Nissan
Nissan to introduce Ellure concept and Murano CrossCabriolet in LA
Nissan has announced that it will present a new concept as well as a cabriolet version of the Murano at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show. First up would be the Nissan Ellure concept featuring a sedan body style, unfortunately that is all we know for now. Joining the concept would be the Murano CrossCabriolet which is a top-less version of the Murano, something that was heavily talked about previously.
The new Murano variant which would become the world’s first “all wheel drive crossover convertible”, is able to seat four adults along with space for luggage even with the top down. The Murano CrossCabriolet is set to go on sale early next year.
Nissan also announced that it will unveil the next generation Quest. The MPV is expected to be powered by a 3.7 liter V6 with up to 300hp. The Quest will also go on sale early next year. At the same time Nissan will also reveal the production version of the Leaf all-electric vehicle, before it goes on sale in December.
Pictured above is the 2011 Nissan Murano dCi.
2012 Nissan GT-R: Leaked images of updated model!
Looks like Nissan is about to release yet another updated GT-R. Images of this 2012 model year GT-R have popped up at GTRblog and the images indicate a number of revisions. They include a new front bumper introduced with LED daytime running lights, an updated rear diffuser with the addition of a red diffuser light and newly designed Rays forged aluminum wheels. These wheels are said to be 12 kilograms lighter.
Aerodynamic efficiency and downforce have also been improved by about 0.004Cd and 10% respectively. An attached chart indicate that the GT-R has lower drag and improved downforce figures compared to Porsche’s 911 Carrera and Turbo models as well as the BMW M3. Other upgrades mentioned in the blog include updates on the interior, suspension and engine but we don’t have the specifics at the moment. There are also new black and blue body colours.
We reported earlier that the 2012 ‘Godzilla’ may output over 500hp and 600Nm of torque. Rumors are also going around that the updated GT-R has already set a lap time that is lower than 7 minutes 26 seconds at the Nordschleife proving grounds. Pricing wise the base GT-R, called the Pure Edition is rumored to carry a 8,694,000 yen (up by 80,000 yen) price tag which tops out at 9,450,000 yen (up by 210,000 yen) for the range-topping Premium Edition.
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Nissan subtly updates the Note in Europe
Nissan has updated the Note for the 2011 model year in Europe. The Nissan Note is a Honda Jazz competitor and it was first introduced into the European market in 2006. The Note was already on sale in Japan since 2004. It is considered as an indirect successor to the Nissan Almera which was pretty much the European version of the Sentra.
The updated model is now treated to some subtle trim and equipment upgrades. First up are the silver door handles and tailgate trim and gloss black B and C-pillar (for Teckna and Acenta trim levels). Nissan also introduced a new front spoiler finisher and front entry guards for the N-tec trim. Introduced with two new metallic colours, Magnetic Red and Grey, the updated Note also comes with ESP as a standard fitment. The Acenta version gets a new audio unit with USB and iPod compatibility while the N-tec Note comes with automatic lighting and wipers, climate control as well as new interior colour options.
Finally the range-topping Tekna model now comes with Intelligent Key as standard. The Note’s 1.4 liter and 1.6 liter engines are now Euro 5-compliant while updated diesel units are expected to arrive by autumn 2010. Nissan revealed that the prices remain unchanged.
Continue reading to check out a high-res version of the image above. Read the rest of this entry.
All-new Nissan Elgrand premium MPV launched in Japan
This is the all-new Elgrand MPV from Nissan that has made it’s debut in Japan. Dubbed as the “King of Minivans” (although there is nothing mini about it), the majestic Elgrand features a box-like styling as with the model it replaces. The exterior sports two-stage headlights, blacked-out pillars, tinted windows and chrome-coated alloy wheels. Apart from all those features and it’s immense size it may look like just another large MPV. For a vehicle like the Elgrand, the interior is the cherry on the cake.
For starters the new Elgrand has a roomy cabin and it is able to seat up to eight (for the model with a bench second row). The 7-seater model has captain or individual seats in the second row and each seat has a leg rest, articulated seat backs and three-leveled cushion pads. Nissan says that it is the only automaker which adopts these three functions in a seat. The company claims that the captain seats support the body as a whole, maintaining a relaxed and stress-free posture. The leg rests help spread the body weight to help avoid leg swelling.
The 8-seater model uses a bench seat for the second row and it comes with large armrests. The final third row can be folded and Nissan says it offers “superior passenger fit”. There is also something called Quick Comfort Seat Heater which is pretty much a more advance seat heating system. The heating system can heat up different sections and there are several modes.
For example the system starts heating the thigh and hip areas before moving on to the lower back and the thigh area. Nissan did not specify which seat utilizes the function but the front seats definitely have it while the second row captain seats may have it too. The company did say that the system comes standard with the 350 Highway STAR Premium model.
The Elgrand also has sliding doors as well as a tail gate that can be automatically opened and closed. As with vehicles of this class, the buyers can select many different optional equipments. First up is an Around View Monitor which is pretty much a camera system for parking. It uses a voice guidance system, simulated steering direction indicators and reverse positioning displayed on the monitor via the Parking Guide System. There is also a Carwings Navigational System with an advance map updating system with high-speed route calculation, built-in digital with automatic signal tune as well as an iPod-capable entertainment system.
