Nissan for 2016: Refreshed Altima and Sentra, New Tech for Much of Lineup

Allow us a moment and we’ll detail the fresh product updates Nissan has cooked up for 2016. We’re disappointed to report the lack of a V-8 Altima or any mention of the litigation-courting ZEOD RC/BladeGlider EV, although there are more important, more normal things afoot: The company will refresh its best-selling Altima and smaller Sentra later this year—no information or photos have been provided as of yet—the Xterra is dead, and the Titan gains its first-ever diesel.

Here’s a model-by-model rundown of the 2016 changes (pricing to be announced later):

Titan

Traditionally the afterthought of a stray daydream among light-duty pickup shoppers, the Titan moves into general consciousness with the launch of the Cummins-powered XD. We’re talking 555 lb-ft of torque in a non-HD model—although the XD is being pitched as a tweener, light-duty-plus truck—thanks to a 5.0-liter turbo-diesel V-8. An integrated gooseneck hitch claims up to 12,000 pounds of towing strength. Standard equipment includes a trailer-brake controller, trailer sway control, tow mode for the six-speed Aisin transmission, backup camera with trailer guides, and an in-cab light check system that monitors all the trailer’s electrical connections. Nissan’s AroundView 360-degree cameras are optional. The XD launches first this fall as a Crew Cab, with more traditional, less-capable half-ton gasoline models coming next spring.

Rogue

The Rogue brings some significant changes to the showroom, some of which aren’t noticeable. The optional blind-spot monitoring swaps its visual-based camera setup for radar to offer for enhanced detection at night and farther distances. The SL gets standard Siri Eyes Free and NissanConnect telematics and apps (including automatic collision and stolen vehicle notifications, but not the full suite that activates remote locking, geofencing, and other similar services). Autonomous braking is now optional on the SL Premium Package. The S Appearance Package brings chrome door handles and body-color mirrors with turn signals, while a new black paint replaces another black.

Versa and Versa Note

Refreshed last year, the compact Versa sedan and subcompact Versa Note hatch replace their red and gray exterior paint choices with different shades of red and gray paint. The Versa Note SV makes the former SV Convenience Package standard, which includes Bluetooth streaming audio, text message dictation, SiriusXM, backup camera, and the ability to run Facebook, iHeartRadio, and Pandora apps through your phone’s NissanConnect app and show them on the car’s five-inch color LCD. The Versa sedan gets rear speakers on the base S, while the SL’s steering wheel is now wrapped in leather. Body-color power mirrors come to all Versa trims.

370Z

Uplevel trims of the Fairlady now augment engine sounds via an upgraded Bose stereo with active noise cancellation, the better to batter low-frequency vibrations and provide digitized vroom-vroom effects. There’s no more horsepower, as Nissan is sticking with 332 for the Z’s 3.7-liter V-6. Also, one blue exterior paint replaces another blue.

GT-R

The 45th Anniversary Gold Edition arrives, and is a GT-R Premium with Silica Brass paint, a gold-colored VIN plate, and a plaque on the dash. Only 30 are coming, and all cost $104,365. The GT-R doubles its wheel spokes, with gray 20-spoke RAYS rims replacing the 10-spokers.

Juke

With the Juke-R taunting us all from afar, we’ll need to make do with two new color schemes on 2016 Jukes. The Yellow Stinger Edition brings a rear spoiler, door handles, mirrors, and wheels all rendered in black, along with yellow stitching, seat inserts, and bumper accents. The Black Edition does most of that in reverse, with yellow exterior bits, black wheels, and the same interior. Apple Siri Eyes Free, which lets the driver control a connected iPhone’s voice activation with a steering-wheel button, also is standard.

Pathfinder

The Pathfinder—now sans hybrid option—is happy to mix up its Almond beige interior with more contrasting black trim and brings a standard heated steering wheel to the SL. mid-grade SV models (the base model is the S) gain a cold-weather package that heats the front seats, steering wheel, and mirrors.

Maxima

This sucker’s all-new; for more, read our first-drive review and check out the special Midnight Edition.

