and convenience of daily use, no matter what situation they find themselves in. With these revisions to Nissan's evergreen X-Trail, there is even more to love about X-Trail."

2011 Nissan Rogue

2010-07-30T10:56:00.001-07:00

The Nissan Rogue crossover SUV enters the 2011 model year with a new refreshed exterior appearance, refined interior, added technology and convenience features and one other thing - more of the same high-value, high-fun attitude that has made Nissan Rogue one of the most popular compact crossover SUVs in class since its introduction four years ago.

The big news for the new model year is that a series of new features, not previously available for Nissan Rogue, are offered for 2011, including the Nissan Navigation System, RearView Monitor, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, USB port for iPod® and other devices, automatic climate control and auto on/off headlights - to name just a few. Many of the new features are now standard on Nissan Rogue S, such as iPod® connectivity, 6-way manual driver's seat and illuminated vanity mirrors.

"There are many ways to look at 'value' in a vehicle these days and the new Nissan Rogue delivers by every measure - affordability, fuel efficiency, quality and versatility," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North American, Inc. "Often overlooked in the equation are sophistication and style, which have been upped considerably in the redesigned 2011 Rogue - proving once again that Nissan Rogue remains the perfect fusion of fun and functionality."

For 2011, Nissan Rogue is offered in two well equipped models, Rogue S and Rogue SV, along with a special Rogue S Krom™ Edition designed to add a unique dimension to traditional compact sport utility vehicles with its aggressive sport styling, exclusive 18-inch wheels and a center-exit sport-tuned exhaust. All Rogue models are available in all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive configurations.

Nissan Rogue

Among the many enhancements for the fourth year of Nissan Rogue production is a redesigned exterior featuring a new front fascia and grille, new front and rear spoilers, new chrome side door guard molding trim accents, new front and rear tire deflectors and a new chrome license plate finisher. Also added for 2011 are new 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels for the Nissan Rogue S Krom™ Edition and Rogue SL Package, new low rolling resistance tires (available with the 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels) and a new under-body cover.

Four new exterior colors are offered: Pearl White, Cayenne Red, Frosted Steel and Black Amethyst - along with four carryover colors, Indigo Blue, Super Black, Brilliant Silver and Platinum Graphite.

Interior additions for the new model year include a new gauge panel design and new center cluster, along with new seat cloth and mood lighting for the Nissan Rogue S. Other feature enhancements include a drive computer on all models, automatic air conditioning on SV Premium and SL Packages, standard RearView Monitor on Rogue SV and a new 4.3-inch color display audio system with USB interface for Nissan Rogue SV models. A new Nissan Navigation System (Secure Digital Card-based) with 5.0-inch color touch screen display and XM NavTraffic® Real-Time Traffic Information (XM® subscription required, sold separately) is now available with the SV option packages.

Fresh New Exterior, Driver-Oriented Interior

Rogue's exterior is designed to present an image of modern sophistication. Its dramatic styling includes dynamically arched forms and powerful rear shoulder lines. The extensive redesign for 2011 adds to its sporty feel, while also enhancing Nissan Rogue's upscale appearance.

"Unlike some compact SUVs in the class, there's nothing toy-like about Nissan Rogue," said Castignetti. "From the chrome accents to its available 18-inch wheels, Rogue has a refined, grown-up style to go with its sporty look and performance."

Nissan Rogue features available Xenon headlights, available power sliding glass moonroof with dark gray glass, and available roof rails (detachable crossbars are offered as an accessory). Chrome door handles, body-color bumpers, rear liftgate with fixed glass and power sideview mirrors are standard.

The body also features large front door openings for easy ingress and egress. The Nissan Rogue S Krom™ Edition includes a unique grille embedded in the aggressive front fascia with integrated fog lights, a boldly styled rear sport fascia with integrated center-exit exhaust, 18-inch brilliant-finish aluminum-alloy wheels, integrated body-colored rear spoiler and body-colored power outside mirrors.

Every Rogue is built on Nissan's proven "C" platform, which provides high body stiffness with extensive use of high-strength steel utilized to help reduce body weight. Nissan Rogue features a 105.9-inch wheelbase and 182.9-inch overall length - among the longest in class, compared with leading small crossover competitors - providing ample rear seat proportions and one of the longest interior lengths in class.

Nissan Rogue's interior is designed to satisfy both the functional needs of the buyers and their emotional needs - including the versatility provided by a large 58 cubic feet of cargo space. The interior includes a driver-oriented cockpit, available leather-appointed seating surfaces and 6-way power driver's seat. Heated front seats and mirrors are also available, along with a fold-down front passenger seat (standard on SV) - which allows more than 8.5 feet of front-to-rear cargo space for carrying long items such as wood or ladders. A rear 60/40 split-fold bench seat, oversize glove compartment, and versatile center console all contribute to Nissan Rogue's impressive functionality.

Utility is enhanced by numerous convenient storage and ultra-functionality features, including an oversized glove compartment, a large center console and a washable, removable tray that fits below the cargo area floor to hold wet or dirty gear and tools. Rogue's everyday utility features also include a variety of cupholders, memo/pen holder, coin holder and cell phone/sunglass holders.

In addition to the navigation system and RearView Monitor, available technology features include Nissan Intelligent Key™, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System (GEN3), XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately) and a powerful Bose®-developed audio system with 7 speakers with Nd® Richbass® woofer, AUX input and MP3 playback.

A standard drive computer includes displays for distance-to-empty, average fuel consumption, average speed, elapsed time and outside temperature. Available steering wheel-mounted controls include audio, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System and cruise control (cruise control is standard on all models).

Engaging Performance

Nissan Rogue's standard QR25DE 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder is rated at 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft torque, tuned to provide ample torque in the low-to-mid rpm range for smooth, powerful acceleration and quick initial response from a standing start. The engine features an aluminum block, reduced piston and piston ring friction and increased thermal efficiency (over the previous generation 2.5-liter engine design), 9.6:1 compression ratio, and large diameter intake port and exhaust manifold.

Every Nissan Rogue comes with a standard Nissan Xtronic CVT™, combining smooth, linear and responsive acceleration feel with high-efficiency operation. Rogue's CVT utilizes Adaptive Shift Control and a high-speed central processing unit. Its advanced shift control offers the optimal shift pattern according to the driving situation and driver's demands, using input from driver operation, vehicle speed, road gradient, turning condition and acceleration to adjust shifting patterns accordingly.

Nissan Rogue fuel economy is rated at 22 mpg City (to be confirmed)/28 mpg Highway for 2-wheel drive models and 22 mpg City/26 mpg Highway for all-wheel drive models.

Nissan Rogue AWD models feature an advanced, intuitive All-Wheel Drive system. The system helps provides excellent all-weather performance and traction. Every Rogue also features standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS).

Nissan Rogue comes equipped with standard 4-wheel independent suspension. The front suspension includes subframe-mounted independent struts with coil springs, high-performance shock absorbers with rebound springs, and a stabilizer bar. The rear independent multi-link suspension includes aluminum-alloy upper links, high-performance shock absorbers with rebound springs and stabilizer bar. The rear suspension design allows maximum luggage space (versus a rear strut design).

Responsive steering is provided by an Electric Power-assisted Steering (EPS) system. Every Nissan Rogue also comes equipped with standard power-assisted front and rear vented disc brakes with standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

Rogue S models come with 16-inch steel wheels and P215/70R16 tires, while 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P225/60R17 tires are standard on Nissan Rogue SV. The Rogue S Krom™ Edition features unique brilliant-finish 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P225/55R18 Dunlop SP Sport 7000 A/S tires. New 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and P225/55R18 tires are also optionally available with the SL Package.

Standard safety features include the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors; front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection; front seat Active Head Restraints; 3-point front and rear seatbelts, front seat belts with pre-tensioners, load limiters and adjustable upper anchors and LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren).

Every Nissan Rogue also offers child safety rear door locks; Zone Body construction featuring front and rear crumple zones and occupant zone; Nissan Immobilizer system and anti-theft alarm system; and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Nissan Rogue S Krom™ Edition

The Nissan Rogue Krom™ Edition, which was added to the lineup in late 2009, is available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations and in just three exterior colors - Pearl White, Super Black and Platinum Graphite.

Built on the solid foundation of the Nissan Rogue S, the Krom™ Edition adds 18-inch brilliant-finish aluminum-alloy wheels with P225/55R18 tires and a unique grille embedded in the aggressive front fascia with integrated fog lights. In the rear, Nissan Rogue S Krom™ Edition includes a boldly styled sport fascia with integrated center-exit exhaust and rear privacy glass.

An integrated body-colored rear spoiler, body-colored power outside mirrors, a Krom™ emblem and steering wheel-mounted audio controls complete the Krom™ equipment modifications.

Available Options

Two option packages are offered in 2011 in addition to the Krom™ Edition. The Premium Package (available on Rogue SV) features the Nissan Navigation System with 5.0-inch color touch screen display and XM NavTraffic® Real-Time Traffic Information (XM® subscription required, sold separately), power glass moonroof, automatic on/off headlights and automatic air conditioning.

The SL Package features leather-appointed seats, heated front seats and outside mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, Nissan Navigation System with 5.0-inch color touch screen display and XM NavTraffic® Real-Time Traffic Information (XM® subscription required, sold separately), Bose® premium audio system with 7 speakers plus subwoofer, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Xenon headlights, automatic on/off headlights, power glass moonroof, automatic air conditioning and front fog lights. The SL Package is available on Nissan Rogue SV.

"With the changes to Nissan Rogue for 2011, it remains a fresh, exciting no-compromise alternative to traditional sedans, minivans and small utility vehicles," said Castignetti. "It provides the answer to a wide variety of vehicle needs, with the enhanced value and fun today's buyers are looking for."

2011 Nissan Quest

2010-07-07T09:27:00.000-07:00

The all-new fourth generation Nissan Quest, which is set to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in early 2011, is about to take on the toughest job on the planet: parenting. More than just another new Quest, it's an entirely new take on the minivan - with bold styling, an extensive list of family friendly innovations and amenities a family can enjoy together. With one-touch power sliding doors, quick release fold-flat seats, an Advanced Climate Control System, and rear storage well to name just a few, Nissan Quest provides the innovation to help make the impossible possible on a daily basis. Just like parents do.

"The all-new Nissan Quest 'gets' parenting. While minivans remain one of the most maligned symbols of adulthood, where some see them as a surrendering of youth and fun, Nissan sees the minivan as a celebration of family life - not only for moms on weekdays, but for fun times with the entire family on weekends," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "We view Quest as a reward to parents for doing just that - parenting."

Designed with purpose inside and out, the 2011 Quest offers functionality, unique styling and comfort for all occupants. "While it can't promise to make parenting easier, or your kids better behaved, the new Nissan Quest can make your life as a parent a little less chaotic," adds Castignetti.

Among the new Nissan Quest's available "Innovation for Family" design features are:
A sophisticated, modern exterior and interior design that provides a fresh approach to the minivan segment - including a "fluid sculpture" body with full surround glass treatment
One-touch power sliding side doors that easily unlock and open with a single touch, even with arms and hands full of groceries
Dual Opening glass moonroofs (two), providing refreshing breezes to front and rear occupants when open
2nd row power windows
Standard Quick Release Fold-Flat 2nd and 3rd row seats to make a flat load floor, and available 3rd row power-return seatback on LE
Quick Comfort heated front seats with advanced staged heating system design
Removable 2nd row console with cupholders and lid
Always-available large, covered Permanent Rear Storage Well
Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) intelligent HVAC system with Plasmacluster™ air purifier, Grape Polyphenol Filter and auto recirculation
Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system and RearView Monitor
Conversation mirror, which helps enhance visibility and conversation with children in the 2nd and 3rd rows
Standard 2nd and 3rd row theater seating with available large rear 11-inch color monitor and auto bright function
Easy maneuverability, with small turning radius and front triangle windows for enhanced visibility
Tire Pressure Monitoring System with Easy Fill Tire Alert, which alerts you when proper tire inflation is reached
Nissan Quest (2011)

"This new dimension in minivans was conceived to provide smart prioritization, fulfilling the traditional, often child-centric needs of everyday life, but also the more emotional aspects of personal style, driving pleasure and unforgettable family vacations," said Castignetti. "It's designed to mirror the multi-purpose comfort and warmth of a home's 'great room' and lets you take it along on the road."

Innovative Functionality

The all-new 2011 Nissan Quest's "innovative functionality" starts with the proven foundation of Nissan's advanced "D-platform," which is also utilized on the current Nissan Maxima and Altima sedans, as well as the popular Murano crossover SUV. With its long 118.1-inch wheelbase and 200.8-inch overall length, Nissan Quest offers both a roomy interior and a highly maneuverable overall size.

The Nissan Quest exterior styling combines fluid sculptural elements with crafted details to provide a fresh approach to minivan design. In front, the bold bumper and horizontal grille and headlights blend into the dramatic side character line and distinctive wheel forms filled with standard 16-inch or 18-inch wheels. The bold door sections and surfaces flow seamlessly into the rear "boomerang" taillights and tailgate finisher, helping create a look as if Nissan Quest was carved from one solid piece of sculptor's stone.

