Nissan Blog
Nissan only offering GT-R Premium for 2011, priced from $85,060* - will volume be constrained?Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Nissan 
2010 Nissan GT-R - Click above for high-res image gallery
The illustrious Nissan GT-R is, quite possibly, one of our favorite cars currently in production. Now entering its third year in America, Godzilla receives a few minor tweaks for 2011, including some minor suspension tuning, a double clear coat on its front and rear fascias, new rear cooling ducts and - wait for it - slightly darker wheel center caps than on the 2010 model that is pictured. Additionally, the 2011 GT-R - henceforth only available in Premium trim - gets more standard features, including auto on/off headlamps, speed-sensitive windshield wipers, Bluetooth, a USB iPod interface and XM NavWeather and NavTraffic. All of this can be yours for $85,060 (*including $1000 destination charge), which represents an increase of $1,020 over the 2010 GT-R Premium. Get your pocketbooks out.
Curiously, the folks at Nagtroc.org are reporting that just 315 GT-R units are slated to come to the U.S. during the 2011 model year. That striking us as odd, we talked with Nissan spokesperson Darryll Harrison, and he says that the automaker can't confirm the limited production volume. Hmmm. The 2011 model is just now hitting the nearly 700 GT-R certified Nissan dealers across the country, though if the unit constraint holds up, it's likely that more than half of the approved showrooms will never see one. Either way, hit the jump for the full details in Nissan's press release.
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Sources: Nissan, Nagtroc.org]Continue reading Nissan only offering GT-R Premium for 2011, priced from $85,060* - will volume be constrained? Nissan only offering GT-R Premium for 2011, priced from $85,060* - will volume be constrained? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsGoing Platinum: The $80,000 Tomica Nissan Fairlady Z432Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Japan, Nissan, Toys/Games 
In honor of Tomica's 40th anniversary, jeweler Ginza Tanaka has produced a one-of-a-kind replica of the toymaker's die-cast 1970 Nissan Fairlady Z432 (the Z432 was a Japan-only model powered by the same S20 inline-6 used in the C10 Skyline GT-R). Unlike anything Tomica sells to the public, "toy" is made of platinum - including its exquisitely-detailed box. If it were to be made available for purchase (it isn't), it's estimated worth is around $80,000. Japanese Nostalgic Car jokes in its headline that even at that price, it's still less than what one would pay for a real Z432, given their rarity and desirability (a total of 420 cars were produced between 1969 and 1973). As for this platinum bauble? It's being publicly shown at the Hong Kong International Jewelery Show this month, after which it heads back to Japan for next month's Osaka Tomica Fair.
[Source: Japanese Nostalgic Car]Going Platinum: The $80,000 Tomica Nissan Fairlady Z432 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsNTEA 2010: Nissan pulls the covers off NV commercial vanFiled under: Minivan/Van, Work, Nissan, Misc. Auto Shows 
2011 Nissan NV2500 HD - Click above for high-res image gallery
We're here in St. Louis attending the National Truck Equipment Association show, and we just watched Nissan officially pull the covers off its NV commercial van for the first time in front of a live audience. Our initial impression: They aren't kidding when they say there's an optional High Roof... at 105.5 inches (76.5 of which is usable inside), we have to wonder whether that sucker will fit inside your run-of-the-mill suburban garage.
Of course, that High Roof is optional, and the space it affords inside will allow most 80-percentile human beings to stand straight up for cargo loading purposes - up to 300 cubic feet of it. For those who don't need such a cavernous cargo area, the standard height measures 83.9 inches from the ground, and 55.4 of those inches are ready for stowage inside.
We were able to grab some live photos from the show floor, but sadly Nissan isn't quite ready to let us inside to see the interior details. In any case, check out our high-res gallery below and click here for the rest of the details.