Frontier

On the outside of this old mid-size pickup, there’s a new black, gray, and orange replacing a royal blue, gray, and black. The Crew Cab SV now comes with a moonroof. Hooray, Frontier. Now go look at a Colorado or a Tacoma, or wait until Nissan turns this into our next Frontier.

Leaf

The Leaf will get “enhancements” for 2016, but Nissan won’t tell us about them until later this year.

NV

Nissan’s full-size commercial vans get safer and savvier for 2016. On cargo vans, side and curtain airbags are now standard (and a new red replaces a black). On 12-passenger NV vans, previously optional equipment (NissanConnect apps, navigation, voice, text message control, Bluetooth streaming audio, SiriusXM, backup camera) is now standard on the SL. A new white and red replace an old black.

NV200

You can now pretend to be a New York City cabbie with Nissan’s new Taxi Yellow paint. That’s all, folks.

Source: blog.caranddriver.com/

Fall Driving Safety Tips

As weather and road conditions change with the season, following fall driving safety tips will help keep you safe as you enjoy the cool crisp air and the beautiful colors of the autumn leaves.

The Dangers of Leaves on the Roads
When leaves accumulate on the roadway and become wet, they can get extremely slippery, making the driving conditions similar to driving on ice. If the temperature drops below freezing, the wet leaves will freeze and turn into dangerous icy leaves on the roadway. Besides reducing the car's traction, causing skidding and the possibility of losing control of the vehicle, leaves often cover the painted road markings, making it difficult to know the locations of the lanes.

• Slow down if you are driving on a road covered with leaves, especially when driving around turns.
• Allow yourself plenty of room to stop in an emergency. Keep a greater distance between you and the car in front of you.
• Leaves make it difficult to see potholes and bumps in the road.
• A pile of leaves raked to the side of the road is an inviting place to a child. Children enjoy jumping into the leaf piles or burrowing down into them and hiding. Never drive through a leaf pile. Use caution going around turns and where children are playing.
• Keep your windshield leaf free to avoid wet leaves getting stuck under the windshield wiper blades.
• In order to avoid the possibility of a fire hazard from the exhaust system or catalytic converter, never park your vehicle over a pile of leaves .

Changing Weather Conditions
In many areas, autumn is a damp, wet season. There are many rainy or foggy days and nights. As the temperatures drop, frost often coats the ground at night.

• When driving in fog, set your headlight to low beam. This setting aims the beam of light down toward the roadway.
• In the fall as temperatures drop, frost often forms on the roadway, causing hazardous driving conditions. Drive slowly and break gently at overpasses and bridges as these areas frost over more quickly than other roadway surfaces.
• Be aware of areas where black ice forms on the roadway.

Adjust for Fewer Hours of Daylight
In the fall there are fewer hours of daylight. In the earlier darkness it is common to see children outside playing or riding their bicycles. People are walking their dogs, jogging or taking late afternoon or evening walks. In the fading light of dusk it is more difficult to see the children and pedestrians.

• Watch out for children at their bus stops in the morning and as they return home in the afternoon.
• Halloween is a fun fall holiday. Take special care where children are out trick or treating. They may be wearing masks or costumes that limit their visibility.
• Always drive defensively.

Vehicle Maintenance

• Keep your headlights cleaned and in proper working order, making sure they are aligned.
• Replace your windshield wiper blades if they show any signs of wear.
• Keep an emergency car safety kit in your vehicle.

Additional Fall Safety Driving Tips

• Always keep a pair of sunglasses in your vehicle. Fall sunrises and sunsets can be very brilliant. The bright sun often creates a large amount of glare, making it difficult to see other vehicles, the roadway or the road's shoulder. Wearing sunglasses during these times reduces the danger.
• If you live in an area where there are deer, they are more apt to run into the roadway especially at dawn and dusk since the fall is an active breeding time. If you see a deer cross the roadway, proceed very slowly as they often travel in groups.

Naturally safe driving practices are essential all through the year. However, being aware of the unique autumn driving hazards and following the fall driving safety tips here will make you a safer driver.

