Honda Accord Coupe 2005: The Weekly Driver Review

Honda Accord Coupe 2005: The Weekly Driver Review
By James Raia

Just inside the guard gate, the world renowned 17-Mile Drive in Carmel, Calif., begins with a primarily downhill and often winding two-lane road to Pebble Beach Golf Links. The tree-lined route features lavish, oceanfront homes and a predominately forest-like setting along California's central coast.

It's a perfect several-mile locale for drivers who like to shift through gears. And it's not-so-surprisingly pleasant while doing so in the 2005 Honda Accord.

With its V6, six-speed manual transmission offering, the exceedingly popular model crosses categories. The Accord is listed as a midsize vehicle and it's often compared to the Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry.

But the 24-valve, 3.0-liter, 240-horsepower coupe is just as much sports car as it is anything else. And it provides one more reason why the Accord in its more than 25 varieties is among the most popular and most often best-buy categorized vehicles on the road.

During my weeklong test drive, I drove the Accord Coupe round-trip from Sacramento to the Monterey Peninsula. The interstate portion of the journey included about 400 miles. I drove the aforementioned section of the 17-Mile Drive six times round-trip on clear, blue sky days and in heavy rain. It made little difference.

In all driving conditions, the Accord Coupe performed with confidence. Steering and handling is responsive and poised. Lane changes are smooth. While not as quick as other vehicles categorized as sports cars, the Accord Coupe accelerates well and finds its ways through gears more than adequately. Its 17-inch wheels further add to the tight road feel. The Accord's ride is also adequately quiet.

Like all Hondas, the Accord Coupe's interior is designed in a straightforward manner. Gauges and all instrumentation are clean and used simply. The navigation system is likewise efficient and easy to learn.

Despite its coupe status, front-seat passengers have comfortable leg, body and head room. Back seat passengers (two fit comfortably) have easy access. Side rear-view vision is slightly impeded by headrests and side pillars. The driver's seat, while comfortable for a six-foot, 185-pound driver, is void of the superior seat cushioning of high-end vehicles.

Standard interior features are plentiful: leather-trimmed seats, AM/FM, six-disc CD with six speakers, XM satellite radio, heated front seats, power window and door locks, illuminated visor vanity mirrors, cruise control, exterior temperature gauge, sunglass holder and well-positioned armrests and storage compartments.

Finding fault with the Accord is difficult, but cargo room could be better, and average city mileage numbers aren't special. Yet, the Honda Accord has built its reputation through the years for good reasons. It does everything well, and offers reliability and great resale value.

Whether a buyer opts for the base LX four-door, four-cylinder sedan, the EX V6 four-door sedan or the EX, V6 coupe, the sportiest model of all, it's hard to improve upon the Accord or find any vehicle with more to offer for the price.

Safety features Dual-stage driver and front passenger dual-stage front, side and side curtain airbags. Antilock brakes.

Fuel Mileage (estimates) 20 mpg (city), 30 mpg (highway).

Warranty Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Power train, 3 years/36,000 miles; Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited mileageBase price $28,880

James Raia, freelance journalist in Sacramento, Calif., is author of the syndicated car review column, The Weekly Driver, available on his web site, http://www.ByJamesRaia.com

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Nissan To Invade LowCost Auto Market

Nissan To Invade Low-Cost Auto Market
By Ryan Thomas

The Nissan Motor Co., Japans third-largest auto manufacturer, is designing a $2,500 car to compete in India with the low-cost model planned by the Tata Motors Ltd, Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn said. We are working on how we can make a car for $2,500, Ghosn told reporters at a dinner in Versailles, France. A Nissan advance engineering group is doing the study, he added.

Automakers are moving quickly to trail Renault SAs footsteps by offering cheaper models for the fast growing markets in Asia, the Middle East and South America. The second-largest automaker in France that owns 44 percent of Nissan will be rolling out its no-frills Logan sedan in Argentina, Brazil, India and Iran. Ghosn heads both Renault and Nissan. Tata, Indias third-biggest car maker, plans to sell a car priced at about $2,500 by the year 2008.

According to government estimates, Indias car market may triple to 3mn vehicles a year by 2015. In India one competitor has announced a car for next year at $2,500, Ghosn said. I take that challenge very seriously. The Nissan CEO already had said in April that the company intends to sell cars in India for less than $3,000.

The Japanese automaker seeks to win business from auto rivals including the Suzuki Motor Corp, whose Maruti Udyog Ltd unit commands a 50 percent market share in India. The Nissan Motor India Private, Ltd also contributes towards social activities with all the employees. The company distributes uniforms and stationeries to schools affected by the recent floods in Mumbai.

If you ask any car manufacturer if they can make money on a car that costs $2,500, the answer is always going to be no, Ghosn noted. Until somebody does it. The Tokyo-based automaker said April 26 that its profit decline 46 percent to 82.2bn yen in the quarter ending March 31 on weak American sales.

In connection with Nissans struggle to alleviate its sales, it will be introducing its next-generation Maxima, which is said to be a true 4DSC (short for 4-Door Sports Car). The new vehicle is not only equipped with the peculiar Nissan clutch master cylinder. This is because the automakers pool of engineers has made the new Maxima more mature and luxurious.

A Nissan insider described the new vehicle as, Unlike anything we've ever done before. The new Maxima will be more aggressive than ever and will flaunt a coupe-like shape, likened to the Mercedes-Benz CLS. The car will also slot from the Z and the upcoming GT-R to strengthen links to the performance machines. Aside from the legendary VQ-series engine, the new Maxima will also feature Nissan's brand new Alliance turbodiesel engine.

The automaker is sending the new Maxima with high hopes. Its striking performance and affordable price could put it back on track. The bolder and high-performance Nissan Altima is set to arrive in 2009.

Nissan will also be releasing the 2007 model year 350Z in Australia. The vehicle is equipped with a more powerful, next-generation engine, revised exterior styling and new exterior color palette. At the heart of the 2007 model year 350Z is Nissans award winning next generation engine - the designated VQ35HR.

Nissan Australias managing director and chief executive officer, Shinya Hannya, commented on the update to the companys halo model in the range: The changes are designed to not only improve on the performance of the 350Z but build on its reputation as one of our best performance sports car.

Separately, the Japanese automaker is happy to announce that its hybrid may continue to claim the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit. This fact is attested by the Internal Revenue Service. The said announcement came after the IRS concluded its quarterly review of the number of hybrid vehicles sold.

To note, Nissan sold 2,094 qualifying vehicles to retail dealers in the quarter ending March 31, 2007. The allowable credit amount for the 2007 Altima Hybrid, the automakers only certified hybrid vehicle, is $2,350. Taxpayers may claim the full amount of the allowable credit up to the end of the first calendar quarter after the quarter in which the manufacturer records its sale of the 60,000th vehicle.

Ryan Thomas is a native of Denver, Colorado. He grew up in a family of car aficionados. He now resides in Detroit where he owns a service shop and works part time as a consultant for a local automotive magazine. You can visit Nissan clutch master cylinder for more information.

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Nissan to Develop Advanced Auto Battery

Nissan to Develop Advanced Auto Battery
By Ryan Thomas

The growing threat of global warming and the depletion of fossil fuels has forced the auto industry to venture in the development of auto technologies which will reduce dependence on fossil fuels. One technology being explored by car manufacturers is the possible advent of electric cars.

Currently, the auto industry has successfully developed hybrid electric vehicles and fully-electric vehicles as well. These vehicles use an electric motor to aid the vehicles internal combustion engine. One major issue being faced by the auto industry when it comes to the construction of hybrid electric and even fully-electric vehicles is the battery pack which a vehicle needs to have so as to get and store power.

To address the issue, car manufacturers are partnering with other companies outside the auto industry to develop better battery packs for electric cars. One car company which has expressed its dedication to the development of better battery packs is the Japanese car company Nissan. The company recently announced that they have formed an alliance with NEC Tokin, which is a subsidiary of NEC, to develop highly efficient lithium-ion batteries for automotive application.

The partnership aims to make the electric cars more practical. A problem being faced by the electric car technology is the cost of production. If a partnership such as this can find a way to make an electric cars battery cheaper, then electric cars can be within the reach of an even larger number of consumers.

The partnership between two of Japans biggest companies will work on the safety and stability of lithium-ion batteries. This kind of battery is seen as a better alternative to the nickel-metal hydride batteries which is being widely used currently. Lithium-ion batteries weigh less than nickel-metal hydride batteries. It is also more powerful than Ni-MH batteries. In fact, lithium-ion batteries are half the size of nickel-metal hydride batteries but they can store twice as much power as the Ni-MH battery. This battery pack can efficiently power an electric car or its amenities such as power windows controlled by a Nissan window switch.

Investing in the development of an advanced battery pack will positively affect Nissan. After all, it is predicted that the rechargeable car battery market will experience a surge in the near future. The expected expansion of the said market will be the effect of the advent of electric cars. It can be expected that as car manufacturers come up with ways to bring the cost of production, the public will certainly buy these environment friendly vehicles.

Car manufacturers are already developing plug-in hybrid cars which show that the future of electric cars is coming pretty soon.

Ryan Thomas is a native of Denver, Colorado. He grew up in a family of car afficionados. He now resides in Detroit where he owns a service shop and works part time as a consultant for a local automotive magazine. You can visit Nissan window switch for more information.

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Is There Such A Thing As A Trustworthy Mechanic?

Is There Such A Thing As A Trustworthy Mechanic?
By Kim Oxford

At some point everyone needs a mechanic for their car, and it's hard to find a trustworthy mechanic. However there are steps you can take to help you choose the lesser of all evils when it comes to who repairs your transportation. In the end you need to be able to trust the guy repairing your brakes, putting on your tires and monitoring your fluids.