NTEA 2010: Nissan pulls the covers off NV commercial van originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsNissan unveils NV commercial van, available in three different flavorsFiled under: Truck, Work, Nissan, Misc. Auto Shows 
Nissan NV commercial vans - Click above for high-res image gallery
Historically, America's commercial vehicle marketplace has been dominated by domestic automakers. Besides a small percentage of Sprinter sales from Dodge while under Daimler ownership, the fullsize van market has really only been occupied by Ford, General Motors and Chrysler. Nissan is ready to change all that, and its opening salvo in the commercial vehicle marketplace is its NV series of vans.
Nissan's NV series - "NV" rather unimaginatively stands for Nissan Van, for what it's worth - relies on three different designations, NV1500, 2500 HD and 3500 HD, and two different roof heights (the High Roof is only available on the NV2500 HD and NV3500 HD models) to provide a platform for every conceivable need. Opting for the tall version will provide enough room for most people to stand up inside with no need to duck.
Interestingly, Nissan's research indicates that commercial van owners are the least satisfied of any vehicle segment, and as such, the automaker says that the NV design is that of an armored car a 'clean-sheet' approach resulting from one of the most researched projects Nissan has ever undertaken. That research has yielded a vehicle that utilizes a fully boxed steel ladder frame and rear-wheel drive with either a 4.0-liter V6 or an optional 5.6-liter V8. Both engines are mated to a standard five-speed automatic transmission.
No matter which engine or roof style is chosen, the NV will come with a user-definable interior layout that can accept standard-size drywall or plywood or any number of aftermarket cargo solutions. Up front, there are a number of storage pockets and compartments to hold whatever is needed, while High Roof models offer an overhead console for additional storage options.
Pricing is not yet available, but Nissan promises the NV series will hit authorized commercial U.S. dealerships before the end of the year. Want to know more? Be sure to check out our gallery of high-res images below and click past the break for the official press release.
[Source: Nissan]Continue reading Nissan unveils NV commercial van, available in three different flavors Nissan unveils NV commercial van, available in three different flavors originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsGeneva 2010: Nissan Micra is easy being greenFiled under: Budget, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Nissan 
2010 Nissan Micra - Click above for high-res image gallery
The more charming - if that's even possible - Nissan Micra has been tweaked to bring smiles to consumers in 160 countries where it will go on sale. To keep them smiling once things get under way, a brand new 1.2-liter, supercharged three-cylinder gas engine gets down with 80 horsepower and 144 pound-feet.
Believe it or not but the bounty doesn't stop there, with a suspension combining "agility, refinement and poise" also included as standard equipment. We'll let you decide for yourself, unless you're in the U.S. since we probably won't get it. For you, there's a press release after the jump and a gallery of high-res photos below.
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Geneva 2010: Nissan Micra is easy being green Geneva 2010: Nissan Micra is easy being green originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsNissan recalls 540,000 vehicles for brake pedal pin, fuel gauge problemsFiled under: Minivan/Van, SUV, Truck, Recalls, Safety, Nissan 
Another day, another recall. This time Nissan is the automaker in question, recalling a total of 539,864 vehicles due to faulty brake pedal pins and fuel gauge components.
Nissan reports that three instances have been reported where brake pedal pins have partially disengaged, resulting in a loss of normal braking ability. Additionally, the fuel gauges in certain higher-mileage vehicles may incorrectly indicate the amount of fuel in the tank. The automaker sites that no accidents or injuries have been reported with either issue, and that all of its new vehicles currently on sale are not affected by these problems.
Vehicles affected by the brake pedal pins are the 2008-2010 Nissan Titan, Armada, Quest and Infiniti QX56. Of those recalled brake pins, 178,916 are in the United States and 25,869 in other markets. As for the fuel gauge inaccuracies, this affects 2005-2008 Nissan Titan, Armada and Infiniti QX56, as well as any Nissan Frontier, Pathfinder and Xterra models produced between January and March of 2006 or between October 2007 and January 2008. This accounts for 418,865 vehicles in the U.S. and 53,253 elsewhere in the world.
