Nissan – Page 43 – Automobiles Review

Cars in movies – top 5

Each car enthusiast has a movie that makes them smile just thinking of it. You will have the opportunity to read a little more about some of the most cherished cars used in movies.

Number 5

AUDI A8 W12- Transporter 2

This car is taking a serious part in the plot of the movie. Jason Statham needs to chase the bad guys all over the place and the Audi is a serious partner in his mission. The movie is abundant with stunts that the A8 has to perform. Thanks to the massive twelve-cylinder 6.0 liter engine and some driving skill of course, it almost looks easy to do.

Number 4

Nissan Skyline R34- The Fast and the Furious

One of the fastest cars in the world, the dream of the PlayStation generation. The Skylines used in the movie are GTRs but not quite – the purpose of these cars was to draw attention and being all wheel drive, the grip was too much for burnouts and fun. That’s why the Skylines used, had their front driveshafts excised and the magic was done. As you already know the GTRs are claimed 280 hp from the factory, which is ridiculous for a 6 cylinder 2.6 twin-turbo engine. Still one of the two fastest skylines used in the movies is claimed 505 hp, which is enough to do 12 seconds in the quarter mile run. The main car used in the movie has been equipped with HKS tuning parts, JIC’s suspension and 3 NOS bottles, neither of which had something to do with the engine. Being so full of “extras”, AWD and AWS removed, the performance is not quite as what is expected from a skyline though.

Number 3

Mini Cooper S John Cooper Works – The Italian Job

Complicated relations, a lot of money, a lot of thrill and a couple of Mini Coopers as a final touch. In the plot several old friends are trying to get to a huge amount of gold. For the purpose they need small, maneuverable and still fast cars. The Mini Cooper turns out to be the best option for the job. The Aero body kit makes the cars look stunning. Did you know that gasoline-powered vehicles were not allowed in the subway system of LA, that’s why a couple of electric cars were built for these scenes? In total 32 Minis were used in the movie, some of them specially customized to make some of the incredible stunts possible.

Number 2

Volkswagen Beetle – Herbie Fully Loaded

This is a car with a lot of history in the movie world. It has participated in a couple of Disney movies starting in 1968 – The Love Bug. What is strange and interesting about Herbie is that it is almost a human being – has his own thoughts, soul and drives himself. 30 Beetles were used for the footage of the last movie of the series – “Herbie Fully Loaded”. One of the beetles has a 200hp engine that is capable of getting the car to over 135 mph. Unfortunately having all the effects of modern cinema, the car looks normal no more. It moves its bumper, blinks, gives out noises etc. Unlike the first movies from the series, where you could just feel that there was something special about the car, some kind of emotion, without making it look human.

Number 1

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 ‘Eleanor’ – Gone in Sixty Seconds

The dream machine from “Gone in 60 seconds”. Alike the movie, this car is a true masterpiece and quite a mystery. The car is named Eleanor, but initially the plan was not to use a mustang at all. At first the idea was to have a GT40 grabbing the attention. However, it turned out that building one would cost a fortune even considering what the purpose was. Basically it was all making a car from scratch – literally. The car was first put on paper and then various specialists started creating the separate parts and adapt them to fit the Mustang. What not too many people know is that the side exhausts are not functional and neither are the side air feeds. The car in the movie is shown so fast that the driver was scared of it and would talk to it prior to driving. The car ended up in a private collection, $216 700 were paid for the beauty. Still, there are garages that can build another one for you for some (in) decent amount of money.

July 4, 2011

2011 Nissan NV200

Nissah will put on sale a small van at extremely low price. The model is NV200 offering satellite navigation and a number of enhancements like more powerful engine and a rear view camera.

The 1.5 dCi is available with either 85HP or 89HP or 110HP versions. The most powerful model meets Euro 5 emissions regulations and available on all but the entry-level E-grade NV200. It is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and emits just 139 g/km of CO2.

The base E NV200 Panel Van 1.5 dCi with 85HP costs just £12 2300, while the S NV200 Combi 5 seat 1.5 dCi with 89HP starts at £13 850. Bluetooth connectivity is standard across the Combi range, while a new flagship SE+ variant adds Nissan Connect, cruise control and a driver adjustable speed limiter to its standard equipment list.

“We’ve been delighted by the success of the NV200 which has proved that a new van can make a big impression in an established market if it offers the right mix of innovation, quality and value. With significant range enhancements and a powerful new flagship engine, we look forward to even stronger demand for the NV200 over the coming months.”, said Nissan’s LCV sales and marketing director, Francis Bleasdale.