The most striking aspect of the new Quest design, however, is the full surround privacy glass, black sash molding and chrome trim accents, which combine with the wide, low stance and muscular front end to give Nissan Quest the most dynamic and distinctive appearance in class. The Nissan Quest exterior design is also one of the most wind-efficient, with a 0.32 Cd for the Quest S model.

In addition to standard chrome door handles, rear roof spoiler and chrome license plate finisher, available exterior features include High Intensity Discharge (HID) xenon headlights, auto on/off headlight function, fog lights, and dual power heated outside mirrors. Nissan Quest also features small triangle windows in the front doors to help enhance visibility. Available on Nissan Quest SL and LE models are Dual Opening Glass Moonroofs that contribute to the open, airy atmosphere of the Quest interior for all passengers.

The new Nissan Quest is offered with power sliding side doors with selective unlock function and one-touch open/unlock feature and power-opening windows. The system works in conjunction with the standard Nissan Intelligent Key™. Also, due to the way the Nissan Quest's door rail system is designed, the sliding door step-in height is lower than competitive minivans. This is especially helpful for small children or older adults getting into the 2nd or 3rd rows. In addition, a one-touch unlock/open power rear liftgate is standard on Quest SL and LE models.

"The one-touch door operation is ideal for the many times during the day when you find yourself approaching the vehicle with both hands full. In conjunction with the I-key, there's no fumbling for the key fob to unlock the door, no having to put your packages down or let go of a child's hand to open it - just push the button on the door handle and the Nissan Quest takes care of the rest," said Castignetti.

The easy-to-use convenience also carries over into the interior design with the quick release fold-flat 2nd and 3rd row seats. The 60/40-split 3rd row seat can be switched from upright to fold-flat position with the simple pull of one strap (Quest S and SV) or push of a button (Quest SL and LE). The LE model also includes 3rd row power return seatback. A spring assist aids the manual fold and return operation. The 2nd row bucket seats also feature easy-fold/return operation, and there is a standard 2nd row walk-in device for easier access to the 3rd row.

Nissan Quest's permanent rear storage well provides a large, flexible space behind the 3rd row seat, offering a hidden, additional cargo area for bulky items. The storage area is independent of the fold flat 3rd row seat - so it's always there when you need it - and is covered by a lightweight but sturdy 60/40-split multi-position removable cover.

"In real world use, you need to account for the spontaneity factor - one minute you are dropping off the kids at sports practice, the next you're unexpectedly running to the warehouse store to pick up cases of beverages and snacks. The new Nissan Quest transitions from passenger to cargo vehicle and back with ease. No removing bulky 2nd or 3rd row seats, no having to move items from a storage area to fit the seats, and no having to plan your activities around the configuration of your vehicle's interior that particular day," said Castignetti.

Interior comfort and convenience features are also designed for flexibility and functionality. The driver's seat is a 6-way manual adjustment design for S and SV models, and 8-way power-adjustable for SL and LE trim levels. The passenger seat is 4-way adjustable on S, SV, and SL and 4-way power on LE. Rich cloth seat fabric is standard on S and SV, while leather-appointed seats are standard on SL and LE models. Nissan Quest LE also features a 2-driver memory and auto entry/exit system.

Unique Nissan Quest front seating features include a special "trilaminar" structure, which uses three types of cushions to distribute body pressure more evenly than traditional padding, and the first application of Nissan's new Quick Comfort front seat heaters (SL and LE models). When activated, this sophisticated system immediately begins warming the body parts that are most sensitive to heat, such as the thighs and hips. Then, to maintain a warm, cozy feeling, the heater increases heating on body pressure points.

Nissan Quest's theater-style interior layout with raised 2nd and 3rd rows provides occupants with excellent visibility and a good view of the available 11-inch WVGA family entertainment system display monitor. The comfortable 2nd row Captain's Chair style seats include dual armrests, recline, and fore/aft adjustability, while the 3rd row 60/40-split bench includes recline and 3-way adjustable headrests. A total of six cupholders and six bottle holders - two each for all three rows - are standard, along with four coat hangers and two 12-volt DC outlets. The dual-level front center console offers flexible storage, as does the removable 2nd row console. An overhead front console is standard on SL and LE models.

Nissan Quest's wide instrument panel includes a 4.3-inch color audio display on SV and SL models, with an 8-inch touch screen display for LE models with the standard Nissan Navigation System. The hard drive-based navigation system includes a user-friendly graphic interface, menu structure and intelligent search capabilities, a 9.3GB Music Box® hard drive, XM NavTraffic® Real-Time Traffic Information, XM NavWeather™ (XM® subscription required, sold separately) and Zagat Survey® Restaurant Guide.

One of the most innovative and certain to be appreciated new technologies is the Nissan Quest LE's standard Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with Plasmacluster™ air purifier, Grape Polyphenol Filter and auto recirculation control. The system works three ways to help reduce allergens and unwanted odors within the Quest cabin. Its automatic intake control utilizes sensors to constantly monitor outside odors and automatically closes the intake port to prevent inflow of exhaust fumes or other unpleasant smells into the interior. It then restores fresh air flow automatically when the offensive odors have passed.

The ACCS also employs a Grape Polyphenol Filter to help reduce the number of harmful allergens in the interior air. Finally, an advanced Plasmacluster™ purifier, generates ions to "scrub" the interior air of unwanted odors - whether they come from outside or inside the vehicle.

Nissan Quest SV, SL and LE models feature a Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control system, while Quest S models include manual temperature control. A range of audio systems is also available, starting with the Nissan Quest S model's AM/FM/6CD system with four speakers. A Bose® premium audio system with AM/FM/CD/DVD/Flash Memory, 13 speakers (including dual subwoofers) and XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately) is standard on Quest LE and available on Quest SL. A USB port with iPod® connectivity is standard on SV models and above.

One other Nissan Quest item helps parents make a connection with passengers in the rear seats, the Conversation Mirror. Available on SV, SL and LE models, the wide yet compact mirror folds down from the area about the rearview mirror (replacing the sunglass holder), providing the driver with added visibility and convenient communication with children in the 2nd and 3rd rows, without having to turn their head or constantly adjust the rearview mirror.

A RearView Monitor, which provides a view of objects behind the Nissan Quest when the gear selector is in reverse, is standard on SV, SL and LE models.

"Little things, whether an extra mirror, a lower entry height or just the smell of clean air can make a difference in everyday vehicle use - how you feel when you're driving and how you feel when you arrive," said Castignetti. "Our engineers have thought of nearly everything a parent may need in a minivan, including fun."

Innovation for Driving Security and Pleasure

Dynamic performance is a hallmark of Nissan vehicles and the all-new 2011 Quest is no exception.

Nissan Quest's top-level quality and reliability starts with use of a 3.5-liter DOHC V6 with 253 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, part of Nissan's award-winning VQ engine series.

The engine incorporates a twin Nissan Variable Induction Control System (NICS), microfinished camshaft and crankshaft surfaces, DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coated valve lifters, resin intake manifold, forged crankshaft, digital knock control system, high capacity muffler and lightweight aluminum block and cylinder heads. Backing the engine is Nissan's advanced Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission) with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC), which provides a responsive driving experience and the smoothness that only a CVT offers.

The new Quest's secure, responsive handling feel is provided by the 4-wheel independent suspension, with independent strut with coil springs and stabilizer bar in front and a multi-link design in rear. Braking is through 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Steering is a vehicle-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion design.

Nissan Quest S and SV models come with 16-inch wheels (aluminum-alloy on SV) with P225/65R16 all-season tires, while Quest SL and LE models feature 18-inch machine-finish aluminum-alloy wheels and P235/65R18 all-season tires.

Nissan Quest's standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) includes a segment-first application of Nissan's Easy Fill Tire Alert. When filling the tires with air, the hazard lamps flash to let you know the system is working. When the correct pressure is reached, Quest will give a friendly beep of the horn. On Quest LE, the tire pressures for each wheel can be viewed on the 8" WVGA Navigation display.

As part of Nissan's "Safety Shield" concept, Nissan Quest is designed to incorporate a number of advanced safety systems. Standard on the Quest LE model is the first Nissan application of the Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system, which helps alert the driver if another vehicle is detected in the blind spot by illuminating an indicator light in the appropriate outside mirror. If the driver then activates the turn signal, the indicator flashes and an audible warning sounds.

Every 2011 Nissan Quest also offers standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS). Also standard are a Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and an occupant classification sensor, front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags, roof-mounted curtain supplemental side-impact air bags for front-and rear-seat occupant head protection, front-seat Active Head Restraints and child safety rear door locks.

Four Well-Equipped Quest Models

The all-new 2011 Nissan Quest is offered in four models: S, SV, SL and LE. Seven exterior colors are available: Twilight Gray, Dark Mahogany, Titanium Beige, Brilliant Silver, Platinum Graphite, Black Amethyst and White Pearl. Two interior colors are offered, Beige and Grey, in a choice of cloth (S and SV) or leather-appointed (SL and LE) seating.

Following is a list of select individual model equipment and features:

Quest S: 16-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers; rear roof spoiler; 6-way adjustable front bucket seats; front door map pockets, wood-tone trim (instrument panel, front doors, and sliding door window switch); fold-flat 2nd and 3rd row seats, permanent rear storage well; 1st and 2nd row center consoles; Nissan Intelligent Key™ with Push Button Ignition; and AM/FM/6CD audio system with four speakers.

Quest SV: One-touch power sliding doors; 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; Tri-Zone Auto Temperature Control; power driver's seat lumbar adjustment; six speakers; fog lights; Conversation Mirror; 4.3-inch color audio display; USB port with iPod® connectivity; Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System with steering wheel controls; RearView Monitor; and leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Quest SL: Leather-appointed seating and door trim; 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; power liftgate; 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat; Quick Comfort heated front seats; HomeLink® Universal Transceiver; auto-dimming inside mirror with compass; roof rails; auto on/off headlights; leather-wrapped shift knob; Quick Release fold flat 3rd row; and heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals.

Quest LE: Nissan Navigation System; Bose® Audio System with 12 speakers; XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately); memory system for driver's seat and outside mirrors; auto tilt-in-reverse outside mirrors; 2nd and 3rd row manual blinds; 4-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat; 8-inch VGA color display (dash mounted); DVD Entertainment System with two wireless headphones and remote control; rear 11-inch 16:9 aspect ratio display for DVD Entertainment; Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with auto recirculation feature; Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system; and High Intensity Discharge (HID) xenon headlights.

Only three option packages are offered: DVD Entertainment System (SL); Dual Opening Glass Moonroofs (SL and LE); and Bose® Package (SL).

"With the introduction of the new 2011 Quest, Nissan offers a new paradigm in family mobility -an innovative fusion of sophistication, security and functionality that helps celebrate family life," said Castignetti.

2011 Nissan Patrol

2010-07-07T06:46:00.000-07:00

Reliable, unbreakable, affordable. The Nissan Patrol is a name synonymous with ruggedness, a legendary off-roader capable of going anywhere, anytime. Meticulously honed for over five decades, the Patrol is Nissan's flagship large SUV model and enjoys a rich heritage particularly in the Middle East that dates back to the 1950's. This off-road trendsetter was one of the first dedicated four-wheel-drive vehicles in the climatically demanding Middle East region, and boasts the notable distinction of also being the first vehicle to successfully cross the grueling Simpson Desert in Australia back in 1962.

Under the banner of "The Hero Comes Home" the Nissan Patrol is back as an all-new seventh generation model, building on its impressive history, but at the same time, incorporating a new platform, a radical new design direction, significantly enhanced interior comfort and luxury, powerful new V8 engines, a 7-speed automatic transmission and a new 4WD system.

"We paid special attention to the needs of current Nissan Patrol owners, and their passengers, and so focused on creating first-class levels of comfort for the whole family. Heightened luxury, a roomier cabin and a quieter ride combine to achieve this goal, while maintaining Nissan Patrol's superior off-road heritage" stresses Hiroyuki Fushiki, project head and Segment Chief Product Specialist.

Tested to the limit

Wanting to build the best possible Nissan Patrol, engineers first tuned and tested 200 prototypes for dynamic evaluation at the company's Motegi, Oppama and Tochigi proving grounds before sending them to the Middle East where they were exposed to every imaginable challenge; desert, rocky surfaces, highways and inner-city traffic. "By the time we came around to adding the new body and interior, we had virtually completed our reliability and durability testing and perfected all of the new technologies," says chief vehicle engineer, Takashi Fukui.

Nissan Patrol

New exterior more sophisticated but still rugged

After extensive market research, especially in the Middle East, the design team concluded that for the Nissan Patrol to beat its main competitors, it needed not only a brand new design direction but class-leading engine performance, greater luxury and comfort and a smart mix of new technologies that enhanced the total driving experience. Product design director, Taiji Toyota, tells us that the all-new exterior design is like a breath of fresh air. "Not as edgy and hardcore as its predecessor, the softer new surfaces are beautiful and add a sense of modernity to the design equation, while still maintaining a ruggedness and commanding road presence" he said.

