2012 Nissan GT-R Premium
This 2012 Nissan GT-R Premium is an absolute gigglefest. If going from naught to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds is enough to make you break out into a big grin, certainly when you grab second gear with the paddle shifter and your head snaps back against the headrest will. This car is just so much fun to drive it like you stole it. Passing a long line of cars on a narrow two-lane is no problem. Grab a couple of gears lower and nail the throttle, and hang on. It's an amusement-park ride. No, it's better, because you are in complete control.
Even though this thing is blindingly quick, it is also extremely stable, and the quick handling, the surefootedness of the AWD system and the overall balance of the car gives the driver so much confidence that you want to head to the nearest racetrack and take on all comers.
Considering all of the other 500-plus-hp cars on the market today, this might rank among the best bargains. The 2.9-second 0-to-60-mph time equals that of the Porsche 911 Turbo and at thousands of dollars less. And while Nissan has sold about 4,000 GT-Rs, you still don't see them everywhere. And the kids love it.
I have to hand it to the boys at Nissan on the continual improvement of the GT-R. When this bad boy hit the U.S. scene for the 2009 model year, it blew me away. After years of driving R32s, R33s and R34s virtually on PlayStation and staring at the 1:18 scale die-cast Autoart models of the R34 on my desk, the chance to finally saddle up behind the wheel of one was a treat.
The look is unmistakable for a GT-R, and the twin-turbocharged V6 was a brute. It hustled around corners remarkably well for a 3,800-pound car with the various sensors telling the AWD system where to send power, and the high-speed stability was stellar. However, it wasn't perfect. The dual-clutch gearbox was rough when you weren't on it just rolling around town normally. If you wanted anything remotely close to a smooth shift in those situations, you would have to lift of the throttle, flip the paddle and then get back on the gas.
Nissan was aware of that and wasted no time in improving the car. The next year, it massaged the transmission some and really smoothed out the gear engagements. Now, for 2012, Nissan made it even better. Is it still a little clunky? Yeah, a little, but compared with what it was, I don't think we really should be complaining about the 2012 car. The benchmark for dual-clutch transmissions is Ferrari, but let's be honest--this is a $90,000 vehicle, and what it offers is exceptional.
2011 Nissan 370Z Touring
I had an outstanding weekend in the 2011 Nissan 370Z Touring. It remains one of the most athletic drives an enthusiast can get in this segment. But, the price comes in at nearly $42,000, so I will temper my excitement a touch because for that kind of money, this sports car should be good.
Traditionally I've looked at the Z as an alternative to the pony cars from the Detroit Three. Different, but exciting. Really, the price of this car is well above most Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro or Dodge Challenger models, though in base version, the Z can be had for a touch more than 30 large, thus the comparison. Perhaps the best way to characterize the Nissan is as an entry-level luxury sports car with an excellent exterior and a nice cabin, though some of the materials are a bit underwhelming. Feel free to disagree.
From a driving perspective, this 370Z is a joy. It has a rigid body, a stiff chassis and tight steering. The six-speed manual is smooth, far smoother than the six-speed I had in a V6 Mustang the weekend before. I absolutely loved the SynchroRev Match system, which blips the throttle during downshifts. Acceleration is impressive, especially when merging onto the expressway and when the driver needs to create separation.
To my eyes, the design is near perfect. The lines, the elegant headlights and taillights--it all flows together and works in harmony. If I were in the market for a sports car, this would be on my list.
This car is a looker. The beefy-looking wheels also help accentuate the athletic body to make it a real head-turner.
The interior isn't all that bad either. But one weird thing which I've noticed in other Nissans is when you put your head back on the headrest, it feels like the stakes keeping it in the seat are going to pop out and poke you in the back.
Most importantly, this is a fun ride with power and a slick-shifting six-speed manual gearbox. It jumps off the line with authority, and the seats are well bolstered for hard cornering.
The downfalls include a really loud cabin and the stiff suspension, which beats you up on Michigan roads. Those are minor complaints, though, and should be expected in a sports car.