Trusting Dealerships
Many of us just throw our hands up and take our car to the dealership when we have problems with them. If you consider that they are the experts when it comes to your specific make and model it's a smart option, unfortunately it's also a pricey one. When it comes to rare vehicles and some imports it is probably advisable to stick with dealership expertise. Same if you hold an extended warranty purchased from the dealership, at least be sure to stay within their approved mechanic circle to ensure you do not void any part of your warranty.

In reality most of us don't drive rare imports and don't want to pay the extra money the dealership will charge us. This coupled with the less than average customer service that many experience at the hands of any dealership service department make a trip there for repairs nothing short of a horror movie. Never fear, there are other options.

Chain Service Shops
There are many chain shops to choose from, which is confusing if you consider that many times mechanic shopping is done under duress. Give yourself peace of mind and research your mechanics before your car breaks down, so when something goes wrong you already know where to take it. Chain mechanics can be tricky, some franchise locations may employ better mechanics than others under the umbrella of the same name. This is generally a trial and error process, so if you find one you think you like, be sure to always have a plan B.

Neighborhood Mechanic
Not all of us are lucky enough to be in the car business, or even know anyone with any mechanical skill. However, many times a local neighborhood mechanic can be your best bet. Often they are mom and pop shops and that makes every customer an important one. This can also mean much more personalized service from someone who wants to get your future business. Lacking the impersonality of chain store mechanics just working for their hourly, this option may cost more than the chain stores do, but could just prove to be worth it in the long run.

No Matter Where You Go, Do These 3 Things First

Finding the good stuff is never easy, but if you follow the few simple steps below you can at least start off with the best to choose from

1. Look them up with the Better Business Bureau. Right away you can eliminate mechanics who have had negative reports filed about them. Our lives are busy, if someone took the time to report them, they aren't worth a second glance.

2. Utilize organizations such as the ASE, start off with options that are well endorsed.

3. Ask your friends. Everyone knows how hard it is to find a trustworthy mechanic, so be sure to ask around. Usually people are happy to share a good mechanic, lets keep the good ones in business folks.

Kim is a Creative writer for Cash4UsedCars.com and loves to write about cars. Check out more used vehicle information at Cash4UsedCars.com.

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Nissan Begins New Altima Coupe Production

Nissan Begins New Altima Coupe Production
By Ryan Thomas

Following the launch of the all-new Altima and its hybrid variant, production started last Monday on the new coupe version which is a sportier version of Nissan's best-selling model that was primarily designed to draw in new customers to their abode.

The Japanese automaker celebrated the Altima's third launch in seven months at its Smyrna plant which is located just 20 miles south of its relocated headquarters in Nashville. Dubbed as rue coupe, the Altima comes as a two-door model that has a shorter wheelbase and a lower profile than its four-door counterpart.

The 2008 Nissan Altima coupe is set for release on the 25th of this month. The coupe, which was officially launched at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show, is engineered to compete against the Toyota Camry Solara, Honda Accord coupe and the Pontiac G6 coupe. The coupe is equipped with reliable Nissan brake pads, and a sport suspension that is mated to two engine choices - the updated VQ35DE, a 270-horsepower 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 or the QR25DE, a 175-horsepower 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder. Also, the driver-centered interior offers a 6.5-inch traffic navigation screen, a rearview monitor, as well as a keyless entry and ignition and hands-free phone system.

There's a lot of coupes on the market, some of which are merely shorter versions of their sedan counterparts, but we didn't want to do that, said John Curl, the regional product manager for Nissan. It has the proportions of a coupe and not just a 2-door sedan.

Karl Brauer, the editor in chief of Edmunds.com, said that the coupe's almost completely new body panels add sophisticated styling that differentiates it from the sedan. My first impression was that it looked very upscale, Brauer said. It will cost you considerably less than a G35 and sends a lot of the same messages.

The Nissan Altima coupe will be priced at $20,490. Its price is far below the company's most comparable model, the Infiniti G35 luxury coupe, and the Z sports car. In less than a month, we've had a thousand orders, which is fantastic, said Michelle Erwin, a senior manager in marketing. Japan's No. 3 automaker needs the new coupe, along with the Altima hybrid, to compete with rivals Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. as well as to use it to boost dragging profits. We're optimistic that we're going to get a lot new owners because we've not had a vehicle in this segment at this price range before, Erwin said.

With a broad base of existing Altima customers, Brauer said a coupe was the next logical step to bring in new buyers - especially when sales are down. Nissan marked its first drop in annual profit in seven years in the January-March quarter, the first such setback under the leadership of Carlos Ghosn, who salvaged the Japanese automaker from collapse. A lot of people would readily admit that they've slid, Brauer said. They've stagnated in terms of product and had some duds in terms of sales. The third largest Japanese automaker was in a product lull for over a year before the launch of the new sedan in September.

Sales for the Altima have been strong since the introduction of the new sedan model in September, said Catherine Madden, an automotive analyst with Boston-based Global Insight. Unfortunately other products have lagged.

Auto analysts expect Altimas styling to do well against models already on the market, like the Toyota Camry Solara and the Mitsubishi Eclipse. Nissan has distinguished itself with the consumer and many of their designs have been ahead of other Japanese companies, Madden said. We're expecting strong sales for that product.

Honda also plans to roll out a coupe for the 2008 model year. The production could put a cramp in Nissan's first-year sales. That's where you're going to see a pretty interesting divide among consumers, Brauer noted.

Ryan Thomas is a native of Denver, Colorado. He grew up in a family of car afficionados. He now resides in Detroit where he owns a service shop and works part time as a consultant for a local automotive magazine.You can also visit Nissan brake pads for more information.

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Nissan Altima Two Doors No Waiting

Nissan Altima - Two Doors, No Waiting
By Ryan Thomas

The Altima has been one of the Nissan Motor Co.'s hot selling cars since its introduction in 2001. The second generation, introduced in 2006, toughened the sedan's popularity. To broaden its overall appeal, Nissan introduced a hybrid version of the car in January. And now the much-awaited coupe has arrived.

Compared to other coupes, the Altima is not just a two-door version of the sedan. Nissan engineers has shortened the wheelbase by 101 mm, cut the overall length by 185 mm and lowered the height by 66 mm. The modifications gave the coupe a handsome look that could turn heads.

How distinct is the coupe from the sedan? Well, the only sheet metal shared between two- and four-door Altimas is the hood. The Coupe has been endowed with a pair of idiosyncratic bucket seats with striking side bolsters for extra lateral support. In the back, a 60/40 split rear bench extends the cargo space. The feature is ideal for a weekend of skiing or to hold few odds and sods from the store. Also, a more conventional parking-brake hand lever has also been added to the Coupe, substituting the sedan's foot-operated control.

The other big difference between the models is power. The base car is equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder that generates 175 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. This is more than enough to be amusing when mated to the six-speed manual box. A significant part for the spirited drive is attributed to the transmission's close ratios and a light, progressive clutch that puts the bite point in the precise place. It makes rowing the gears an enjoyable experience notwithstanding the twisty road surface.

In terms of performance and agility, the new Coupe also has plenty to offer. The suspension is made firmer than the sedan. The steering, meanwhile, is also adequately weighted and responsive when turned off-centre. The biggest difference between the two models is the tires. The 2.5 S comes with P215/60R16 Continentals, while the 3.5 SE comes with P215/55R17 Bridgestones.

Other remarkable features of the Coupe include the Nissan headlight bulb, a push-button start, the dual-zone climate control, cruise control and heated seats, power mirrors, windows and sunroof, a six-speaker audio system with an auxiliary plug-in, six air bags and standard anti-lock brakes.

According to critics, the Altima Coupe is going to earn quite a following, simply because it blends an upscale interior with good road manners and affordability. The fact that there are shades of the Infiniti G35 coupe in its bold styling only helps the cause. It will also go a long way in legitimizing the much-maligned CVT.

Nissan recently invited some journalists to test-drive some of their new and revised product lines. Aside from the Altima Coupe, Nissan flaunted the new long-wheelbase Titan, upgraded the Pathfinder with a V8, and the quieter Armada.

The way Nissan explains it, there is a need for this vehicle in the marketplace, even if Toyota has decided to drop its Solara model because of declining sales. Main competitors for the company will be the Honda Accord coupe, Pontiac G6, and the Hyundai Tiburon - all of which the new Nissan entry beats on price in every similarly-equipped head-to-head price battle.

The automaker expects the coupe to be well-liked by women, many of whom will go for the more economical 2.5-liter I-4. Nissan also foresees that the average purchaser of the Coupe to be younger - those not quite ready to take the dive into the more responsible and mature sedan or minivan market. Also, the Coupe is expected to pull in some older purchasers who might want to exercise their free-spirit wings as their kids start leaving the house.

Ryan Thomas is a native of Denver, Colorado. He grew up in a family of car afficionados. He now resides in Detroit where he owns a service shop and works part time as a consultant for a local automotive magazine.

You can visit Nissan headlight bulb for more information.

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Nissan Announces North American Management Changes

Nissan Announces North American Management Changes
By Ryan Thomas

The Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. earlier announced the changes at its North American Sales and Marketing Department. The changes are aimed at furthering the automakers growth in the global automotive industry. With the escalating competition, Nissans drive to sustain profitable development is also accelerating.

Indeed, changes are inevitable. And Nissan is putting its best foot forward to cope with the demands of the industry. But changes not only cover refinement of auto parts like the Nissan header. Management is also one of the crucial factors that should entertain changes as well. As a fact, Nissan Europe and Nissan Canada also announced related changes in senior positions.

