2014 Nissan 370Z Nismo

With the entire Nissan 370Z lineup having just received some slight tweaks for the 2013 model year, the sportier Nismo model is getting a few more upgrades for its 2014 model year to give it an even more unique appearance. These changes include new gray accents and red striping on the outside, and inside, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and a new red Nismo tachometer front and center for the driver to easily see.

The 2014 Nissan 370Z Nismo is debuting today at the Chicago Auto Show, and it will go on sale this summer offered in just four exterior colors: Pearl White, Magnetic Black, Gun Metallic and Solid Red. As for the coupe's performance, it still retains the higher 350-horsepower rating from the 3.7-liter V6, which is paired solely to the six-speed manual transmission. Other performance add-ons include a more aerodynamic front fascia and rear spoiler, 19-inch wheels with a sport suspension and a strut tower brace for better rigidity.

European-Built 2013 Nissan Leaf to Debut at the Geneva Motor Show

The new Note won't be the only European-built Nissan model making its debut at the Geneva International Auto Show next week, as the Japanese carmaker will also display the updated Leaf.

Up until now, the pure electric vehicle hatch has been built solely in Japan, but Nissan is rolling out locally built versions of the Leaf for Europe and North America. In Europe, series production will begin at the company's UK plant in Sunderland alongside the Qashqai, Note and Juke. The Leaf's lithium-ion batteries are already being manufactured at a new facility nearby on the Sunderland site.

"By sourcing Nissan LEAF and its batteries in Europe, we are underlining our faith not just in the ability of the Sunderland facility to build our most technically advanced car, but also in the fact that electric vehicles can be considered a genuine alternative to conventionally powered vehicles," said Paul Willcox, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, Nissan Europe.

Like its Japanese and American counterparts, the European-built 2013 Leaf comes with more than 100 changes, including some subtle design updates to improve aerodynamics, a faster charging option, a wider range of regenerative braking and enhanced energy management, while Nissan has also dropped pricing by €3,000 (roughly $4,000).

In Geneva, Nissan will also display the 370Z Nismo, 2013MY GT-R, Juke Nismo and the Resonance concept, next to the new Leaf and Note.

Latest Nissan Altima Becomes the New Teana for China

Nissan and its Chinese partner Dongfeng Motors lifted the veils off their new local market Teana sedan during a press conference in China on Tuesday in front of more than 1,000 (!) journalists and dealers from all over the country.

If the mid-size sedan looks eerily familiar, it's because the Teana is the same car as the North American Altima with some barely noticeable changes such as the added chrome strips on the lower sections of the doors and rear bumper, and the front grilles, the white markers on the headlamps and the revised tail light graphics.

The Teana will be manufactured at Dongfeng Nissan’s plant in Xiangyang, Hubei province, and is set to go on sale in the country in late March. It will be offered with Nissan's latest 182hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine matched to an Xtronic CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission).

According Nissan, the previous generations of the Teana achieved more than 700,000 sales in China since its introduction locally in 2004, a success the company believes will continue with the new model.

“It doesn’t get any more important than this. This is the flagship of the Nissan range in China. This represents everything that we are about,” said Nissan Executive Vice President Andy Palmer, at the launch in Guangzhou.

“We are confident because the new generation Teana is a stronger product," said Dongfeng Nissan Vice President Ren Yong. "It contains even more of our efforts and we’ve done thorough preparations for it. We hope that with the launch the new Teana, it will bring momentum to dealers and for our sales. It will also allow customers to experience the benefits of the new Teana and return us to a position of strength.”

Articles Source : Carscoop

Datsun Brand to Sell Cars in South Africa as Well Starting from 2014, First Teaser Rendering

At a press conference at Nissan's Yokohama plant on Monday, the Japanese carmaker announced that the re-born Datsun Brand is set to return to South Africa, with the first passenger car to be launched onto the market at the end of 2014.

The announcement follows a global decision in 2010 to re-introduce the Datsun brand as part of the Japanese company's "Nissan Power 88" mid-term plan, which calls for an 8 percent global market share and 8 percent operating profit by fiscal year 2016.

Currently, Datsun sales are planned for four major markets, including South Africa, India, Indonesia and Russia, during the course of 2014.