According to the design director, one design element that expresses 'Patrol' and had to feature strongly was the angled-strut motif front grille. It was meticulously proportioned to deliver a sense of continuity with past models but give a touch of newness while enhancing the car's status level.

Focus on roomier, more luxurious cabin

Featuring generous amounts of leather, polished aluminium and wood grain paneling, the Nissan Patrol's interior too has been significantly upgraded. Given that most customers only go off-road no more than 15% of the time, designers wanted to create a better, higher quality interior for the whole family.

In keeping with the Nissan Patrol's mission to deliver more comfort and more room, the new Patrol delivers seat dimensions that outclass all competition. Boasting wider, higher and deeper front seats, the Nissan Patrol offers over 100mm more legroom for second row passengers, and a roomier third row of seats as well. Employing double the lateral rigidity over the outgoing model, the new Nissan Patrol sits on a revised platform that now offers a more robust construction with a low vibration body.

All-new V8 engine leads array of segment-beating hardware

The new Nissan Patrol is now the most powerful vehicle in its class. And the key technology achieving this jump in performance over the predecessor's 4.8 litre power plant is the newly developed 'VK56VD' 5.6-litre V8 engine with VVEL (variable valve event and lift) and DIG (direct injection gasoline) technologies that generate 400hp and 550Nm of torque on the top specification version of this new engine.

Every component has been redesigned for maximum performance and smooth response, while a new 7-speed automatic transmission with a wider range of gear ratios than its predecessor, gives the off-roader the ability to deliver power faster.

Comprehensively upgraded 4WD system sets new standard

In a world-first for Nissan, the new Patrol employs a Hydraulic Body Motion Control System (HBMC), which keeps the car flatter with less body roll during lane-changing and cornering, while delivering a comfortable ride in city driving and superb stability on rugged and sandy tracks. Another crucial part of handling equation comes from the new suspension system, which now employs 4-wheel independent suspension, upgraded from the previous rigid axle setup. Nissan has completely redesigned the vehicle's suspension from the bushes to the links. The combination of HBMC and the new suspension system with its longer suspension stroke delivers significantly improved handling and stability on both on- and off-road terrain.

The Nissan Patrol also employs a newly developed ALL MODE 4x4 system incorporating a variable 4x4 mode package. It allows the driver to quickly switch between four drive modes: sand, on-road, snow and rock, with the flick of a switch. In sand mode, owners are able to drive safely, quickly and skillfully in sand and dirt, just like professional rally drivers.

In addition, the Nissan Patrol also offers a new Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control which can also be selected easily with the touch of a button. With Hill Start Assist, if a driver stops on a slope and steps off the brake pedal, the system keeps the vehicle stationary - with no roll back. Hill Descent Control uses the brakes to maintain a constant downhill speed of 7km/h in 4H mode and 4km/h in 4L mode.

The new model employs a revised Tyre Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) with tyre inflation indicator which beeps the horn softly to inform drivers that a suitable tyre pressure has been reached.

A revised, more effective brake system also provides the best braking performance in its class thanks to its new hydraulic brake booster and a 4-piston opposed front caliper setup with larger 358mm front discs.

More world-firsts

Nissan designers paid special attention to the second row seat passengers by not only significantly expanding legroom, but by also fitting a new multi-screen DVD entertainment system, a first form Nissan. It boasts two rear-facing TVs; one 7-inch monitor embedded into each front seat headrest.

Fitted with six airbags for top grade, the Nissan Patrol also comes with a totally revised climate control system boasting another world-first - the curtain vent. Curtain vent has several small but highly effective vents mounted in the ceiling above each side window to blow a strong current of cool air down forming a curtain of air that acts as a barrier to heat penetrating the cabin.

Yet another impressive Nissan Patrol feature is the cool box mounted in the centre console between the front seats. Incorporating a unique double hinge design, the lid of the cool box can be opened easily from either the front or second row of seats to access the six 600ml drink bottles inside.

And lastly...

With its fresh new styling, superior packaging, powerful but economical V8 engine, clever off-road technologies and higher levels of luxury and comfort, the all-new Nissan Patrol is now a true segment leader.

2011 Nissan Micra

2010-07-07T06:28:00.000-07:00

The all-new Nissan Micra - the fourth generation to wear the name - represents an entirely new chapter in the history of Nissan's multi-award winning compact city car.

The European city car segment is one of the most hotly contested segments in any market in the world. For this reason, Nissan Micra was conceived, from its design, engineering, powertrain and equipment levels, to make European city driving as stress-free as possible, but also to remain accessible.

A pair of brand new three-cylinder petrol engines displacing 1.2-litres power new Micra. The entry-level version is a normally aspirated entry-level 59kW (80PS) unit which produces an impressively low 115 g/km of CO2. But even this is overshadowed by the second version. This is a direct injection gasoline engine with a supercharger to boost power to 72kW (98PS). CO2 emissions, meanwhile, tumble to just 95 g/km. Such is the efficiency of these new petrol engines that new Nissan Micra will not be offered with a diesel option. The supercharged version will be introduced in Europe from spring 2011. Such low CO2 figures are normally only achieved by diesel powered cars, which command a price premium, so new Nissan Micra will deliver low emissions, but without the usual price penalty.

The model line-up is simple with just one five-door body style, two engine options and two transmission choices - either a five-speed manual or a highly advanced compact Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Grades follow traditional Nissan practice with Visia followed by Acenta and then Tekna. All models have power steering, air conditioning, electric front windows and the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) as standard - unusual in the city car segment.
Nissan Micra (2011)

Acenta adds an enhanced sound system, automatic air conditioning and a cruise control among other features, while the range-topping Tekna introduces technology seldom seen in bigger cars let alone a compact city car. As well as Nissan Connect, a combined satellite navigation and entertainment system, Tekna versions offer Parking Slot Measurement as standard.

PSM automatically measures potential parking spaces advising drivers whether the Nissan Micra will fit or not. It's a perfect feature for a city car.

"With more than 5.65 million sales over nearly 30 years, Nissan Micra is a clear favourite with customers. New Micra will appeal to loyal Micra buyers, of course, but its stylish looks, improved quality and dynamic abilities will also appeal to new customers," said Vincent Cobee. "The importance of a sub-100 g CO2 figure cannot be underestimated.

"We have developed an attractive car for Europe which is light but robust and which provides very competitive roominess and features, as well as top-class fuel efficiency and low emissions. The Nissan Micra is a car that is designed to make day-to-day driving in a typical European city as simple and easy as possible."

Exterior design

New Nissan Micra will be sold in no fewer than 160 countries. It must appeal equally to families in Shanghai, sophisticated singles in Paris, urban trendsetters in Tokyo and more.

As Design Director for the Nissan brand, Koji Nagano, explains: "First, the car must target a very broad spectrum of people worldwide and so it must satisfy a multitude of needs in one package.

"The second challenge was designing to a class-leading quality level inside and out. Just because a car is compact it doesn't mean customers will accept lower standards of quality - we know our customers expect nothing but the best. Our job was to raise the bar on quality while achieving our third goal... creating a compact car that boasts a special touch of design flair."

While many of Nissan Micra's peers from 15 years ago have grown to the extent that they are now in a sub-segment higher, new Micra has stayed true to its true city car heritage and is virtually the same size as the outgoing model. It's a decision that makes perfect sense for a European compact city car. Overall, new Nissan Micra is slightly longer, marginally wider and a fraction lower.

From a design perspective, the key feature that defines Micra's character is its profile and, in particular, the arched side window graphic. Central to its heritage and loved in Europe and Japan, that feature has been retained on the new car and, if anything, is accentuated by a more prominent rear spoiler integrated into the roof.

The overall shape, however, is bolder than its predecessor with a strong rounded waistline and distinctive crease above the sills. Front and rear treatments, though, are totally different.

But, the new design has not compromised on Nissan Micra's acclaimed all-round visibility, something which is key to easy, stress-free driving in the city. As with previous generations of Micra, from the driver's seat there is a commanding view of the road and extremities, enabling maneouvres with confidence in tight spaces.

According to Makoto Yamane, Associate Product Chief Designer: "Micra's face is stylish and has an air of sophistication... but at the same time it is approachable, like a friend you can rely on."

The sculptured, three-dimensional look includes a dominant grille that defines the car's on road presence. The two-part grille is divided by the front bumper. Above the line sits a slim opening split by a chrome bar on Acenta and Tekna models and topped by an indentation housing the Nissan badge. Below the bumper, a deeper opening extends to virtually the full width of the car and houses the front number plate. On Tekna models, the grille has a distinctive chrome surround. The look is complemented by softly rounded one-piece headlamps.

As on its predecessor, raised front wings help the driver to 'place' the car on the road more accurately, while the low waistline also provides excellent visibility to either side.

At the rear, the deep tailgate is flanked by one-piece tail light assemblies while the bumper features a neat cutaway for the number plate. A central high mounted stop lamp is integrated into the roof spoiler.

Aerodynamics played an important role in defining the overall shape of new Nissan Micra. The roof, for example, has been embedded with boomerang-shaped grooves which help reduce resonance in the cabin, especially at higher speeds at the same time as reducing overall weight by up to 2kgs. The sleek roof design, complete with the pronounced rear spoiler, combine to minimise drag to help economy and reduce emissions.

Beneath the car, the underbody has been designed to improve airflow and maximise downforce enhancing high-speed stability. Nissan Micra's coefficient of drag is a commendable 0.33.

All these features help to deliver a stylish vehicle of obvious quality to the global marketplace.

"That's exactly what we have achieved," says Yamane-san. "This design makes it a more practical car with great all-round visibility. By lowering the centre of gravity and positioning the wheels at the extreme corners of the car we have been able to stretch the wheelbase and increase the track for a bolder stance and greater stability."

"A crucial part of the car's enhanced road presence comes from its pronounced waistline and strong rounded contours that generate a feeling of robustness. The styling is organic - it fits you perfectly and delivers stress-free driving."

Interior design

Aiming to create the same sense of style inside the Nissan Micra as can be found outside, the design team adopted a 'connected cocoon' approach. One example is the dashboard design - a twin bubble theme - which matches the circular instrument binnacle with a similarly shaped glovebox ahead of the passenger. This double-layered glovebox is complemented by a large upper storage area while other small storage pockets are located throughout the car, including the centre console and doors.

Easy to read instruments are housed in three circular dials while the heating and ventilation, audio and other controls are logically placed and easy to operate.

A proportion of European customers may be downsizing into a city car if their kids have left home, for example, but they don't want to feel that they must accept a compromise on interior space.

The clever engineering solutions provided by the V-platform means that the slightly longer wheelbase has increased interior space compared with the previous generation Nissan Micra, improving ingress and egress for all occupants. The long roof line, meanwhile, ensures that Micra offers ample rear headroom, so that new Nissan Micra's overall interior roominess is hard to reconcile with its compact exterior dimensions.

Throughout the design process, weight saving was a key consideration and was met by reducing the number of parts at the same time as improving quality. New Nissan Micra has, on average, 18 per cent fewer components than similarly sized cars: its dashboard alone comprises 28 parts instead of more than 50.

There are no fewer than four different interior colour schemes designs to complement a bold exterior palette. Black is available across all three grades, grey on Visia and Acenta with dramatic ivory and plum interior colour schemes available on Tekna models only.

Exterior colours embrace traditional colours such as red, grey, black, white and silver with three highly individual shades: Spring Green, Tangerine and Nightshade.

Platform

Underpinning the new Nissan Micra is an equally new platform and one which, in time, will feature widely across Nissan's global range. Not for nothing as it been christened the V-Platform, where V stands for Versatile.

Micra is its first outing, but Nissan has already announced that it will also form the basis for a new saloon and an MPV in due course.

The key elements of the V-Platform are strength and lightness. Even though it is slightly larger than the outgoing Nissan Micra - the wheelbase has grown by 20mm to 2450mm for example - the platform has been engineered to deliver optimum rigidity for excellent handling characteristics coupled with a refined ride, but at the lowest possible weight for enhanced performance, strong fuel efficiency and low emissions. These seemingly contradictory requirements had to be reconciled to achieve new Micra's stated aim of meeting the expectations of customers who drive - and park - everyday in European cities, famed for their heavy traffic, limited parking opportunities, poor road surfaces and increased fiscal pressure on emissions.

Weight savings on the platform have been mirrored by judicious weight cuts elsewhere: the 41 litre fuel tank, for example, is 2.2kgs lighter than that in the outgoing Nissan Micra; the exhaust system no longer has a central silencer, reducing weight by 3.2kgs and the front suspension system is lighter by 9kgs.

Similarly the seats are lighter, the dashboard uses fewer parts and the engines smaller. Even the roof panel is lighter by 2kgs. Overall new Nissan Micra boasts a kerb weight starting at just 915 kgs, 35 kgs less than its predecessor.

The K12 Micra was well respected for its handling and ride compromise and Nissan's engineers felt that was an obvious place to start when creating its successor. New Nissan Micra, therefore, has a similar suspension layout with an independent front end by MacPherson struts with coil springs and a compact torsion beam rear axle designed to minimise intrusion into the luggage area.