The U.S. market is changing and Nissans marketing and sales group must change with it, said Brad Bradshaw, the Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing for Nissan North America. Since 1999, we have nearly doubled the number of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles we are offering and more are coming.

Bradshaw furthermore added, We have created an architecture that allows us to react faster and with more confidence to changes in the market, to become more flexible and to take advantage of opportunities to enhance the brand recognition of Nissan and Infiniti.

For the Nissan Americas, the changes are effective starting April 1 this year. Christian Meunier, presently the vice president of sales operations in Europe, will become the vice president for the Model Line marketing in North America. Beginning April, Meunier will be liable for model line management to ensure profitable growth for both Nissan and Infiniti portfolios.

Meunier is expected to formulate and develop a model-by-model strategic positioning briefs. He will also be responsible for the launch strategy, coordination, marketing, sales and other corporate communications to ensure the success of the automakers North American Model Line. Meunier will directly report to Bradshaw. Additionally, four model line marketing directors, including one from Infiniti, will report to Meunier.

Since 2002, Meunier has been working at Nissan Europe in the sales and marketing area. Meunier has already established a name in auto sales and marketing. He previously holds the sales and marketing positions with Mercedes-Benz USA, Rover France and Ford France.

Corporate structure is a framework enabling us to implement strategies through the companys greatest asset - its people, said Bradshaw. The new structure will enhance the resources we have to take on challenges and succeed. All these responsibilities are crucial to the successful fulfillment of the Nissan Value-Up business plan and our longer term success in North America.

Another change in management includes Jan Thompson, who currently is the vice president for marketing at Nissan North America. Thompson will become the vice president for marketing communications. She will be concentrating on advertising, interactive marketing as well as other marketing communications activities for Nissan and Infiniti brands. Directors who will be reporting to Thompson will account for interactive marketing and marketing communications.

Other management changes include the following: Dave Mazur, currently the vice president for market intelligence, will be having additional responsibilities of pricing, market planning and brand management. Yuhei Takahashi, who previously handles the responsibilities connected to pricing and brand management, will just finish his U.S assignment and is expected to go back to Japan for a new assignment. Mazurs group will be responsible for segment and vehicle volume forecasts and analyses. It will also be liable for product contract monitoring, pricing and brand tracking.

For Nissan Europe and Canada, changes in management include Simon Thomas, who is currently the vice president for sales and marketing for Nissan Canada, Inc., will replace Meunier as the vice president for sales operations at Nissan Europe. Thomas replacement will be announced at a later time.

Ryan Thomas is a native of Denver, Colorado. He grew up in a family of car afficionados. He now resides in Detroit where he owns a service shop and works part time as a consultant for a local automotive magazine. You can visit Nissan header for more information.

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2008 Nissan Altima

2009 Nissan Altima Coupe New Nissan Coupes — Yahoo! Autos
2009 Nissan Altima Coupe — Yahoo! Autos. Read reviews, view specifications & pictures, get dealer price quotes & compare the new '09 Nissan coupe model with other cars.

2008 Nissan Altima Coupe New Nissan Coupes — Yahoo! Autos
2008 Nissan Altima Coupe — Yahoo! Autos. Read reviews, view specifications & pictures, get dealer price quotes & compare the new '08 Nissan coupe model with other cars.

2009 Nissan Altima Coupe - Nissan USA Official Site
See the 2009 Nissan Altima Coupe, compare Altima models, view interior, exterior photos, colors, 360s, and explore key features at the official Nissan web site.

2009 Nissan Altima Sedan, Altima Hybrid - Nissan USA Official Site
See the 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan and Altima Hybrid. ... CARS/MINIVAN Versa Sentra Sentra SE-R Altima Altima Coupe Maxima Z ... 2008 Nissan

2008 Nissan Altima Summary
Research and compare the 2008 Nissan Altima and get MSRP, invoice price, used car book values, expert reviews, photos, features, pros and cons, equipment, specs, options and more.

Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan Pathfinder
By Kum Martin

The Nissan Pathfinder is a relatively new sport utility vehicle, but it has made its mark on the industry quite clearly from the very beginning. Despite all of the competition in the SUV ranks, the Nissan Pathfinder holds its own without much of a fuss. Going up against the big boys from Toyota and Honda does not seem to bother this SUV.

From the outside, the Nissan Pathfinder appears very large; because it is. But just because the Nissan Pathfinder is a big car does not mean that it is hard to handle on the road. In fact, it is quite maneuverable for a car its size. And if you decide to take your Nissan Pathfinder off road you will notice the same thing; the car is not difficult to get around in.

Inside, the Nissan Pathfinder can easily fit five people. But for the most comfort you will want to be in the drivers seat. It is here where you can get a commanding feel for the road, while also being as comfortable as ever. Appointing the Nissan Pathfinder with leather seats only makes the experience that much better.

The main downfall of the Nissan Pathfinder is its dismal gas mileage. But this is to be expected with any SUV that is of this size.

As the Nissan Pathfinder matures, it is only going to get better. With each new model year the engineers at Nissan find a way to take this car to the next level. One can only wonder what is in store for the Pathfinder next.

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Nissan Pathfinder 2006: The Weekly Driver

Nissan Pathfinder, 2006: The Weekly Driver
By James Raia

A long-distance haul means different things to different drivers. For me on one recent journey, it was a 400-plus mile trek from Redondo Beach, Calif. (South of Los Angeles) to Sacramento.

It was a seven-hour day in the car. The trip included the long climb over the infamous Grapevine in Southern California and plenty of flat and high-speed miles along Interstate 5.

The 2006 Nissan Pathfinder was my transportation and the mid-sized SUV, now on the market for two decades, performed well. My test vehicle was the four-wheel drive LE model (with navigation system), the most expensive of the four available models.

Several top manufacturers' current SUV models are seemingly interchangeable, and that includes Pathfinder and its top competitors, the Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot.

I drove my test vehicle nearly 700 miles, including the climb on the steady grade that connects Southern California to the mid-state agricultural valley. And although I never engaged the four-wheel drive feature or carried a heavy load, those are two attributes that distinguish the Pathfinder from rivals.

In addition to mega-interstate miles, I nimbly maneuvered the vehicle through city streets. Parking lots, narrow driveways and U-turns in tight quarters were all handled easily. The vehicle never felt cumbersome. The LE is the only member of the fleet with full-time all-wheel drive, and it can be left engaged on dry pavement. The Pathfinder also has a 6,000-pound towing capacity.

Each of the four Pathfinder models includes a 4.0-liter, 270-horsepower V6. During my trek, the vehicle advanced adequately even while ascending the most difficult climbs. But it did take a heavy throttle to get the job done, and that didn't do much for the one major downfall of most SUVs -- lousy gas mileage.

The Pathfinder is rated at 16 mpg (city) and 23 mpg (highway), but I averaged just under 20 mpg on my trip. Nissan recommends premium fuel, further adding to the not-so-thrifty costs.

The Pathfinder was redesigned in 2005, and both the interior and exterior changes were nicely accomplished, including added width, height and length. The interior has well-placed, cleanly designed gauges and the console and instrument panel are handsome and smartly positioned.

Unlike other SUVs, the Pathfinder has a standard third-row seat. Without removing headrests, the rear row folds level, and the folding front-passenger seatback further builds the cargo room to 79.2 cubic feet. That's among the best in the class.

The Pathfinder LE model has standard 17-inch wheels; other models have 16-inch wheels. The LE also features standard front-side and side curtain airbags (they're optional on other models).

Regardless of model, the Pathfinder's standard equipment list is impressive. It ranges from illuminated visor mirrors to the AM/FM radio with in-dash, six-disc CD/MP3 changer and heated power mirrors and sunroof to a memory system for the driver seat, mirror and pedals.

My test vehicle also included five option packages ranging from the navigation and rear-seat entertainment system to leather and heated front seats. The various options added nearly $8,000 to the vehicle's base price.

The result is a finely equipped SUV that can certainly ease the ordeal of a 400-mile drive and also provide an equally enjoyable ride around town.

The Weekly Driver: 2006 Nissan Pathfinder

Safety features - Dual front airbags (standard); front and side curtain airbags.

Fuel Mileage (estimates) - 16 mpg (city), 23 mpg (highway).

Warranty -- Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powertrain, 5 years/60,000 miles, Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited mileage; (24-hour) roadside assistance program, 3 years/36,000 miles.

Base price -- $35,550.

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Let Me Introduce You To The Nissan Skyline

Let Me Introduce You To The Nissan Skyline
By Vincent Abrugar

Not commonly found in the United States, the Nissan Skyline is a Japanese sports car with a lot of history. Dating back 45 years, the Nissan Skyline has received many awards and has earned the nickname Godzilla. While its far from being the monster machine that its nickname implies, this Japanese original is larger than life.

After an absence in production for 10 years, Nissan announced that it would release a new GT-R Skyline model in 1989. It was set to compete in the Japan Touring Car Group A racing series and lead the field in an undefeated first season. For the next four years, the GT-R Nissan Skyline was awarded the Japan Touring Car Group A championship. In 1994, in honor of its spectacular achievements, the Nissan Skyline was given its own series, which was called the Japan GT Car series. For the years ahead, the Nissan Skyline proved to be a dominating force in Japanese racing. Ultimately, there was never a Skyline GT-R made to comply with standards set forth by the United States. However, Motorex imports and modifies the Nissan Skyline GT-R in order to meet requirements so that the cars may be sold in America.

The Nissan Skyline automobiles are popular among youngsters, as well. Ok, so maybe they dont have a license to drive, but they can certainly burn some rubber on video games and thats exactly what they are doing. Throughout the years, racing video games have become very popular among kids of all ages - both young and old. The Nissan Skyline has appeared in numerous video games after being recognized for its speed and sleek sporty design. Along those same lines, the Nissan Skyline has been recognized in many of the biggest motion pictures to feature a racing theme. Clearly, the motto for these cars are outlined in their sleek design and sports car appearance.

