Nissan – Page 40 – Automobiles Review

Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3

Nissan has announced the GT3 version of GT-R. The new model meets all FIA GT3 regulations. It is produced by Nissan, NISMO and JR Motorsports (JRM), which have been jointly developing the car during 2011.

The car is powered by the same 3.8 liter twin-turbo V6 delivering 530PS (390 kW) and 612Nm (451 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed semi-automatic transmission. The car weighs just 1300 kg (2 866 lbs).

The racing GT-R features everything that a professional driver needs – perfect aerodynamics consisting of new carbon fiber package; stripped interior; new racing suspension and a set of new rims and tires.

It is interesting that the car will actually hit the global market at “decent” price of 298 000 Euro (which is more than $383 000).

The car will appear alongside the GT1 Nissan GT-R that won the 2011 FIA GT1 World Championship. To celebrate the launch, JRM will simultaneously run the Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 as an official Nissan Europe entry in the Dubai 24-hour race, where it will be driven by four Nissan Champions from 2011: Michael Krumm, Alex Buncombe, Tom Kimber-Smith and Franck Malliaux.

Source: Nissan

January 23, 2012

Nissan LEAF Severe Weather Test [VIDEO]

We have all been there: it’s minus 15 Celsius outside, snow chunks fall down on you like there’s no tomorrow and you can’t call anyone because your cellphone is dead. It wasn’t dead 3 minutes ago. In fact it had 2 lines of battery on the screen but now it’s over because the reality of the situation is that weather does affect the efficiency of Li-ion batteries. It’s the same frightening story with electric vehicles – what if I run out of juice in the middle of nowhere? Well Nissan are painfully aware of this issue and have gathered members of the media and the public in northern Japan to demonstrate how the LEAF tackles cold weather with a few tricks up it’s sleeve.

At 230 meters above see level in Shibetsu, Hokkaido the thermometers outside showed minus 9 Celsius. The LEAF was tested out on the snow covered tracks for a while and the battery temperature never dropped bellow 5 Celsius. Under more extreme conditions, like in Sweden or Norway, the LEAF‘s battery packs can be fitted with a warming system to preserve maximum capacity. Chief Vehicle Engineer Hidetoshi Kadota shared some tips with the 350 LEAF owners on how to get the most out of their EV’s. For example, pre-warming the cabin before taking a drive will greatly benefit range and efficiency.

Motoring journalists however, seemed more interested on how the LEAF would handle on slippery surfaces such as the powdery track in Shibetsu. A pylon slalom was set up and for what might be a surprise for some, the LEAF coped pretty well. The car’s Vehicle Dynamic Control, which monitors driver input and vehicle function is sure to have helped. Also, because of the center of gravity, which is really low (the battery packs are under the cabin), one might argue that on that surface, the LEAF handled better than any other FF or FR car out there.

Journalist and race driver Takayuki Kinoshita says LEAF proved it’s the one for the road:
“I think EVs, like the LEAF, will expand in the future. If EVs can only be usable in certain limited conditions, they will not grow. But I was highly impressed by the key message here, that the LEAF can drive normally in hot or cold weather throughout the world.”

Definitely a point for Nissan there.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VGu0cfCuTM&feature=player_embedded

January 23, 2012

Alcon CCX SuperKit for Nissan R35 GT-R

Alcon has announced the Carbon Ceramic Xtreme (CCX) Superkit for Nissan R35 GT-R. The specially created brake system includes lightweight brake technology and is half the mass of a similarly sized iron disc. It also boasts significant improvements in vehicle performance and agility and everything is track tested by Alcon’s in-house R&D department.

The results are more than satisfying. The new brake system is fade free and has excellent initial bite from hot or cold. It provides extreme stopping power and features low wear rates of both discs and pads.

The CCX discs are available in numerous sizes to suit customers’ individual requirements, while a number of standard supercar kits are in development and one is now ready for sale.

The Nissan kit fits perfectly to the original 20” wheel rims. It also comes complete with all hardware that you need for installation.

This is the ultimate fast road/track conversion kit for the stunning R35 GT-R and features:

•   400mm front ventilated, cross-drilled CCX discs mounted to stainless steel bells
•   385mm rear ventilated, cross-drilled CCX discs mounted to stainless steel bells
•   New 6-piston, monobloc billet front calipers fitted with Alcon CCX-1 pads
•   6-piston, monobloc billet rear calipers fitted with Alcon CCX-1 pads

Source: Alcon

January 23, 2012

2013 Nissan GT-R US Price – $96 820

Finally, Nissan has announced the price tag for 2013 GT-R US model. The sports car hits the US market with a competitive price of $96 820 for GT-R Premium, while the Black Edition model is nearly ten grand more – $106 320.