Speaking about entertainment, buyers can also opt for a Private Theatre System. It is made up by a Bose 5.1 Surround Sound with a total of 13 speakers. It also has a large 11-inch electronic retractable display screen so the rear passengers can enjoy the screen as well. Nissan also said that with optional floor carpets and sound dampening acoustic ceiling along with standard sound reflecting glass windows, the system can offer can experience similar to a concert hall.
Now lets talk about that what is under the hood. The new Elgrand uses a 3.5-liter VQ35DE with 280 PS and 344Nm of torque. The engine is paired with Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable transmission with Adaptive Shift Control. It is also available with a smaller engine which is a 2.5 liter with 170 PS and 245Nm of torque. The Elgrand can be specified with either a two wheel drive or an all wheel drive configuration.
To help improve sound damping, the Elgrand uses acoustic windshield, sound insulators, vibration-resistant floor and bead-shaped sound dampening flooring. There is also an Eco-Drive Assist System, Intelligent Cruise Control, school zone safe driving guide, an ESP system, tire pressure monitoring system and more. You can continue reading to view an image gallery of the Nissan Elgrand. Read the rest of this entry.
Nissan Dualis and Dualis CrossRider updated for 2011MY in Japan
Nissan has revealed the 2011 Dualis crossover for the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM). This comes after the release of the facelifted Nissan Rogue, a slightly larger crossover sold in the US which shares the same platform with the Dualis. Also known as the Qashqai in Europe, the Dualis is now treated to some enhancements that cover the exterior, interior as well as fuel economy.
The exterior styling changes include a reworked front grille, newly-designed 18-inch alloy wheels and chrome detailing on the door handles. Also included are six new body colour options including Brilliant Pearl White. On the inside there is a revised instrument cluster featuring a 3.6-inch vehicle instrument display that shows you trip and vehicle maintenance information. There is also small glove box placed in the centre cluster while the rear seats also feature ISOFIX points as standard.
Fuel efficiency for the Dualis 2WD has been improved as well but Nissan did not disclose the figures. The company only said that modifications have been carried out the on the engine controls and on the XTRONIC continuously variable transmission. In Japan the Dualis is offered in both 2WD and 4WD configurations with a 137PS 2.0 liter gasoline engine with 200Nm of torque and the above-mentioned XTRONIC transmission.
The Dualis now meets all tax break measures in Japan hence it qualifies for 50% reduction in the automobile acquisition tax while the 2WD and 4WD models get 50% and 75% respective reductions in automobile weight tax. Pricing for the 2011 Nissan Dualis starts from 2,097,900 yen in Japan.
At the same time Autech Japan which is a wholly-owned Nissan affiliate has also released the new Dualis CrossRider, pictured above. The CrossRider is a customized model of the Dualis. It has 18-inch alloy wheels with special 215/55R18 tires, a fully automatic air conditioner, Xenon headlights as standard equipment as well as other styling changes. This variant carries a base price of 2,544,150 yen. More images can be found after the jump. Read the rest of this entry.
Nissan facelifts the Rogue crossover for 2011MY
Nissan has released the updated Rogue compact crossover for the 2011 model year. The updates performed are limited to esthetics and equipments, leaving other technical bits untouched. Noticeable changes on the outside include a new front grille along with a slightly restyled front bumper. Also in the ‘update’ list of things are new front and rear spoilers, new front and rear tire deflectors as well as chromed wide door guard molding trim. There is also a new chromed license plate finishing and new wheel options.
The Rogue, available in two trim levels including S and SV is also joined by an S Krom edition featuring a different grille, sportier exhaust tips, 18-inch wheels and a revised rear end. Mechanically, the crossover uses a 2.5 liter engine which produces 170hp. The engine is paired with an Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). Despite maintaing the same engine, the Rogue offers slightly better fuel economy (by about 1 MPG) thanks to new low rolling resistance tires and an under-body cover.
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Nissan Murano’s front end updated for new diesel engine
Nissan has updated the front-end of it’s European Murano so it can accommodate a new diesel engine arriving in September. The diesel requires additional cooling and airflow from the Murano’s front end hence changes have been made on the crossover’s front grille and bumper which houses larger air intakes and new fog lamps.
This new diesel that will make way into the 2011 Murano is a 2.5 liter 4-potter that makes 190hp and a healthy 450Nm of torque. It features a new 2,000 bar direct injection system, a new cylinder head with parallel port as well as a new variable nozzle turbo (VNT) with electric control instead of a hydraulic system.
The engine will be made available with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The new powerplant will be able to deliver 100 kilometers with 8.0 liters of fuel, on a combined cycle. Called the Murano 2.5 dCi, it will carry a £37,795 price tag when it goes on sale in about 2 months. This would be the first time the Murano will be offered with an oil burner option. Read the rest of this entry.
Thai-made Nissan March hits the Japanese market
Nissan has launched the 2011 March (also known as the Micra in certain markets) in Japan with sales commencing this week. This JDM March is manufactured at the company’s Thailand plant and Nissan claims that a special inspection process has been set up at the Oppama plant in Japan to maintain manufacturing quality for the Thai-made car.
The JDM March gets a 1.2 liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine with higher end variants receiving features such as an engine start stop system. The March is offered in various trim levels and pricing starts from 999,600 Yen before topping out at 1.64 million Yen. Nissan also plans to build the March in China and Mexico while the production in India has already started.
An image gallery can be found after the jump. Read the rest of this entry.