Source: safety.lovetoknow.com

2016 Nissan Murano Earns Four-Star Safety Rating From Federal Government

WASHINGTON — The 2016 Nissan Murano midsize SUV earned a four-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Five stars is the highest rating.

The 2016 Murano received four stars in the front crash test, five stars in the side crash test and four stars in the rollover crash test.

It will arrive at Nissan dealerships in January.

Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Murano includes vehicle dynamic control, antilock brakes, traction control and seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag. Optional safety equipment includes predictive forward-collision warning and rear cross-traffic alert.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has not rated the 2016 Murano, a carryover vehicle. But the 2015 Murano earned the Institute's Top Safety Pick+ award, receiving "good" scores in all crash tests.

Key competitors to the Murano include the Ford Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Source:  www.edmunds.com

Foster + Partners and Nissan to redesign electric car fuel stations

London architecture firm Foster + Partners is working with car brand Nissan to develop a concept for a charging station for electric vehicles.

Foster + Partners and Nissan are drawing up plans for a Fuel Station of the Future, to cater for the one million electric vehicles they estimate will be on the road by 2020.

The concept will investigate the impact of zero-emission vehicles on future infrastructure design, and the team has drawn up plans for an electric fueling hub it believes could replace petrol stations. The final concept will be revealed at the end of the year.

"The aim of our collaboration with Nissan is to highlight the magnitude of the challenge that we face in evolving our cities to meet change," said David Nelson, head designer at Foster + Partners. "New technologies, alternative forms of fuel and changing trends within our society are all having a huge impact on the way we get around."

"It seems to be clear that electric vehicles will be a major feature of the urban landscape and as a result this presents an exciting opportunity to rethink the fuel station for future generations."

Sales of the Japanese car brand's electric models grew by 33 per cent in 2014, and Nissan claims this growth pattern will accelerate. At the beginning of this year, its design for a electric version of London's infamous black cabs was approved for fare-paying passengers.

Numerous new electric and hybrid vehicles models were also launched at this year's Geneva Motor Show adding to the variety already available.

Pierre Diernaz, the director of Nissan's electric vehicle department, said that old-fashioned fuel stations must be adapted to accommodate this rising demographic.

"Our current refueling infrastructure model is out-dated and faces an uncertain future unless it rapidly adapts to support the changing needs of consumers," he said. "By 2020, there will be almost one million electric vehicles on the road, so it is imperative that there is an infrastructure in place to support this growth."

Tesla founder Elon Musk, whose company produces only electric vehicles, recently unveiled a pair of batteries designed to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels for generating electricity for homes and businesses. Apple is also rumored to be working on an electric car.

Foster + Partners is no stranger to designing for transport. Along with numerous airport projects, including terminals in Beijing, Kuwait and Amman, it was recently appointed to create an £8 billion transport system for the Saudi Arabian capital, Jeddah.

Source: http://www.dezeen.com/

Petrolicious uncages the Nissan Bluebird

With around 30 examples believed to be in the US, the Nissan Bluebird coupe is a very rare bird. Rather than keep it in a cage, owner Troy Ermish is happy to dump the clutch for a smoky burnout in the latest video from Petrolicious. This is definitely a man who's not letting a thing like the vehicle's scarcity affect his enjoyment.

Ermish is an expert on the Bluebird and its North American cousin, the Datsun 510. He started out racing them, then began dealing in parts, and now specializes in restoring them, particularly for motorsports. Ermish has owned a whopping 230 of them over the years – so many that he's stopped counting.

The opening that replaces one headlight is the first hint that Ermish's personal Bluebird is far from stock. Under the hood, the 1.6-liter engine remains, but it wears an aftermarket head and a set of massive carbs. The combo allows the little engine to howl as he brings the revs up. The interior is largely stripped out and replaced by two racing seats, a huge tach, and exposed wiring.

Ermish's shop is like a 510 graveyard on the outside. However, it's closer to a museum dedicated to Datsun on the inside. There are beautiful examples packed in wherever you look, and all of them appear ready to take to the track at any moment.

