The Nissan GT-R Club Track Edition will compete in this years 24 hours of Nurburgring endurance race, and is currently undergoing testing to prepare for the race.
Auto News
AutoGuide News Blog
The AutoGuide News Blog is your source for breaking stories from the auto industry. Delivering news immediately, the AutoGuide Blog is constantly updated with the latest information, photos and video from manufacturers, auto shows, the aftermarket and professional racing.
The Nissan Sylphy debuted today at the Beijing Auto Show in China, and when it hits our showrooms here in the U.S. later this year it will be the new Nissan Sentra.
Nissan released a teaser video of the American spec Sentra this morning, which does not reveal to much of the car, but enough to tell that the Sentra and Sylphy are practically identical. The small Sentra takes a lot of its design cues from the new Nissan Altima, getting curvaceous body lines, LED daytime running lights, new taillights and the redesigned backwards sweeping front grille.
At the 2012 Beijing Motor Show, Nissan unveiled an all-new global sedan and Nissan North America announced that this new model will be the basis for the 2013 Nissan Sentra.
The all-new Sentra won’t make its official debut in the U.S. until later this summer and will go on sale in the fall. The new Sentra will be the third of five all-new core models that the Japanese automaker intends to introduce in a 15-month “product onslaught”.
The 2013 Sentra launch coincides with Nissan celebrating its 30th anniversary in the U.S..
“The all-new Altima goes on sale this summer and will be followed closely by the all-new Pathfinder and Sentra. And when the next two new models launch in 2013, we will have refreshed 75 percent of our volume, rewarding our loyal owners and attracting new customers into Nissan showrooms,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president of Sales and Marketing, Nissan North America.
Watch the 2013 Nissan Sentra teaser video below.
Recently there was an intrusion in Nissan‘s Global Network Systems and the Japanese automaker has released an official statement to protect and inform its employees and customers on the actions it’ll be taking.
Executive Vice President Andy Palmer confirmed the network was hacked and addressed the incident by confirming that “no customer, employee or program data has been compromised.” While it wasn’t the same form of hacking that has befallen large companies such as Sony, or what Anonymous recently did to the Formula 1 website, Nissan is still taking precautions to ensure its internal network is safe.
According to Palmer, a virus was detected in Nissan’s network and swift action was taken to protect the company’s systems and data. Palmer did say that the automaker believes user IDs and encrypted passwords were transmitted but Nissan has no indication that any personal information or emails have been compromised.
Watch the video of Andy Palmer releasing a statement on behalf of Nissan below.
The all electric Nissan Leaf is trying to become a practical and viable option to compete with the gasoline engine, and Nissan is providing infrastructure to help make the transition smooth for consumers.
Partnering with the non-profit company Adopt a Charger, Nissan is sponsoring 15 EV chargers that are available for public use. There are two locations where the Nissan chargers can be found, at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and in San Francisco at the Music Concourse Garage in Golden Gate Park. Both of these sites were reviewed before hand and selected thanks to their high concentration of EVs that visit every day.
Prices might be falling soon on the cost to produce electric vehicles, which means (hopefully) that the MSRP will fall soon as well.
A new report by Bloomberg New Energy Finance shows the cost of lithium ion batteries falling 14 percent over this time last year. Furthermore, prices took a 30 percent swan dive since 2009.
In its continued effort to spread the message of the all-electric Leaf, Nissan has partnered up with Fleet Forum and is providing five vehicles for a year for free.
Fleet Forum manages vehicle fleets for foreign aids and charitable organizations, such as Red Cross and the UN World Food Programme, and will take the Leaf EVs from Nissan and distribute them among five of their charities.
The charities that will benefit from this program this year are: United Nations World Food Programme, the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, the United Nations High Commissioner of Refugees, Islamic Relief, and the United Nations Logistics Base.
This program will not only show the viability of electric vehicles in different applications around the world, but also reduce the environmental impact and reduce costs.
“This is an excellent example of learning through demonstration,” says Paul Jansen, Executive Director of Fleet Forum. “Through this programme these different organisations can see for themselves how electric vehicles can be used to help achieve their objectives. From a Fleet Forum point-of-view we’re happy to facilitate this as a way of increasing efficiency and reducing pollution.”
Jansen goes on to say, “The partnership with Nissan fits perfectly with Fleet Forum’s commitment to offer our members practical knowledge and experience of transport-related products and services. The participating members will benefit directly, but in the end all members will benefit. Together with Nissan we will gather and analyze the test data. We will build knowledge regarding electric driving, and we can advise our members how to maximize the best use of electric vehicles. Fleet Forum promotes electric driving because this is a very constructive way of reducing the environmental impact of the operational activities of Fleet Forum members.”