Beginning this month, Nissan will be notifying all owners of the vehicles in question, and they will be able to bring the vehicles to any Nissan or Infiniti dealer to have the problems repaired at no charge. For vehicles affected by the fuel gauge issues, Nissan recommends that in the mean time owners maintain a fuel level of no less than a half-tank. Hit the jump for the full details in Nissan's press release.
[Source: Nissan]Continue reading Nissan recalls 540,000 vehicles for brake pedal pin, fuel gauge problems Nissan recalls 540,000 vehicles for brake pedal pin, fuel gauge problems originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsGeneva 2010: Nissan Juke poised to bring the small and funky to AmericaFiled under: Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Crossover, Nissan 
2011 Nissan Juke - Click above for high-res image gallery
Nissan won't have its official press conference for a few hours, but we've already snagged these shots of the production Juke, an oddly styled smaller-than-you-think crossover that's poised to hit North America for 2011. In person, the Juke is perhaps less bizarre than one might think, with the exuberance of its alien face reined in with comparatively modest alloy wheels, traditional doors and Volvo C30-like taillamps. If you're wondering where the Juke fits into the Nissan lineup that already has the Murano, Rogue and the Qashqai, this vehicle is markedly smaller than the Murano and actually appears smaller than the Rogue.
The interior is pure Nissan, though it looks like the Japanese automaker has put a few more dollars into some of its interior plastics and materials than it has in the past. In particular, the new HVAC controls have a crisp and colorful display, and the transmission tunnel has a quasi motorcycle-tank look about it.
For Europe, the Juke is available with a pair of 1.6-liter gasoline engines in either normally aspirated or turbocharged direct-injected form, as well as a 1.5-liter diesel, the latter of which is unlikely to make it to North America. The compact CUV will be made in both front- and all-wheel drive configurations, the latter being a newly developed torque-vectoring system dubbed ALL-Mode 4x4-i that is capable of splitting power 50:50 from front-to-rear as well as side-to-side.
We expect to see the Juke make its North American debut in New York. While you're waiting, check out our high-res galleries below and the official press release after the jump.
Live photos by Chris Paukert / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Nissan]Continue reading Geneva 2010: Nissan Juke poised to bring the small and funky to America Geneva 2010: Nissan Juke poised to bring the small and funky to America originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsConsumer Reports adds six cars to Top Picks list, touts diversityFiled under: Budget, Hybrid, Minivan/Van, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM, Hyundai, Infiniti, Lexus, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, Luxury, Off-Road 
2010 Consumer Reports Top Pick Cars - Click above for high-res image gallery
Each year, the automotive editors of Consumer Reports select their Top Pick Cars, representing vehicles that are the best in their individual segments. These cars are deemed to have "average or better" predicted reliability and have scored high marks in government safety testing. In past years, automakers like Honda and Toyota have dominated this list, but since more and more manufacturers are ramping up their quality within each competitive segment, the 2010 list proves to be the most diverse CR Top Picks group in over a decade.
So, which cars garner the most praise from CR? The Nissan Altima has officially dethroned the Honda Accord from the top family sedan spot, the Volkswagen GTI takes honors as the best sporty car, the trusty Subaru Forester takes the cake in the small SUV category, the quirky Mazda5 wins for best family hauler, and both the Chevrolet Traverse and Silverado stand tall as the best family SUV and pickup truck. These six newcomers join the Hyundai Elantra SE, Infiniti G37, Toyota Prius and Lexus LS460L to round out the entire list of Top Pick Cars.
Unlike most automotive media outlets (Autoblog included), Consumer Reports actually buys its own test cars before putting them through rigirous evaluations of handling, braking, comfort, safety and more, and each test car is roughly 6,000 miles older by the time all of the tests have been completed. Follow the jump to read the official press release from CR, and scroll through our attached gallery to see high-res shots of all the 2010 Top Pick Cars.