2012 Nissan Altima 2.5 S sedan
I came out of perhaps our most ostentatious vehicle--the Ford Transit Connect Taxi--into our most invisible: a 2012 Nissan Altima 2.5 S sedan. With cloth seats and a continuously variable transmission, it's pure bread-and-butter transportation.
It had been a few years since I'd driven an Altima, and I can see now why Nissan keeps selling these things in droves (other than incentives, that is): It's a good car. Comfortable, roomy, quiet and reasonably powerful--piloting the Altima was an exercise not so much in driving as in commuting, being transported home isolated from, noise, detritus and my fellow man.
Sporty? Not a chance. But the Altima did everything well. Nissan still has the best CVT integration in the business, and the Altima's 'box went about its business with minimal intrusion. Acceleration was decent, and the brakes had a ton of initial bite followed by good pedal modulation.
The overall impression was one of superb competence. The Nissan Altima will never be at the top of my must-drive lists, nor will it be my next vehicle. But this car is what a vast majority of American drivers are looking for in daily transportation, and Nissan has done an admirable job of keeping it near the top of its class.
So far, Nissans have not impressed me much. The Nissan 370Z and the GT-R are exceptions, because, let's face it, those cars are just plain fun. But I digress.
When grabbing the keys for this Altima, my expectations were low, really low. I hypothesized that this car would be chintzy, boring, loud and rough riding. Few of my thoughts were proved to be true; for the most part, I'll easily admit, I was way off.
While the Altima's exterior is far from exciting, it's also far from ugly. The optional moonroof wind deflector is incredibly distracting. But other than that, the Altima provides what a majority of car buyers need--a basic design that serves most purposes.
On the road, this car performs well. It provides a smooth, quiet ride. The CVT almost goes unnoticed, and I got up to speed without a hitch. The cabin provides a comfortable environment, and while the layout and materials are pretty cut and dried, Nissan still added a bit of flair with wood-grain accents, adding a bit of upscale style.
All in all, this Altima didn't completely turn me around on Nissans, but it did start the rotation.
2011 Nissan Juke SV
If ever there was an automotive equivalent of the "butterface," the 2011 Nissan Juke SV is it. This little crossover has personality, driving dynamics and a price point to make it the spiritual cousin of the vaunted Mini Cooper. But cripes, it's hard to look at.
Let's look for a moment beyond the spider-eyed front end (hard as it may be). The Juke actually looks pretty good from other angles. The taillights call to mind the Focus hatch: the stance is sporty, and the Juke manages to look both larger and smaller than expected at the same time--no easy feat.
Inside, hard plastics abound, as expected in this price class, but thanks to interesting shapes, textures and colors, the inside doesn't scream "economy car." The dark trim on the dash and doors combined with cream-colored fabrics provided a classy contrast in our test car.
It's behind the wheel, away from that ugly mug, that the Juke really shines. The turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and six-speed manual rival the best small-car powertrains in the business, though torque steer (and traction-control intervention) is always a quick stab of the right pedal away. The all-wheel-drive version would be an obvious choice except for the fact that Nissan chose to offer it only with a CVT, which is a deal breaker on most any car and especially one as fun to drive as a stick-shift Juke.
If you're in the market for a Mini, Honda Civic Si, Subaru Impreza WRX or the like, give the Juke a try. If you keep the lights off, you might just fall in love.
Driving the Juke was one of the my biggest surprises of the year. I was surprised at how much fun the car was to drive. As far as the design, well, it got hit by the ugly stick a couple of times. I really didn't care for seeing the turn signals/headlights from the driver's seat. And the back seat is very cramped, even though the car has four doors. Likewise, the cargo space with the back seats up is quite tiny.
On wet pavement, it was easy to spin the front tires in the first two gears. The torque from the 1.6-liter four is impressive. Having a six-speed manual instead of the fun-sucking CVT would be preferred, but they need to figure out how to get AWD with the manual tranny. That would be the hot setup.
The interior is full of hard plastic, which is something we've come to expect in a $21,000 car. The seats are hard and somewhat uncomfortable, with manual adjustments that are difficult to reach once the door is closed. And I'm still amazed that companies go so far as to put a tilt steering wheel in but don't go the extra yard to allow the wheel to telescope, giving the driver an increasingly wide selection of driving positions.