The Nissan Skyline is an intermediate-size automobile, which is originally manufactured in Japan before being exported to other countries. It is sold as either a coupe or sedan style automobile and has been produced, in various models, since the 1950s. In 2008, the next generation of Nissan Skyline GT-R automobiles may be sold in the United States. Until that time, these luxury style sports cars can be converted to local standards by various manufacturers who agree to sale the automobiles. Only time will tell what the Nissan Skyline has in store but, with its rich racing history, you can bet they will race out of stock.

Vincent Abrugar is the online publisher of http://www.nissaninfo.com a website about nissan skyline.

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Nissan Diesel Now Part of Volvo Group

Nissan Diesel Now Part of Volvo Group
By Ryan Thomas

Volvo Group now owns 96 percent of Nissan Diesel after the Swedish companys acceptance period offer for the latter expired on the 23rd of this month. The 96 percent voting power of Volvo on Nissan Diesel surpassed the Japanese governments requirement for them to take over the company completely.

Volvo Group is now ready to purchase the remaining shares of Nissan Diesel to completely make Nissan Diesel a part of the Volvo Group. The approximately 96 percent ownership of Volvo Group of Nissan Diesel is because of the 294,585,705 shares that the former received after the acceptance period expired. It includes the 19 percent that Volvo already controlled even before the offer was made.

Volvos Chief Executive Officer Leif Johansson has this to say about the purchase of Nissan Diesel: It is pleasing that we received such a level of acceptance. We foresee major mutual benefits for the Volvo Group and Nissan Diesel with this transaction and it is highly satisfying that owners in Nissan Diesel share this view.

After acquiring more than two thirds of the company, the Volvo Group is now in the process of acquiring the rest of the company from other investors. Meanwhile, the Volvo Group is also planning to take Nissan Diesel out of the trading floor of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The remaining stakes are expected to be bought by Volvo Group by the end of September this year.

With total acquisition of the company, Volvo will be closing the gap between them and the largest truck manufacturer in the world which is DaimlerChrysler. They will also be responsible for the production of Nissan Diesel parts like the Nissan exhaust manifolds and other special auto parts made just for Nissan vehicles.

The Volvo Group will be paying 7.4 billion Swedish kronor and is expected to make payments on or before the 29th of this month. The completion of the purchase will need the approval of anti-trust authorities based in the United States and in South Africa. The Volvo Group has already secured approval from the U.S. institution and authorities while approval from the South African units is expected to be given by the end of May this year.

The Volvo Group needs to wait for the approval from authorities in South Africa before they can take control of Nissan Diesel facilities in the country. Aside from those matters, the Volvo Group considers that the purchase of Nissan Diesel is already in the books.

Nissan Diesel will be a part of the Truck segment of the Volvo Group.

Ryan Thomas is a native of Denver, Colorado. He grew up in a family of car afficionados. He now resides in Detroit where he owns a service shop and works part time as a consultant for a local automotive magazine.

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Nissan Maxima

Nissan Maxima
By Kum Martin

The Nissan Maxima offers a combination of performance, luxury and interior room at a very competitive price. This family sedan sits in the same class as the Volkswagen Passat and Mazdaspeed 6.

The Maxima badge has been around since 1982 and has always boasted the one of the best V6 power plants in the industry. The latest version continues this trend.

Sitting in the market, above the Nissan Altima, the Maxima has a distinct presence on the road and positions itself firmly in the center of its competitors.

The base model SE is the sporty model with a firm suspension and 18-inch wheels, while the more luxury-oriented SL has 17-inch wheels and a slightly softer suspension. Interior for the SL is in leather upholstery, while an exclusive elite package turns the three-seat rear into a two-person environment with the addition of a control panel for seat heaters, suns shades and the DVD entertainment system.

The Maxima is only a mid-size salon. The interior space is something that needs to be seen to be believed. The front seats are supportive and wide; the console is sleek and modern; while driving ergonomics is hindered by design where some buttons have been created form before function, and the orange illumination offers very poor contrast.Standard features for both models include an eight-speaker audio system, one-touch up-down front windows and keyless entry; While the SL boasts 17-inch wheels, wood interior trim, heated leather seats, a 320-watt Bose audio system and HID headlights. The interior is spacious, while the V6 offers a balanced ride with superb handling and array of luxury extras and options. Amongst the competition, the Volkswagen Passat has a big V6 engine, more a luxurious interior with better material finish, and more road-feel.

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Nissan to Cut Down Jobs In Japan

Nissan to Cut Down Jobs In Japan
By Anthony Fontanelle

In the United States, the Big Three are experiencing financial problems due to reduced sales as Japanese brands had increased their stake in the U.S. auto market. These problems have resulted to a massive workforce reduction. Ford, General Motors and Chrysler also closed down plants and reduced working hours and production to recover from losses that they suffered.

But the U.S. Big Three are not the only car companies which have announced that they will be cutting down jobs. Nissan, the third largest Japanese car company, has recently announced that they will be implementing a voluntary retirement program which will reduce their workforce by as much as 1,500 blue and white collar jobs.

The said program will commence in June this year. It will be available for workers aged 45 years old or older and holding non-managerial positions. The said program is the effect of declining domestic sales for Nissan. In Japan, the sale of non-mini vehicles is experiencing a sharp decline as the demand decreases and the competition grows stronger.

Aside from the retirement program, Nissan will also be reducing their production in two of their assembly plants in Japan. This announcement came after the Japanese company announced that they will be opening new plants in Japan to meet the demand in the United States. Last September, the woes being faced by Nissan led to the closing down of one of the three lines at one of their facility in Southern Japan. In the United States, Nissan also resorted to offering early retirement program to recover from the losses it has incurred the past year.

Last year, Nissan suffered terrible losses and especially during the last quarter of 2006. During that period, the Japanese brand posted 22 percent reduction in terms of sales compared to 2005. It is only in recent months that Nissan appeared to be gaining popularity once again among American car buyers as their sales figure has been increasing month after month. This improvement on their sales in the United States may be the result of the turnaround plan being implemented by Nissan.

Currently, under the restructuring plan, Nissan aims to sell 4.2 million vehicles all over the world until the year 2009. If Nissans sales performance for the first months of 2007 is an indication of whats in store for them, the success may act as efficient EBC Greenstuff brake pads are in arresting Nissans downward slide.

One of the reasons for the declining Nissan sales in the United States and in Japan is the scarcity of models. This means that consumers have fewer choices with Nissan unlike Honda and Toyota which offers a wide range of exciting vehicles. In the United States, Nissans inability to provide hybrid vehicles has hurt them and let Honda and Toyota leave them behind. To turn their fate around, Nissan announced that they will be offering a diesel powered Nissan vehicle in the year 2010. Nissan has also offered a Nissan Altima Hybrid for the 2007 model year.

Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive.buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop. You can visit EBC Greenstuff for more information.

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Driving Report Nissan XTrail Success Makes Addicted

Driving Report Nissan X-Trail - Success Makes Addicted
By Vladimir Melnikoff

Success makes addicted - on still more success. Nissan could sell world-wide approximately 800,000 vehicles from its first compact sport utility Vehicle (SUV) with name X-Trail since the year 2000.

Into Germany nearly each second user had driven a sedan or a combination before. Why should one change thus something for the new edition?Outwardly proof of worth, inside however

Nissan decided in view of this success history to build with the exterior on the proven and essentially offer under the sheet metal new, particularly since with customer opinion polls it had turned out that three of ten X-Trail-drivers use their SUV actually also in the area and a further quarter him than towing vehicle. The successor could thus nothing by his area qualities lose, should better to the road be however at the same time adapted.Good climbing characteristics

In the area the new one in the rauen mountains of north Greece proved now that it to it-won on this occasion. On the platform of the Qashquai developed and with an automatically connecting all-wheel drive provided, he creates amazing climbing portions without complaints from the obviously very torsionally stiff body. A Differenzialsperre and a mountain driving off assistance, which limit the speed on approximately 7 km/h by ABS, help it.Comfortably on such as off Road

On the road the investment disburses itself into the new chassis. The straight line discharge convinces, and the driving dynamics fits likewise. It is no curve miracle, but it masters also mountain passages quite manierlich and - owing to its standard ESP - unproblematically. On the road and in the area equally the X-Trail moves its passengers amazingly comfortably.Propulsion variants

Well the combination with the 2-Liter-Dieselmotor with 110 KW /150 HP of achievement and a maximum torque of 320 Newtonmeters (Nm) with the six-course transducer mechanism pleased us. In addition Nissan offers a 2,5-Liter-Diesel with 127 KW/173 HP, which with the mechanism can be likewise rigged. Both engines with a six-course hand switch are supplied in series.