2011 Nissan NV200 price list:

Grade	Body	Engine	Basic Delivered
E	Panel Van	1.5 dCi 85hp	£12,200
SE	Panel Van	1.5 dCi 85hp	£12,885
SE	Panel Van	1.5 dCi Euro 5 110hp	£13,635
SE n-tec	Panel Van	1.5 dCi 85hp	£13,585
SE n-tec	Panel Van	1.5 dCi Euro 5 110hp	£14,335

S	Combi 5 Seat	1.5 dCi Euro 5 89hp	£13,850
SE	Combi 5 Seat	1.5 dCi Euro 5 89hp	£14,950
SE	Combi 7 Seat	1.5 dCi Euro 5 89hp	£15,250
SE+	Combi 5 Seat	1.5 dCi Euro 5 89hp	£15,950
SE+	Combi 7 Seat	1.5 dCi Euro 5 89hp	£16,250

Source: Nissan

June 17, 2011

Best looking 6 concepts that never reached the market

As you know what you driving is a result of serious R&D, drafts and arguments. For many reasons your car was(is) available in the showroom. However there are many examples of cars that did not manage to go further than the draft or clay. Here are the best looking 6 concepts that never reached the market.

Number 6

Toyota FT-HS Concept

This beauty was introduced in 2007 in North America. It was quite up to date with the current tendencies, so speed and power were not the only thing the car was focusing on. Safety and ecology have definitely been taken into consideration. That’s why the idea of the car is to have a hybrid powertrain. Despite this the car would still remain light and a great fun to drive. Being a fast RWD car it takes Toyota back to the golden years of the AE86 Corolla and would definitely be a total hit both for teenagers and grown-up boys that once dreamed of having AE86 Corolla.

Number 5

Nissan Intima

Nissan’s luxurious sedan concept was seen for the first time in 2007. Two things came into sight right away. First of all the rear doors were to be opened towards the back of the car instead of the conventional opening – parallel to the front door. Also the windshield would go all the way to the back of the roof creating incredible atmosphere for the passengers. Surprisingly for Nissan, the Intima is constructed to have an efficient, environmental friendly 6 cylinder diesel engine. Last but not least , the Intima is equipped with a 4-zone air conditioning system that would make sure all of the passengers feel comfortable.

Number 4

Honda Accord Coupe Concept

In the beginning of 2007 Honda showed this coupe in Detroit and this was for a reason – Accord is the best-selling Honda in USA. The accent when presenting the car was the fuel economy and safety features. In terms of design, the Accord coupe looks aggressive due to the long hood and the headlamps that go deep behind to reach almost the middle of the fenders. The four exhaust pipes in the back promise to also touch the heart of the driver giving out the 6 cylinder engine at the touch of the throttle.

Number 3

BMW Concept CS

This Gran Turismo masterpiece was first to be seen in Shanghai and it did look stunning. A 4-door coupe with sleek curves and very low profile. Definitely something Mercedes need to be careful with when developing the CSL. Looking at the car you almost feel Bangle’s shade in it. The return to the “shark shape” is obvious, magical and… I love it! Is this going to be the positioned above the 7^th series and benefit from the 6.0 V12.

Number 2

Mazda Nagare

This car definitely deserves its place here. It is undoubtedly something unique that cannot be seen every day. The name of the car means “Flow” and indeed even when standing still it looks like it’s moving. The “doors” are a flashback to the Mercedes Gull-wing – they open not sideways but from the roof and give an overview to the whole interior. The Recaro seats and the plane-like steering wheel finish the sporty feeling of the car. Despite the fact no details have been disclosed about engine or specifications, the Nagare is expected to use a rotary engine well known for it’s high revs and great response.

Number 1

Audi RSQ concept

This car has been designed and created especially for the movie “I robot”, where Will Smith would use it to fight some “evil machines”. Indeed, it shares a lot with the TT, but it is so much different at the same time. The door are hinging back to open up like the wings of a butterfly. It is also mid-engined which is great prerequisite for it to be a pleasure to drive. Now the sweetest part – as this was Audi’s vision for the future, it definitely needed something indeed futuristic, and there it was, the wheels are… spheres and as you can figure, the side panels are shaped accordingly to make the car more and more resemble a sculpture. The interior of the car is really close to a plane cockpit. The steering wheel, the instrument cluster, all this aluminium and a windshield to go over the driver’s head create intoxicating atmosphere once you sit in the bucket seat. How likely is this car to show on the streets? Not really huge it seems. However a lot of it could be used for the Audi TT.