Source:  autoblog.com

Nissan bringing Qashqai, Rogue hybrid to US

Nissan will be expanding its crossover range here in the United States, introducing the popular European-market Qashqai, alongside a hybridized version of the Rogue. Nissan's Kyushu, Japan factory, meanwhile, will churn out 100,000 gas-powered Rogues to capitalize on hot demand here in the United States. The Kyushu move, at least, seems like a smart one, considering just how hot the compact Rogue is.

"We haven't hit the ceiling [on Rogue] yet. We have more opportunity there if we can get our dealers more," Fred Diaz, Nissan's senior VP of sales and marketing, told Automotive News. Amping up production in Kyushu will finally mean the end of the first-generation Rogue, though, now known as the Rogue Select. Somehow, we doubt many tears will be shed.

AN cites "two sources familiar with Nissan's future product" in its report on the Qashqai and Rogue Hybrid, although both moves are a bit strange at first glance. Both vehicles play in the same part of the market, and are both based on the Renault-Nissan Common Module Family platform. As for the Rogue Hybrid, well, we know what happened the last time Nissan tried to add an electric motor and battery pack to one of its crossovers. Plus, we've heard this rumor before.

Nissan, though, seems to think both moves make a lot of sense. While the Qashqai and Rogue are closely related, the Euro-market model is smaller – 10 inches shorter and two inches narrower – making it less versatile, and it wears more handsome sheetmetal. Expect Nissan to field it as such, aiming at buyers that want a CUV for the lifestyle, rather than the versatility, Automotive News reports.

There's a lot less information on the Rogue Hybrid, aside from AN reporting that it will hit the market next year. As for potential powertrains, mum's the word. The gas-powered Rogue uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which is the same size as the gas-engine found in the dead-but-still-warm Pathfinder Hybrid. While we doubt it's as simple as a drag and drop, it seems like Nissan's most recent hybrid powertrain is the obvious choice for the upcoming Rogue.

What do you think? Will the Qashqai be as big of a hit in the US as it is in Europe and Australia? Is a Rogue Hybrid such a smart move considering the tremendous failure of the Pathfinder Hybrid?

Source: autoblog.com

Nissan rolls out updated Juke-R 2.0 at Goodwood

If you thought the original Nissan Juke-R was nice, just check out this latest version. Called the Juke-R 2.0, it's making its debut as promised this weekend at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, packing a series of upgrades to make it even more potent than the original version. And not the least of those is a new, 600-horsepower engine.

For those who don't recall, Nissan first launched the Juke-R four years ago – the year after the production Juke first hit the market. The idea was to cross-breed the little crossover with a GT-R and create what was billed as the world's first crossover supercar. Version 2.0 takes the idea even further.

In place of the 545-horsepower twin-turbo V6 from the GT-R available at the time it was built, the Juke-R 2.0 packs the upgraded 600-horsepower engine from the GT-R Nismo. It also incorporates the enhancements applied to the facelifted Juke revealed last year, including its revised lighting and bodywork. Only the Juke-R 2.0 also features entirely new bumpers front and rear, wheel arches, side sills, and more, all crafted from carbon fiber and coated in matte black.

Nissan isn't saying exactly what she'll do. Considering, however, that the existing version could sprint from a standstill to 60 in three seconds flat, the added power could only make it even quicker. Le Mans driver Jann Mardenborough will be driving up the hill at Goodwood, and we doubt it'll take him much time at all to reach the top.

Source: autoblog.com

Nissan Might Actually Build a Maxima NISMO

A hotter Nissan Maxima model might be coming down the pipe.

The 2016 Nissan Maxima is off to a solid start in terms of sales and now the Japanese automaker is weighing options to broaden the sporty sedan’s appeal in today’s market.

With the new model’s introduction, Nissan is focusing on just how sporty and performance-oriented the model is, earlier announcing that the SR trim bested various BMW and Audi models on a track. As a result, a Nissan Maxima NISMO model is being weighed as a way to emphasize the new sedan’s focus on performance and handling.

Last year, Nissan promised that more NISMO models would be added to the company’s lineup, and for the most part it has stuck to its word. If a Nissan Maxima NISMO is to happen, expect the company to inject more performance under the hood, adding more excitement to the model like it has for the 370Z and GT-R.