In addition two four cylinder Benziner are available, of one with two litres capacity, 104 KW/141 HP and 196 Nm, the larger with 2,5 litres, 124 KW/169 HP and 233 Nm. Nissan assumes however in Germany nearly 90 per cent of Diesel can be brought to the man. But first consumption speaks. For the Diesels 7.1 litres and/or 7.4 litres per 100 km are indicated as normal consumption, for the Benziner of 8.7 and/or 9.8 litres plus mechanism addition, if the transducer mechanism is ordered. If one decides for the stepless CVT transmission, consumption sinks easily.Handling characteristics

With the road performances the Benziner and the Diesels take themselves not much. The smaller accelerate the X-Trail in approximately 10 seconds of 0 to 100 km/h, the larger need for it one second less. In the maximum speed the Diesels with scarcely 190 km/h and approximately 200 km/h lie even a little more highly than the Benziner. But they offer then also approximately 40 per cent more torques, meanwhile jeep drivers did not only learn which to estimate.More ITS than seem

That outwardly apparently so little changed new ones grew after the slogan: More its than seem. However at tray surfaces, beverage holding and pilot possibilities in the interior he offers now approximately 50 litres of volume. Its trunk grew even on class optimum of more than 600 litres, if one takes the lower load soil out, under which approximately 120 litres camouflaged area hide themselves. If one leaves in the vehicle, 40:20 develops after surrounding the rear seat in the relationship: 40 a completely even loading area. Without the soil maximally 1773 litres of volume are available. That empty something over two tons weighing X-Trail can zuladen - depending upon equipment - between 460 kilograms and well 530 kilograms and draw as Diesels maximally two tons.To the Interieur

Only in the interior we had with this first establishment of contact somewhat too meckern. Thus one decided with the instrument panel to throughout high-quality materials, but there is too many, and properly matching finished they could also be. In addition the instrument panel with the put on peak in the center and many corners and edges works rather fissured as elegant or sporty.

Also we would have found gladly larger seats with better side stop. But side stop for particularly fast curves was not the goal of the developers. The X-Trail is not a curve artist, but in the best sense a good car: useful, on the height of the compact SUV time and with good manners.The price structure

Manierlich is also the price structuring for Germany. The new costs approximately 1500 euro more as the old, has however Diesel soot filters and ESP to offer in series and shows also otherwise clearly more qualities than the old person. It will give the 2007-er to class in three equipment lines: XE, SE and LE. The price margin reaches from 26,900 euro to 35,140 euro for the fully equipped LE with the strong Diesel and mechanism. Not a straight good deal, in addition, no reason to predict the end of the Erfolgsstory of the X-Trail.

(ar/Sm)

Automotive blog

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Nissan North America Releases Environmental Update

Nissan North America Releases Environmental Update
By Ryan Thomas

The Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., one of the successful Japanese automakers in the global arena, is increasingly proving its potentials. The maker of the VQ engines, which was included in the Ward's 10 Best Engines for 12 straight years, is delving into another remarkable commitment. This time, it is strengthening its commitment to help save the environment through its Nissan Green Program 2010.

The Nissan Green Program 2010 is the automakers vision of its commitments to all aspects of environmental management. The program is aimed at responding to immediate challenges and creating the foundation for a long-term, sustainable business model.

Nissan is among the top three Asian automakers of the Big Three in the United States. And to compete more closely to Detroits Big Three, Nissan is also focusing on the reduction of CO2 emissions. The automaker has embraced a multi-pronged philosophy of product development. Nissans philosophy covers the formulation and production of auto technologies and product lines to promote clean environment.

The automaker is meticulously planning in order to have the right auto technologies at the right time and market. The technologies will be used to help sustain cleaner environment with lesser harmful emissions.

At this years New York Auto Show, the automaker introduced an engine that incorporates the variable valve event and lift (VEL) system. The system is capable of limiting CO2 emissions by around ten percent. The VEL system is as efficient as the refined Nissan oxygen sensor. According to Nissan, the first vehicle to offer this technology in North America will be an Infiniti.

Nissan has also developed clean diesel engines for North America to achieve the United States Tier2 BIN5 emissions standards. It will also unleash clean diesel vehicles in the United States from the 2010 fiscal year. By far, the automakers current gasoline engines are designed to run on a blend of up to ten percent bio-ethanol (E10). In 2005, Nissan has introduced the Titan FFV (E85). And this year, the automaker will be offering the Armada FFV (E85) in the US. The automaker plans to expand the E85 lineup to other Nissan and Infiniti vehicles in the post-Nissan Value-Up period.

In regard hybrids, Nissan launched the 2007 Altima Hybrid in February. The Altima Hybrid is Nissans first entry in the hybrid electric vehicle market. With more muscle per gallon than its rivals, it is the first hybrid to drive like a Nissan. It also features responsive handling, smooth acceleration, and seamless delivery of power under varying driving conditions. The automaker is planning to introduce a vehicle powered by a Nissan-developed hybrid system in the U.S. by 2010.

Nissan is accelerating development of plug-in hybrid technologies that can utilize grid power to recharge batteries in addition to the onboard charging system. Aside from hybrids, the automaker is also concentrating on the manufacture of vehicles that run on fuel cell and electricity.

Ryan Thomas is a native of Denver, Colorado. He grew up in a family of car afficionados. He now resides in Detroit where he owns a service shop and works part time as a consultant for a local automotive magazine.

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Nissan to Increase Production

Nissan to Increase Production
By Ryan Thomas

The threat of global warming and increasing prices of gasoline has affected the auto industry globally. Motorists once favoring bigger cars like sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks are now looking for smaller and more fuel efficient vehicles.

This demand for smaller vehicles has spurred the global auto industry to develop and produce more fuel efficient vehicles. In fact, a new breed of vehicles has been created solely for this demand - the crossover vehicles. Hybrid vehicles are also gaining a wide following in the auto market. In response to this, car manufacturers have stepped up their production of compact vehicles.

Nissan, the third largest Japanese car manufacturer, recently expressed their dedication to producing smaller cars by announcing that they will be increasing engine production at their Yokohama facility. The Asian brand announced that they will be allocating 6.4 billion yen by the end of 2007 in the said endeavor. It can be remembered that in 2006, the car manufacturer from the Orient has earmarked a sum of eleven billion yen as an investment in the expansion of their business both domestic and also abroad.

The allocated amount will be used to boost the engine production of the Nissan Yokohama plant. Currently, the engine can produce approximately 80,000 engines annually. With the investment, the facility is expected to produce 760,000 engines by the end of next year.

Aside from boosting the engine production, the allocated money will also be spent in developing a new generation of engines. Nissan aims to produce a new and cleaner engine since the demand for green cars have been steadily increasing in recent years. Currently, the Yokohama plant is producing engines used in different Nissan and Infiniti models. Minivans, sport utility vehicles, and smaller cars from Nissan and its luxury division are just some of the vehicles equipped with engines manufactured at the plant and these have been made so as to complement all other Nissan components like Nissan shocks.

The Nikkei, Japans leading business daily, reported that the planned increase in engine production is in connection with the increased automobile production overseas. In the United States, the demand for compact cars like the Nissan Versa has prompted the car manufacturer to increase production. The increased production of vehicles therefore needs engines and the investment in the Yokohama plant is expected to supply adequate engines.

Aside from the Versa, the Nissan Altima is also gaining ground in the U.S. auto market. The Altima remains as the top selling model of the Japanese brand. Hybrid vehicles are also being looked into as the future of fuel efficient vehicles and Nissan is one of the numerous car manufacturers to offer hybrid vehicles. A hybrid version of the Nissan Altima mid-size sedan is currently being offered by the company to its consumers in the United States.

Last month, the companys sales figures show the increased demand for smaller vehicles. For the month of March, strong sales of the Versa, Altima, and the Infiniti G sedan boost the car manufacturers March sales by 8 percent compared to sales output in March 2006.

Ryan Thomas is a native of Denver, Colorado. He grew up in a family of car afficionados. He now resides in Detroit where he owns a service shop and works part time as a consultant for a local automotive magazine.You can also visit Nissan shocks for more information.

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Nissan Motor Flies With 'Heroes'

Nissan Motor Flies With 'Heroes'
By Ryan Thomas

The Nissan Motor Co. is not backing away from NBCs Heroes. The third largest Japanese automaker will give the superhero show marketing muscle. The companys North American division earlier entered into a 360 marketing program deal with the Peacock to promote the second season of the superhero show.

Promotional partnerships with brands are expected to happen. The deal will have the Japanese automaker spending marketing dollars around the series through on-air and online sponsorships and traditional ads, wireless applications, as well as a Heroes musicvid and the season-one DVD release. It will also cover product integration, off-channel platforms, wireless applications, traditional television advertising and significant on-air and online sponsorships.

Nissan is constantly searching for opportunities to build extensive advertising partnerships that allow us to engage consumers by building brand awareness on many platforms, said Steve Kerho, the director of interactive media for Nissan North America. This ongoing partnership with NBC also gives us the opportunity to introduce the all-new Nissan Rogue, a new CUV that epitomizes the exciting and adventurous spirit that defines 'Heroes.'

We're committed to doing business with our clients in ways that extend beyond the 30-second spot and are thrilled to join forces again with Nissan to build on our successful season-one partnership, said Mike Pilot, the president, NBC Universal Ad Sales. This deal exemplifies the concept of having an 'upstream relationship' with our clients and shows just what can be achieved when the clients and creative teams come together early in the process.

First season had characters driving and talking about the Versa small car, which appeared in multiple episodes. The Nissan Armada SUV and the Altima sedan also appeared in the show. The automaker will use the second season to hype its new crossover, the Rogue, which rolls out in dealerships in September, and times well with the fall's new TV programming.

The campaign will kick off on the night of the Heroes season premiere, which will be exclusively sponsored by Nissan and broadcast with limited commercial interruption. To add connectivity to the viewers, the Rogue will be integrated into the premiere episode and will be driven by the main character. The automaker will take advantage of each opportunity to connect the viewers to its new crossover.

The Japanese automaker also will roadblock the full episode of Heroes on NBC Rewind for 24 hours after the show's on-air premiere. It will mark the first time an advertiser has utilized the said type of program on NBC Rewind. Aside from the more conventional advertising opportunities both on-air and online, the Rogue campaign also includes the sponsorship of numerous unique off channel platforms including a Heroes music video and the season one DVD release. In addition, the Rogue will also be involved in NBC's wireless platforms and will sponsor the Heroes 360 WAP sites.