[Source: Consumer Reports - sub. req.]Continue reading Consumer Reports adds six cars to Top Picks list, touts diversity Consumer Reports adds six cars to Top Picks list, touts diversity originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsSmart move? Daimler reportedly teams with Renault for next-gen minicarFiled under: Convertible, Coupe, Budget, Minivan/Van, Sedan, Hatchback, Nissan, Smart, Renault, Electric 
2009 Smart Fortwo - Click above for high-res image gallery
The Daimler brain trust of Dieter Zetsche and Thomas Weber has reportedly struck a deal with Renault/Nissan to develop its next generation of minicars due out in 2014 or so. As you would expect, Daimler will get a new Smart Fortwo out of the deal while the Franco-Japanese conglomerate will use the design for unknown future models that could bear both the Nissan and Renault nameplates.
According to Automobile Magazine, Daimler insisted on retaining the Smart brand's trademark rear-engine and rear-wheel drive configuration, which was somewhat understandably met with some trepidation by Renault. Also held over will likely be the steel safety cage design with interchangeable plastic body panels so the resulting vehicles will be safe and easily distinguishable from each other.
Not surprisingly, electric powertrains will be part of the mix, along with a newly developed 1.0-liter direct injected three-cylinder engine and a duo of 1.3- and 1.5-liter fours. The modular chassis may also be lengthened in order to spawn a new four-seat Fourfour and a taller Formore micro-minivan with sliding doors.
[Source: Automobile Magazine]Smart move? Daimler reportedly teams with Renault for next-gen minicar originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsIce Cube: Everyone's favorite boxy Nissan chills in London with famed tattoo artistFiled under: Budget, Hatchback, Nissan, UK, Design/Style 
Nissan Cube ice sculpture - Click above for high-res image gallery
With such a strong focus on design, we knew it wouldn't be long before the Nissan Cube was transformed into some sort of life-size art project. And that's exactly what legendary celebrity tattoo artist Henry Hate has done, creating an ice sculpture that encompasses the edgy design of Nissan's econobox with tattoo art.
Not only is this Hate's first sculpture, it is the first sort of "ice tattoo." Normally, ice is chiseled and carved to stand alone as a unique sculpture, but in this case, elements of tattoo design have been carved into the large ice blocks that enclose the Cube. Colorful lighting has been placed around the base of the car as well, giving it a glowing effect that looks pretty darn cool at night.
The Cube ice sculpture is currently on display in London's South Bank, on display for the public until the warm weather melts the ice away. Can't make the trip to see it in person? Check out our gallery of high-res shots below, and click through the jump to read Nissan UK's official (short) press release.
[Source: Nissan]Continue reading Ice Cube: Everyone's favorite boxy Nissan chills in London with famed tattoo artist Ice Cube: Everyone's favorite boxy Nissan chills in London with famed tattoo artist originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideo: Nissan teases new compact global compact car, Micra replacement ahead of GenevaFiled under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Videos, Nissan 
Past generations of the Nissan Micra have done well for the company, garnering accolades and proving its worth in the marketplace. There's a new compact Nissan coming, which we're likely to see for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show.
Nissan has released a video covering some of the new car's details as a way to whet our appetite. There's a sharp-looking rendering at the very end of the video, after you've learned about the 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine, which Nissan claims has NVH levels equivalent to a four cylinder. There's a new constantly variable transmission, and the V platform, as its named, is also a clean sheet design and developed for flexibility and packaging. Sounds like every other press release lately - "better performance, more efficient, more flexibly packaged, cures warts!" We'll see. Make the jump to watch the video.Continue reading Video: Nissan teases new compact global compact car, Micra replacement ahead of Geneva Video: Nissan teases new compact global compact car, Micra replacement ahead of Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideo: MT pits GT-R against Bentley Continental SupersportsFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Bentley, Nissan, Luxury 
GT-R vs. Continental Supersports - Click above to watch video after the jump
Motor Trend's infatuation with the Nissan GT-R (who can blame 'em?) continues, this team manifesting itself in a quarter-mile shoot out comparison between Godzilla and the Bentley Continental Supersports. Sound like a strange pairing? Well it is and it isn't. Though the Bentley does weigh over 1,000 lbs more than the Nissan (4,993 lb vs 3,885 lb), its twin-turbo W12 engine puts out a lot more horsepower (621 vs 485). Combine those two stats and you get the same power-to-weight ratio of 8 lb/hp for both vehicles. At that point, it's up to traction, transmissions and the god given nature of each engine to claim a winner. We won't spoil it for you, though. Check out the vid in full after the jump.