For now, the company is still making sure it’ll be a smart and profitable move to create a sportier Maxima variant and will likely monitor how well the Maxima SR trim sells first. Currently, Nissan expects 20 to 25 percent of the Maxima’s sales to leave dealership lots sporting the SR badge.

Source: http://www.autoguide.com/

Nissan LEAF Owners have always wanted this to happen, maybe it is closer than you think

New and amazing video shows Nissan's electric sports car ESFLOW in action - something LEAF owners always wanted.

As Nissan embarked on its Electric Vehicle Odyssey back in 2007 or so, its first car ended up becoming the world’s largest selling EV ever. To the Nissan loyalists that grew up with the great Z cars of old, the fan base had always been wondering if something might happen to the tried and true line of great sports cars that came from Nissan.

Back in 2011 we had a glimpse of the ESFLOW (Electric Sports Car Concept) at the Geneva Auto Show and Road and Track did this nice video showing us the nice lines of this concept car and it had impressive numbers tied to it as well. Could this be the EVeryday sports car EV for the masses like the Nissan LEAF is to the daily commuter today?

I am not sure, but today a video surfaced on Youtube which I hadn’t seen before and showed the ESFLOW concept in action. You can see the video below.

Nissan introduces new seven-seat e-NV200 electric minivan

Intrigued by the prospect of an electric van like the Nissan e-NV200, but need to transport more people? The Japanese automaker may have just the solution. Nissan has announced the expansion of its battery-powered people-hauler with the new seven-seater e-NV200. Billed as the "world's first all-electric seven-seat MVP," the new model is being rolled out (in certain markets anyway) in response to popular demand, and packs an extra set of full-size seats in the back.

The seven-seater joins the e-NV200 range alongside the existing panel van and five-seat versions. At the same time, Nissan has also announced the addition of a new premium Evalia trim for both five- and seven-seat versions. Previewed in concept form a few months ago, the e-NV200 Evalia is ideally suited for transporting VIPs in quiet luxury.

Nissan Murano named one of WardsAuto World's "10 Best Interiors" of 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nearly a year after it was officially unveiled, good news continues to roll in for the all-new 2015 Nissan Murano. Yesterday, WardsAuto World named the Murano to its annual "Ward's 10 Best Interiors" list for 2015. The Murano will be honored at the WardsAuto Interiors Conference on Wednesday, May 13, at the Cobo Center in Detroit.

To select "Ward's 10 Best Interiors," editors spent two months evaluating 42 vehicles during their routine commutes in and around metro Detroit. Editors then submitted score sheets ranking the entries on features such as ergonomics, driver information, fit-and-finish, materials, value, safety, comfort and design harmony.

"First time I saw the new Murano interior, I was blown away by the pearlescent film that's used to lovely effect on the doors, instrument panel, center console and armrest," said Tom Murphy, executive editor,WardsAuto World. "The rest of the interior is brilliantly executed as well, from the smooth, flowing lines of the instrument panel to the ample cargo hold. Beige interiors often are perceived as boring, but this one is stylish and contemporary while achieving a serenity uncommon among midsize CUVs."

The all-new third-generation Murano features modern styling, premium interior and advanced, purposeful technology. The breakthrough exterior design projects a sense of refined intensity, creating an immediate "wow" response, while delivering a low 0.31 drag coefficient. The breakthrough exterior design carries into the interior, which offers an engaging social lounge feel through features such as the refined instrument panel, low center console, advanced NASA-inspired Zero Gravity front and outboard rear seating, and the airy atmosphere created by the large windows and oversized Power Panoramic Moonroof.

"The 2015 Murano has been a great success for Nissan on many levels," said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Nissan Sales & Marketing and Operations U.S., Nissan North America, Inc. "We are truly honored to receive this recognition from WardsAuto."

Premium features and driver assistance technologies abound in the 2015 Murano, including available NissanConnect^SM with Navigation and Mobile Apps, 8-inch color display with multi-touch control, rear USB port with smartphone interface, Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection (MOD), Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Ignition, 11-speaker Bose® premium audio system, Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), Forward Emergency Braking (FEB), Driver Attention Alert (DAA)* and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

Every 2015 Murano comes with a standard 260-horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC V6 connected to an advanced Xtronic transmission. Fuel economy has increased 20 percent (over the previous generation) for combined mpg and is rated at 21/28/24 mpg city/highway/combined for both front-wheel and all-wheel drive models.

