Datsun revival confirmed

Carlos Ghosn is the chief executive of Renault-Nissan and he has confirmed earlier this week in Indonesia the revival of the Datsun brand. The cars that will be wearing the Datsun badge will be sold only in certain territories, such as the south-east Asian nation, along with India and Russia. These three markets will get the first vehicles sometime in 2014. Other emerging markets will follow.

For a brief history lesson, the Datsun cars were commercialized between the years 1932 and 1981. After this period all of the models got the Nissan name, while rumors of a possible revival of the Datsun name have been circulating the Internet in the last few years, and now we have an official confirmation that the brand is back in business.

Datsun (new logo pictured) will be Nissan’s third global brand along with Nissan and Infiniti. The Japanese automaker’s new plan is to invest 33 billion Japanese yen in increasing the production at the company’s Cikampek factory which is located about 80 km near Jakarta. By 2014, the total annual capacity of this plant will be increased to 250,000 units, while the number of employees will expand to 3,300. By 2015, Nissan wants to expand the number of sales outlets to 150.

Source: Nissan via Autocar

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Nissan reveals DeltaWing racer

The Japanese automaker Nissan is a founding partner in the DeltaWing project that will be a part of this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours event. The vehicle is powered by a 4-cylinder, 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and it has 50% of the weight and 50% of the aerodynamic drag of a regular racer.

Organized between 16^th and 17^th of June, the Le Mans 24 hours is as you probably know one of the most difficult races in the world. The DeltaWing won’t be allowed to compete in the overall classification, but it will be a very good occasion for Nissan to show off its new racer.

The design of the DeltaWing belongs to British designer Ben Bowlby who lives in the United States. It is the work of Don Panoz who is an American motorsport entrepreneur, along with the All-American Racers organization of Dan Gurney, Michelin and Highcroft Racing team.

The engine that powers the DeltaWing is known as the DIG-T and has the same technology as the one found in Nissan’s road cars, including the top-spec Juke DIG-T. The term “DIG-T” refers to direct injection gasoline – turbocharged. This power unit is said to output no less than 300 hp so it should make the DeltaWing as fast as some of the LMP1 and LMP2 vehicles.

In this interesting vehicle, the driver sits back in the car, looking ahead down a long and narrow fuselage. He is actually sitting almost over the rear axle and the car rides on narrow thin front tires that have been specially developed by Michelin for the vehicle. The engine is mounted at the rear and thanks to the fact that the car has a strong rearward weight bias, the DeltaWing is very maneuverable.

The Nissan DeltaWing will participate in the “Garage 56” which is the area in the pitlane that is reserved for experimental vehicles. The car will be wearing the number “0” and the first two drivers which already have been confirmed are Michael Krumm and Marino Franchitti.

Source: Nissan via Autocar

Post tags: Tags: Nissan, nissan deltawing

Chicago Auto Show – 2013 Nissan 370Z

The 2013 Nissan 370Z has been introduced at this year’s edition of the Chicago Auto Show before going on sale this June. The new version of the car comes with several design updates and also a bunch of technical improvements that should make it more appealing to those who are on the look for a sporty coupe.

The car’s front fascia now features LED daytime running lights, while the front bumper has been redesigned. At the back of the 370Z we notice the red deflector that replaces the previous black one. The Japanese automaker also offers new designs for 18- and 19-inch rims, two new exterior colors and red brake calipers. Not much has changed inside the cabin except for the fuel gauge which now has a darker finish.

Nissan has fitted the same V6 3.7-liter DOHC engine which is able to pump out 332 hp. The engine can be linked to either a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed automatic transmission. Those who order the 370Z with the Sport Package will benefit from Euro-tuned shock absorbers that promise to improve the car’s handling while at the same time increasing the speed during cornering.

As for the 2013 NISMO 370Z, this version of the coupe now features a Bose Premium Audio Package that consists of two new speakers and two subwoofers. It rides on 19-inch rims that have a gun metallic finish and also has performance brake fluid and high rigidity brake hoses. As you would expect, the NISMO version of the 2013 Nissan 370Z is more powerful than the standard model thanks to the inclusion of an H-configured exhaust system and the Engine Computer Module (ECM) control that increases the output of the engine to 350 hp and a maximum torque of 276 lb.-ft. We should mention that this engine is mated exclusively to a 6-speed SynchroRev match manual gearbox.

No word at the moment about the price of the 2013 NISMO 370Z.