Both suspension systems are mounted on sub frames to help isolate road noise, vibration and harshness and there's an anti-roll bar at either end. And, the Micra's suspension, steering and brake set-ups have tuned by Nissan's European engineers to meet the needs of customers whose day-to-day driving will be at higher average speeds and on smoother roads than those in other regions where Nissan Micra will be sold.

But because the V platform is more rigid than before, the suspension can work more efficiently to provide more accurate steering with greater feel and precision while there's less dive under braking and pitch under acceleration. Particular attention has been paid to bump absorption - thanks to the adoption of long stroke suspension travel - Micra rides exceptionally well over even the most challenging of road surfaces.

Best of all, Nissan Micra's characteristic agility and responsiveness have all been preserved, indeed enhanced by the chassis' light weight, to provide a genuine dynamic driving experience.

Electric power steering is standard on all models, and helps provide Micra with a class-leading turning circle of just 4.65m for the ultimate manoeuvrability in tight city streets.

The car is designed to absorb the forces of a frontal impact, thanks to the sophisticated crumple zone at the front of the car, while maintaining the integrity of the cabin thanks to a highly reinforced body shell.

Standard safety equipment includes the braking system which features discs at the front and drums behind, with ABS, EBD and Brake Assist. Nissan Micra also has dual front airbags, curtain and side airbags, as well as pretensioner seatbelts. Active safety is reinforced with the fitment of Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) across all grades, which intervenes to cut power and even brakes individual wheels when sensors detect that stability or grip is critical.

Nissan's commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its products and activities can be clearly seen in the fact that 98 per cent of the materials used in Micra's construction are recyclable - a factor which is likely to be increasingly important as legislators throughout the world consider steps to protect the environment.

Engines

Nissan Micra's drivetrain choice is simplicity itself: in Europe the car will be offered with two engine and two transmission options. The car will be petrol only, with power coming from an all-new three-cylinder 1.2-litre engine available in two states of tune and mated to either a five-speed manual or a new developed Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

The decision to offer only petrol engines and not diesels is the result of detailed market and customer analysis, showing that European small car buyers must pay a significant premium for low levels of CO2 - usually by buying a diesel variant. Nissan decided that the ideal solution was an advanced petrol engine, balancing power, torque, consumption and emissions which would be offered as part of a simple powertrain line up, meaning customers no longer have to pay a premium to drive a city car with lower CO2 - this option would be standard..

At launch, the lead-in 59kW (80PS) version will produce just 115 g/km of CO2.

Good though these figures are, even they are overshadowed by the second version of the engine. This highly advanced direct injection unit uses a supercharger to boost power to 72kW (98PS) and torque to 142Nm, and to cut CO2 emissions to 95g/km - it's an exceptional achievement for a petrol engine. The introduction of this engine in Europe will follow in Spring 2011.

Both engines comply with Nissan's Pure Drive philosophy, the discreet blue and silver badge signifying an engine that emits less than 130 g/km.

"Producing just 115 g/km of CO2, the standard engine is among the cleanest engines in the world. But by producing well under 100 g/km allied to strong economy and spirited performance, the supercharged direct injection version will set a new benchmark for modern engine technology when it arrives in early 2011."

"It is with this overall performance in mind that we took the decision, quite early in the development of the new Micra, to eschew diesel engines for Europe and to offer two motors which were developed with European needs in mind. Our new petrol units produce diesel-like economy and emissions with petrol performance and refinement... and they are cheaper to buy than an equivalent diesel and notably lighter. Put simply, they offer the best of all worlds," said Pierre Loing.

As the designation implies, the HR12DE units are closely related to the respected four-cylinder HR16 petrol engine found in Note, Juke and Qashqai.

Both engines displace 1,198cc and are lightweight, compact and highly efficient 12-valve units. Careful design has ensured that inherent imbalances expected from a three-cylinder engine have been overcome: idle vibration, for example, has been eradicated by the inclusion of an offset counter weight on the crank pulley generating an oval motion which cancels out the vertical vibration caused by piston travel. As a result, the HD12 unit has NVH levels expected from a four-cylinder unit.

As well as benefiting from being lighter and more compact for easier packaging, with fewer moving parts the three-cylinder unit lowers internal friction and improves thermal efficiency. Low friction techniques include circular bore pistons, the adoption of a hydrogen-free diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating for the piston rings and a variable displacement oil pump. Together these elements help to reduce friction by up to 30 per cent, compared with conventional four-cylinder engines with similar performance levels.

Other technologies designed to maximise fuel efficiency include valve timing control (VTC) with eco-mode, exhaust gas recirculation for improved combustion, low friction water and oil pumps, high tumble pistons and a high compression ratio.

The normally aspirated HR12DE version produces power and torque figures of 59kW (80PS) at 6,000 rpm and 110Nm at 4,000 rpm for a maximum speed of 170km/h and 0-100km/h in 13.7 seconds. Combined consumption is 5.0l/100kms (CVT: 5.4l/km) while CO2 emissions are 115 g/km for the manual version and 125 g/km for the CVT model.

Power and torque figures for the supercharged version will be 72kW (98PS) and 142Nm, while CO2 emissions will be 95 g/km for the manual version and 118 g/km for the CVT model (figures subject to homologation).

These figures represent an average 25 per cent improvement in fuel economy over the outgoing 1.2-litre Nissan Micra while emissions are a remarkable 75 per cent lower than levels emitted just five years ago.

Transmissions

The standard transmission in both versions is a precise five-speed manual gearbox driving the front wheels but new Micra will also be available with a highly sophisticated CVT. This brand new transmission adopts a number of advanced technologies - it's the world's first CVT with a sub-planetary gear system for example - for the ultimate in smooth efficiency.

It also boasts the world's highest transmission ratio - 7.3:1 - allowing the transmission to deliver an enviable combination of good low speed response with strong high speed economy.

The adoption of a sub-planetary gear allows the use of smaller pulleys which means there's a greater distance between the pulleys and the oil surface in the transmission. This results in a reduction in the amount of oil 'stirred' by moving parts which, in turn, means less friction.

Smaller components including an ultra flat torque convertor results in a unit that's 10 per cent more compact and some 13 per cent lighter than previous systems.

Equipment and model lines

Just like its predecessors new Nissan Micra is generously equipped as standard as well as introducing a number of innovative items of equipment which are designed to make city driving less demanding - and none more so than an advanced parking aid.

While such items have undoubted showroom appeal, they have only found their way onto Micra's specification lists because they will all make the typical European Micra owner's day-to-day life in the city simpler and easier.

Micra follows Nissan's now familiar model grade line-up starting with Visia and then moving through Acenta before arriving at the top Tekna version.

Externally the versions differ in subtle ways: Visia has 14 inch steel wheels, and black doors handles and mirrors while Acenta has 15 inch steel wheels, a black B-pillar between front end rear doors, body coloured handles and mirrors and a chrome flash on the grille. Tekna variants can be identified by the chrome surround on the lower air intakes, front fog lamps and 15-inch alloy wheels.

All Nissan Micra models have a full complement of active and passive safety equipment with ESP standard across the entire range. Every Nissan Micra has front, side and curtain airbags, head restraints in the rear and anti-lock brakes. Automatic speed sensitive door locking is also standard.

Also standard are power steering with a tilt adjustable column, remote central locking, a trip computer and electric front windows.

Practical features include a neat bag holder incorporated into the front passenger seat to prevent luggage rolling around the cabin when the car is on the move. The seat squab is hinged in the middle allowing the rearmost section to be folded over onto the front leaving a well into which handbags or shopping bags can be lowered.

Acenta, likely to be the biggest seller, adds automatic air conditioning, cruise control with speed limiter, electric door mirrors, a front armrest and height adjustable driver's seat. The steering wheel and gearshift knob are leather covered while the in-car entertainment system is upgraded to include a CD player with Aux-in facility and four loudspeakers. It also includes Bluetooth connectivity for mobile phone use.

Tekna models introduce Nissan Connect to the Micra, a fully integrated entertainment and information package incorporating touch screen satellite navigation via a five inch colour screen, Bluetooth for mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming from a suitable device, Aux-in and USB slots, plus a six loudspeaker system.

The navigation system uses clear street mapping rather than the more basic turn-by-turn guides of cheaper systems and can be programmed in any of nine languages including Russian. The maps, which can easily be updated via an SD card, cover Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Russia.

By integrating information from positioning sensors and vehicle speed, the system does not suffer from loss of signal when driven through a tunnel or when 'hidden' by high rise city buildings.

The system also incorporates TMC (Traffic Message Channel) which uses a second radio tuner to receive traffic flow information and news of incidents on major routes. By processing this real time traffic data, the system can suggest alternative quicker routes as appropriate, thus saving time and cutting emissions.

Standard on Tekna, Nissan Connect is available as an option on Acenta versions.

Also standard are automatic headlights and wipers, electrically folding mirrors linked to the optional Intelligent Key system - still a rare feature in the city car segment - with a smart push button engine start and stop function, and a comprehensive matrix information dashboard display. As well as providing information on fuel consumption, driving range, outside temperature and so on, it can also be programmed so that the Nissan Micra wishes its owner a happy birthday on the appropriate date.

Another example of how Nissan has pioneered the fitment of relevant technology on new Nissan Micra is the innovative and easy to use Parking Slot Measurement (PSM) system. It is standard on Tekna and optional on Acenta grades.

Reflecting Nissan Micra's likely role as a city car, PSM helps a driver establish whether a parking space is big enough for the car. As the driver eases alongside a space he or she activates PSM via a push button on the dash and then selects the appropriate turn signal to tell the system which side of the car it should be checking.

Assuming the car's speed is below 25 km/h, sensors then scan the space telling the driver whether it's suitable or not via a dashboard display. The display will suggest it's 'OK' if the space is more than 100cms longer than the car, 'DIFFICULT' if it's between 60 to 99cms longer than the car, and 'NOT ADVISED' if it's less than 60cms. It's then up to the driver to decide whether to park or not...

Those tolerance levels can be adjusted to reflect the driver confidence and skill - Amateur, Normal and Expert - while the sensors are accurate enough to spot small obstacles such as bollards, traffic cones and so forth. When PSM is specified it comes complete with traditional reversing sensors which operate whenever reverse is selected and give both audible and visual warnings. Nissan Micra is the only car in its class to offer PSM.

Among the options, one of the most popular will undoubtedly be a glass roof covering the entire front half of the car virtually from the leading edge of the windscreen back to the B-pillars and extending virtually the entire width of the car. Transforming the interior of Micra by bathing it in natural light, the roof also features an integrated inner curtain for when the sun gets too hot for comfort.

"Nissan Micra is a small car that thinks big, but has been conceived to feature innovations which ease the stress and increase the enjoyment of daily town driving. Items such as the glass roof are usually only found on premium B-segment cars, while you'll have to move to much bigger and more expensive cars to find advanced technology like PSM."

"But, as ever with Nissan, none of the features found either as standard or an option on Micra can be considered frivolous. Every technical advance - be it PSM or automatic lights, Connect or Bluetooth connectivity - is featured on Nissan Micra because it helps its driver," said Vincent Wijnen.

2011 Nissan Juke

2010-07-07T06:04:00.001-07:00

Nissan Juke is set to change the urban landscape... for the third time. Following in the wheeltracks of the Murano large crossover and then the successful Qashqai - the car that three years ago introduced the concept of a crossover as an alternative to the traditional C-segment hatchback - comes its younger brother, the Nissan Juke.

Designed to bring a breath of fresh air to the B-segment, Nissan Juke is a distinctive combination of SUV toughness and sporting style. Conceived to inject some masculinity and dynamism into the small car market, Nissan Juke combines a number of seeming contradictions beneath its highly individual lines.

"It takes the best elements of an SUV and sports car and combines them," says Pierre Loing, Vice President, Product Planning, Nissan Europe. "It's roomy yet compact, robust yet dynamic and practical yet playful. These are qualities that seem to contradict each other, yet come together in Nissan Juke to create something that's genuinely unique."

Nissan Juke was created at Nissan Design Europe (NDE) in the heart of London, and refined at Nissan's Design Centre (NDC) in Japan. Principle engineering took place in Japan with significant European input and Juke will be built in Nissan's factory in Sunderland in the north-east of England.

"The design shows real optimism. By combining design elements from two genres to create a small, but striking Crossover that displays a genuine confidence and style. And those are qualities we also expect to find in a Nissan Juke customer," said Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President for Design and Chief Creative Officer

Nissan Juke

From a design standpoint, the lower portion of Nissan Juke is pure SUV, with chunky wheels, wide tyres, extended ground clearance and a robust stance. But the top portion is unadulterated sports car, with a high waistline, slim visor-like side glass graphics and a coupé-style falling roofline. The coupé effect is further underlined by the rear doors which have their handles hidden in the frame of the door.

Inside, the sports car theme continues with a driver-focused cabin dominated by a centre console design inspired by a motorcycle fuel tank. Finished in a distinctive high gloss colour, the 'bike' console adds a sense of fun to the car. Practicality is assured by the rear-opening hatch and versatile luggage area with hidden storage opportunities.