"Following Infiniti's launch last year, we are delighted that South Africa is also a destination of choice for Datsun vehicles," commented Mike Whitfield, managing director of Nissan South Africa (NSA).

"Datsun enjoyed a proud heritage in the country after the Bluebird made its debut at the Pretoria Show in 1958, the 120Y and SSS models were household names, before going on to become the number one brand between 1976 and 1978."

In addition to the announcement, we also found a teaser rendering showing the front end of Datsun's first production model that will be a compact passenger car. We're not sure if this image has gone public before, but this is the first time we've seen it.

In December, it was revealed that the Datsun's new low-cost family cars will share their underpinnings with Russia's Lada, which in mid-2014, will pass into the ownership of the Renault-Nissan Alliance.

Articles Source : Carscoop

Nissan Leaf tops 50,000 sales worldwide

Nissan says that its all-electric Leaf has broken the 50,000-units-sold threshold, as the Japanese automaker looks accelerate demand with the start of US Leaf production in Tennessee this year.

Nissan has sold about 7,000 Leafs across Europe, where the EV is sold in 17 countries. About 19,500 of those Leafs were sold in the US in 2011 and 2012.

In all, Nissan Leaf drivers have put more than 260 million kilometers (162 million miles) on their cars, with one Japanese owner clocking in about 110,000 miles.

The company last month dropped the price of its 2013 Leaf by $6,400 to a base of $28,800. Nissan's January US Leaf sales fell 3.8 percent from a year earlier to just 650 units, as the company looked to unload its 2012 model-year inventory. Read Nissan's press release below.

Nissan LEAF Smashes 50,000 Global Sales Milestone

More than 50 000 units sold globally since launch in 2010

Nissan LEAF now sold across 17 countries in Europe

Globally Nissan LEAFs have done over 260m emission free kilometers

ROLLE, Switzerland – Today the 100% electric Nissan LEAF marked another milestone in the history of EVs as it passed the 50,000 sales mark, reinforcing its position as the best selling electric vehicle of all time.

The owners of Nissan LEAF around the world have now covered a total distance of more than 260 million km*, greater than the distance from the earth to the sun. All of these kilometers were covered with zero tailpipe emissions, contributing to government's efforts to reduce levels of harmful NOx and particulate matter in cities. The highest mileage LEAF globally has been revealed as a Japanese customer who has covered more than 175,000 km, in a car that has only been on sale for two years.

In 17 European countries, 7,000 cars are being driven every day, with one customer in Spain has already clocked up over 43,000 km in one year. This is far beyond an average annual mileage and the rapid build up of mileage is testament to the reliability of the award winning EV. This is further demonstrated by its extraordinary customer satisfaction rating of over 95%, the highest of any Nissan vehicle.

In the last 12 months Europe registered significant growth of the CHAdeMO quick charging infrastructure. The number of these chargers which allow batteries to be recharged from empty to 80% battery capacity in around 30 minutes has rocketed from 158 to 601 in the last 12 months. The plans already in place are to more than double by the end of this year the number of installed quick charging installations. These units are being installed at strategic locations such as shopping center car parks or highway service stations, allowing the 50,000 Nissan LEAF owners to push the electric vehicle revolution even further.

*Figures are based on all LEAFs registered with the Carwings telemetry system, which is not mandatory and not all vehicles are registered.

About the Nissan LEAF

The Nissan LEAF was the first mass produced EV winning the European, World and Japanese car of the year 2011. More than 50,000 units have been sold globally since its introduction in December 2010, making Nissan LEAF the world's most selling electric vehicle. The AC motor develops 80 kW of power and 280 Nm of torque, enough for a maximum speed of 145 km/h. The electric motor is powered by a Nissan-developed laminated lithium-ion battery with an output of more than 90 kW. Recharging from empty to 100% takes eight hours with a normal charger and just 30 minutes from empty to 80% using a quick charger in optimal conditions. Nissan LEAF has been awarded five stars in the tough Euro NCAP tests, making it one of the safest cars on the road. Nissan LEAF comes fully equipped with air conditioning, satellite navigation, rear-view parking camera. European production of the Nissan LEAF will start at Sunderland in 2013.