I'm not sure I'd put the Juke in the same league as the Mini Cooper or Subaru Impreza WRX, or even the Honda Civic Si. It is way less refined than any of those models. The Juke does offer some fine utility, and for $21,000, one could certainly spend more cash and have considerably less fun--as long as you can stand to look at the thing.
NISSAN REINVENTS THE PATHFINDER AS THE NEXT GEN SUV WITH NEW AERODYNAMIC STYLING AND ENHANCED FUEL ECONOMY
– Preview Concept Shows Dramatic New Styling Emphasis; One of 20 New or Redesigned Products Set to Arrive Within Next Two Years –
Nissan is reinventing its popular Pathfinder SUV to appeal to customers looking for SUV capabilities with more passenger comfort, innovative technology and fuel-efficient performance. The Pathfinder Concept, on display at the North American International Auto Show, previews the all-new look, style and attitude Nissan will bring to the segment when the next-gen Pathfinder goes on sale in fall 2012 at Nissan dealers nationwide. Pathfinder, Nissan’s best-known nameplate in the United States, is one of 20 new or redesigned products Nissan plans to introduce in this market within the next two years.
“Nissan is in a great position today. Sales are up, market share is increasing and our dealers have a great selection of 2012 Nissan cars, trucks and SUVs in inventory,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. “This new Pathfinder Concept is just the beginning of a far-reaching wave of new products on the horizon for Nissan. By the end of 2012, more than 70 percent of our sales volume will be all-new or redesigned.”
Pathfinder Concept: Modern Design, 7-Passenger SUV Capabilities
At first glance, it is clear the Pathfinder Concept is a game-changer for the Nissan brand. The stylish fourth-generation Pathfinder design brings a new look and packaging that’s ideal for adventurous owners who need versatility and SUV capability without compromise. The sweeping character lines of the Pathfinder Concept give a hint of a design language that will carry through future Nissan models. The Pathfinder Concept also features innovative 3-row interior flexibility and room for seven passengers.
The new Pathfinder’s aerodynamic body is combined with a refined V6 engine and next-generation Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) to make it one of the most fuel-efficient 7-passenger vehicles on the market. It is projected to deliver an expected 25 percent increase in combined City/Highway fuel economy (over the previous V6-equipped design). In addition to offering an intuitive four-wheel-drive system, the new Pathfinder will also have towing capacity competitive with the leaders in the segment.
While the Pathfinder Concept making its world debut in Detroit provides a full glimpse of the exterior design direction the production vehicle will take, details on the interior and technology inside will have to wait. It is safe to say, however, that the next-gen Pathfinder’s roomy cabin will deliver innovation and class-above craftsmanship – with excellent legroom in all three rows and ample cargo room behind the 3rd row. Additional information will be available soon.
NISSAN E-NV200 CONCEPT PREVIEWS FUTURE AFFORDABLE, MULTI-USAGE ZERO EMISSIONS SMALL VAN
– Advanced Electric Vehicle Design, Based on the Award-Winning Nissan NV200, Makes World Debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show –
The innovative Nissan e-NV200 Concept, which makes it world debut at the 2012 North American Auto Show in Detroit, serves as more evidence of Nissan’s leadership position in the zero-emission automotive industry. Based on the popular Nissan NV200 multi-usage vehicle, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept previews a near-future production version of a full electric vehicle designed to provide businesses or families with flexible, roomy interior space, while achieving a dramatic CO2 footprint reduction.
“With its ‘no gas, no tailpipe, no emissions’ powertrain, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept combines a quiet, comfortable driving experience with a large, highly versatile, functional interior space within a compact overall body length,” said Hideto Murakami, corporate vice president, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. “A potential game changing vehicle in its segment, the battery capacity will support a driving range similar to the Nissan LEAF, while payload and cargo space will offer the same level as the current NV200.
The production version would be targeted mainly at businesses, but also at private users or families in major regions.”
As a potential mass production vehicle, Nissan e-NV200 Concept would also provide a reduction in operating costs compared to current internal combustion engine vehicles.