Based on the Renault Nissan Alliance B platform, Nissan Juke has a 2530mm wheelbase. On front-wheel drive versions, suspension is by MacPherson struts at the front with a torsion beam at the rear while four-wheel drive models have a multi-link rear suspension modelled on the system found on Qashqai.

The All-Mode 4x4-i is a new development of Nissan's respected electronic all-wheel drive system and now features torque vectoring technology to enhance agility and reduce understeer when cornering.

In Europe, three different engines will be available when sales start later in the year (UK sales begin in October): one diesel and two 1.6-litre petrol units, all fully Euro 5 compliant. At the top of the range is a new turbo-charged petrol engine (MR16DDT) with direct injection. The engine is one of the most powerful in its class, developing 140kW (190PS) and 240 Nm. The combination of direct injection with a turbocharger provides the power and responses expected from a 2.5-litre engine with the economy of a smaller engine.

The second petrol engine is a newly developed version from Nissan's trusted HR-family. Designated HR16DE, the lightweight, low-friction 16-valve unit now has a unique dual injection system allowing finer metering of the fuel sprays for better combustion and develops 86kW (117PS). The K9K 81kW (110PS) 1.5-litre dCi common rail diesel offers excellent driveability - thanks as much to its heady 240 Nm of torque - with good economy and emissions.

In terms of transmissions, the two-wheel drive turbo-charged 1.6-litre petrol engine is available with a six speed manual, while a CVT transmission with a six-speed manual mode will be available on the range-topping all-wheel drive version of the turbo-charged petrol engine.

The naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol is available either with a 5-speed manual or the updated XTRONIC CVT and the 1.5-litre diesel engine is available with a 6-speed manual.

Trim and equipment options will follow the established Visia, Acenta and Tekna lines while a full range of accessories has been developed for owners who want to personalise their Nissan Juke still further.

"Nissan Juke is not a traditional B-segment car, and that is quite deliberate. It was born in an urban environment and that is where it will spend most of its life. Fittingly, its combination of agility and toughness make it one of the most streetwise cars around.

"Juke joins Murano and Qashqai to cement Nissan's position as the leading brand in the crossover market," said Simon Thomas, Nissan's European Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing.

Exterior design

First revealed as the Qazana show car - unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show - Juke was created at the London-based Nissan Design Europe and refined at Nissan's Design Centre (NDC) in Japan. Qashqai, also created at NDE, is sold in Europe, Asia and Australia while Nissan Juke will be marketed in Europe, Japan and the United States.

"The outcome of this global collaboration is a car that comes from where East meets West, with vital contributions from NDE and NDC being key to creating such a striking design," said Shiro Nakamura.

Its highly individual lines are carried over virtually intact from Qazana. The boldness of the design reflects the significance of the B-segment in the European market: Europe is expected to take the lion's share of sales ahead of the other main markets, including North America and Japan.

The design team drew inspiration for Nissan Juke's design from a number of unusual sources. They looked back at a number of vehicles synonymous with an active and sporting life - and that list included rally cars and motorbikes. It's clear to see where those ideas have influenced the design.

The result combines a number of different themes, but with Nissan DNA threaded through. It has a tough solid body to reflect the SUV element, yet is a very sensual car, too, with complex curves and a coupé profile accentuated by the narrow side glass and hidden rear door handles which help give the impression of two rather than four doors.

But there is also clear Nissan family DNA in the design - the boomerang rear lights, for example, from the 370Z - but none of the elements are slavishly copied so while retaining Nissan DNA, Juke stands alone as a unique, almost maverick, design.

This is a key theme running through Nissan designs. Alfonso Albaisa, Vice President, Nissan Design Europe, says: "Nissan Juke has elements inspired from other cars in our range such as 370Z and even Cube, but our intention is never to make obvious links between our cars but natural ones. Cube is a cool car, for example, and that coolness can also be found in Nissan Juke."

With generous ground clearance, big wheels and tyres, a high waistline and a broad shoulder line, the bottom 'half' of the car appears to be pure SUV. The impression is accentuated by typical SUV features such as the contrasting black sill and wheel arch finishers while at the front and rear, the lower bodywork emerges from underneath the car, resembling underbody protection.

At the front, the 'sump guard' forms part of the air intake assembly but rather than use a simple meshed grille, the design team have developed the moulding into a series of circular slots… which are suggestive of biotic elements.

Above the waistline, however, Nissan Juke shows its sporting credentials. A heavily raked windscreen, complete with Nissan's signature Crossover upswept flick to the rearmost side window - and sloped roof-line provide a profile reminiscent of an aircraft's canopy.

The rear of the roof incorporates an integral spoiler to reduce aerodynamic lift to help high speed stability. The neat duck-tail ridge was perfected with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and tests in the wind tunnel.

The lights also reflect the car's sporting agility. At the front these are split into two distinct elements. Framing the upper half of the bonnet, thin slashes contain running lights and turn indicators, while the main and dipped beams mounted lower on the nose of the car were inspired by the auxiliary lamps fitted to rally cars in the sixties and seventies. At the rear, the tail-lights put their own spin on the boomerang shaped lamps found on the 370Z.

In total, a nine colour palette of exterior colours is planned, including two whites, a solid and a pearl, and three shades unique to Nissan Juke - Force Red, Haptic Blue and Machine Brown, though the total availability will depend on region.

Seiji Watanabe, Associate Product Chief Designer: "We want our cars, our crossovers in particular, to have a spirit of agility, to be seen as light, nimble, reactive. Nissan Juke displays all these attributes and delivers a real sense of optimism."

Interior design

Nissan Juke's active, sporting exterior is matched by its interior… where the dominant feature also displays a sense of fun: the centre console, finished in a high gloss paint, resembles a motorcycle fuel tank.

"It's unexpected," says Alfonso Albaisa. "And that gives the interior a certain sexiness."

Reflecting the exterior's blending of SUV and sports car attributes, the interior provides the commanding driving position but with all the attributes expected of a sports car. The gear shift sits on the top of the 'motorbiketank' to guarantee slick changes while the tank itself is no mere styling statement but also provides a bracing point for the driver's knee during spirited cornering.

Similarly, the central stack - which incorporates the new Nissan Dynamic Control System - is ergonomically designed to ensure the driver has instant access to the information and drive mode controls.

Attention to detail is evident everywhere. Chrome fittings and high quality materials are used throughout while the interior colours - red or gun metal grey for the central console are available, depending on the grade; black, silver or red accents to the leather or honeycomb 'sports' fabrics - underscore the car's sporting attitude. Even the door arm rests, shaped like flippers used by scuba divers, reflect an active outlook.

Despite its overall compact dimensions, the roomy interior offers competitive levels of space inside: front head room and rear knee room will be sufficient for most occupants. Unlike the Qazana show car, Nissan Juke is a full five seater.

The practical luggage area is large enough to take a nine inch golf bag or a maximum size suitcase and it also includes an underfloor storage area (4wd versions excepted) which takes its potential capacity to 251 litres (VDA). In addition, the rear seats split 60:40, and also fold in one simple movement to provide a totally flat loading floor.

To hide luggage away from prying eyes, the trunk area has an integral tonneau cover which differs from the conventional by being attached to the tailgate and rises with the door when the trunk is opened.

"The interior displays a number of attributes which really sum up the entire car. There's a lot of emotion here, a real sense of fun and a genuine quality," says Albaisa.

Platform

Nissan Juke is based on Renault Nissan Alliance B-Platform and has a 2530mm wheelbase, is 4135mm long, 1765mm wide and 1570mm tall. To allow the top of the range to use 17-inch wheels and 215/55 R17 tyres, the track front and rear is 1525mm, the widest yet seen on the Alliance B-platform.

As new models evolve so a platform will undergo a number of changes, and Nissan Juke's underpinnings are no exception. For its application on Nissan Juke, it has been lengthened, widened and significantly strengthened and lightened to enhance safety, refinement, and fuel efficiency.

Although the basic suspension system mirrors that found on other B-segment cars, with MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the back, a new cradle-type front subframe has enhanced the lateral stiffness of the assembly. Along with revised front suspension geometry, this has helped to promote better handling and ride comfort along with greater refinement.

The 4wd versions of Nissan Juke further benefit from a new multi-link rear suspension. When coupled to Nissan's newly developed torque vectoring four-wheel drive technology to limit understeer, Nissan Juke's handling is at the top of the class in spite of its higher ground clearance while comfort has been preserved.

In an urban environment, the combination of higher ground clearance and large tyres mean that speed bumps and poor road surfaces will not cause as much discomfort - or damage - as they would to a conventional sports hatchback.

Despite its SUV looks and the comparatively high eye-point, Nissan Juke's front and rear roll centre heights are as low as possible - closer to a conventional hatchback than a typical SUV - to reduce body roll in corners.

Agile handling is also helped by speed sensitive electric power steering, standard on all models, and by increased upper body strength and stiffness. Nissan Juke incorporates a newly developed ring structure which connects the upper body to the rear suspension, thus increasing torsional rigidity.

Engines and drivetrains

In Europe, there will be three engine and manual or CVT transmission choices when Nissan Juke sales start in the second half of 2010. At the top of the range is a newly developed 1.6-litre Direct Injection Gasoline turbocharged engine which develops 140kW (190PS) and 240Nm.

A low friction and lightweight design, the 16 valve engine uses direct injection to improve combustion to optimise power and torque, economy and emissions. The addition of a turbocharger and intercooler helps to boost power - this engine is one of the most powerful in its class - while variable timing control for both intake and exhaust cycles (twin VTC) improves low end engine response. A degree of overlap allows exhaust gas recirculation.

Low friction techniques include the adoption of diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating for the valve lifters and mirror finish camshafts. The result is an engine delivering the performance levels of a normally aspirated 2.5-litre engine but with the fuel economy of a smaller engine.

The Direct Injection Gasoline engine in two-wheel drive versions of Nissan Juke will be coupled to a six-speed manual transmission. On the four-wheel drive version, it will be mated to Nissan's XTRONIC CVT transmission, with six-speed manual mode.

The second petrol engine, which also displaces 1.6-litres and has four valves per cylinder, is an extensively reworked member of the HR family. Designated HR16DE, it has undergone a number of significant changes with a larger exhaust manifold, a retuned intake manifold, twin VTC, improved intake tumble flow and new catalyst with a hexagon cell formation.

New pistons with revised crowns and integral oil jet cooling have been adopted along with low friction techniques such as diamond-like carbon coating on the valve lifters.

But the most significant change has been the development of a dual injector system - a world first - which has two injectors for each cylinder, each with smaller nozzles to deliver finer, more closely targeted sprays of fuel into the cylinders for more efficient atomisation and more complete combustion.

Together the changes have led to significant improvements in power, torque and fuel economy. The engine produces 86kW (117PS), representing a six per cent improvement over previous versions of the engine. Torque has improved by three per cent to 157Nm while economy figures show a 5.6 per cent improvement. The normally aspirated petrol engine powers two-wheel drive versions only, and will be available with either the five-speed manual or the updated XTRONIC CVT transmission option, a different CVT transmission to the one used with the DIG engine.

The final engine choice is the familiar Alliance developed K9K 1.5-litre dCi turbocharged common rail diesel. The 1,461cc eight-valve engine delivers good fuel economy, low emissions and running costs with excellent driveability.

With power rated at 81kW (110PS) at 4,000 rpm and torque at an impressive 240 Nm at 1,750 rpm this unit features a fuel return rail and control unit for improved fuel efficiency. Injection pressure is 1,600 bar. Improved glow plug performance speeds up cold start performance. Emission control systems include a diesel particulate filter (DPF), with a fifth injector for regeneration and cooled exhaust gas recirculation while the turbocharger layout altered to make the distance between it and the DPF as short as possible.

The diesel will be available on two-wheel drive models with the six-speed manual transmission. For Europe, all the engines are fully Euro 5 compliant.

While the manual transmission has been carried over largely unchanged from Qashqai, both XTRONIC CVT systems feature a number of key technologies that promise significant improvements in weight, packaging, performance and fuel efficiency.

The updated XTRONIC CVT unit, used with the conventional 1.6-litre petrol engine, is 10 per cent shorter than before and 13 per cent lighter while internal friction has been reduced by a remarkable 30 per cent. This unit is the world's first CVT with a sub planetary gear which allows a far higher transmission ratio - 7.3:1 - than previous Nissan CVTs. Smaller, lighter pulleys, a flexible lock up damper and a more efficient oil pump all promote great fuel efficiency.

The XTRONIC CVT with 6-speed manual mode in the turbocharged petrol-engined Nissan Juke has been tuned for a more sporting performance with revised manual modes for sharper acceleration while the management system has been reprogrammed to enhance fuel efficiency. Both CVTs have adaptive shift control systems that can be selected via the Nissan Dynamic Control System.

Unusually in its class, Nissan Juke will be available with the option of four-wheel drive in addition to conventional front-wheel drive. A newly developed all-wheel drive system is based on Nissan's ALL-MODE 4x4-i electronic technology but which now adds a lateral torque-vectoring capability to its armoury.