May 27, 2011

Nissan skyline – what makes it so special through the years?

nissan skyline gt-r r34 How it all began? The first skyline was manufactured in 1957. And it was… a luxury 4-door saloon car or and five door station wagon. For sure, it had nothing to do with Skyline’s image from the 90’s till nowadays.

The first skyline to receive the GT-R badge came off the production line in in February 1969. It had a 2.0L inline 6 engine. This new DOHC engine produced 160HP and would rev to more than 7000RPM – an exceptional performance for the late 60’s .

After the first skyline GT-R in 1969, it has evolved till 1981 in terms of power and design, but not significantly. The C210 (1977-1981) had even diesel version – 2,8 L inline NA diesel. Until then, the skyline has definitely not been positioned as a purely sports car… but this was about to change.

The R30(1983-1985) and especially the R31(1985-1989) were the first skylines to create the sporty image of the vehicle.

They were also the first ones to have more than 200HP output. These two models did not have a GT-R version.However, they did have versions with more than 400HP in their racing versions. Something else to make the R31 so special is the first RB engine – a base that also used for the R32, R33 and R34.

The RB26DETT era.

The GT-R badge was last put on a skyline in 1973. It was time for it to come back. The RB26DETT – a totally meaningless blend of letters and numbers that was about to become a legend. Two turbines, six cylinders. 280HP after serious muzziling due to the gentlemen’s agreement . However, removing the restrictor of the electronic boost control (surprisingly very easy to locate), the car would make more than 310HP, 0-100 in less than 5 seconds and a quarter mile in 12,8. The R32 was nicknamed Godzilla after 2 consecutive wins in the Australian Touring Car Championship.

1994 R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R — R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R

The RB26DETT was further developed in R33(1993-1998) and R34(1999-2002) and deliverer more and more torque, but was still advertised as 280HP to comply with the gentlemen’s agreement. There are many examples of skylines equipped with RB26DETT producing more than 1200HP. A real masterpiece of engineering and a dream for any tuner.

1998 R33 Nissan Skyline GT-R — R33 Nissan Skyline GT-R

The left hand drive.

There is only one GT-R model that was produced with LHD – the R35. Apart from its predecessors, it is not using the RB26DETT, but the newly developed VR38DETT. Producing more than 480HP, it accelerates the car to 100 in less than 3,5 seconds.

So after all, what makes the skylines so special?

The mystery is the key. You never know, what exactly you are buying, what the booklet says is… not exactly true. It brings the spirit of Japan. Having all these modern gadgets and and all the technology, a car could possibly fit it just fight the laws of logics and physics (and Porsche too).

May 23, 2011

Nissan 370Z GT Edition

Nissan has released a special GT Edition of 370Z in the UK to to celebrate the manufacturer’s global success in GT racing and 40 years of Z.

370Z GT boasts special body colours, unique GT stripes, darkened 19” RAYS forged alloy wheels and a lot of significant suspension and equipment modifications.

The suspension is improved by retuning the dampers provide the ideal balance between ride comfort and high-speed handling. The set-up is made by technicians from Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE).

Equipment upgrades include a rear view parking camera as part of the Premium Connect SAT NAV system and a tyre pressure monitoring system. As an options, you can order 7-speed automatic option with a snow mode.

“The 370Z is an iconic sports car and the GT Edition underlines its appeal to enthusiasts everywhere,” commented Pierre Loing, Vice President Product Planning, Nissan International SA.

“The combination of outstanding performance and the dramatic looks of this very special 370Z more than lives up to the heritage of its illustrious forebear while its strong links to the race track shows its true pedigree.”, he added.

Nissan 370Z is powered by 3.7 liter naturally aspirated V6 engine with Variable Valve and Lift Control. It develops 337PS (248 kW) and 365Nm (269 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox or an optional 7-speed automatic. The power is send to the rear wheels. The sports package features a viscous LSD (limited slip differential)

The new GT Edition 370Z is available to order. The price tag is £35 000.

Source: Nissan

May 18, 2011

Nissan NV200 – New York Taxi

New York is the city with the largest taxi fleet in the US. It has selected Nissan to design and supply the next-generation “Taxi of Tomorrow”. The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) selected the Nissan NV200 as the exclusive taxi of New York City beginning in late 2013.

“Nissan is proud to provide the next generation of taxis for the City of New York,” commented Nissan Americas Chairman Carlos Tavares.

“The NV200 taxi will give Nissan the opportunity to showcase our dedication to vehicle quality and urban mobility to more than 600 000 passengers every day.”, he added.