The first two cars will be handed over to the chosen organizations in a ceremony in Geneva. These cars will be used in Switzerland.
The Leaf is one of the few all-electric vehicles on sale anywhere in the world. It has a range of just over 100-miles on a full-charge and sells for a base price of $35,200.
Ford recently announced the EPA fuel efficiency rating for its electric Focus model. Since it doesn’t burn any gasoline, the number isn’t in miles per gallon (MPG), but was given as miles per gallon gasoline equivalent, or MPGe. A new term to the automotive lexicon, it’s worth exploring exactly what MPGe means and how an MPGe rating is determined, especially as the number of electric cars and plug-in electric hybrids on the roads continues to increase.
After reports of the next-generation Nissan Titan being delayed with a possibility of not bowing until 2014, it appears the Japanese automaker is still several years away from debuting its new trucks.
Nissan had hoped a new Titan would be on the market by now, but Chrysler‘s bankruptcy and subsequent Fiat takeover caused a deal on the next-generation Titan to break down. The Japanese automaker had its design and engineering team working on a Nissan-branded Ram 1500 but unfortunately that will never see the light of day.
The engineers have, however, worked on evolving the Titan’s frame when building the new range of NV vans but plenty more work still has to be done on the new Titan. One source said that the new Titan is still “a couple of years” away, which puts it still on schedule for a 2014 release as previously mentioned.
The new Frontier however is further behind than the Titan and will probably remain a body-on-frame vehicle, which means the third-generation Xterra will also be body-on-frame.
[Source: Car & Driver]
Purchase incentives usually involve a zero-percent interest rate, cash back after purchase or no-cost options, but Nissan is going another direction to target families with young children.
One of the problems a family that relies on child seats faces is finding a product that fits both their cars and child. For those of us without kids, it’s easy to assume that all seats fit all cars and kids, right? Wrong.
The Nissan Delta Wing Le Mans race car is certainly one of the most experimental cars the racing world has ever seen, and its creation was documented by Nissan to show off the extensive amounts of research and development it takes to build such a race focused machine.
Nissan is releasing the footage in installments, each one focusing on a different aspect of the development process.
We have seen it testing at Sebring, and now Nissan intends to show us the steps it took to bring the car into reality and actually get it out on the track. The first video in the series focuses on aerodynamics, and specifically on preparing and testing the race car in the wind tunnel.
You can watch the first video in the series below.
We’ve all heard of “Girls Gone Wild” videos, but today we present to you a video with a different twist on wild.
Taken from a security camera at what looks like a Russian Nissan dealership, a crazed person (not sure if he was a disgruntled customer or just a destruction enthusiast) rams his vehicle into the showroom, wrecking the whole place.
This clearly was no accident as the driver made several charges to destroy anything he could hit. Despite extensive damage to the attackers vehicle, he carries on with no regard until he has destroyed almost the whole showroom floor.
Not much information is available regarding this clip, but you can watch the destruction below:
10. 2013 Lexus ES
Over the past few years Lexus has been referred to as a Japanese Buick, with the number one reason being the ES front-drive luxury sedan – a car that drew direct comparisons with the not-quite-Cadillac GM premium brand. To erase those comparos the new 2013 ES gets a more stylish exterior with a GS-themed front nose and a profile more like the flagship LS.
Swapping its Camry underpinnings for an Avalon platform it has, however, grown even more in size – a notable Buick trait. Plus, to challenge the eAssist mild-hybrid LaCrosse, there’s finally now an ES300h hybrid system getting 39 mpg average.
While Nissan is clearly enjoying great success with its 370Z and GT-R models, the Japanese automaker is missing a viable competitor to the upcoming Scion FR-S.
Even though America never got the chance to enjoy a true Silvia 200SX (powered by a SR20DET), enthusiasts have taken the 240SXs we’ve gotten in America and swapped in the potent 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder. Now Nissan is considering producing a lighter, smaller sports car that could see a revival of the Silvia model.
Shiro Nakamura, Nissan’s design boss, recently said in an interview, “I much prefer smaller sports car. It is the time to look at that. With 370Z, we still don’t know next generation will have a larger or smaller engine.” The designer went on to elaborate that reducing the weight of the next-generation Nissan sports car is a priority.
Given the price range of the FR-S, it would make much more sense for Nissan to revive the SX moniker than to offer a less powerful Z.
“Sports car is a core of Nissan. We … really we have to sit down and work out what the future sports car should be for us,” Nakamura said.