[Source: Motor Trend]Continue reading Video: MT pits GT-R against Bentley Continental Supersports Video: MT pits GT-R against Bentley Continental Supersports originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Nissan investigating defective Dana driveshafts on its trucks and SUVsFiled under: SUV, Truck, Government/Legal, Recalls, Nissan 
Nissan Frontier - Click above for high-res image gallery
A new report from TheDetroitBureau.com shows that Nissan is investigating driveshaft yoke issues in the automaker's 2010 trucks and SUVs. The issue stems from a part made by Dana Corporation, and a spokesperson from Nissan reportedly told the Bureau that "Nissan/Infiniti vehicles built with one of these yokes will not experience a loss of control or present a safety risk even in the unlikely event the part should fail." Since the issue is relegated to 2010 model trucks and SUVs, two vehicle types that aren't exactly flying off Nissan and Infiniti lots right now, the number of vehicles potentially affected by the issue is relatively small. Bureau sources say that the Frontier and Titan are the models affected by the investigation, but Nissan has yet to officially name any vehicles involved.
The announcement of an investigation of Dana driveshaft yokes comes after Toyota announced a recall of 8,000 Tacoma trucks for driveshafts that cracked during the manufacturing process, though there is no confirmation at this point if the two parts are related. Nissan reportedly has five days to determine whether to initiate a recall for the problem with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
[Source: TheDetroitBureau.com]Report: Nissan investigating defective Dana driveshafts on its trucks and SUVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsNissan small car program left out in the cold after VW-Suzuki deal?Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Nissan, Suzuki, Volkswagen 
Nissan got turned out of the Chrysler house after Fiat bought the Pentastar, which ended Nissan's hopes for a jointly developed replacement for the Nissan Titan. while it's busy doing the O Solo Mio routine on the coming 2014 Titan, another potential blow to the Japanese brand is coming at the other end of the market: superminis.
Suzuki provides its Indian-market Alto for Nissan to sell in Europe as the Pixo. But with Volkwsagen recently taking a majority stake in Suzuki, many are wondering if the Pixo spigot will be turned off. The Pixo competes with Volkswagen Lupo, seemingly giving the German firm a bit of motivation to end the deal, but nevertheless, no one at Suzuki or VW has spoken on the matter.
Nissan knows it can't give up the shallow end of the market, especially with the supermini segment getting more crowded and more popular with buyers. However, Nissan already receives fewer Altos than it wants, and with VW already considering 35 joint projects with Suzuki - and Nissan certain to benefit from none of them - now could be a good day to start looking for a new small car partner regardless of the Pixo decision.
[Source: BusinessWeek]Nissan small car program left out in the cold after VW-Suzuki deal? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsAll-new Nissan Patrol unveiled in the UAEFiled under: SUV, Nissan, Middle East, Luxury, Off-Road
2010 Nissan Patrol - Click above for high-res image gallery
Nissan pulled the wraps off the all-new, upsized Patrol SUV today in Abu Dhabi, and the big Toyota Land Cruiser competitor has ripped a page from its rival. Gone is the ruggedly utilitarian Patrol that looked right at home in white paint with a giant "UN" on each door. In its place, Nissan has delivered a decidedly more upscale, leather-lined, TV-screened blingwagon. You know, just like Toyota.