About Nissan in Europe

Nissan has one of the most comprehensive European presences of any overseas manufacturer, employing more than 14,500 staff across locally based design, research & development, manufacturing, logistics and sales & marketing operations. Last year Nissan plants in the UK, Spain and Russia produced more than 695,000 vehicles including mini-MPVs, award-winning crossovers, SUVs and commercial vehicles. Nissan now offers 24 diverse and innovative products for sale in Europe today, and is positioned to become the number one Asian brand in Europe.

About Nissan

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 248,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4.8 million vehicles in 2011, generating revenue of 9.4 trillion yen ($US118.95 billion). With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of 64 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero-emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades, including the prestigious 2011-2012 Car of the Year Japan and 2011 World Car of the Year awards.

Articles Source : Autoblog

Nissan Stages U.S. Debut of Juke NISMO, 2014 370Z NISMO and GT-R Track Edition in Chicago

This week's Chicago Auto Show is playing host to the U.S. premiere of several new and performance-orientated Nissan models, including the 2013 Juke NISMO crossover, the 2014 370Z NISMO Coupe, and the limited-production GT-R Track Edition, all of which have been seen before in other markets, while the Japanese brand is also displaying the production 2013 Nissan NV200 cargo van.

We'll start our tour of the new Nissan models with the Juke NISMO that boasts close to 100 individual revised components, including the specially tuned 197hp 1.6-liter turbocharged four, a variety of aero components offering a 37 percent improvement in downforce, sport seats and 18-inch wheels.

Next up in our menu is the 2014 370Z NISMO, which goes on sale this summer and features a number of exterior and interior enhancements for the new model year, with power coming from a 350-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine.

Rounding out Nissan's performance models in Chicago is the GT-R Track Edition, which is the third and most exclusive version in the lineup, with only 150 cars destined for the U.S. market. It comes with the regular model's 545hp twin-turbocharged V6 adding a firmer suspension, special brake cooling guides, front spoiler with carbon fiber air ducts and a lightweight quilted cloth mat in place of the rear seats. Sales begin in May.

Finally, Nissan is showing the production 2013 Nissan NV200 cargo van that is priced from $19,990, excluding destination and handling.

Articles Source : Carscoop

2014 Nissan 370Z Nismoa

In conjunction with the U.S. debut of the new 2013 Nissan Juke Nismo - and the ongoing expansion of the Nismo brand worldwide - Nissan is giving attendees at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show a preview of the 2014 Nissan 370Z Nismo. Set to go on sale at Nissan U.S. dealers nationwide in summer 2013, the Nissan 370Z Nismo follows the new Nismo design theme with distinctive new exterior and interior accents.

2014 Nissan 370Z Nismoa

2014 Nissan 370Z Nismoa

2014 Nissan 370Z Nismoa

2014 Nissan 370Z Nismoa

2014 Nissan 370Z Nismoa

2014 Nissan 370Z Nismoa

2014 Nissan 370Z Nismoa

Pierre Loing, Vice President, Product and Advanced Planning and Strategy, Nissan Americas said: "The 370Z Nismo, since its introduction as part of the original Nissan 350Z lineup, has embodied the spirit of Nismo - race-proven engineering that is attainable. With the enhancements for the 2014 model year and the addition of the new Juke Nismo, we're unifying the look and feel of these distinctive Nismo models and paving the way for additional Nismo vehicles to follow."

With the current Nissan 370Z Nismo setting the bar as a tuner-Z® enthusiast's dream straight from the factory and fully warranted - offering 350 horsepower, racing-inspired exterior and interior styling, a specially tuned suspension and unique super-lightweight forged alloy wheels - the enhancements for 2014 are designed to up the car's already strong visual impact. On the exterior, new dark gray coloring is added to the front and rear fascias, lower side sills, side mirrors and Nismo rear spoiler, with each element (except side sills) featuring Nismo-style red pinstripe accents. In addition, Solid Red replaces the previous Magma Red as one of four Nissan 370Z Nismo exterior color choices. Interior enhancements include the addition of a new steering wheel with Alcantara appointments and red accents, and a red Nismo tachometer.

The Nissan 370Z Nismo's outstanding performance is anchored by an advanced Nissan FM (Front Midship) platform, refined 4-wheel independent suspension and 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL) rated at 350 hp @ 7,400 rpm and 276 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm. The VVEL system helps optimize intake valve open/close movements, allowing the needed air to be sent promptly to the combustion chamber at the precisely optimized time. The Nissan 370Z Nismo's enhanced engine power and acceleration (versus non-Nismo 370Zs) is provided through use of an exclusive H-configured exhaust system design and muffler tuning, along with optimized ECM (Engine Control Module) calibration.