The new 2013 GT-R is powered by a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6 with 553PS (406 kW) and 627Nm (463 lb-ft) of torque, which is an increase of 15PS and 20Nm. It is not much, but at least it is something. In addition, the suspension has been retuned to enhance both performance and comfort. Other changes for the 2013 model year include a standard RearView Monitor and the Black Edition receives a new dry carbon fiber rear spoiler.

The braking system comes from Brembo and includes full-floating cross-drilled rotors, low steel high stiffness brake pads and Brembo monoblock 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers.

The rims are lightweight 10-spoke forged 20” RAYS with a premium dark finish. They are fitted with Dunlop Sports Max GT 600 DSST CTT tires – P255/40 ZRF20 in front and P285/35 ZRF20 in the rear. The Black Edition features special metallic black six-spoke RAYS lightweight wheels with the same tires.

Six exterior colors are available for 2013: Deep Blue Pearl, Jet Black, Solid Red, Gun Metallic, Pearl White and a 4-stage metallic Super Silver.

The interior boasts performance bucket seats, a cockpit-style instrument panel with a large center-mounted tachometer and multi-function display. The Black Edition adds custom red and black Recaro leather-appointed seats, red and black interior trim and a dark headliner.

An 11-speaker Bose sound , is standard. Additional standard equipment for 2013 includes a RearView Monitor, Nissan Navigation System with XM NavTraffic® with Real-Time Traffic Information and NavWeatherTM capabilities, and Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System.

Source: Nissan

January 20, 2012

Nismo March Concept Debut [VIDEO]

Tokyo Auto Salon 2012 is over and Nissan have managed to leave a long lasting impression from their presentations. Along with the Nismo Juke and Nismo LEAF electric car, a Nismo March Concept made a surprise appearance appearance and feedback is turning out to be good.

In comparison to the standard version, the Nismo March Concept is not strikingly different. In fact the only mechanical bit introduced to a tuning kit is the suspension. Other then that the ride is lowered, the wheels are lightweight and the bumpers, sideskirts and door mirrors are sort of new. The inside has underwent some design changes as well but nothing specific. Yet, the overall result is rather pleasant – we have a sporty little bumblebee with nice color patterns and a good road stance.

Officials are still not sure if they are going to give the Nismo March a green light unless public response ends up being positive (which it most probably will). It was the same story with the Nismo Juke – last year a concept and this year a production debut.

The Tokyo Auto Salon 2012 ran through Sunday, and featured some 367 exhibitors and 630 vehicles. Nismo and Autech Japan jointly showcased there a booth that looked like a race circuit compleate with audience stands and everything. Other vehicles displayed included the Fairlady Z, various kinds of vans and other icons such as the GT-R.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lnozbyujzc

Source: Nissan

January 17, 2012

Nissan March Nismo Concept

Nissan Motor Co. has just revealed the brand new March Nismo Concept at Tokyo Auto Salon 2012. This is the third premium sports compact vehicle released by Nismo, following on the Juke Nismo Concept and the LEAF Nismo Concept. The car is based on Nissan March and features the exclusive Nismo parts. The result is March Nismo Concept which is an extraordinary and excellent expression of the combination of a premium sports compact car and practical but exciting driving performance.

First of all the exterior of the concept includes a lower stance and bolder styling thanks to a modified front grille design. In addition there are also featured efficiency-enhancing aeroparts which were developed as part of Nismo’s racing technology. Moreover, the door mirror design has been tailored, and a rear lip spoiler added, to further enhance the car’s aerodynamic performance. What about the interior: Nismo designers have created purpose-designed seats. Additionally the steering wheel has been adapted to aid smooth interaction between the driver and the car. The March Nismo Concept comes with pearl white paint finish with red highlights, and the signature Nismo colors for performance-focused premium sports models. The vehicle is also fitted with several of Nismo’s vaunted racing technologies. For instance, such are the high-performance suspension and large-diameter lightweight wheels, thank to which the March Nismo Concept will deliver superior handling and stability that adds to the pleasure of sporty driving.

Source: Nissan

January 13, 2012

Hennessey Cadillac vs Nissan GT-R – Interesting Outcome [Video]

Hennessey is a Texas tuning shop famous for creating Texas-sized horsepower numbers and for modifying super cars that will steal a Bugatti Veyron’s lunch money.” – TopGear USA

Ever wondered what it feels like to thunder down the road in a 6000 lbs fortress? Well, here is a video of a Cadillac Escalade humiliating a Nissan GT-R on a street drag race. Impossible, right? Not if Hennessey have something to do about it. The seemingly standard SUV actually has an HPE1000 Twin Turbo Upgrade on its drivetrain which boosts up the power up to the nuclear 1000 bhp. The company have replaced almost all there is to replace on the engine including the cylinder heads, the camshaft, intake manifolds, catalytic converters air filters etc. They have also fiddled with fuel management system, bolted on two ball bearing turbochargers and after much Dyno tuning and road testing, this is the result: A 60 mph sprint in 3.3 seconds and if you dare to keep your foot down for 11.3 second, you’ll get to 124 miles per hour (provided that it is run on 93 octane fuel).