As well splitting torque front to rear - upto a maximum of 50:50, it can now be split from side to side across the rear axle, too. By monitoring vehicle speed, wheel speed, gear position, steering angle, lateral G forces and now vehicle yaw rate, torque distribution can be increased to the outside rear wheel in corners to cut understeer and enhance the car's cornering ability. In total, upto 50% of the total available engine torque can be sent to either rear wheel.

The new rear axle incorporates electric couplings at either end plus a new final drive The inclusion of this innovation is a first in the small car segment - a technology that has, until now, only been found on top-of-the-range, premium vehicles.

The new system is noticeably lighter and more compact than similar systems used by some other manufacturers.

Equipment and model lines

Just about the only conventional aspect to Nissan Juke is the model line-up, which follows Nissan's established Visia, Acenta and Tekna lines. Lists of standard and optional equipment will be released nearer the on sale date, but expected items such as climate control, leather upholstery, rear view camera and Intelligent Key will all be available to Nissan Juke customers along with some more unusual features.

One such is Nissan Dynamic Control System, a central command and display module which allows the driver to alter dynamic drive settings as well as make changes to more obvious functions such as climate control.

Cleverly, the module adopts different displays, colours and functions depending on how it is being used. In Climate mode, the display shows the interior temperature setting while the 'buttons' display air-flow preferences.

But in D-Mode, the buttons change to Normal, Sport and Eco driving modes, altering throttle maps, torque availability, CVT shift schedules, steering effort and even air conditioning performance to suit the conditions. The display, meanwhile, shows engine and drive related dials and information.

Car settings, such as the sensitivity of automatic headlights, can also be adjusted via the system, while the display changes colour to signify what type of information is being displayed. Driving information incorporates panels giving average speed, fuel economy, journey times and so on. Overall, the display is designed to add a feeling of cool, engaging technology to the interior.

Accessories

Although Nissan Juke has a long list of standard equipment, Nissan has developed a full range of accessories enabling owners to personalise their cars still further. Among the items on offer are different designs of alloy wheel as well as front and rear under body protectors to accentuate the SUV element of the design.

Other exterior features include exhaust finishers, a roof spoiler and wind deflectors on the doors, while inside an owner can add illuminated door sills and interior accent lighting. Practical touches include advanced security systems as well as extra storage opportunities in the front armrest and in the luggage area.

European Customers

"The incredible success of our Qashqai compact crossover - we've recently passed half a million sales in Europe alone - has shown that customers are fed up with conventional cars. Nissan Juke is even bolder, even more adventurous than Qashqai and is set to confirm Nissan's position as a pioneer of crossover in Europe and, indeed, globally," says Simon Thomas.

Nissan Juke has been conceived with the specific intention to fulfil unmet customer expectations by adding much dynamism and masculinity to the sober, safe small car market. Who does Nissan imagine will buy Juke in Europe?

Clearly Urbanite, male customers are expected to be predominant but a significant proportion of buyers are anticipated to be women - one third according to Nissan's estimates. Nissan Juke will attract a younger audience than average Nissan customers (under half will be below 40), these estimates shows that Nissan Juke will have a broad appeal, supporting Nissan's research that there is widespread disillusionment at the lack of excitement in the small car sector in Europe.

Sales of Nissan Juke will come largely from the B-segment and is also expecting to attract C-segment customers, with people trading down to enjoy something more radical and inspirational. As with the successful Nissan Qashqai, a large majority of Nissan Juke customers will be new to the Nissan brand.

2010 Nissan Qashqai+2

2010-07-07T05:26:00.001-07:00

Built in Britain and better than ever - the Nissan Qashqai is being revised for 2010. Nissan's mid-size crossover model will undergo an extensive update in the spring of 2010 to cement its position as the class-leading, pioneering alternative to the traditional hatchback.

Since its European launch in March 2007, the Nissan Qashqai has exceeded all sales ambitions, with the 500,000th customer delivery scheduled to take place later this month. This has helped the British manufacturing industry through the recession, as all Qashqais are built at Nissan's Sunderland plant here in the UK.

The updates to Nissan Qashqai and Qashqai+2 reinforce its position as a stylish crossover which combines the dynamic driving characteristics of a sporty hatchback with the robust, solid virtues of a compact SUV.

Refreshed Frontal Aspect

The most notable visual change to the Nissan Qashqai is at the front, where a complete makeover has taken place. All new bonnet, front bumper, wings, grille and headlamps combine to give the Qashqai an air of premium sophistication, presence and quality. The new front-end design is shared with Nissan Qashqai+2.

At the rear, the overall shape of the lights remains unchanged, but they now include an aerodynamic feature to reduce drag. A more transparent lens design has been adopted, with the upper portion, housing the reversing lights and indicators, being clear, while the lower section with the brake and nighttime running lights, is red. Additionally, the brake and tail lights operate using 12 LEDs for maximum clarity.

Nissan Qashqai+2

Two New Exterior Colours

Two new exterior colours have been added: Magnetic Red and Mineral Grey. Both colours complement the philosophy of added sophistication that runs through the overall restyling.

Additionally, two new alloy wheel designs will be introduced. Both are five-spoke designs - one 16- one 17-inch in diameter - which both add to the Nissan Qashqai's understated presence.

As well as the changes to the front of the Nissan Qashqai, a series of other modifications around the car have had the effect of improving its aerodynamic efficiency, with the coefficient of drag dropping from 0.34 to 0.33.

Interior Changes

Inside, the Nissan Qashqai features a new design to the main dials which give added clarity and legibility. A redesigned drive computer is positioned between the two dials. Its white LCD screen shows instantaneous and average fuel consumption, mileage, time, cruise control and speed limiter settings among others, providing the driver with an easy to understand interface.

Further improvements to the interior come in the shape of low-level lighting around the front footwells, giving a warmer ambience inside.

Additional oddment storage has been created for added convenience, with a new cubby at the base of the central cluster which is ideal for a mobile phone or portable audio player. Additionally on the two-wheel drive versions (where the ALL MODE selector isn't fitted), there is a new space for parking tickets, keys and swipe cards conveniently located between the seats just behind the gear selector.

Improved Refinement

Life on board the Nissan Qashqai has been made even more comfortable thanks to improved protection against noise, vibration and harshness. This has been achieved by adding an all-new multi-layer insulation material around the front bulkhead, as well as the fitment of an 'acoustic' windscreen which reduces the transmission of noise.

Occupants will also notice a reduction in wind noise around the A-pillar, achieved by changing the window sealing.

Retuned Suspension

Nissan Qashqai customer research has shown that drivers love the blend of solidity and agility, but some small but significant changes have been made to the suspension tuning to further improve ride comfort and responsiveness.

New Pure Drive 129g/km Version

One of the most significant changes to the Nissan Qashqai range is the addition of a new Pure Drive variant. Wearing the badge reserved only for the Nissan models with the most environmentally efficient economy and emissions, this special Nissan Qashqai produces only 129g/km of CO2.

A weight reduction programme and the adoption of aerodynamic wheel covers, combined with the blanking of the fog lamp sockets, the fitment of low rolling resistance tyres and

the lengthening of the final drive ratio all work to maximise the Nissan Qashqai Pure Drive's efficiency. The measures are so effective that CO2 emissions from the 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine have been reduced from 137 to 129g/km. The Nissan Qashqai Visia Pure Drive is priced at £16,795.

UK Pricing

Ensuring the top quality Qashqai remains a top seller in the UK, prices remain highly competitive. Complete with its new styling and dynamic enhancements, the entry-level model costs £15,395, while ownership of a diesel powered Nissan Qashqai is available from £16,795.

What's more, ESP is now fitted as standard across range adding to the Nissan Qashqai's reassuring safety equipment. The specification of Acenta grade and above has now been enhanced with the inclusion of a standard Speed Limiter, while Tekna gains a Bose speaker system. All equipment upgrades apply to both Nissan Qashqai and Nissan Qashqai+2.

Simon Thomas, Nissan's European Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing comments: "When Nissan Qashqai was launched in Europe in 2007, we were optimistic customers would recognise that it offered an alternative to the traditional hatchback or compact SUV. However, we had to increase production to meet demand and two-and-a-half years later, demand hasn't relented. Qashqai has been key at reinforcing Nissan's position as an innovator in the European market. The updates to Nissan Qashqai make it even more attractive and will continue to bring new customers to Nissan for the first time."

2010 Nissan Pathfinder

2010-07-07T05:06:00.000-07:00

Europe's best selling pick-up and its SUV sibling since its launch - the Nissan Navara and Nissan Pathfinder - have been given a mid-term boost with a number of significant enhancements designed to keep them at the top.

Among the changes are the arrival of a new and technically advanced 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine; important improvements to the popular 2.5-litre dCi diesel; greater levels of passive safety; new equipment including the availability of a state-of-the-art Nissan Connect Premium touch-screen satellite navigation system, a premium Bose sound system and a rear view camera; enhanced interior quality and a number of styling changes to keep Nissan Navara and Pathfinder looking sharp.

Together the improvements reinforce Nissan's premier position in the all-wheel drive market and strengthen both Nissan Navara and Pathfinder's status in a hugely competitive segment.

Launched at the Geneva Motor Show, the improved new-look Nissan Navara and Pathfinder models are due on sale across Europe in April 2010. They will be followed two months later by the new 3.0-litre V6 diesel flagship models.

New V6 diesel engine

The new direct injection V6 turbodiesel has been developed by the Renault Nissan Alliance to deliver high levels of performance with strong economy, competitive emissions and class-leading refinement.

The key element of the new V6 - with an unusual vee angle of 65 degrees - is the material chosen for the engine block. Alliance development engineers chose Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI), a material that offers all the benefits of cast iron, including high levels of stiffness and noise absorption, without the weight penalty. And while CGI is heavier than a pure alloy block there is no need to add stiffening ribs or extra sound deadening material so the weight gain is comparatively modest.

Nissan Pathfinder

Using experience gained during the development of the Alliance 2.0-litre dCi engine - and carrying over some technology - accelerated development of the new V6, but number of significant changes have been made to the hardware for the V9X. The combustion chamber design, for example, has been optimised to improve the balance between emission levels and fuel efficiency.

The compression ratio has been lowered to 16:1 to benefit not just economy and emissions but also noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), while internal engine friction is reduced by the use of ultra smooth components such as the micro-finished forged steel used for the crankshaft.

Class leading levels of torque and highly competitive specific power outputs are delivered thanks to the adoption of a comparatively large single turbocharger, which is mounted within the vee of the engine, an intercooler, and the use of the latest generation of Bosch common-rail fuel injection. This system incorporates piezo injectors and operates at 1800 bar.

Power output is 170 kW (231PS) while the torque output of 550 Nm leads the class. Better still, peak torque is achieved from as low as 1,700 rpm and is available all the way to 2,500 rpm, while as much as 500 Nm is available from a mere 1,500 rpm. Idle speed is an exceptionally low 650 rpm with none of the vibrations and noise usually associated with a diesel.

The result is strong low-end performance with comfortably refined delivery and exemplary throttle response. In addition, the engine helps provide strong towing performance, the Nissan Pathfinder capable of towing a 3500 kg braked trailer with Nissan Navara having a 3000 kg limit.

Emissions and fuel efficiency targets included achieving Euro 5 compliance. In addition to the gains made by the changes to the combustion chamber, the V9X engine also incorporates a number of innovative features.

Among these is the adoption of an overcooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system which reduces NOx emissions. The system incorporates an integrated exhaust gas bypass in the EGR cooler which quickly helps to achieve the optimum temperature after start up so that the full cooling capacity can be used. This features a low temperature water circuit for the EGR cooler to reduce still further the temperature of the exhaust gas and lower carbon monoxide and hydro carbon emissions.

Equally significant is the treatment of the tailpipe emissions. The system comprises a metallic oxidation catalytic converter offering lower pressure loss compared to a ceramic system and an exothermic catalyst and a catalytic diesel particulate filter (DPF) in the same container. The latter arrangement works in conjunction with a seventh fuel injector which is positioned in the exhaust.

This is activated while the particulate filter is being regenerated - a process of which the driver is completely unaware - but significantly means the opportunity for unburnt fuel to pollute the engine oil is removed. It also allows the filter to be regenerated in low-load conditions, such as idling, and therefore achieves a high efficiency level under all driving conditions. It also helps stretch oil change intervals to 20,000 kms.

Improved 2.5 four-cylinder dCi

The existing 2.5 dCi four cylinder engine hasn't been forgotten, however, and significant improvements will cement its position as the most popular engine in the range with improvements to both overall refinement and all aspects of its performance.

Subtle retuning has seen a useful 11 per cent rise in both power and torque figures to keep the engine at the top of the class. Power rises by 19 PS to 140 kW (190 PS) while torque increases by a healthy 47 Nm to 450 Nm.

As well as delivering performance gains, the changes have seen improvements in fuel economy and lower emissions. Over the combined cycle manual versions use 8.5l/100kms - an improvement of 1.3 l/100kms - while CO2 emissions have fallen by 40g/km to 224 g/km.