Just one transmission is offered, a close-ratio 6-speed manual with Nissan's SynchroRev Match® synchronized downshift rev matching system. The SynchroRev Match® function automatically controls and adjusts engine speed when shifting to the speed of the next gear position, essentially "blipping" the throttle to smooth out any up/down shifts. This not only allows the driver to focus more on braking and steering, it improves the smoothness of gear shifts by reducing the typical "shock" when the clutch is engaged. The system can be deactivated with a button next to the shifter for drivers who prefer to shift on their own.

The Nissan 370Z Nismo also features a tight, rigid body structure with a strut tower bar brace and a pair of performance dampers, which quickly and efficiently react to help control body vibrations from road input via the tires, contributing to the Nissan 370Z Nismo's outstanding handling and performance feel. The Nissan 370Z Nismo's double-wishbone front/4-link rear suspension design suspension is specially tuned for exceptional handling, including higher spring and stabilizer bar rates and increased roll stiffness and front and rear damping factors (compared to non-Nismo models).

The 2014 370Z Nismo rides on unique 5-spoke Nissan-branded 19-inch RAYS forged aluminum-alloy wheels (19x9.5-inch front, 19x10.5-inch rear) with a Gun Metallic finish. The wheels are mounted with Bridgestone Potenza S001 Y-rated high-performance tires (245/40ZR19 front, 285/35ZR19 rear). Braking is provided by Nismo Sport Brakes with large diameter 14.0-inch front and 13.8-inch rear vented rotors with 4-piston front and 2-piston rear aluminum calipers.

The braking system includes a variable ratio brake pedal, high-rigidity brake hoses, R35 Special II fluid and red-finish calipers.

Along with the new color treatments, the 2014 Nissan 370Z Nismo exterior includes an extended front nose design and a fully integrated chin spoiler - providing a sense of dynamic movement while enhancing airflow and downforce for enhanced aerodynamic performance. The 370Z Nismo is 6.2 inches longer than the standard 370Z Coupe. Special side sills and a unique rear bumper help control airflow under the vehicle, while the functional rear spoiler increases downforce. Four exterior colors are offered: Pearl White, Magnetic Black, Gun Metallic and Solid Red.

Inside, the Nissan 370Z Nismo's driver-centric interior includes Nismo logo seats with black and red fabric and red stitching, a Nismo tachometer, steering wheel with Alcantara wrap and red parallel stitching, smooth leather-wrapped shift knob and aluminum-trimmed pedals. A special serialized plaque of authenticity, located on the vertical panel above the floor-mounted console, is matched to each Nissan 370Z Nismo identifying its unique serial and model year designation.

The sporty woven cloth seats feature standard 8-way driver's/4-way passenger manual adjustments and adjustable front seat Active Head Restraints. Standard interior comfort and convenience features include Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Start, power windows with one-touch auto up/down feature, power door locks with auto-lock feature and automatic climate control. An AM/FM/CD/AUX 4-speaker audio system is standard. Also available is a Bose® Package featuring an in-dash 6CD changer, two additional speakers (six total), two subwoofers, Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System, auto-dimming inside mirror and HomeLink® Universal Transceiver. There are no other options offered.

Said Loing: "The great thing about the 370Z Nismo, like the Juke Nismo, is that there is solid functionality behind every element - race-inspired but ready for the street - and with pure Nismo style."

Articles Source : Netcarshow

2014 Nissan GT-R Track Edition

The new Nissan GT-R Track Edition, which made its U.S. debut at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, is the third and most exclusive model in the 2014 GT-R lineup. Designed to take Nissan's legendary 545-horsepower street supercar even closer to a pure motorsports competition machine, it features a specially tuned suspension, special brake cooling guides, front spoiler with carbon fiber air ducts and a lightweight quilted cloth mat where the rear seats usually reside. It is set to go on sale at select GT-R certified Nissan dealerships nationwide beginning in May 2013. Production will be limited to 150 cars for the U.S. market.