“A vehicle like the Nissan e-NV200 Concept would energize the current compact van market in more ways than one – helping improve the quality of urban life and providing a smart financial investment for large and small businesses alike,” Murakami added.
NV200 Functionality, Nissan EV Identity
The Nissan e-NV200 Concept exterior starts with a foundation of a production Nissan NV200, then adds strong visual cues from the breakthrough Nissan LEAF EV. The versatile and highly acclaimed NV200 light commercial vehicle won the 2010 International Van of the Year award for Nissan, as well as the 2011 Universal Design Award from Universal Design GMbH, an organization dedicated to promoting the convergence of design and the emerging importance of customer needs. On top of those, it received the CDV of the 2010 Year award in China, while also establishing its presence in Japan as segment leader with a wide-ranging lineup that includes a taxi version.
The Nissan e-NV200 Concept’s EV-style identity starts with its front “face.” The wide hood is accented by a large central charging port door, the blue–accented Nissan badge, and sweeping headlights with LED illuminated accents. The exterior is highlighted by the interaction of the strong main character lines and its broad body surfaces. Large front windows and long rear greenhouse combine with a pair of large glass roof panels to create an airy, open interior environment. The exterior is painted in a customized color, following the concept of the Nissan LEAF’s Aqua Blue, which expresses a sense of environmental friendliness.
Inside, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept interior depicts a clean, modern Nissan EV identity through use of the EV meters, blue colored accents and bright interior color palette, while also retaining the NV200’s strong functional feeling. The e-NV200 Concept interior also features advanced telematics and a flat C-cluster display that resembles and responds to user input like a tablet computer.
“The Nissan e-NV200 Concept is a standout design, sharing the iconic EV look established by the Nissan LEAF but in a modern, active, functional commercial vehicle form,” said Murakami. “Inside, it offers a smart, convenient cockpit along with an EV feel and an easy-operational interface.”
Zero Emission Drivetrain
The Nissan e-NV200 Concept shares its major drivetrain components with the innovative Nissan LEAF.
Silent, zero emission power is supplied is by a lithium-ion battery composed of 48 compact modules and a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 207 lb-ft (280 N-m/rpm) of torque. Unlike a conventional internal combustion engine, the motor delivers 100% of its torque from start with immediate response bringing excellent acceleration and smooth, comfortable driving feel.
And, like the Nissan LEAF, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept offers a highly responsive, fun-to-drive experience that is in keeping with what consumers have come to expect from traditional, gasoline-powered vehicles. In line with the Nissan LEAF, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept offers excellent projected fuel economy – a critical factor for commercial vehicle operators.
Real World Testing Underway
In addition to the global debut of the Nissan e-NV200 Concept, evaluations of prototype NV200-based electric vehicles are currently being conducted to provide real-world feedback from delivery and other companies in various global markets. The initial trial was conducted in summer 2011 by the Japan Post Service, which used a single prototype for delivery and collection duties in Yokohama, Japan. Additional testing began in London last month in conjunction with FedEx. Feedback will help Nissan tailor future battery-powered light commercial vehicles to better fulfilll exact customer requirements.
Nissan’s New York “Taxi of Tomorrow”
As a true global product, the Nissan NV200 is produced in Japan, Europe and China, and is currently available in 40 countries. Future launches are planned for North America and India. Undoubtedly its most visible role to date will begin in late 2013 when the Nissan NV200 becomes the foundation for New York City’s new designated yellow cab, serving an estimated 600,000 passengers a day.
Selected over other global manufacturers for its combination of compact exterior and maximum interior space in a multi-year “Taxi of Tomorrow” competition, the all-new Nissan NV200 Taxi design reflects the input of hundreds of taxi owners and drivers, and thousands of passengers who shared their ideas and priorities with Nissan designers and engineers.
Interior features planned for the Nissan NV200 Taxi include a spacious cargo area to accommodate luggage for four passengers, sliding doors with entry step and grab handles for easy entry and exit, passenger-controlled rear-seat heat/air conditioning with a Grape Polyphenol filter to improve cabin air quality, enhanced interior materials intended to help passenger cabin smell fresher, and breathable, anti-microbial, easy-to-clean and environmentally friendly seat upholstery.