Source: Nissan via ZerCustoms

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Chicago Auto Show – Nissan NV200

Revealed on Wednesday at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, the Nissan NV200 compact cargo van is already available in over 40 countries from all corners of the world, but it is the first time it arrives on U.S. soil. Compared to the rest of regular models, the one that will be sold in the U.S. will have its body extended by 7.9 inches (200 mm).

The vehicle measures 186.2 inches (4,729 mm) in length and has a 115.2-inch (2,926 mm) wheelbase, and it is capable of offering a cargo capacity of up to 123 cubic feet while the maximum payload is of 1,500 pounds (680 kg).

Under its hood there’s a 4-cylinder 2.0-liter engine that is linked to an Xtronic CVT gearbox. The NV200 is going to hit the Nissan dealerships in the United States later on this year and it will be available in two trim levels.

Source: Nissan

Post tags: Tags: chicago-auto-show, motor shows, Nissan, nissan nv200

Nissan Invitation concept heading to Geneva Motor Show

The Japanese car manufacturer Nissan has revealed yesterday the Invitation concept which will be making its first public appearance next month at the Geneva Motor Show. With this B-segment vehicle the company wants to “preview a forthcoming mainstream model” that is scheduled to be launched next year in Europe. Sources inside the company have said that this will probably be the replacement for the Note model which is based on the Micra platform.

Nissan is working on an ultra frugal version of the Invitation which will probably be motivated by a 1.0-liter superchargerd engine that it already available in the aforementioned Micra, an engine that has CO2 emissions of less than 100 g/km.

The concept you can see in these photos has been designed in Japan but the production version for the Europe market will be adapted at the company’s design center located in Cranfield, Bedfordshire. The car will come with “a refreshingly open cabin” and it is set to feature a bunch of equipment that you won’t see that often in this segment, like an Around View Monitor system that consists of four cameras which are capable of providing a “helicopter view” that will be quite useful for parallel parking and reversing the vehicle.

This interesting concept also features the company’s Safety Child system that can interact with the driver of the car in order to keep him/her aware of what’s happening around the vehicle.

Source: Nissan via Autocar.co.uk

Post tags: Tags: concept, geneva-motor-show, Nissan, nissan invitation

Nissan reveals GT-R NISMO GT3

A few days ago, Nissan has revealed the preliminary details about the upcoming GT-R NISMO GT3. The car has been developed in partnership with JR Motorsports (JRM) and it is fully FIA-compliant. The car is eligible to take part in a number of GT3 events. Nissan said that the car has a “chassis that inspires confidence” and comes with customizable driver controls and an adjustable suspension.

Under the hood of this Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 is a twin-turbo V6 3.8-liter engine that pumps out at least 523 hp (530 PS / 390 kW) and a maximum torque of 451 lb.-ft (612 Nm). This engine is mated to a semi-automatic 6-speed gearbox that allows the 2,866 lbs (1,300 kg) vehicle to go head-to-head in the most competitive GT3 events.

Priced from $383,735, Nissan said that the GT-R NISMO GT3 is going to be available on a global level.

Source: Nissan

Post tags: Tags: Nissan, nissan gt-r nismo gt3, nissan-gt-r

2012 Nissan Note revealed

Manufactured in the United Kingdom, the Nissan Note has received a bunch of upgrades at the beginning of this year, including a new luxury N-TEC+ trim level. The Acenta mid-range level is now available with 16-inch two-tone alloy wheels which replace the previous 15-inch rims. Aside from this change, this version of the supermini-MPV also gets chrome-effect front fog light surrounds and door mirror covers. Inside the cabin it is offered as standard with rain-sensitive wipers, automatic headlights and climate control.

As for the aforementioned N-TEC+, this one comes with the same goodies as the Acenta but adds a darkened rear privacy glass, rear parking sensors  and the “Connect” touchscreen satellite navigation / audio system.

Regarding the engine offerings, the 2012 Nissan Note has the same 1.4- and 1.6-liter gasoline power units, along with a more frugal 1.5 dCi diesel. The most economical model would have to be the 1.5 dCi Pure Drive which has a combined fuel consumption of 67.3 mpg UK and CO2 emissions of 110 g/km.

The entry-level Nissan Note Visia is priced from 11,200 pounds, followed by the Acenta at 13,000 pounds and the N-TEC+ starting from 13,500 pounds. The first deliveries are expected to commence at the beginning of next month.