The 2015 Murano is offered in four trim levels – S, SV, SL and Platinum – and in a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* for the Murano S FWD is $29,560 USD, while the top-of-the-line Murano Platinum AWD is priced at $40,600 USD (full pricing is available at NissanNews.com).

For two weeks beginning April 27, the Murano and other winners will be profiled on WardsAuto.com. To view the complete "Ward's 10 Best Interiors" list, please visit http://wardsauto.com/2015-wards-10-best-interiors

Worldwide, Nissan Leaf has outsold next two competitors combined

Nissan may not be meeting some of the more optimistic prognostications with sales of its Leaf electric vehicle, but it's certainly kicking the competition's butt. EV Sales is tracking global sales of plug-in vehicle models and estimates that Nissan has sold almost 172,000 units of the Leaf worldwide. That's more than the two next-best-selling plug-ins combined.

Globally, EV Sales estimates, the Chevrolet Volt extended-range plug-in has moved about 88,000 units, while Toyota has sold about 71,000 of its Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicles worldwide. Fourth-place Tesla Model S is close behind at about 66,000 units.

Among automakers, Nissan is also by far the lead dog, but Mitsubishi has leapfrogged Chevrolet among plug-in vehicle makers, as the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid continues to sell well. Impressively, the relatively new BMW i3 has moved almost 23,000 units since its debut in Germany last year.

As for Nissan, company chief Carlos Ghosn said at the New York Auto Show earlier this month that the company could sell as many as 50,000 units a year of the Leaf in the US, provided that charging infrastructure throughout the country improves. Earlier this year, cumulative US Leaf sales moved past 75,000 units since its late-2010 launch.

Nissan Sway could see production

After unveiling the Sway concept at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, Nissan was crystal clear that the showcar previewed the potentially bolder shape for a future compact hatchback. While it's likely a peek at the future Micra sold in other markets, not much is stopping similar styling from arriving to US showrooms, too.

According to Nissan design boss Shiro Nakamura to Automotive News, the Sway was specifically designed to attract interest to visitors in Geneva. However, he believes that the shape could be attractive to buyers in other parts of the world. The showcar's styling blends elements from earlier Nissan concepts with the deeply V-shaped front end off the Lannia Concept and the floating roof from several others. The company isn't divulging a possible powertrain quite yet, though.

Nissan is considering spinning the Versa Note off into its own product likely just called the Note, according to Automotive News. When it comes time for a new model around 2018, one way to really differentiate the newly independent vehicle might be to take on the Sway's much more radical styling.

2016 Nissan GT-R gets 45th Anniversary Gold Edition

The Nissan GT-R is going for the gold again in 2016 after 2012's special Usain Bolt one-off. This time the precious metal paint job is going on just a few more cars to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the original Skyline GT-R.

The 45th Anniversary Gold Edition of the GT-R paints the Premium trim of the twin-turbocharged sports coupe a somewhat subdued golden shade called Silica Brass. The VIN plates are in a similar hue, and there's a commemorative plaque on the center console.

Nissan spokesperson Dan Passe tells Autoblog that based on projections, the company plans to sell 30 or fewer anniversary editions in the US. The special models carry an extra $1,000 on top of the Premium's starting $101,770, plus a destination charge of $1,595 on all vehicles. Because of the limited numbers, Passe recommends interested customers place an order through dealers soon.

The anniversary edition isn't the only thing new to the lineup, though. The Premium and Black Edition models both get an extra five horsepower to push output to 550 hp, but the the Nismo remains unchanged with 600 hp and 481 lb-ft. The Premium trim also now wears 20-spoke forged aluminum wheels from Rays to replace the earlier 10-spoke design.

One thing not changing for the GT-R is the pricing, after going north of $100,000 for the 2015 model year. The Black Edition still retails for $111,510 and $149,990 for the Nismo.