This 2012 Nissan GT-R Premium is an absolute gigglefest. If going from naught to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds is enough to make you break out into a big grin, certainly when you grab second gear with the paddle shifter and your head snaps back against the headrest will. This car is just so much fun to drive it like you stole it. Passing a long line of cars on a narrow two-lane is no problem. Grab a couple of gears lower and nail the throttle, and hang on. It's an amusement-park ride. No, it's better, because you are in complete control.
Even though this thing is blindingly quick, it is also extremely stable, and the quick handling, the surefootedness of the AWD system and the overall balance of the car gives the driver so much confidence that you want to head to the nearest racetrack and take on all comers.
Considering all of the other 500-plus-hp cars on the market today, this might rank among the best bargains. The 2.9-second 0-to-60-mph time equals that of the Porsche 911 Turbo and at thousands of dollars less. And while Nissan has sold about 4,000 GT-Rs, you still don't see them everywhere. And the kids love it.
I have to hand it to the boys at Nissan on the continual improvement of the GT-R. When this bad boy hit the U.S. scene for the 2009 model year, it blew me away. After years of driving R32s, R33s and R34s virtually on PlayStation and staring at the 1:18 scale die-cast Autoart models of the R34 on my desk, the chance to finally saddle up behind the wheel of one was a treat.
The look is unmistakable for a GT-R, and the twin-turbocharged V6 was a brute. It hustled around corners remarkably well for a 3,800-pound car with the various sensors telling the AWD system where to send power, and the high-speed stability was stellar. However, it wasn't perfect. The dual-clutch gearbox was rough when you weren't on it just rolling around town normally. If you wanted anything remotely close to a smooth shift in those situations, you would have to lift of the throttle, flip the paddle and then get back on the gas.
Nissan was aware of that and wasted no time in improving the car. The next year, it massaged the transmission some and really smoothed out the gear engagements. Now, for 2012, Nissan made it even better. Is it still a little clunky? Yeah, a little, but compared with what it was, I don't think we really should be complaining about the 2012 car. The benchmark for dual-clutch transmissions is Ferrari, but let's be honest--this is a $90,000 vehicle, and what it offers is exceptional.
2011 Nissan 370Z Touring
I had an outstanding weekend in the 2011 Nissan 370Z Touring. It remains one of the most athletic drives an enthusiast can get in this segment. But, the price comes in at nearly $42,000, so I will temper my excitement a touch because for that kind of money, this sports car should be good.
Traditionally I've looked at the Z as an alternative to the pony cars from the Detroit Three. Different, but exciting. Really, the price of this car is well above most Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro or Dodge Challenger models, though in base version, the Z can be had for a touch more than 30 large, thus the comparison. Perhaps the best way to characterize the Nissan is as an entry-level luxury sports car with an excellent exterior and a nice cabin, though some of the materials are a bit underwhelming. Feel free to disagree.
From a driving perspective, this 370Z is a joy. It has a rigid body, a stiff chassis and tight steering. The six-speed manual is smooth, far smoother than the six-speed I had in a V6 Mustang the weekend before. I absolutely loved the SynchroRev Match system, which blips the throttle during downshifts. Acceleration is impressive, especially when merging onto the expressway and when the driver needs to create separation.
To my eyes, the design is near perfect. The lines, the elegant headlights and taillights--it all flows together and works in harmony. If I were in the market for a sports car, this would be on my list.
This car is a looker. The beefy-looking wheels also help accentuate the athletic body to make it a real head-turner.
The interior isn't all that bad either. But one weird thing which I've noticed in other Nissans is when you put your head back on the headrest, it feels like the stakes keeping it in the seat are going to pop out and poke you in the back.
Most importantly, this is a fun ride with power and a slick-shifting six-speed manual gearbox. It jumps off the line with authority, and the seats are well bolstered for hard cornering.
The downfalls include a really loud cabin and the stiff suspension, which beats you up on Michigan roads. Those are minor complaints, though, and should be expected in a sports car.