Regardless of whether or not a new model is on the horizon, Nissan is working to lighten its current Z and GT-R models even more. But hey, we would welcome a smaller, lighter, and cheaper Nissan sports car with open arms.
[Source: Drive - Sydney Morning Herald]
Taking styling cues from its big brother Maxima, Nissan unveiled the all-new Altima mid-size sedan this week at the New York International Auto Show.
Growing in size, the 2013 Altima keeps the same 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and 3.5-liter V6 engines with a slight bump in power. The bigger news is the next-generation CVT transmission that helps improve fuel economy by as much as 15 percent. As a result, Nissan claims best-in-class fuel economy for the Altima.
To find out just how efficient, watch AutoGuide’s first look video below.
GALLERY: 2013 Nissan Altima
Nissan is out to prove a point on just how formidable the Club Track Edition GT-R is. This year, the Japanese automaker will bring a production version of the Club Track Edition GT-R to compete in the 24 hours at Nürburgring endurance race.
Nissan said that competing in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring with a factory model GT-R will allow them to collect data to help improve the GT-R over the next five years. We’re sure that’s part of the reason, the other is clearly to prove how great the GT-R is in factory form.
Now skeptics will probably say it’s not a production model vehicle if Nissan so much as swaps its tires, but so long as they don’t touch the powerplant, suspension, or brakes with any modifications – it’s factory in our eyes. But no doubt Nissan is looking to play a little bit in the Europeans’ backyard, potentially trumping modified Porsches, BMWs, and Mercedes-Benz’s in a GT-R model that rolls off the dealership showroom floor.
Watch the video below of the Nissan team readying the GT-R for the race.
Leaks aside, Nissan debuted its 2013 Nissan Altima today at the New York Auto Show, displaying a host of new features in its refreshed mid-size sedan.
Much of the information about the new Altima made its way onto the internet yesterday thanks to a set of loose lips, or careless fingers as it were but there’s still more to tell. ”NASA inspired zero-gravity seats” make their first debut in the car.
The automaker turned to NASA in an effort to develop seats that keep the driver and front passenger in the most natural position possible for ideal comfort. Of course, people come in all shapes and sizes, so anything short of a test drive is probably inadequate to render judgement.
Ahead of a planned reveal tomorrow at the New York Auto Show, the photos of and details on the 2013 Nissan Altima have leaked on VWVortex revealing an impressively fuel efficient sedan with plenty of styling borrowed from the Maxima.
Sharper lines and a more aggressive front fascia define the new Altima, due to dealerships this Summer. For 2013, Nissan’s volume-selling sedan gets a more efficient 2.5-liter inline four cylinder engine that takes advantage of variable valve timing for improved efficiency.
A rethought continuously-variable transmission (CVT), standard in all Altimas, also contributes to the improved fuel economy for an estimated 38 mpg highway, as well as 27 mpg in the city – the best of any non-hybrid mid-size sedan, even topping the Camry’s 25/35 rating. The efficiency-minded four-cylinder also gains seven horsepower for a total 182 and an estimated 180 lb-ft of torque.
We’ve been hearing a lot about the so called “Taxi of Tomorrow,” but until recently we’d only seen renderings and prototypes. Now, on the eve of the 2012 New York Auto Show, following a special gathering in SoHo, Manhattan, Nissan has provided details on the actual version that will apply for hire on the streets of the Big Apple.
Features on the production version include a glass roof “presenting unique features of the city,” sliding rear access doors, easily reached grab handles, opening side windows, fully flat passenger floor, USB connectivity for the driver, a mobile charging 12 volt outlet and USB port for passengers, breathable antimicrobial (germ repellant) seat fabric and even a Hearing Loop System for the audibly impaired.
The NV200 is also the first New York City cab to be crash tested and certified with a full driver/passenger partition and sports front and rear occupant curtain airbags, with seat mounted units for the front row.
All NYC taxi NV200s will be powered by Nissan’s 2.0-liter gas four-cylinder engine and in anticipation of the severe use the cabs will be subjected to, the motor boasts a 150,000 mile warranty (NYC’s roughly 13,000 yellow cabs collectively travel around 500 million miles each year).
The production NV200 goes on public display at the New York International Auto Show from April 6, giving New Yorkers a chance to get up close and personal with the cab they’ll soon be riding around in.
Since Renault and Nissan formed a strategic alliance in 1999, the two companies have made tremendous strides in streamlining their business, with sales performances significantly improving for both companies.