Power comes from a direct-injected 5.6-liter V8 that's good for 400 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. That engine is mated to a seven-speed automatic and a new electronic four-wheel-drive system with four driver-selectable modes (pavement, sand, rock, and snow). The truck rides on a new four-wheel independent suspension, and incorporates features such as a hydraulic body roll mitigation system, hill start assist, and hill descent control.
Inside, there's a roomier cabin with premium features and better overall material quality. Nifty new tech includes what Nissan calls a "curtain vent" - openings above each window that fire cool air straight down to form a layer of air-conditioned insulation between each passenger and the glass. (This is clearly a product of the extensive market research Nissan says it performed in the Middle East when planning the vehicle.)
So, will we see the Patrol here? For sure. We already have confirmation that the Infinitized version bows next month as the 2011 QX56 at the New York Auto Show. And this one? It'd make a fine Armada if you ask us.
[Source: Nissan]Continue reading All-new Nissan Patrol unveiled in the UAE All-new Nissan Patrol unveiled in the UAE originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Feb 2010 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsAutoblog Weekender: Full-of-Questions EditionFiled under: Geneva Motor Show, China, Videos, Hummer, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Porsche, Smart, Citroën, Australia, Middle East 
The Autoblog Weekender - Click above to check out what you missed
This slightly belated Weekender is extra full of the week's car news, starting off with a union of cars and alcohol that only Aussies would think of putting together. In the opposite hemisphere but the same corner, reporters with China's Caixing news site take an uncharacteristically critical look at BYD and find suspect claims and institutionalized corporate cloning that has made its CEO and Warren Buffet even richer. Back on this side, Smart hasn't lost its relevance, just its place in people's minds, so it's using hot dogs to try and get its mojo back while Citroën uses John Lennon and Marilyn Monroe. And when is a model car not a model car, when does an AMG float, and where in the world do you use an H2 to tow a snowplow out of the snow? The answers are right after the jump...Continue reading Autoblog Weekender: Full-of-Questions Edition Autoblog Weekender: Full-of-Questions Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideo: 2011 Nissan Juke to get 1.6L gas-turbo-direct-injected I4Filed under: Technology, Crossover, Nissan 
When Nissan's new Juke compact crossover hits the streets later this year, it will be powered by the automaker's first gasoline-turbocharged-direct-injected (GTDI) engine. Following in the same technical path blazed by the Volkswagen Group, General Motors, Ford and others, the new engine uses the high-pressure injection system to execute multiple injection pulses for cleaner and more complete combustion. The variable cam phasing system operates independently on both the intake and exhaust camshafts, but the bottom line is this: An impressive 188 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque from a small displacement engine.
We don't know for sure if this new mill will come to the U.S.-market Juke, but we assume it will, likely paired with either a six-speed automatic transmission or one of Nissan's continuously variable transmissions. We also have no idea what kind of mileage the GTDI Juke will get, but it should be quite competitive. Check out the video after the jump to see it in action. A tip of the hat to Braun!
[Source: Nissan via YouTube]Continue reading Video: 2011 Nissan Juke to get 1.6L gas-turbo-direct-injected I4 Video: 2011 Nissan Juke to get 1.6L gas-turbo-direct-injected I4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsNissan announces Leaf purchase process, shows off Winter Olympics campaign [w/video]Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Nissan, Electric 
Nissan Winter Olympics spot - Click above to watch the video after the jump
With the Winter Olympics opening ceremony taking over the world's televisions tonight, we're fully expecting several automakers to help pay for the world-wide show of athletic might with a multimedia ad blitz. Nissan is apparently on-board, as the Japanese automaker has created a one-minute brand awareness-style commercial with a twist for the interesting festivities.
The ad contends that Nissan has stylish vehicles like the Altima, lifestyle rides like the Cube, performance vehicles like the 370Z and a rolling legend in the GT-R. What's missing? Something for the tree-hugging environmentalists and urban jungle travelers among us. Nissan will use the 2010 Winter Olympics to show the world how it will address that issue by using the bright lights of the world stage to "plug" its most electrifying upcoming vehicle. You can see the commercial for the first time by hitting the jump and watching it for yourself.