2012 Nissan Altima 2.5 S sedan
I came out of perhaps our most ostentatious vehicle--the Ford Transit Connect Taxi--into our most invisible: a 2012 Nissan Altima 2.5 S sedan. With cloth seats and a continuously variable transmission, it's pure bread-and-butter transportation.
It had been a few years since I'd driven an Altima, and I can see now why Nissan keeps selling these things in droves (other than incentives, that is): It's a good car. Comfortable, roomy, quiet and reasonably powerful--piloting the Altima was an exercise not so much in driving as in commuting, being transported home isolated from, noise, detritus and my fellow man.
Sporty? Not a chance. But the Altima did everything well. Nissan still has the best CVT integration in the business, and the Altima's 'box went about its business with minimal intrusion. Acceleration was decent, and the brakes had a ton of initial bite followed by good pedal modulation.
The overall impression was one of superb competence. The Nissan Altima will never be at the top of my must-drive lists, nor will it be my next vehicle. But this car is what a vast majority of American drivers are looking for in daily transportation, and Nissan has done an admirable job of keeping it near the top of its class.
So far, Nissans have not impressed me much. The Nissan 370Z and the GT-R are exceptions, because, let's face it, those cars are just plain fun. But I digress.
When grabbing the keys for this Altima, my expectations were low, really low. I hypothesized that this car would be chintzy, boring, loud and rough riding. Few of my thoughts were proved to be true; for the most part, I'll easily admit, I was way off.
While the Altima's exterior is far from exciting, it's also far from ugly. The optional moonroof wind deflector is incredibly distracting. But other than that, the Altima provides what a majority of car buyers need--a basic design that serves most purposes.
On the road, this car performs well. It provides a smooth, quiet ride. The CVT almost goes unnoticed, and I got up to speed without a hitch. The cabin provides a comfortable environment, and while the layout and materials are pretty cut and dried, Nissan still added a bit of flair with wood-grain accents, adding a bit of upscale style.
All in all, this Altima didn't completely turn me around on Nissans, but it did start the rotation.
2011 Nissan Juke SV
If ever there was an automotive equivalent of the "butterface," the 2011 Nissan Juke SV is it. This little crossover has personality, driving dynamics and a price point to make it the spiritual cousin of the vaunted Mini Cooper. But cripes, it's hard to look at.
Let's look for a moment beyond the spider-eyed front end (hard as it may be). The Juke actually looks pretty good from other angles. The taillights call to mind the Focus hatch: the stance is sporty, and the Juke manages to look both larger and smaller than expected at the same time--no easy feat.
Inside, hard plastics abound, as expected in this price class, but thanks to interesting shapes, textures and colors, the inside doesn't scream "economy car." The dark trim on the dash and doors combined with cream-colored fabrics provided a classy contrast in our test car.
It's behind the wheel, away from that ugly mug, that the Juke really shines. The turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and six-speed manual rival the best small-car powertrains in the business, though torque steer (and traction-control intervention) is always a quick stab of the right pedal away. The all-wheel-drive version would be an obvious choice except for the fact that Nissan chose to offer it only with a CVT, which is a deal breaker on most any car and especially one as fun to drive as a stick-shift Juke.
If you're in the market for a Mini, Honda Civic Si, Subaru Impreza WRX or the like, give the Juke a try. If you keep the lights off, you might just fall in love.
Driving the Juke was one of the my biggest surprises of the year. I was surprised at how much fun the car was to drive. As far as the design, well, it got hit by the ugly stick a couple of times. I really didn't care for seeing the turn signals/headlights from the driver's seat. And the back seat is very cramped, even though the car has four doors. Likewise, the cargo space with the back seats up is quite tiny.
On wet pavement, it was easy to spin the front tires in the first two gears. The torque from the 1.6-liter four is impressive. Having a six-speed manual instead of the fun-sucking CVT would be preferred, but they need to figure out how to get AWD with the manual tranny. That would be the hot setup.
The interior is full of hard plastic, which is something we've come to expect in a $21,000 car. The seats are hard and somewhat uncomfortable, with manual adjustments that are difficult to reach once the door is closed. And I'm still amazed that companies go so far as to put a tilt steering wheel in but don't go the extra yard to allow the wheel to telescope, giving the driver an increasingly wide selection of driving positions.