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXpV8_LXrCM

Head-to-head, on paper, the Nissan is the underdog here: A “mere” V-6, 520 hp, 3.8 Liter engine. But let us not forget that the GT-R is a Nurburgring veteran and should not be ashamed of anything. In real life, it will pass trough the Escalade as soon as the first corner comes around. The point of that drag race really, is to show Hennessey flexing their muscle – A proof of how capable they are when it comes to extracting power from machinery.

Source: Hennessey

January 12, 2012

Nissan Juke-R – 0 to 100 kmh in 3.7 seconds

Nissan has officially confirmed the performance figures for Juke-R. The ultimate crossover has been developed by Nissan and built by leading motorsports outfit RML with advice from Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTC-E).

Juke-R is powered by a 3.8-litre V6 twin turbo engine with 480BHP (353 kW) and 588Nm (434 lb-ft). From 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 257 km/h (160 mph). Not bad performance for a compact crossover.

The vehicle also features big 20-inch RAYS forged alloy wheels fitted with low-profile performance tires. Suspension from Nissan GT-R as well as an FIA-specification roll cage and unique split rear wing.

The interior boasts OMP race seats, all the controls and instruments from GT-R and a 7” touch-screen display is in the centre of the dashboar.

During the 22 week project, Nissan ‘opened the doors’ on the creation of Juke-R, documenting the development story from day 1 and releasing a series of 10 videos on You Tube and via the Nissan Juke Facebook page – a series which has achieved over 2.2 million views in just 10 weeks.

Today marks the release of the wrap-up video bringing together the full development story, showing the car in all its dynamic glory. The next installments are scheduled for January when the Nissan Juke-R hits the road.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_BIAuT7bN4

Source: Nissan

January 10, 2012

Nissan e-NV200 Concept

Nissan has revealed the e-NV200 Concept, which will makes its official debut at the 2012 North American Auto Show in Detroit. The vehicle is based on the popular Nissan NV200 multi-usage vehicle and features a full electric drivetrain.

“With its ‘no gas, no tailpipe, no emissions’ powertrain, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept combines a quiet, comfortable driving experience with a large, highly versatile, functional interior space within a compact overall body length,” commented Hideto Murakami, corporate vice president, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

“A potential game changing vehicle in its segment, the battery capacity will support a driving range similar to the Nissan LEAF, while payload and cargo space will offer the same level as the current NV200. The production version would be targeted mainly at businesses, but also at private users or families in major regions.”, he added.

The Nissan e-NV200 Concept shares its major drivetrain components with the innovative Nissan LEAF. The e-NV200 includes an 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 280Nm of torque.
Silent, zero emission power is supplied by a lithium-ion battery composed of 48 compact modules and a high-response 109 PS (80kW) AC synchronous motor that generates 280Nm of torque. Unlike a conventional internal combustion engine, the motor delivers 100% of its torque from start with immediate response bringing excellent acceleration and smooth, comfortable driving feel.

And, like the Nissan LEAF, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept offers a highly responsive, fun-to-drive experience that is in keeping with what consumers have come to expect from traditional, gasoline-powered vehicles. In line with the Nissan LEAF, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept offers excellent projected fuel economy – a critical factor for commercial vehicle operators.

Source: Nissan

January 9, 2012

Most creative TV Car Commercials for 2011 [VIDEO]

TV_thumb Automobile’s industry is one of the most important industries in the world. Undeniably there is a great contest between brands. All are competing in different areas, such as power, design, comfort and etc. However probably the most entertaining sphere where the brands compete is the one of TV Commercials. Through the years we have seen some of the most creative advertisements ever. However, it’s a good idea to stay up to day. For that reason we have picked up five of the TV Commercials, which had taken our attention. Perhaps advertising is the place where the creativity can take mind-blowing effects on viewers. We haven’t picked ads that are only informative. Instead, we have chosen such, which are rather more amusing and entertaining.

2011 Nissan Sentra Bubble Commercial

This one is most certainly on of the best ads we can see nowadays. Nissan Sentra Bubble creates the right amount of intrigue and cinematic magic. The commercial was shot with TBWA Toronto and directed by Holiday Films visual storyteller Luis Gerard.