Source: Nissan via Autocar.co.uk

Post tags: Tags: Nissan, nissan note

Nissan Juke Shiro Edition arrives in Europe

The Japanese automaker Nissan has announced a few days ago that the Juke model will be getting a new version for the European market. The Shiro Edition is based on the Tekna version and it can be ordered with any of the engines in the range, including the top-spec 1.6-liter turbocharged unit that pumps out 190 hp. This version is optionally available with an all-wheel drive system.

This is the new range topping version of the Juke in Europe and it wears the Shiro (white) designation due to its white interior cabin. This color was used to cover the center console and the door armrest, while the leather steering wheel has white stitching, just like the outer edges of the seats and the gear lever.

As standard, the Nissan Juke Shiro edition comes with six airbags, ESP, automatic climate control, keyless entry with start button, folding mirrors, heated front seats, rear privacy glass, along with automatic lights and wipers.

According to the market, an accessory package will be available as standard or optional equipment list, and it includes front chrome-plates sill protectors with white illumination, central armrest with white stitching and velour mats.

Source: Nissan

Post tags: Tags: Nissan, nissan juke, nissan juke shiro edition, special editions

Nissan Pathfinder concept revealed at 2012 NAIAS

Nissan Pathfinder Concept

Nissan revealed a concept of its successful Pathfinder model at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show, a concept that previews the production version which will be out this fall. The most significant change in comparison to the current third generation model would have to be the unibody construction, compared to the body-on frame architecture of the outgoing model. This isn’t the first time when Nissan uses the unibody construction as the first generation model had this setup.

Nissan Pathfinder Concept

With the new generation, Nissan is attempting to give the Pathfinder a more crossover appearance, instead of the rugged styling of the third generation version. Inside the cabin it is going to be more luxurious and should pack a bunch of technological goodies. The automaker mentioned that the legroom will be excellent for all three rows, while the cargo room behind the third row of seats will be ample.

Nissan Pathfinder Concept

Under the hood of the Nissan Pathfinder there will be a V6 engine which will be mated to a new generation of the continuously variable transmission, which should make the Pathfinder the most fuel-efficient seven-passenger car on the market, according to the automaker. The car is projected to be 25% more fuel efficient in combined city/highway driving in comparison to the outgoing V6.

Source: Nissan

Post tags: Tags: Concepts, detroit motor show, naias, Nissan, nissan pathfinder, nissan pathfinder concept

Nissan X-Trail Platinum Edition introduced in UK

Nissan X-Trail Platinum Edition

Nissan X-Trail Platinum Edition

Nissan X-Trail Platinum Edition

Nissan X-Trail Platinum Edition

Nissan X-Trail Platinum Edition

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Nissan Micra available in two new versions

Nissan has introduced two new versions of its Micra model, dubbed Kuro and Shiro (black and white). These models are based on the midrange Acenta but come with some extra goodies that up until now were only available for the high-end models. This additional equipment includes heated front seats, parking sensors with parking space measurement, climate control, along with a 400-pound optional satellite navigation system.

These two new versions of the Micra also feature metallic paints schemes, with one version of black for the Kuro model and two shades of white for the Shiro version. The interior cabins of both models will have an ivory-effect dashboard, bespoke badges on the rear tailgate and also a lighter seat trim.

The Nissan Micra Kuro and Shiro will be available with 1.2-liter normally aspirated and supercharged DIG-S power units, with a choice of either a manual transmission or an automatic CVT gearbox.

We don’t know how many units they’ll make but we can tell you that the cheapest version starts from 11,500 pounds.

Source: Nissan via Autocar

Post tags: Tags: Nissan, nissan micra, nissan micra kuro, nissan micro shiro

Cars we hate part 23 – Nissan Cube

2011 Nissan Cube

This week’s article about the cars we really don’t like is about the third generation of the Nissan Cube. This small, upright box features a ridiculously huge front bumper and a pair of overdone headlights, while the shape of the windows is just wrong. The worst thing about it would have to be at the back with the drooping rear bumper and those weird, horizontal taillights.

We don’t have anything against boxy cars in general, because we really like how the Kia Soul looks, a funky and cool car, but this one really needs a serious makeover when the fourth generation will arrive. The car’s got potential but they need to get back to the drawing board to make it looks stylish. Let’s hope that they do the same thing about one of their other cars, the Juke which is even more horrible than this one.