In related news, Nissan has released the first details about the purchase process for its Leaf EV. Unlike some other electric vehicle programs, Nissan will allow customers to lease or purchase the vehicle outright, including the battery pack (Nissan had previously been considering making the battery a lease-only arrangement).
At the moment, if you're interested in getting in line for a Leaf of your very own, you must register on NissanUSA.com, after which you'll be given the chance to join the reservation process in April (after the car's price is released) and pay a refundable $100 reservation fee. Of course, doing so doesn't necessarily guarantee you a car, however, as demand may outstrip supply. Following that, the automaker vows to begin taking "firm orders" in August, and initial deliveries will begin in December.
Interestingly, if you're not interested or able to purchase a Leaf of your very own, but you're still keen to drive one, Nissan says it is partnering with Hertz to rent the car at select locations in the U.S. and Europe.
Full details in the official press release are available after the jump.
[Source: Nissan]Continue reading Nissan announces Leaf purchase process, shows off Winter Olympics campaign [w/video] Nissan announces Leaf purchase process, shows off Winter Olympics campaign [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsNissan taking orders for Leaf in August, deliveries begin DecemberFiled under: Hatchback, Nissan, Electric 
Nissan Leaf - Click above for high-res image gallery
If you're one of the 50,000 people that have signed up for updates on the Nissan Leaf EV, you're one step closer to purchase.
Nissan has announced preliminary details on the sale and lease of its all-new electric vehicle, outlining the steps necessary to get your hands on what the automaker is calling "the world's first all-electric, zero-emission car designed for the mass market."
If you haven't done so already, you can register on Nissan's website to ensure you're on the list. After Nissan announces official pricing in April (which, for the record, includes the battery pack), you'll be able to put down a refundable $100 reservation fee, with official ordering beginning in August. Early deliveries are set to take place in select markets in 2010, with the EV coming to "all major markets quickly thereafter."
If you've already signed up, make the jump for the official release with all the details, along with the Leaf's first promotional video.
Continue reading Nissan taking orders for Leaf in August, deliveries begin December Nissan taking orders for Leaf in August, deliveries begin December originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsGeneva Preview: Nissan Juke unveiled [w/video]Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Nissan 
Nissan Juke - Click above for high-res image gallery
We interrupt your regularly scheduled Chicago Auto Show coverage to bring you this: The all-new Nissan Juke.
The B-segment 'ute that Nissan asserts is "part SUV, part sports car" is due to make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month before going on sale in Europe and the U.S. later this year.
Taking cues from the Qazana concept, the Juke was created by Nissan's European design arm and refined in Japan, with an odd amalgamation of organic creases, a sloping roofline, flared fenders and prominent greenhouse. It's considerably wider and taller than its most obvious road-going inspiration - the Nissan Micra - coming in at 61 inches tall with a wheelbase of 92.5 inches and based of the Renault/Nissan Alliance's B platform. Seventeen-inch wheels with 215-series tires will be available, along with either front- or all-wheel drive. Interestingly, the FWD versions come with a MacPherson front strut arrangement and a torsion beam in the rear, while the AWD variant gets an new multi-link suspension in the rear and torque-vectoring all-wheel drive.
Three engines will be available in Europe, with AWD models coming equipped with a 187 horsepower 1.6-liter direct injected turbocharged four-cylinder putting out 177 pound-feet of torque. A 113-hp HR16DE 1.6-liter will also be available, along with a 110-hp 1.5-liter dCi commonrail diesel. The turbo'd petrol engine has to make due with a continuously variable transmission, while the the other engines can be had with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Inside, Nissan is offering a host of high-tech features, including keyless entry and start, a rearview camera and automatic headlamps, along with the fabled "motorcycle tank" center console. Make the jump for all the details and a video of the Juke in action.
Continue reading Geneva Preview: Nissan Juke unveiled [w/video] Geneva Preview: Nissan Juke unveiled [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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