In this exceptional deal, Nissan will use Heroes as the fundamental hub of a multi-pronged marketing campaign for the launch of its new crossover vehicle, the Rogue. The Rogue, called the Dualis in Japan and the CCUV in China, uses the P32L platform which will be shared with upcoming crossover SUVs.

The top half of the Rogue is given that sleek dynamic form with a prominent shoulder line that rises at the rear. The lower portion of the crossover features pronounced wheel arches and higher ground clearance. The Rogue is equipped with reliable auto parts like enhanced Nissan oil filters, radiator, suspension, brakes and more. Additionally, the crossover is given four engine choices: a 115 hp 1.6 L and a 140 hp 2.0 L gasoline engines and a 106 hp 1.5 L and a 150 hp 2.0 L diesel engines.

Ryan Thomas is a native of Denver, Colorado. He grew up in a family of car aficionados. He now resides in Detroit where he owns a service shop and works part time as a consultant for a local automotive magazine. You can visit Nissan oil filters for more information.

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Nissan to Introduce Diesel Engines for Future U.S. Models

Nissan to Introduce Diesel Engines for Future U.S. Models
By Anthony Fontanelle

It is a common move for car manufacturers these days to produce smaller vehicles with a lower fuel consumption. This move is triggered by the increasing prices of gasoline.

The spikes on gas and prices has forced car buyers to turn away from bigger cars which more often than not consume a lot more fuel compared to smaller cars. One solution to the demand for fuel-efficient vehicles is the hybrid technology. Several car manufacturers are now employing the hybrid technology on their models. Toyota, Honda, and even Ford have all introduced a hybrid version for some of their popular models.

Toyota has a hybrid version of the Camry, Honda with the hybrid version of the Accord, and Ford with a hybrid SUV that is the Ford Escape Hybrid. While Asian brands are supposed to lead the way with hybrid technology, a prominent Asian car brand has stayed away from the hybrid bandwagon.

For years, Carlos Ghosn, the Chief Executive Officer of Nissan, has been put down the idea of using hybrid technology on their vehicles for they were deeming the technology as an impractical step. Recently, he announced that instead of focusing on hybrid technology, Nissan will be offering clean diesel engines in the U.S. auto market.

Ghosn, just like his counterparts in other car companies, is also looking for ways to meet the markets demand for fuel efficient vehicles. He and Nissan will also have to find a way to make their cars safer to the environment. The increased awareness of the global community about the threat of global warming has increased the demand for green or environment friendly vehicles. In this regard, Nissan has to come up with diesel engine technology which will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emission. After all, diesel engines are known to produce more greenhouse gases than gasoline engines.

Ghosn recently sat down with The Washington Posts reporters and editors. During the meeting, he stated that the problem currently being faced by the auto industry is in fact caused by its shortsightedness. The car industry... because it has been a little bit shortsighted, saying all the time that a change in fuel-efficiency standards is not possible, this is too expensive, this is not going to happen, put itself in a situation where everybody is focusing on the car industry, says Ghosn. The carbon dioxide emitted by a car looks more damaging than the carbon dioxide emitted by everybody else, he added further.

He also talked about the impact of tougher CAF or corporate average fuel economy. He said that if the government enacts tougher CAF standard for the auto industry, they should also do the same for other industries. If you take up CAFE for the car industry, just make sure that the other industries also have something similar, says Ghosn.

As far as the companys effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions of their vehicles, Ghosn stated that they would be cooperating with their partner, Renault. Carlos Ghosn is also the President and the Chief Executive Officer of the French car brand.

In the past, the collaboration between the two companies has resulted in the development of high quality diesel engines and it would seem that the new generation of diesel engines that Nissan will be introducing to the United States will be even more fuel efficient and would produce lesser amount of greenhouse gas emissions.

For now, the public will have to wait what Nissan will be bringing to the table when it releases Nissan vehicles equipped with diesel engines. One thing is for sure though, diesel engines from Nissan pack a lot of torque which gives any vehicle a good acceleration. That would mean that if the diesel engines are designed to produce a lot of power, highly efficient brake components such as EBC rotors are needed to stop a vehicle equipped with Nissans diesel engine safely.

Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive.buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.

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Nissan Quality Equal To Ford Toyota

Nissan - Quality Equal To Ford, Toyota
By Ryan Thomas

According to a study conducted by the suburban Detroit RDA Group market-research firm, the quality of Nissan Motors Co., Inc. is equal to the Ford Motor Co. and the Toyota Motors Corp. Ford and Toyota have already etched a trusted reputation in the global automotive industry for several decades now.

The study conducted for Ford revealed that the Honda Motor Co. turned out the best overall results. Still, 'Its a big improvement for us,' said Ford global quality Vice President Bennie Fowler. In the said study, RDA asked 31,000 new-vehicle owners to write down any problems they encountered in the first 90 days of ownership of their 2007-model cars and trucks from all major automakers.

Ford, Lincoln and Mercury brand vehicles had 1,456 problems per 1,000 vehicles, as compared with 1,457 for Nissan and 1,453 for Toyota, RDA said. Honda was found to be the best in new-car quality, with 1,313 'things gone wrong' per 1,000 vehicles, RDA noted. Fords quality improved 8 percent, compared with the overall industrys two percent improvement.

The Ford Fusion beat the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord with 1,066 problems per 1,000 vehicles in the midsize-car segment. On the other hand, Mercury Milan scored 910 and that is the lowest score for any Ford product, RDA revealed.

The Nissan turn signal is flashing positive vibes. Lately, the Japanese automaker has been busy testing new strategies and coming up with fascinating innovations. At present, Nissan is testing a pedestrian-detecting system which is designed to warn drivers if someone is about to walk into the road.

The Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) is equipped with mobile phone technology and GPS (global positioning satellites) to send data to the car on the pedestrian's location. Nissan is currently concentrating on researching which type of data is most useful to prevent road accidents, including the direction of travel of the pedestrian relative to the vehicle, and corresponding speeds and distances. It is also studying whether to visual alerts or audible warnings. The most appropriate alerts are expected to be integrated to the car.

Nissan has also announced its partnership with the NEC Corporation to make latest-generation lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are believed to be more efficient and environment-friendly than some of the present power sources. They will be used to enable a new series of electric cars and hybrids.

The Japanese automaker is also planning to unveil a production fuel cell car and an electric vehicle early in the next decade. Nissan also intimated its plan to make its petrol and diesel engines ever-cleaner. These vehicles are expected to arrive by 2012. This is too difficult; a very, very high level, said the Nissan head of technology Mitsuhiko Yamashita. We will ultimately have to meet this, but 2012 is too aggressive. The timing is too tight, Yamashita noted.

Ryan Thomas is a native of Denver, Colorado. He grew up in a family of car afficionados. He now resides in Detroit where he owns a service shop and works part time as a consultant for a local automotive magazine.

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NissanRenault Alliance to Increase Presence in India

Nissan-Renault Alliance to Increase Presence in India
By Ryan Thomas

The alliance between Japanese Nissan and French Renault seems to be looking at a new growing market - India. With the growing auto market in the said Asian country, the partnership seems to have taken a step further than introducing the Logan in the Indian auto market. If everything goes as planned, Nissan and Renault will be developing light commercial vehicles for the Indian market as well as be part of the production of compact cars for the market.

There is no doubt both alliance partners Nissan and Renault are very significant players in the LCV market not only because it is booming in India, but also because both Nissan and Renault have an entire line up of products in that area, says Nissan-Renault Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn. It can be remembered that Nissan has faced a troublesome year in 2006 when it was overtaken by Honda as the second largest Japanese car company.

The declining sale for Nissan is the result of scarcity of models in their lineup. This has awakened the Japanese car manufacturer to develop and produce new models for the coming years. The announcement that the Alliance will be expanding their presence in India is evidence that they are solving their scarcity of models.

While the Alliance is on the verge of entering the light commercial vehicle market in India, Ghosn maintained that it is still early to be absolutely sure that they would indeed enter the said market. The initial phase will focus on cars so we are not ready to talk about it yet, says Ghosn. Theres no point piling up plans without execution, added the CEO. He also maintained that the time will come when they would be participating in the growing LCV market in India. That doesnt mean the day we think the time is right for LCV we will not go in for it. Because we will, he further added.

Ghosn also announced that they are planning to team up with Indian car companies as they increase their presence in the country. Aside from engineering input from Indian partners, Nissan and Renault might also produce whole vehicles or particular parts like Nissan ball joints in factories in India.

The partnerships aim to increase their presence in India is a good step for Nissan which is just recovering from yet another blow it suffered last year. In the United States, sales for Nissan are rising steadily for the past months. The company though would like to see sales figures rise even more. In connection to that and the fact that their fewer choices affected their sales negatively, Nissan announced that they will be coming out with 33 new models in three years time starting next year.

Ryan Thomas is a native of Denver, Colorado. He grew up in a family of car aficionados. He now resides in Detroit where he owns a service shop and works part time as a consultant for a local automotive magazine. You can visit Nissan ball joints for more information.

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Nissans 2008 Power Trio Upgraded Enhanced

Nissans 2008 Power Trio - Upgraded, Enhanced
By Katie Jones

To make its Power Trio more influential, Nissan Motors entertained significant upgrades and enhancements for it. The Power Trio - composed of the Titan, Pathfinder and the Armada - is delivered by the automaker not only to attract enthusiasts but to make these aficionados succumb to its excellence.

Upgrades and enhancements include the addition of the new Titan Long Wheelbase King Cab and Crew Cab models, a new 5.6-liter V8 engine for the Pathfinder, and new exterior and interior designs for the Armada. The three new 2008 Nissan vehicles are scheduled to be available at Nissan dealers nationwide beginning in spring this year.