The 2011 Nissan Sentra has a spacious interior and delivers a balanced power with fuel economy. Moreover it grabs the drivers’ attention with its intuitive control layout.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHqBbvMwXnA

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Commercial

Lets take a look at another add. This time we have 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Manifesto Commercial from DCH Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Temecula. Here we had the first spot of the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It is definitely really intriguing, because it puts the attention on pride in American manufacturing and engineering. Moreover it conveys the meaning that what we are going to see from Chrysler from now on is going to be superb! The commercial was developed by Wieden+Kennedy.

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is proud to have an added refinement and still-substantial off-road capability. This is a fully redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee which most certainly makes it competitive choice for a midsize crossover. It can intrigue the customer with its strong V6 or V8 power, high tow rating, upscale interior and capable off-road prowess.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mi0SbrrGaiw

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee “If It Can” Commercial

Here we have another brilliant advertisement of 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It is obvious that the creatives have made a really strong advertising campaign in 2011. Thank to them, we are sure now that if the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee can scale mountain sides, ford rivers, and tow an unsurpassed amount of pounds, then just imagine what it can do in these terrible snowy conditions!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EW5jg8KzyZE

2011 Fiat 500 Commercial

From this advertisement we can see that the 2011 Fiat 500 is inspired by the classic 500 that originally went on sale in 1957. This commercial conveys the feeling that the customer should count on history. This is the Italian style which offers an exterior which is retro and cute, small but fun-to-drive. Furthermore 2011 Fiat 500 is another stylish car which is the proof that the small can be also cool! Not only it has adorable styling, but also it delivers the drivers with sport-like capable handling, excellent fuel efficiency and at last but not least spaciousness.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdS1Mgu11vg

2011 BMW M5 Commercial

Probably the most creative advertisement for the last year was presented by BMW’s brand. It’s so strong that it immediately pushes the viewer to go to the nearest dealership and purchase the car. This 2011 BMW M5 is the next generationmodel of the freshly redesigned 5 Series of the brand. It also offers impressive combination of superb performance and daily use. The 2011 BMW M5 uses the S63 biturbo 4.4 Litre V8 with twin scroll turbocharging technology and it is expected to have an output of 560 hp (418 kW) and 502 ft-lb (681 NM) of torque. Perhaps now you understand why the commercial is the way it is.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MYjowQHi28

Source: Youtube

January 5, 2012

Nissan Cube Fresh in 2012 – Prices Announced

Nissan USA have now put a price tag on the funky 2012 Nissan Cube. Although it has been refined trough three generations, the Cube has preserved its lunacy with the vertically hinged hatch and asymmetrical, oddly pillared rear view window. And now there is a special 1.8 S Indigo edition on the market with added as standard the Nissan Satellite Navigation, a unique Black/Indigo cloth material for the seats, Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Ignition, 15 inch split, six-spoke alloy wheels, a rear view camera and Rockford Fosgate sub woofer and amplifier and many more. New body colors are also available – Pearl White, Brilliant Silver, Gun Metallic, Cayenne Red and Bali Blue

Being based on Nissan’s B platform (Clio and Twingo among many others), the Cube gets its power from a 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine which sends 122 hp trough an automatic Xtronic CVT gearbox. While the SL comes strictly with CVT, the S models have a 6-speed manual with CVT as an option. With the CVT the Cube is said to return 31mpg on a highway.

The interior is as roomy as possible with seating for five – two at the front and three fully-adjustable seats at the back. Asymmetry continues inside with the Fine Vision gauges and the “Water Drop” motives.

Here is a quick price list on all trimmings and their possible transmission combinations:

Model/Transmission

cube 1.8 M/T	$14,980 USD
cube 1.8 S M/T	$16,420 USD
cube 1.8 S CVT	$17,420 USD
cube 1.8 SL CVT	$18,520 USD

Source: Nissan

January 5, 2012

Nissan X-TRAIL 4×4 Platinum Edition

When one hears “Platinum”, other words like premium, exclusive and expensive come to mind. Well the new Nissan X-Trail Platinum is all of that, except maybe expensive. Prices will start at £29,180 which is actually cheaper than the Tekna model on which is based.

So what makes it justify its name?

It has some new equipment features which no other model in the rage has had before. A sophisticated new touch screen communication unit features satellite navigation, iPod connectivity and Bluetooth. A rear view camera which projects the view at the back trough a small screen embedded in the rear view mirror will certainly help when parking and also showing off to friends. leather upholstery and electrically-adjustable, heated front seats also come as a necessity.

The front and rear of the vehicle is further enhanced with the help of additional protection plates located below the bumpers. Chrome steps shine at the sides and also chrome moldings protect the doors.

Power comes from Nissan’s 2.0 dCi diesel coupled with either a manual or an automatic. With the manual the engine churns out 173PS and yet it returns an amazing figure for a 4×4 SUV of 44mpg.

It will be rare though as only 200 will hit the showrooms. Platinum indeed.

Source: Nissan

December 28, 2011

Tag: Nissan