To further its efforts, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced today that it will establish a new company, Renault Japon Co., Ltd., to import and sell Renault vehicles in Japan.
While Nissan Trading Co. was originally responsible for Renault operations in Japan, the decision to form Renault Japon was based on the need to establish a flexible management system that is able to make quick marketing decisions. Renault Japon will operate as a subsidiary of Nissan Motor Co., working closely with Nissan’s sales strategy.
Money goes a long way in this word, but having a title (and money) goes even further. We’re not taking about Doctor, or CEO. No, special privileges really abound when you’re royalty.
Case in point, Prince Albert II of Monaco, who recently havd the unique opportunity to drive the Nissan Leaf NISMO RC, a race car loosely based on the world’s first mainstream electric vehicle. The Prince, an avid proponent of alternative powertrain vehicles (he even ordered a bespoke convertible Lexus LS600hL for his wedding) took the nearly-silent race car for a spin around tiny principality, leaving his palace and arriving at the Grimaldi Forum on the shores of the Mediterranean.
Seeing the video its hard not to imagine a field full of electric race cars hitting the world-famous Monaco F1 circuit.
GALLERY: Prince Albert II and the NISMO Leaf RC
The engineering wizards of Nissan continue to massage more power and performance into their halo GT-R.
As a MY 2013, Nissan has just released its right-hand-drive Nissan GT-R Track Pack for the Japan, UK, Australia and South Africa markets this month. While initial reports suggested that the Track Pack is intended as a right-hand-drive exclusive, Nissan has announced that the hard-core package will be available in left-handed markets as well.
Despite being available in right-hand-drive markets right now, the dates for the other markets are unknown at this point. However, a source suggests left-hand-drive production begins in May. Unfortunately, the Russian, Ukraine and US market are omitted from the initial offerings, but as a hollow triumph, we’re relieved to know it’s not out of the question.
The Track Pack was designed for drivers that want a more authentic experience on a racetrack. Offering a harder edge while remaining road legal, the Track Pack horsepower rating will remain the same as Nissan is not concerned with the GT-R’s power, but more focused on its delivery. the Track Pack sports new cooling vents, front and rear, to increase the airflow over the brakes, dropping the temperature by as much as 100 degrees when driven hard.
Suspension has also been worked on, as different spring rates optimize track stability. Finally, performance Recaro front seats help keep the driver snug while the rear seats are removed for weight. Another weight saving measure, the Nissan GT-R Track Pack gets signature lightweight six-spoke RAYS alloy wheels with a black gloss finish as well.
A limited production model, look for the Track Pack emblem on the center console.
GALLERY: Nissan GT-R Track Pack
[Source: CarScoop]
The fifth and presumably final teaser for the 2013 Nissan Altima has been released to highlight the Advance Drive-Assist Display system. It also gives us a full front view of the car, even if only for a split second.
The video shows off the Advance Drive-Assist Display system, which the company says “brings relevant information closer to eye level keeping your eyes on the road.” Such relevant information includes navigation directions, lane departure warning systems and incoming phone calls and texts.
The video also shows us the full back end of the re-designed Altima, which does not appear to be radically changed from the last model.
Watch the full teaser video below, and check back for live New York Auto Show coverage.
Gallery: Nissan Altima Teaser Stills
The new four-row, 12-passenger Nissan NV Passenger Van pricing is now available, with the NVP 3500 S model starting at $31,690.
The 2012 Nissan NV Passenger Van is available in three model trims (S, SV, and SL) and either a 4.0-liter V6 or 5.6-liter V8 engine. Only the V8-powered model has the top-of-the-line SL trim.
Pricing for the NVP 3500 SV V6 starts at $33,890 while the basic V8 model will begin at $32,590. Those looking to step up from the standard S V8 model can opt for the SV trim for $34,790 while the most expensive SL V8 is priced at $37,390.
The 4.0L V6 engine has 261 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque, while the V8 sports 317 hp and 385 lb-ft of torque. Both engines use Nissan’s Continuous Valve Timing Control (C-VTC) to help improve fuel efficiency and are also mated to a heavy-duty five-speed automatic transmission.
Assembled in Canton, Miss., the Nissan NV Passenger Van also offers amenities such as storage for a laptop and charger, business cards, hanging files, pens and paper, 12.0-volt outlets and more. Available technology options include a 5-inch touchscreen navigation display, Bluetooth hands-free, and XM Satellite Radio.
The Nissan NV Passenger Van also has a class-leading 324 seating configurations and segment-exclusive supplemental side curtain air bags for all rows.
GALLERY: 2012 Nissan NV Passenger Van