The addition of the Titan Long Wheelbase models and the first-ever V8 engine ever offered in the 22-year history of Pathfinder expand the available choices for buyers of these two popular vehicles, said Larry Dominique, the vice president of Product Planning for Nissan North America, Inc.

Dominique added, The extensive makeover of Armada, which has topped J.D. Power and Associates APEAL study for the Large SUV class in 2005 and 2006, adds up to an even more attractive, more premium and more complete Armada package for 2008 one that we think will continue to make Armada stand out in the full-size SUV class.

Modifications were not only limited to improving Nissan antenna masts and other parts accessories. The fact that the auto industry is plagued with so many rivals and burdened by notable fluctuations, Nissan intends to improve its lineup to get a rewarding share of the market.

The 2008 Nissan Titan is offered in four models - XE, SE, PRO-4X and LE; in 4x2 and 4x4 drive configurations; in two body styles - King Cab and Crew Cab; four bed sizes - 55, 65, 7 and 8; and with the Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) capability. It also features freshened styling, a powerful 5.6-liter DOHC Endurance V8 engine which is rated at 317 horsepower and 385 lb-ft torque, 5-speed automatic transmission and utmost towing capacity.

The well-liked Nissan Pathfinder expands its lineup to cover a new 300-plus horsepower 5.6-liter V8, the first V8 offered in its 22-year history in the United States market. This more powerful option offers a significant increase in torque, rated at 300-plus lb-ft, to achieve 7,000 lbs of maximum towing capacity. Other alterations include exterior styling and refined interior. The Revised Nissan Navigation System with 9.3-gigabyte Music Box hard drive (available on LE only) is now integrated to the vehicle.

The 2008 Nissan Armada also comes with new colors and styling, more luxurious amenities and enhanced car technology. The vehicle also features new option packages. Notable auto technology advancements include the Intelligent Key with twist start, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, Bose sound system with 9.3-gigabyte Music Box hard drive and 3rd row speakers and amplifier, Nissan Navigation system with an XM NavTraffic system with real-time traffic information, and an 8.0-inch screen for the optional DVD Entertainment Package.

The 2008 model year is already shaping up to be a tremendous year for Nissan with the previously announced Altima Coupe and all-new Rogue crossover SUV and now new Titan, Pathfinder and Armada, said Dominique. Attendees at the Chicago Auto Show will have five great new reasons to visit the Nissan display.

Katie Jones writes for a local newspaper and her beat involves the latest updates in the automotive industry. She is also working on her book on cars during her spare time. Visit Nissan antenna masts for more information.

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Nissan 350 Z Blends in Performance Technology and Design in One Package

Nissan 350 Z Blends in Performance, Technology and Design in One Package
By Tom Bailey

Performance. Technology. Design. These are what the Nissan 350 Z is all about. And yes, all those are found in just one vehicle. For power, the Nissan 350 Z has a 3.5 liter VQ engine that could produce some 300 units of horsepower. It also gets help from a six speed close ratio short throw manual transmission, along with an advanced multi-link suspension with is an engineering used for race cars. If you like relaxing during drives, then the Nissan 350 Z has a Boss audio system and a Nissan Navigation System to help you throughout your journey.

The Nissan 350 Z sports car has been unchanged only until this year. It was introduced in August of the year 2002 and it continuously carried the features up until today. As per the changes done, the list includes a revised front end appearance, an enhanced interior, new LED tail lights, a new vehicle speed sensitive power steering system, a refined optional navigation system, as well as RAYS super lightweight 18 inch front and 19 inch rear forged alloy wheels, each with five spokes. A version of the Nissan 350 Z which is the Grand Touring Coupe model comes with 18 and 19 inch wheels, Brembo brakes, front spoilers, rear spoilers, and the Vehicle Dynamic Control, or VDC, system. This vehicle is powered by a 3.5 liter DOHC V6 engine that could produce 300 horsepower units. This is assisted by a 6 speed manual transmission system. The color choices for the Nissan 350 Zs exterior include Silver Alloy, Magnetic Black, and IInterlagos Fire.

Made available in five trims models, the Nissan 350 Z is yet another vehicle with a wide range of choices. The trim levels and models are the 350Z, the Enthusiast, the Touring, the Track, and the Grand Touring. For all these, the standard features include the 3.5 liter DOHC V6 engine, an independent multi-link suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars, a strut tower bar, power windows, a 3-bay gauge cluster, bi-xenon headlights, and dual front air bags among many others. Options given for the Nissan 350 Z include a DVD based navigation system, a satellite radio, side and curtain side impact supplemental air bags, the HomeLink Universal Transceiver, a cruise control system, the Traction Control System (TCS), aluminum pedals, an illuminated steering wheel with audio controls, an auto dimming rearview mirror, and side supplemental air bags.

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Tom Bailey is a consultant for one of the countrys leading auto parts stores. He is also an editor of a reputable publishing company in his area. He is currently based in Atlantic City, New Jersey with his wife and 3 children.

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Nissan Altima

Nissan Altima
By Matthew Dagostino

The Nissan Altima is a great family car or simply a starter vehicle and in my opinion is very reliable, safe and somewhat luxury, depending on the trim you choose. I will start with the most basic trim of the Altima which is the 2.5. It is a very simple car with barely anything in it. It has a 2.5 liter, 4 cylinder engine, am/fm stereo and cloth upholstery.

No options are available on this trim, or in other words everything is standard and unchangeable. The next step up, the 2.5 S, has everything the 2.5 has plus a single disc CD player, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, remote entry, and also adds some options making not everything standard. Some of these options are in the Premium Convenience Package which adds a moon roof, a six-disc Bose CD system.

The 2.5 SL adds a standard moon roof, heated leather seats and replicated wood grain. Then comes the 3.5 SE which includes the following: dual chrome exhaust pipes, better higher, performance tires, seventeen inch alloys and fog lights.

While the lower quality trims have a standard four cylinder engine, anything from the 2.5 SL and up can have an upgraded six cylinder engine as an option for approximately $1000 more.

My recommended trim level for the Nissan Altima would have to be the 2.5 S as it is what I drive and I am very satisfied with it in my two years of driving it. Overall I have no complaints and think it is a great car for anybody who prefers Nissan's. At 119,000 miles it has only suffered from one break down which is great.

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Meet The 2007 Nissan Versa Hatchback

Meet The 2007 Nissan Versa Hatchback
By Sarah McBride

At long last. June 23rd was when the 2007 Nissan Versa Hatchback went on sale throughout the United States. And it sure is good news for all those who are clamoring to own this new model year version. The 2007 Nissan Versa Hatchback holds a 1.8 liter DOHC engine with four cylinders that could produce some 122 units of horsepower as standard. It is also equipped with a six speed manual transmission system. And all these, you can get in just one vehicle that holds a Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price, or MSRP, or under $13,000. Well, $12,450 to be exact.

Manufactured by Nissan Motors, the Nissan Versa is a vehicle that has been produced since 2004. It actually took the spots that were occupied by the Nissan Pulsar and the Nissan Sunny in the car manufacturers line up. It is a subcompact vehicle and has been built in two body styles which comprise of the sedan with four doors and the hatchback that holds five. An FF B platform was used in crafting this vehicle. As per its competition in the automobile market, the list includes the Chevrolet Aveo, Honda Fit, Mazda Mazda2, Toyota Belta and the Toyota Vitz.

Brad Bradshaw is the vice president and the general manager, as well, of the Nissan brand and he states, The all new 2007 Nissan Versa is a no compromise subcompact that offers the quality, style, roominess, comfort, performance, and amenities that are unexpected in this class and this price range.

Indeed, the 2007 Nissan Versa Hatchback is one of the most low-priced vehicles available in the market. Yet, despite this, everything seems to be in working order and everything has been made from good quality. This new vehicle has been made available for the market in three models which comprise of the Versa 1.8 S for $13,250; the Versa 1.8 SL for $14,450; and the Versa 1.8 SL with Nissans advanced Xtronic CVT for $15,450.

Fun to drive, the 2007 Nissan Versa is also balanced and has a unique appeal. Nissan parts like Maxima parts can be purchased from Auto Parts Deal as well as quality and durable accessories.

As a manager of one of the largest auto store in Springfield,Massachussets, Sarah has extensive expertise on auto parts and automotives in general. This 42 year old is a certified car enthusiast.

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Driving Report Nissan Note 1.6 Acenta Intelligent Box

Driving Report Nissan Note 1.6 Acenta - Intelligent Box
By Vladimir Melnikoff

Practical cars do not have to be beautiful. That applied in former times once. Nowadays humans cars buy over the Design - and there the opinions go apart with note. From the rear somehow amusingly, a voice read, sees really successfully out another. Undisputed are however the practical qualities of the Japanese. A journey with large luggage too third mastered the note without detunings.

In the test moved forward the compact Van with from other series already admitted 1,6-Liter-Benziner, which carries 81 kW/110 out HP. More spritziger associated without acoustic remarkablenesses, which besides despite the surcharge-requiring four-stage mechanism (850 euro) no momentum miss let and also with the Spritkonsum negatively was not noticeable. 8.0 litres were it on average. The mechanism is pleasant, it switches softly and without jerking. Only with the kickdown a full of seeds sound comes from the engine compartment. The maximum speed of 175 km/h reached the note easy. Much place close together is the basic concept for a Van - this task settles the note properly.