Exterior changes

The revised models have been given a new look front and rear to differentiate them from their predecessors. Changes at the front include a new bonnet, revised grille and a new bumper assembly. Adding 80mm to the length of both models, the bumper is more rounded and lends a more sporting touch to the cars.

There's a new headlamp design with distinctive projector styling where Xenon lamps are fitted (Nissan Pathfinder only). Headlamps washers now pop-up from beneath body colour moulding in the bumpers. There's a new 18 inch alloy wheel to complement the existing range of 16 inch (steel and alloy) and 17 inch (alloy) designs. V6 models, meanwhile, are given a discreet V6 badge at the leading edge of both front doors while V6 Nissan Pathfinder also gain a new side moulding across the doors.

Changes at the rear of Nissan Pathfinder include a new bumper design with squared off edges to give a larger and lower mass for a more stable, tougher appearance.

The existing colour palette is changed to include two new metallic shades for Nissan Navara - Electric Blue and Blue Grey - while Blue Grey is added to Nissan Pathfinder's portfolio.

Interior changes

Most of the changes inside the cabin of both Nissan Navara and Pathfinder have been designed to boost quality and include new switchgear, revised door trims, new seat fabric, the addition of chrome highlights, revised dials and, depending on the model, the availability of Nissan Connect Premium with a new high resolution touch screen.

Typical of the attention to detail that has helped enhance quality are the door trims which have been changed to improve both the look and feel of the interior and its practicality. The armrests and door pads are more tactile to the touch and their shape has also been altered to make them more comfortable in use.

As well as improving fit and finish, the material used has also been enhanced. Practical touches mean the storage bins can now happily hold an A3 map book as well as a one-litre bottle. The rear door storage bins are now large enough to hold a standard Nissan First Aid kit.

Switchgear changes include a new, easier to use, all-wheel drive command control switch on Nissan Pathfinder while the steering wheel controls for the phone and audio are now illuminated. Chrome finishers have been added to the automatic transmission surround and, depending on the model grade, to the instrument binnacle. There's a new storage box on the centre console with a damped lid while SE and LE versions also benefit from 'Fine Vision Meter' dials with a crisper appearance. LE versions of Nissan Pathfinder now have the option of black or light biscuit leather trim.

Equipment improvements include a new Speed Limiter, which is incorporated into the existing cruise control system.

Active safety is improved with the availability of Nissan's Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) on Nissan Navara (already available on Pathfinder) which uses sensors to monitor the engine's ECU, wheel speed, steering angle, plus longitudinal and lateral G and yaw rates to anticipate and control wheel slippage.

Nissan Connect Premium, the brand's new integrated navigation, communication and music system is an optional extra. Simple and quick in use, the 40GB hard drive-based system has a high resolution touch screen with a 3D Birdview display while the map coverage is now extended to Russia, Turkey and Eastern Europe. A new intuitive multi-function controller is fitted and the system also incorporates RDS-TMS live traffic updates and rich content from Michelin.

There are eight languages available for the menus and navigation system while the voice recognition software can handle seven: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Dutch. Optionally available is a Bose Premium Sound system with special speakers and amplification designed especially for Nissan Navara and Pathfinder.

The new piece of equipment is a rear view camera. Already available on Nissan Pathfinder, it can now be specified on Nissan Navara, offering improved visibility when parking especially when the bed is loaded or a hard top fitted.

2010 Nissan Navara

2010-07-07T02:11:00.000-07:00

Europe's best selling pick-up and its SUV sibling since its launch - the Nissan Navara and Nissan Pathfinder - have been given a mid-term boost with a number of significant enhancements designed to keep them at the top.

Among the changes are the arrival of a new and technically advanced 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine; important improvements to the popular 2.5-litre dCi diesel; greater levels of passive safety; new equipment including the availability of a state-of-the-art Nissan Connect Premium touch-screen satellite navigation system, a premium Bose sound system and a rear view camera; enhanced interior quality and a number of styling changes to keep Nissan Navara and Pathfinder looking sharp.

Together the improvements reinforce Nissan's premier position in the all-wheel drive market and strengthen both Nissan Navara and Pathfinder's status in a hugely competitive segment.

Launched at the Geneva Motor Show, the improved new-look Nissan Navara and Pathfinder models are due on sale across Europe in April 2010. They will be followed two months later by the new 3.0-litre V6 diesel flagship models.

New V6 diesel engine

The new direct injection V6 turbodiesel has been developed by the Renault Nissan Alliance to deliver high levels of performance with strong economy, competitive emissions and class-leading refinement.

The key element of the new V6 - with an unusual vee angle of 65 degrees - is the material chosen for the engine block. Alliance development engineers chose Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI), a material that offers all the benefits of cast iron, including high levels of stiffness and noise absorption, without the weight penalty. And while CGI is heavier than a pure alloy block there is no need to add stiffening ribs or extra sound deadening material so the weight gain is comparatively modest.

Using experience gained during the development of the Alliance 2.0-litre dCi engine - and carrying over some technology - accelerated development of the new V6, but number of significant changes have been made to the hardware for the V9X. The combustion chamber design, for example, has been optimised to improve the balance between emission levels and fuel efficiency.

The compression ratio has been lowered to 16:1 to benefit not just economy and emissions but also noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), while internal engine friction is reduced by the use of ultra smooth components such as the micro-finished forged steel used for the crankshaft.

Class leading levels of torque and highly competitive specific power outputs are delivered thanks to the adoption of a comparatively large single turbocharger, which is mounted within the vee of the engine, an intercooler, and the use of the latest generation of Bosch common-rail fuel injection. This system incorporates piezo injectors and operates at 1800 bar.

Power output is 170 kW (231PS) while the torque output of 550 Nm leads the class. Better still, peak torque is achieved from as low as 1,700 rpm and is available all the way to 2,500 rpm, while as much as 500 Nm is available from a mere 1,500 rpm. Idle speed is an exceptionally low 650 rpm with none of the vibrations and noise usually associated with a diesel.

The result is strong low-end performance with comfortably refined delivery and exemplary throttle response. In addition, the engine helps provide strong towing performance, the Nissan Pathfinder capable of towing a 3500 kg braked trailer with Nissan Navara having a 3000 kg limit.

Emissions and fuel efficiency targets included achieving Euro 5 compliance. In addition to the gains made by the changes to the combustion chamber, the V9X engine also incorporates a number of innovative features.

Among these is the adoption of an overcooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system which reduces NOx emissions. The system incorporates an integrated exhaust gas bypass in the EGR cooler which quickly helps to achieve the optimum temperature after start up so that the full cooling capacity can be used. This features a low temperature water circuit for the EGR cooler to reduce still further the temperature of the exhaust gas and lower carbon monoxide and hydro carbon emissions.

Equally significant is the treatment of the tailpipe emissions. The system comprises a metallic oxidation catalytic converter offering lower pressure loss compared to a ceramic system and an exothermic catalyst and a catalytic diesel particulate filter (DPF) in the same container. The latter arrangement works in conjunction with a seventh fuel injector which is positioned in the exhaust.

This is activated while the particulate filter is being regenerated - a process of which the driver is completely unaware - but significantly means the opportunity for unburnt fuel to pollute the engine oil is removed. It also allows the filter to be regenerated in low-load conditions, such as idling, and therefore achieves a high efficiency level under all driving conditions. It also helps stretch oil change intervals to 20,000 kms.

Improved 2.5 four-cylinder dCi

The existing 2.5 dCi four cylinder engine hasn't been forgotten, however, and significant improvements will cement its position as the most popular engine in the range with improvements to both overall refinement and all aspects of its performance.

Subtle retuning has seen a useful 11 per cent rise in both power and torque figures to keep the engine at the top of the class. Power rises by 19 PS to 140 kW (190 PS) while torque increases by a healthy 47 Nm to 450 Nm.

As well as delivering performance gains, the changes have seen improvements in fuel economy and lower emissions. Over the combined cycle manual versions use 8.5l/100kms - an improvement of 1.3 l/100kms - while CO2 emissions have fallen by 40g/km to 224 g/km.

Exterior changes

The revised models have been given a new look front and rear to differentiate them from their predecessors. Changes at the front include a new bonnet, revised grille and a new bumper assembly. Adding 80mm to the length of both models, the bumper is more rounded and lends a more sporting touch to the cars.

There's a new headlamp design with distinctive projector styling where Xenon lamps are fitted (Nissan Pathfinder only). Headlamps washers now pop-up from beneath body colour moulding in the bumpers. There's a new 18 inch alloy wheel to complement the existing range of 16 inch (steel and alloy) and 17 inch (alloy) designs. V6 models, meanwhile, are given a discreet V6 badge at the leading edge of both front doors while V6 Nissan Pathfinder also gain a new side moulding across the doors.

Changes at the rear of Nissan Pathfinder include a new bumper design with squared off edges to give a larger and lower mass for a more stable, tougher appearance.

The existing colour palette is changed to include two new metallic shades for Nissan Navara - Electric Blue and Blue Grey - while Blue Grey is added to Nissan Pathfinder's portfolio.

Interior changes

Most of the changes inside the cabin of both Nissan Navara and Pathfinder have been designed to boost quality and include new switchgear, revised door trims, new seat fabric, the addition of chrome highlights, revised dials and, depending on the model, the availability of Nissan Connect Premium with a new high resolution touch screen.

Typical of the attention to detail that has helped enhance quality are the door trims which have been changed to improve both the look and feel of the interior and its practicality. The armrests and door pads are more tactile to the touch and their shape has also been altered to make them more comfortable in use.

As well as improving fit and finish, the material used has also been enhanced. Practical touches mean the storage bins can now happily hold an A3 map book as well as a one-litre bottle. The rear door storage bins are now large enough to hold a standard Nissan First Aid kit.

Switchgear changes include a new, easier to use, all-wheel drive command control switch on Nissan Pathfinder while the steering wheel controls for the phone and audio are now illuminated. Chrome finishers have been added to the automatic transmission surround and, depending on the model grade, to the instrument binnacle. There's a new storage box on the centre console with a damped lid while SE and LE versions also benefit from 'Fine Vision Meter' dials with a crisper appearance. LE versions of Nissan Pathfinder now have the option of black or light biscuit leather trim.

Equipment improvements include a new Speed Limiter, which is incorporated into the existing cruise control system.

Active safety is improved with the availability of Nissan's Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) on Nissan Navara (already available on Pathfinder) which uses sensors to monitor the engine's ECU, wheel speed, steering angle, plus longitudinal and lateral G and yaw rates to anticipate and control wheel slippage.

Nissan Connect Premium, the brand's new integrated navigation, communication and music system is an optional extra. Simple and quick in use, the 40GB hard drive-based system has a high resolution touch screen with a 3D Birdview display while the map coverage is now extended to Russia, Turkey and Eastern Europe. A new intuitive multi-function controller is fitted and the system also incorporates RDS-TMS live traffic updates and rich content from Michelin.

There are eight languages available for the menus and navigation system while the voice recognition software can handle seven: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Dutch. Optionally available is a Bose Premium Sound system with special speakers and amplification designed especially for Nissan Navara and Pathfinder.

The new piece of equipment is a rear view camera. Already available on Nissan Pathfinder, it can now be specified on Nissan Navara, offering improved visibility when parking especially when the bed is loaded or a hard top fitted.

2010 Nissan 370Z Black Edition

2010-02-06T01:47:00.001-08:00

The Nissan 370Z Black Edition marks the 40th anniversary in style. Available from April 2010 as a coupé only, and in a limited edition run of just 370 units in Europe, it comes in two distinctive metallic shades: black and quartz. Both paints use Nissan's pioneering Scratch Shield technology, 'healing' the finish in the case of stone chip damage.

Just over 40 years ago a motoring icon was born. As the sixties moved into the 1970s, the Datsun 240Z was launched on the US market. American drivers instantly fell in love with the car and sales in that one market alone regularly topped 50,000 units annually. The Z legend had begun.

Now four decades, six generations and well over a million cars later, Nissan is introducing a special celebratory version of the newest two-seater to wear the famous Z badge - the Nissan 370Z.

Inside the Nissan 370Z Black edition there are:
Unique red leather & suede appointed interior (seats & door trim) with embossed 40th Anniversary logo seats
Smooth leather wrapped steering wheel with red stitching
Red stitching on the centre cluster, centre console and knee pads
Nissan's Connect Premium state-of-the-art combined touch-screen satellite navigation and audio system with USB connectivity

The exterior of the Nissan 370Z Black can be identified thanks to:
Dark grey 19" aluminium forged RAYS wheels
Eye-catching red brake callipers
40th Anniversary emblem on the back door

Standard specification means it already has a bespoke BOSE premium audio system, 19-inch forged alloy wheels, Stop/Start button with Nissan's Intelligent Key and a sporting six speed manual transmission with unique Synchro Rev Control technology. The electronically controlled rev matching system ensures perfect 'heel and toe' gear changes every time. A seven-speed automatic version with column-mounted paddle shifts is available as an option.