The NV200 taxi will be produced and assembled at Nissan’s facility in Cuernavaca, Mexico. A very good idea, because it will be much cheaper than building in the US. However, the NV200 taxi will be a tuned version of the compact commercial vehicle currently available in global markets including the UK.

The program will also include working with the City and taxi owners on a pilot training to study the use of zero-emission, electric vehicles as taxis. The manufacturer will also provide up to six electric Nissan LEAFs to taxi owners for testing in 2012.

“The city’s Taxi of Tomorrow is the Nissan NV 200 – and it’s going to be the safest, most comfortable and most convenient cab the city has ever had,” saide Mayor Bloomberg.

“We started this process to leverage our taxi industry’s purchasing power to get the highest quality taxi, one that that can expand and redefine the legendary image of New York City taxicabs. The new taxis will be custom-designed to meet the specific demands of carrying 600,000 passengers a day in New York City traffic and the vehicle meets the top priorities identified by the public in our on-line survey.”, he added.

There are more than 13 000 taxis in the city of New York, which have a cumulative 500 million miles per year, so the durability was a key factor in the “Taxi of Tomorrow” selection process. That’s why, Nissan will train taxi fleet operators to conduct routine in-house service and repairs.

Nissan NV200 Taxi

Planned innovations:

2.0L 4-cylinder powertrain, engineered to enhance the emission performance and fuel efficiency of the taxi fleet;
Ample room for four passengers and their luggage, substantially improved over current taxi models;
A low-annoyance horn with exterior lights that indicate when the vehicle is honking, helping reduce noise pollution;
Sliding doors with entry step and grab handles, providing easy entry and exit;
Transparent roof panel (with shade) that will provide unique views of the city;
Independently controlled rear air conditioning with a grape phenol-coated air filter to improve cabin air quality;
Attractive, breathable, antimicrobial, environmentally friendly and easy-to-clean seat material that simulates the look and feel of leather;
Overhead reading lights for passengers and floor lighting to help locate belongings;
A mobile charging station for passengers that includes a 12V electrical outlet and two USB plugs;
A six-way adjustable driver’s seat that features both recline and lumbar adjustments, even with a partition installed;
Standard driver’s navigation and telematics systems.

Key safety features include:

Front and rear-seat occupant curtain airbags, as well as seat-mounted airbags for the front row;
Standard traction control and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC);
Sliding doors to reduce the risk of pedestrians, cyclists and other motorists getting struck by doors opening unexpectedly;
Lights that alert other road users that taxi doors are opening.

Source: Nissan

May 4, 2011

PFA Creativ Nissan 370Z

PFA Creativ has released a modest enhancing program for the Nissan 370Z roadster, which adds the Japanese sports car with both greater aerodynamics and extra visual exclusivity. (more…)

April 14, 2011

Nissan Micra DIG-S

Nissan will blow the rivals away with a supercharger and emissions of just 95g/km. The new DIG-S (Direct Injection Gasoline-Supercharger) engine features direct injection with a supercharger, so it is very high efficient.

The DIG-S is 1.2 liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine with 98PS (72 kW) and 95 or 115 g/km of CO2. It is mated to either manual or CVT version transmission. The top speed is 112 mph and the fuel economy reaches 68.9mpg. (more…)

February 18, 2011

2012 Nissan Sunny

2011 Nissan Sunny will make its official debut at 8th China (Guangzhou) International Automobile Exhibition. Soon after that, from January 2011, it will hit the Chinese market. The company plans to put it on sale in 170 countries around the world, under different brand names.

The new Sunny is targeted to young families, who are seeking for a medium sized sedan that offers plenty of interior space, good safety and quality at decent price. (more…)

December 20, 2010

2011 Nissan Cube US price

Nissan has exclusively announced that its 2011 model year Nissan Cube is already at the brands dealerships across the US at the tempting price tag of 14,290 USD for the entry Cube 1.8 M/T model. (more…)

December 8, 2010

Nissan New Mobility Concept

Nissan has unleashed the face of an all-new proposal, aimed at outlining the design of the future mobility. Dubbed Nissan New Mobility concept, the new proposal represents an eco-friendly, pure electric vehicle engineered for short distances, which boasts comfortable and spacious cabin, smoothly shaped, user-friendly outer livery yet exceptionally compact dimensions. (more…)

December 2, 2010

Nissan reveals 2012 Nissan GT-R acceleration time

Nissan has finally announced the 0-100 km/h acceleration time on its upgraded 2012 Nissan GT-R. The classic sprint time was recorded on a special media test ride event held at the Sendai Hi-land Race Way on November 12th and 13th. (more…)

December 1, 2010

Tag: Nissan