I'm not sure I'd put the Juke in the same league as the Mini Cooper or Subaru Impreza WRX, or even the Honda Civic Si. It is way less refined than any of those models. The Juke does offer some fine utility, and for $21,000, one could certainly spend more cash and have considerably less fun--as long as you can stand to look at the thing.
NISSAN REINVENTS THE PATHFINDER AS THE NEXT GEN SUV WITH NEW AERODYNAMIC STYLING AND ENHANCED FUEL ECONOMY
– Preview Concept Shows Dramatic New Styling Emphasis; One of 20 New or Redesigned Products Set to Arrive Within Next Two Years –
Nissan is reinventing its popular Pathfinder SUV to appeal to customers looking for SUV capabilities with more passenger comfort, innovative technology and fuel-efficient performance. The Pathfinder Concept, on display at the North American International Auto Show, previews the all-new look, style and attitude Nissan will bring to the segment when the next-gen Pathfinder goes on sale in fall 2012 at Nissan dealers nationwide. Pathfinder, Nissan’s best-known nameplate in the United States, is one of 20 new or redesigned products Nissan plans to introduce in this market within the next two years.
“Nissan is in a great position today. Sales are up, market share is increasing and our dealers have a great selection of 2012 Nissan cars, trucks and SUVs in inventory,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. “This new Pathfinder Concept is just the beginning of a far-reaching wave of new products on the horizon for Nissan. By the end of 2012, more than 70 percent of our sales volume will be all-new or redesigned.”
Pathfinder Concept: Modern Design, 7-Passenger SUV Capabilities
At first glance, it is clear the Pathfinder Concept is a game-changer for the Nissan brand. The stylish fourth-generation Pathfinder design brings a new look and packaging that’s ideal for adventurous owners who need versatility and SUV capability without compromise. The sweeping character lines of the Pathfinder Concept give a hint of a design language that will carry through future Nissan models. The Pathfinder Concept also features innovative 3-row interior flexibility and room for seven passengers.
The new Pathfinder’s aerodynamic body is combined with a refined V6 engine and next-generation Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) to make it one of the most fuel-efficient 7-passenger vehicles on the market. It is projected to deliver an expected 25 percent increase in combined City/Highway fuel economy (over the previous V6-equipped design). In addition to offering an intuitive four-wheel-drive system, the new Pathfinder will also have towing capacity competitive with the leaders in the segment.
While the Pathfinder Concept making its world debut in Detroit provides a full glimpse of the exterior design direction the production vehicle will take, details on the interior and technology inside will have to wait. It is safe to say, however, that the next-gen Pathfinder’s roomy cabin will deliver innovation and class-above craftsmanship – with excellent legroom in all three rows and ample cargo room behind the 3rd row. Additional information will be available soon.
NISSAN E-NV200 CONCEPT PREVIEWS FUTURE AFFORDABLE, MULTI-USAGE ZERO EMISSIONS SMALL VAN
– Advanced Electric Vehicle Design, Based on the Award-Winning Nissan NV200, Makes World Debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show –
The innovative Nissan e-NV200 Concept, which makes it world debut at the 2012 North American Auto Show in Detroit, serves as more evidence of Nissan’s leadership position in the zero-emission automotive industry. Based on the popular Nissan NV200 multi-usage vehicle, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept previews a near-future production version of a full electric vehicle designed to provide businesses or families with flexible, roomy interior space, while achieving a dramatic CO2 footprint reduction.
“With its ‘no gas, no tailpipe, no emissions’ powertrain, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept combines a quiet, comfortable driving experience with a large, highly versatile, functional interior space within a compact overall body length,” said Hideto Murakami, corporate vice president, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. “A potential game changing vehicle in its segment, the battery capacity will support a driving range similar to the Nissan LEAF, while payload and cargo space will offer the same level as the current NV200.The production version would be targeted mainly at businesses, but also at private users or families in major regions.”
As a potential mass production vehicle, Nissan e-NV200 Concept would also provide a reduction in operating costs compared to current internal combustion engine vehicles.