The interior of the Cube doesn’t look half bad and it seems to be very spacious. We like the simple and fresh design, but it needs some serious work on the outside. Maybe this is how Japanese like their cars…

Post tags: Tags: cars we hate, Nissan, nissan cube

Spy shots – 2013 Nissan Altima

Our colleagues from WCF have managed to grab a few spy photos with the upcoming 2013 Nissan Altima. This is going to be the fifth generation of the model and it is scheduled to be released towards the end of next year as a 2013MY. The shots were taken in United States and as you can see, the car’s wearing a lot of camouflage in order to hide the exterior modifications.

Nissan is planning to bring greater design cohesion to the latest generation models, just like they did with the Sentra, Versa and the Maxima. The new Altima will feature the pinched grille from the new generation of the Versa plus the more pronounced character line we’ve seen on the Maxima model. In addition, from what we can tell, the 5^th generation of the car will feature a more pronounced 4-door coupe design in comparison to the current model.

The 2013 Nissan Altima will be powered by the same 4-cylinder and V6 engines but these power units will be tweaked in order to be more powerful and efficient. The major difference is going to be in the hybrid variant because the fuel efficient powertrain is being developed in-house and it is based on the one used for the Infiniti M35h.

We should see a 4-cylinder, twin-screw supercharged 2.5-liter engine, an electric motor, along with the usual lithium-ion battery pack. Nissan says that this hybrid engine will be able to develop as much power as the company’s popular V6 3.5-liter. It will be linked to a CVT gearbox that should improve the car’s fuel efficiency by up to 10%.

Source: WCF

Post tags: Tags: Nissan, nissan altima, Spy Shots

Nissan GT-R Track Pack unveiled

The Japanese carmaker Nissan has revealed earlier this week the Track Pack version of the popular GT-R model, which although it is track-focused, it still remains 100% road legal. Based on the 2012 GT-R, the Track Pack doesn’t get more power but it comes with a bunch of dynamic and visual upgrades in order to make it the hottest GT-R ever.

According to Nissan, this version of the car is a response to the requests coming from GT-R owners, the ones who are “the most demanding in the world” and who want an extra edge on the circuit. Kazutoshi Mizuno is the car’s chief engineer and he said that this Track Pack version of the Nissan GT-R is able to do a lap of the Nurburgring in less than 7 minutes.

From the outside we notice that the standard wheels are gone as Nissan replaced them with a lightweight 6-spoke RAYS set that comes with a glossy black paint finish. The front bumper has received more cooling ducts in order to offer more air to the brakes, which in return will improve their performances around the race track. There are additional ducts hidden behind the back wheels which offer more cooling for the rear brake discs.

Nissan’s engineers also modified the suspension of the GT-R, revising the spring rates to make them more suitable for track use. The comfort setting for the adaptive dampers was not removed so that the GT-R could still be suitable for road use.

Inside the cabin, the Nissan GT-R Track Pack features Recaro seats that are trimmed in a high grip material which will keep the driver in place during heavy braking and cornering. In order to reduce the weight of the car, the Japanese automaker has removed the rear seats. In the center console, Nissan has mounted a bespoke “Track Pack” emblem.

The car is powered by the same V6 3.8-liter engine that develops 542 hp and is able to hit 62 mph from start in only 2.7 seconds, just like the standard model. Nissan said that the regular 2012 GT-R will cost from 74,450 pounds while the Track Pack version is 10,000 pounds more expensive. Both versions of the GT-R are available for order now and the deliveries in the United Kingdom will start from March next year.

Source: Nissan via Autocar

Post tags: Tags: Nissan, nissan gt-r track pack, nissan-gt-r

2012 Nissan Leaf Nismo announced

At this year’s edition of the Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota unveiled the Nismo version of the 2012 Leaf which can be considered as a cross between the regular Leaf and the Nismo RC race car we’ve talked about a few weeks ago.

The car show in Tokyo was riding on 18-inch black-painted alloys and had a full sports bodykit with blue LED under-body lightning and a white paintwork. However, there’s more to this car than just look, because in an interview given by Andy Palmer – who is the company’s executive vice president for planning – the car will have 10% more power in comparison to the standard version. He added that the car is scheduled to go on sale towards the end of next year.

10% more power means that the Leaf’s current 80 kilowatt motor will go up to 88 kilowatts, which would probably make it almost one second quicker in the 0-62 mph sprint time.

Source: Nissan via Green Car Reports

Post tags: Tags: Green, nismo, Nissan, nissan leaf