The Black Edition comes as standard with Nissan's next generation combined audio and navigation system, offering improved ease-of-operation, new and updated features.

At its heart is a high performance Hard Disk Drive (HDD) navigation system that offers customer audio storage capacity of 9.3GB.

Among the many benefits are vastly extended mapping which now includes Turkey, Eastern Europe and Russia, as well as a new easy to follow 3D navigation guidance with improved graphics and a more realistic depiction of the road and landmarks ahead for many of Europe's principle cities. The resolution of the new 7 inch screen is up to four times better than the previous generation system.

Real time traffic information is supplied via RDS-TMC, but quicker operation allows the system to offer re-routing in a fraction of the time.

The new generation system uses a touch-screen interface, maximising both ease of use and safety not only for the navigation, but also for other functions such as Bluetooth phone connectivity and entertainment. It is also possible to operate the system using voice recognition.

On-screen instructions can be displayed in eight different languages including English, French, German, Spanish and Italian - while voice recognition is supported in seven - English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Dutch.

The new generation navigation system also allows USB connectivity for portable audio devices. Furthermore, DVDs can be played on the centrally mounted navigation screen (when the car is stationary), while external audio and video devices can be connected via the VTR connections that are found in the central storage box.

In terms of its mechanical specification, the Nissan 370Z Black Edition matches the standard 370Z. That means a 3.7-litre 24-valve twin cam V6 developing 328PS and a limited top speed of 155mph and a 0-62 mph time of 5.3 seconds (5.6 seconds for the automatic version). The 2010 model year update means the 370Z is now fully compliant with forthcoming Euro 5 emission legislation.

Exemplary levels of handling and grip are assured by the focused rear-wheel drive chassis which features fully independent suspension, powerful upgraded brakes and precise speed sensitive power steering.

Since its launch in June 2009, more than 1,050 examples of the Nissan 370Z have been sold across Europe, an exceptional achievement for a niche product in extremely challenging market conditions. The car's largest market to date has been the UK, followed by France and Germany.

"The 'story of Z' is full of positives, with success not just in the sales charts all over the world but on racetracks and at award ceremonies, too. The Nissan 370Z Black Edition is a fitting tribute to a great car," said Vincent Wijnen, Nissan's European Vice President for Marketing.

Customers can order the Nissan 370Z Black Edition from all Nissan High Performance Centres and throughout the dealer network with deliveries starting in April 2010.

Prices start from - £33,645 for the manual and £35,045 for the automatic transmission (prices include £750 showroom tax which comes into effect on 1 April 2010).

2010 Nissan Qashqai

2009-12-04T04:43:00.000-08:00

Built in Britain and better than ever - the Nissan Qashqai is being revised for 2010. Nissan's mid-size crossover model will undergo an extensive update in the spring of 2010 to cement its position as the class-leading, pioneering alternative to the traditional hatchback.

Since its European launch in March 2007, the Nissan Qashqai has exceeded all sales ambitions, with the 500,000th customer delivery scheduled to take place later this month. This has helped the British manufacturing industry through the recession, as all Qashqais are built at Nissan's Sunderland plant here in the UK.

The updates to Nissan Qashqai and Qashqai+2 reinforce its position as a stylish crossover which combines the dynamic driving characteristics of a sporty hatchback with the robust, solid virtues of a compact SUV.

Refreshed Frontal Aspect

The most notable visual change to the Nissan Qashqai is at the front, where a complete makeover has taken place. All new bonnet, front bumper, wings, grille and headlamps combine to give the Qashqai an air of premium sophistication, presence and quality. The new front-end design is shared with Qashqai+2.

At the rear, the overall shape of the lights remains unchanged, but they now include an aerodynamic feature to reduce drag. A more transparent lens design has been adopted, with the upper portion, housing the reversing lights and indicators, being clear, while the lower section with the brake and nighttime running lights, is red. Additionally, the brake and tail lights operate using 12 LEDs for maximum clarity.

Two New Exterior Colours

Two new exterior colours have been added: Magnetic Red and Mineral Grey. Both colours complement the philosophy of added sophistication that runs through the overall restyling.

Additionally, two new alloy wheel designs will be introduced. Both are five-spoke designs - one 16- one 17-inch in diameter - which both add to the Nissan Qashqai's understated presence.

As well as the changes to the front of the Nissan Qashqai, a series of other modifications around the car have had the effect of improving its aerodynamic efficiency, with the coefficient of drag dropping from 0.34 to 0.33.

Interior Changes

Inside, the Nissan Qashqai features a new design to the main dials which give added clarity and legibility. A redesigned drive computer is positioned between the two dials. Its white LCD screen shows instantaneous and average fuel consumption, mileage, time, cruise control and speed limiter settings among others, providing the driver with an easy to understand interface.

Further improvements to the interior come in the shape of low-level lighting around the front footwells, giving a warmer ambience inside.

Additional oddment storage has been created for added convenience, with a new cubby at the base of the central cluster which is ideal for a mobile phone or portable audio player. Additionally on the two-wheel drive versions (where the ALL MODE selector isn't fitted), there is a new space for parking tickets, keys and swipe cards conveniently located between the seats just behind the gear selector.

Improved Refinement

Life on board the Nissan Qashqai has been made even more comfortable thanks to improved protection against noise, vibration and harshness. This has been achieved by adding an all-new multi-layer insulation material around the front bulkhead, as well as the fitment of an 'acoustic' windscreen which reduces the transmission of noise.

Occupants will also notice a reduction in wind noise around the A-pillar, achieved by changing the window sealing.

Retuned Suspension

Nissan Qashqai customer research has shown that drivers love the blend of solidity and agility, but some small but significant changes have been made to the suspension tuning to further improve ride comfort and responsiveness.

New Pure Drive 129g/km Version

One of the most significant changes to the Nissan Qashqai range is the addition of a new Pure Drive variant. Wearing the badge reserved only for the Nissan models with the most environmentally efficient economy and emissions, this special Nissan Qashqai produces only 129g/km of CO2.

A weight reduction programme and the adoption of aerodynamic wheel covers, combined with the blanking of the fog lamp sockets, the fitment of low rolling resistance tyres and

the lengthening of the final drive ratio all work to maximise the Nissan Qashqai Pure Drive's efficiency. The measures are so effective that CO2 emissions from the 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine have been reduced from 137 to 129g/km. The Nissan Qashqai Visia Pure Drive is priced at £16,795.

UK Pricing

Ensuring the top quality Qashqai remains a top seller in the UK, prices remain highly competitive. Complete with its new styling and dynamic enhancements, the entry-level model costs £15,395, while ownership of a diesel powered Nissan Qashqai is available from £16,795.

What's more, ESP is now fitted as standard across range adding to the Nissan Qashqai's reassuring safety equipment. The specification of Acenta grade and above has now been enhanced with the inclusion of a standard Speed Limiter, while Tekna gains a Bose speaker system. All equipment upgrades apply to both Qashqai and Qashqai+2.

Simon Thomas, Nissan's European Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing comments: "When Nissan Qashqai was launched in Europe in 2007, we were optimistic customers would recognise that it offered an alternative to the traditional hatchback or compact SUV. However, we had to increase production to meet demand and two-and-a-half years later, demand hasn't relented. Qashqai has been key at reinforcing Nissan's position as an innovator in the European market. The updates to Nissan Qashqai make it even more attractive and will continue to bring new customers to Nissan for the first time."

2009 Nissan Land Glider Concept

2009-10-08T00:39:00.000-07:00

In creating the Nissan Land Glider concept, planners and designers of Nissan have conceived a totally new form of personal zero emission mobility that combines clever, new driving experiences, all in the one compact, 4-wheeled package.

With more than 50% of the world's population living in big cities in the near future, designers latched onto motorcycles as a credible base to start the design process.

While the agility, thrills and freedom of bikes inspired the designers and engineers, an extra spice was added to the mix. Tandem architecture became the obvious choice. A unique two-seater, cocoon-like structure sitting on a zero emission powertrain. With four-wheel stability and a sense of safety that originates from a tilting cabin, the Nissan Land Glider Concept will appeal to both two- and four-wheel driving enthusiasts.

Targeted at city dwellers of all generations, the Nissan Land Glider Concept is a serious motoring statement of the new era of mobility that Nissan intends to lead.

Cocoon in the shell

"The exterior incorporates a soft, sleek-looking body that appears to be protected by a special armor," explains Takashi Nakajima, Nissan's Project Design Director. "And while it is very mechanical in its nature, the four-wheeler boasts a dynamic body design that almost seems alive. As part of Nissan's expanding zero emission family, the Nissan Land Glider Concept exudes a clean, friendly attitude."

The vehicle's two-seater tandem layout is enveloped in what seems like the canopy of a glider, while its unique `tilt' setup employs a special leaning function that holds occupants firmly in place even when the vehicle is cornering at angles. In developing the Land Glider, Nissan designers have created a two-seater that offers the sense of security of a cocoon, but delivers real driving pleasure.

Corner and lean

Described as a `personal city commuter,' the Nissan Land Glider Concept features steering-by-wire and a lean capability when cornering ? like a motorcycle ? that enables the vehicle and its tires to lean by up to 17 degrees. Able to turn sharply at nearly any speed, the Nissan Land Glider employs sensors for vehicle speed, steering angle and yaw rate to instantly calculate the level of lean required to negotiate a corner. All the driver must do is turn and the cabin will lean accordingly. By enabling the car to lean, designers have succeeded in minimizing vehicle width and tire tread width, thus achieving a sleek, futuristic look.

Driven by rear electric motors

With drive coming from two electric motors in the rear powered by lithium-ion batteries mounted beneath the floor, the zero-emissions Nissan Land Glider Concept is quick off the mark. The car also features a non-contact charging system that can be charged whilst shopping at a supermarket or stopping at a motorway service station. This system enables vehicles to be charged cable-less at locations where the infrastructure exists.

Collision Avoidance

To ensure maximum safety whilst driving, engineers have fitted a car-robotics style crash avoidance system in which sensors mounted in the body detect other vehicles in the same way as fish swim in schools without colliding. This system directs the vehicle's path away from any obstacles.

Whilst Nissan Land Glider is a concept car created for the Tokyo Motor Show, it should not be regarded as a mere design study. This leaning machine gives a clear direction to how a future small car from Nissan could look in congested cities...a clue of what Nissan means by new era of mobility.

Technical Specifications
Overall Length: 3,100 mm
Overall Width: 1,100 mm
Overall Height: 1,415 mm
Wheelbase: 2,180 mm
Seating Capacity: 2

2010 Nissan Altima Coupe

2009-10-01T00:18:00.001-07:00

The popular Nissan Altima, ranked number one in segment in the 2009 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS), enters the 2010 model year with fresh exterior styling, refined interior treatments and a host of technology enhancements to its navigation and entertainment systems. Available in three distinct models - Nissan Altima Sedan, Altima Coupe and Altima Hybrid - the 2010 Altima will be available at Nissan dealers nationwide beginning Monday, October 5th, 2009.

Now in its fourth generation, with nearly 3.2 million units sold worldwide, Nissan Altima provides a unique combination of exhilarating driving pleasure, distinctive and sporty design and exceptional quality and value in the mid-size sedan and coupe classes.

Again in 2010, Nissan Altima is available in a variety of well-equipped trim levels designed to appeal to a broad range of buyer needs and budgets, including 175-horsepower 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder and 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine-equipped 4-door Nissan Altima Sedan and sporty 2-door Nissan Altima Coupe versions.

The Nissan Altima Hybrid powertrain mates a specialized version of Nissan's QR25 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and standard electronically controlled CVT with an advanced electric drive motor/generator. Nissan Altima Hybrid is estimated to have a hybrid system net power rating of 198 horsepower (148 kW) while maintaining low tailpipe emissions, earning Nissan Altima Hybrid an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) rating. EPA fuel economy is estimated at 35 mpg City and 33 mpg Highway. Combined with Nissan Altima's standard 20-gallon fuel tank, the Nissan Altima Hybrid has a projected driving range of over 600 miles between fill-ups.

Among the many changes for all 2010 Altima are a restyled hood, grille and front bumper, new wheel designs, standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) on all models, revised interior fabric and finishers, new exterior colors and revised option package content. In addition, the previous Nissan Altima 3.5 SE designation has been renamed the 3.5 SR.

Along with the exhilaration provided by the driver-oriented cockpit and high levels of Nissan Altima performance, the "entertainment factor" of Altima's interior has been upgraded with new available premium audio packages that include a Bose® AM/FM audio system with nine speakers, 4.3-inch color display, USB port with iPod® connectivity, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, MP3/WMA CD-ROM playback, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately) and RearView Monitor.

Also available with Nissan Altima Sedan, Coupe and Hybrid models is a next-generation Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with 6.5-inch VGA color touch-screen display (replaces the 4.3-inch display), 9.3GB Music Box for music storage and playback, advanced map data including speed limit advisories, Zagat restaurant guide, XM NavTraffic® and XM NavWeather® (XM® subscription required, sold separately), Bluetooth® Streaming Audio, DVD player and an RCA input for auxiliary audio/video connectivity.