“A vehicle like the Nissan e-NV200 Concept would energize the current compact van market in more ways than one – helping improve the quality of urban life and providing a smart financial investment for large and small businesses alike,” Murakami added.
NV200 Functionality, Nissan EV Identity
The Nissan e-NV200 Concept exterior starts with a foundation of a production Nissan NV200, then adds strong visual cues from the breakthrough Nissan LEAF EV. The versatile and highly acclaimed NV200 light commercial vehicle won the 2010 International Van of the Year award for Nissan, as well as the 2011 Universal Design Award from Universal Design GMbH, an organization dedicated to promoting the convergence of design and the emerging importance of customer needs. On top of those, it received the CDV of the 2010 Year award in China, while also establishing its presence in Japan as segment leader with a wide-ranging lineup that includes a taxi version. The Nissan e-NV200 Concept’s EV-style identity starts with its front “face.” The wide hood is accented by a large central charging port door, the blue–accented Nissan badge, and sweeping headlights with LED illuminated accents. The exterior is highlighted by the interaction of the strong main character lines and its broad body surfaces. Large front windows and long rear greenhouse combine with a pair of large glass roof panels to create an airy, open interior environment. The exterior is painted in a customized color, following the concept of the Nissan LEAF’s Aqua Blue, which expresses a sense of environmental friendliness.
Inside, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept interior depicts a clean, modern Nissan EV identity through use of the EV meters, blue colored accents and bright interior color palette, while also retaining the NV200’s strong functional feeling. The e-NV200 Concept interior also features advanced telematics and a flat C-cluster display that resembles and responds to user input like a tablet computer.
“The Nissan e-NV200 Concept is a standout design, sharing the iconic EV look established by the Nissan LEAF but in a modern, active, functional commercial vehicle form,” said Murakami. “Inside, it offers a smart, convenient cockpit along with an EV feel and an easy-operational interface.”
Zero Emission Drivetrain
The Nissan e-NV200 Concept shares its major drivetrain components with the innovative Nissan LEAF. Silent, zero emission power is supplied is by a lithium-ion battery composed of 48 compact modules and a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 207 lb-ft (280 N-m/rpm) of torque. Unlike a conventional internal combustion engine, the motor delivers 100% of its torque from start with immediate response bringing excellent acceleration and smooth, comfortable driving feel.
And, like the Nissan LEAF, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept offers a highly responsive, fun-to-drive experience that is in keeping with what consumers have come to expect from traditional, gasoline-powered vehicles. In line with the Nissan LEAF, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept offers excellent projected fuel economy – a critical factor for commercial vehicle operators.
Real World Testing Underway
In addition to the global debut of the Nissan e-NV200 Concept, evaluations of prototype NV200-based electric vehicles are currently being conducted to provide real-world feedback from delivery and other companies in various global markets. The initial trial was conducted in summer 2011 by the Japan Post Service, which used a single prototype for delivery and collection duties in Yokohama, Japan. Additional testing began in London last month in conjunction with FedEx. Feedback will help Nissan tailor future battery-powered light commercial vehicles to better fulfilll exact customer requirements.
Nissan’s New York “Taxi of Tomorrow”
As a true global product, the Nissan NV200 is produced in Japan, Europe and China, and is currently available in 40 countries. Future launches are planned for North America and India. Undoubtedly its most visible role to date will begin in late 2013 when the Nissan NV200 becomes the foundation for New York City’s new designated yellow cab, serving an estimated 600,000 passengers a day. Selected over other global manufacturers for its combination of compact exterior and maximum interior space in a multi-year “Taxi of Tomorrow” competition, the all-new Nissan NV200 Taxi design reflects the input of hundreds of taxi owners and drivers, and thousands of passengers who shared their ideas and priorities with Nissan designers and engineers.
Interior features planned for the Nissan NV200 Taxi include a spacious cargo area to accommodate luggage for four passengers, sliding doors with entry step and grab handles for easy entry and exit, passenger-controlled rear-seat heat/air conditioning with a Grape Polyphenol filter to improve cabin air quality, enhanced interior materials intended to help passenger cabin smell fresher, and breathable, anti-microbial, easy-to-clean and environmentally friendly seat upholstery.
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