2014 Nissan GT-R Track Edition

2014 Nissan GT-R Track Edition

2014 Nissan GT-R Track Edition

2014 Nissan GT-R Track Edition

2014 Nissan GT-R Track Edition

Said Pierre Loing, Vice President, Product and Advanced Planning and Strategy, Nissan Americas: "The concept behind the GT-R Track Edition is to enable drivers who enjoy even more demanding high-performance driving than the GT-R Premium and Black Edition models' extreme performance, the chance to come closer to a competition spec vehicle - no back seat, stiffer suspension, higher grip seats, additional brake cooling - the works."

Changes to the GT-R's sophisticated 4-wheel independent suspension for the Track Edition include specialized Bilstein DampTronic gas pressure shock absorbers and higher spring rates. Much of the 2014 GT-R's suspension development took place on the Nürburgring, one of the world's most challenging racing circuits, where the Track Edition damping force and handling benchmarks were further refined by GT-R development driver Toshio Suzuki. The Track Edition's air guides for the front and rear brakes were also refined through rigorous track testing.

The Track Edition's performance enhancements are added to a significant number of upgrades to the GT-R for the 2014 model year, ranging from the adoption of new fuel injectors for enhanced torque response in the 4,500-6,000 rpm range and improved throttle and acceleration feel at mid- and high-rpm ranges, to the addition of an oil pan baffle to stabilize oil turbulence and oil pressure under high performance driving conditions. An aluminum nameplate is now added to each hand-assembled engine bearing the name of the specially trained "Takumi" craftsman who built that individual engine.

In addition to developing 545 horsepower, the GT-R's standard VR38DETT V6 produces 463 lb-ft of torque. The engine is backed by an advanced paddle-shifted sequential 6-speed dual clutch transmission, which can be driver selected to shift at race car-like speeds (0.15 seconds). The sequential-shifting transaxle features separate wet clutches for the odd (1,3,5) and even (2,4,6) gears and pre-selects the next highest and next lowest gear for quick shifts. It also features Hill Start Assist for easy starts on uphill inclines. High performance differential oil, used in GT-R motorsports competition, is standard.

The Nissan GT-R's unique Premium Midship platform, created expressly for use with the GT-R, enables the use of a world's first independent rear transaxle ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system, which optimizes weight distribution and handling capability. The rear drive-biased system can vary torque split from 0:100 to 50:50 depending on speed, lateral acceleration, steering angles, tire slip, road surface and yaw rate.

In the interior, the new Nissan GT-R Track Edition includes special blue-trimmed high-grip front seats that use a special leather and fabric appointments. And, like all 2014 GT-Rs, the Track Edition's interior offers a cockpit-style instrument panel with a large center-mounted tachometer, a large metallic-framed center console with ergonomically designed shift lever, a red "engine start" button and carbon fiber interior trim.

The centerpiece of the instrument panel is a video game-inspired multi-function display with 11 pages of available information, including mechanical and driving information, acceleration, brake pedal pressure, steering angle and a recording function with playback. Additional on-screen information includes a Navigation system and Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System. The navigation system includes NavTraffic Real-Time Traffic Information and NavWeather capabilities (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately).

All 2014 GT-R models include a specially designed 11-speaker Bose® audio system that features two forward-facing woofers in the rear center armrest area. Rigid aluminum die cast panel-mounting of all speakers allowed Bose® engineers to perfect the acoustical performance of the GT-R sound system. Streaming Audio via Bluetooth® is also standard.

Finishing off the Nissan GT-R Track Edition's special features are a handmade, lightweight dry carbon fiber rear spoiler and special metallic black six-spoke RAYS® forged lightweight wheels mounted with Dunlop® SP Sport Maxx GT 600 DSST CTT ultra high performance run-flat nitrogen-filled tires. (Both the wheels and spoiler are also offered on the Black Edition.) The rear spoiler's lightweight GT-R specific dry carbon fiber material is also incredibly strong, contributing to increased aerodynamic downforce.

The Nissan GT-R Track Edition is offered in five exterior colors: Deep Blue Pearl, Jet Black, Solid Red, Gun Metallic and Pearl White.

Concluded Loing: "The new Track Edition sends the message that when it come to Nissan GT-R performance, there is no endpoint. We will continue to push its development and keep the competition in the rearview mirror. The legend continues."

Articles Source : Netcarshow

Gallery : 2014 Nissan GT-R Track Edition