The Fnftrer with a length of 4.08 meters and a wheel base of 2.60 meters aims particularly at young families and leisure sportsmen. Inside it offers place and and divided a hinged back bank adjustable around 16 centimeters despite the shortness plentifully. Also the seat-back of the passenger seat can be surrounded, creates place for articles of up to 2.40 m. If the rear seats are completely to the rear pushed, still 280 litres remain trunk volume, which rises up to 437 litres, if the passengers move the seat forward. If the backrests turned down, the transportation volume rises on up to 1332 litres. A Flexi board system in such a way specified (series starting from equipment Acenta) consists of two covers embodied in different height, which lock under normal conditions with the remaining load bay floor and shield among them lying reservoir forwards curious views. If the plates loadable with 50 Kilos are dismantled, the 437 litres of pilot volume already mentioned are available. On the back they are coated with a genoppten rubber mat, which facilitate the transport of wet or dirty articles.

In addition, a nearly compelling reason the Flexibord is the fact that when surrounding the seats the seat-backs fold and not the seat faces. Thus no even loading area, but a stage develops when surrounding. The fiber boards must fill then the gap. Others can do that better, which let all obstacles disappear with the turning of the seats down also. Folding tables to the rear seats, six Cupholder, a large glove subject and various files make the note the flexible and family-fair transporter. Who pushes the rear seats completely back, place has as in a luxury sedan. The seat faces were criticized however of a 1,90-Mter-Mann as too short. Against it travel-suited Gesthl with tidy side stop is blocked in front in sufficient size. The steering wheel is not only in the height adjustably, nevertheless is a tidy seating position a problem.

Under the passenger seat is a hidden stowage box. Switches and levers are platziert handy, optics and Haptik tune. The rain sensor developed an active independent existence, but that is not unusually and-came already in other vehicles forwards. In the test car the Comfort package verssste with climatic mechanism, sixfold CD change-over switch and evenly light and rain sensor the driver life just like the Style package with darkened disks in the back and 15.Zoll-Leichtmetallfelgen for 500 euro each. ESP is by the way in series of the Top version Tekna reserved, otherwise it costs 350 euro specially. In this Fahrzeugklasse incomprehensibly. Even if the note in our test with good comfort and unproblematic handling convinced, certified it technical periodicals a poisonous tail with changes of load. We do not have it on public roads ausprobiert.19 290 euro cost the test car with really sumptuous equipment, the basic price in the equipment Acenta amount to with the recommendable 1,6-Liter-Motorisierung 17,040 euro. A navigation system is ex factory intended, but in the trade for 399 euro (TomTom) or 449 euro (VDO Dayton) available. Thus does not only erweisst itself the note as practically and optically independent, but also as good calculates in the price. (ar/sb)

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CRV Watch Out For The Nissan Rogue

CR-V, Watch Out For The Nissan Rogue
By Sarah McBride

Should the Honda CR-V be on the verge of extinction? Or should the Honda CR-V doubt the new claims that there is going to be a vehicle that would be taking its popularity and market share?

Nissan is going to send out a new vehicle at the 2007 North American International Auto Show and the company calls it the 2008 Nissan Rouge. The company also does claim that this new one is going to make the Honda CR-V run for shelter when it comes in. After all, according to Nissan, they named the vehicle the Rouge for it actually is meant to show its independence oriented positioning.

In the Nissan range, there are already four sport utilities in its range. However, the company chose to create a new one which would be having its own share of Nissan auto parts. The main difference that the Nissan Rouge would be having is that it has been designed to have taken a side towards sophistication compared to all other Nissan SUVs. In fact, Nissans general manager, Bill Bosley, explains, The Rogues utility is a little more stealthy. All the necessary compartments and storage spaces are there; they just dont scream utility at you.

People who were already able to take a peep at what the 2008 Nissan Rouge really has to offer were quite surprised to find that the vehicle looks so much like the Hyundai Santa Fe. It has got a length of 182.9 inches and is based on 105.9 inches of wheelbase. It may be quite smaller that the Hyundai vehicle but it just does look almost alike. Compared to the Honda CR-V though, the Nissan Rouge is much larger. Although larger does not necessarily equate to more space and more functionality.

The Nissan Rouge would be available for the public to purchase come the fall of 2007 and Nissan says that it would be having a price of $20,000 as the base. There are options which interested parties can choose to add but of course, that would mean additional fees. But still, Nissan estimates that a complete vehicle with all the trimmings would amount to around $25,000.

As a manager of one of the largest auto store in Springfield, Massachusetts, Sarah has extensive expertise on auto parts and automotives in general. This 42 year old is a certified car enthusiast.

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Nissan Unveils New Engine Valve Technology

Nissan Unveils New Engine Valve Technology
By Ryan Thomas

The Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. earlier unveiled a new engine technology that offers a balance between power, responsiveness, and fuel efficiency as well as low emissions. Nissans new engine valve system combines the technologies behind the newly developed Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL)*1 and continuous valve timing control (C-VTC) to produce dramatic improvement in the vehicles performance.

Nissans new engine valve technology is available to customers around the world through the Nissan and Infiniti product lines. The automaker has intimated its plan to install the new technology on its vehicles starting this year. The new system, under the Nissan Green Program 2010, contributes up to a ten percent reduction in carbon-dioxide emissions.

The Infiniti G37 coupe is the very first to offer the VVEL technology. The said coupe debuted at the recently held New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). Traditional engines control air intake using a throttle valve is a part of the whole vehicle. The VVEL-equipped engines, on the other hand, control air intake directly at the valves. Moreover, it continuously controls valve events and lifts to boost the performance of the vehicle. Both the VVEL and the C-VTC control the valve phases, valve events and lifts to ensure efficiency. This is to allow free-control of the valve timing and lift. The new system is further bolstered by the equally efficient Nissan radiator.

The result of such a remarkable system is the more efficient airflow through the cylinder. It also significantly enhances responsiveness as well as optimizes the balance between environmental performance and power.

Specifically, the new engine from the Japanese automaker offers higher fuel efficiency. At low-to-mid load ranges, Nissans new system controls air intake at the intake-valve, immediately before it enters the combustion chamber. This is in contrary with the traditional engine air intake via a throttle valve. As a result, efficiency is achieved by easing airflow through the cylinder. To decrease camshaft friction and advance fuel efficiency, intake-valve lift is kept low in the low- and medium-rpm ranges.

Another advantage of the new system is cleaner emissions. The intake-valve timing is optimized on startup. When the engine is still cool, the timing quickly increases the temperature of exhaust gases and swiftly activates the catalytic converter.

Additionally, hydro-carbon emissions are decreased in the low-to-medium range by keeping intake-valve lift low, accelerating intake flow, and diffusing the fuel into a finer mist. This process results in more efficient full combustion.

Nissans VVEL enhances fuel efficiency in the low-to-medium operating range, thus it is best complemented by the multiple-cylinder and higher displacement engines. These engines usually operate within that range. Under the Nissan Green Program 2010, the automaker has announced plans to develop gasoline-powered engines with CO2 emissions slashed to levels analogous with diesel engines. These engines are expected to be available worldwide by 2010.

With powerful engines, a better response, cleaner emissions and advanced functions, Nissans new system is expected to create a warm access in the auto world.

Ryan Thomas is a native of Denver, Colorado. He grew up in a family of car aficionados. He now resides in Detroit where he owns a service shop and works part time as a consultant for a local automotive magazine. You can visit Nissan radiator for more information.

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Australia Awaits Release of Nissan GTR

Australia Awaits Release of Nissan GT-R
By Ryan Thomas

At the 2006 Tokyo Motor show, Nissan unveiled the concept version of the supercar Nissan GT-R. During the said event, the Japanese car manufacturer announced that the production version of the GT-R will be made available by the end of this year as a 2008 model year car. While the United States auto market will surely be graced by the presence of the GT-R, the Australian sector is still waiting whether the supercar will be released in the country or not.

Recent news from Nissan reported that the GT-R will be officially launched at this years Tokyo Motor Show. During the said event, the third largest Japanese car manufacturer will announce whether the GT-R will be released in the Land Down Under or not. Nissan Australia general manager Ross Booth said that he is hoping that the supercar will be released in the Australian auto market.

I still have my hands up for the GT-R, says Booth. Hopefully, in the next few months we will get to know and put together a case where we can get the vehicle. I think it would be very good for our brand in Australia, he added further.

Aside from the GT-R, the Australian auto market is also expecting to receive the entry of the new Nissan X-Trail, Micra, and the Dualis which is known also as the Nissan QASHQAI. There will be a lot of interest in Australia for the GT-R, but it won't detract from the local launches, Booth says regarding the entry of the auto models in Australia. There is so much demand for information about the GT-R that what I'd like to do, if we are going to bring it in, is give an indication of at least when, he added.

The concept of the GT-R is dubbed as the GT-R Proto and is the direct descendant of the Nissan Skyline GT-R which has captured the attention of performance enthusiasts. The GT-R though will be a separate nameplate and its body style is unique compared to other Nissan vehicles. Its Nissan hood resembles that of a Bugatti Veyron which only makes the GT-R a sight to look at according to some performance car fans.

The specifications for the production GT-R is yet to be announced by Nissan although there are words going around the auto industry concerning the powerplant of the supercar. It seems that Nissan will be equipping the GT-R with a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with transmission choice between a six-speed manual and an automatic transmission. The estimated power of the engine is 482 horsepower and a track version which will have the capacity to produce 530 horsepower.

With the sheer power and good-looks of the Nissan GT-R, Booth is concerned of the price tag which will come with the GT-R. We need to be a little careful of the Nissan brand with the fact that you don't want to be selling cars at $200,000-plus, said Booth. I don't think the GT-R will be up there, but the reality is that we haven't got confirmation that we're going to get it and we don't know what the price or specifications will be, he added.

Ryan Thomas is a native of Denver, Colorado. He grew up in a family of car afficionados. He now resides in Detroit where he owns a service shop and works part time as a consultant for a local automotive magazine. Please visit Nissan hood for more information.

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