Autoblog Nissan http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Nissan http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[New Nissan Versa recalled for problem with shifter]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/new-nissan-versa-recalled-for-problem-with-shifter/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/new-nissan-versa-recalled-for-problem-with-shifter/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/new-nissan-versa-recalled-for-problem-with-shifter/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2012 Nissan Versa

Some 36,000 Versa owners will soon be getting mail from Nissan. Automatic transmission-equipped 2012 Versas built between June 9, 2011, and January 13, 2012, may have defective shifter knobs or shifter assemblies, which could allow the car to be shifted out of park without first pressing the brake pedal.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report says that the defect increases the risk of crash or injury to pedestrians. The recall campaign is scheduled to begin on February 20, and concerned owners can call Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

To read the full recall report, click past the jump.

Continue reading New Nissan Versa recalled for problem with shifter

New Nissan Versa recalled for problem with shifter originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 nissan versanational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsanissannissan recallrecallversaversa recall Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20169095/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/10/new-nissan-versa-recalled-for-problem-with-shifter/20169095/article-detail.xml 20169095 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-2012-nissan-versa-sedan-review-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-2012-nissan-versa-sedan-review-opt.jpg <![CDATA[This is the difference between a sports sedan and the GT-R]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/this-is-the-difference-between-a-sports-sedan-and-the-gt-r/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/this-is-the-difference-between-a-sports-sedan-and-the-gt-r/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/this-is-the-difference-between-a-sports-sedan-and-the-gt-r/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

m5 versus gtr

Okay, this is an easy one. If we told you to pick a performance winner between the Nissan GT-R and the BMW M5, we're guessing the vast majority of you would pick Godzilla to come out on top. Both vehicles feature over 500 horsepower, but the BMW weighs over 400 pounds more, and the GT-R counters with one of the world's most impressive all-wheel-drive systems.

That didn't stop the Autocar team from pitting the M5 against the GT-R in a test of acceleration, cornering, braking, G-force and general feel. Given the GT-R's 0-60 time of 2.8 seconds and its reputation for otherworldly handling, you know how this one is going to play out. But will the Nissan super coupe take all five tests? To be honest, a few of the tests were a bit closer than we would have thought. Hit the jump to check it out.

Continue reading This is the difference between a sports sedan and the GT-R

This is the difference between a sports sedan and the GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autocarbmwgt-4gt-rm5nissanvideo Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20167771/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/09/this-is-the-difference-between-a-sports-sedan-and-the-gt-r/20167771/article-detail.xml 20167771 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/m5-v-gtr_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/m5-v-gtr.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan entering V8 Supercar series in Australia]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/nissan-entering-v8-supercar-series-in-australia/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/nissan-entering-v8-supercar-series-in-australia/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/nissan-entering-v8-supercar-series-in-australia/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Nissan GT-R Le Mans

Nissan is headed back to the Australian V8 Supercar Series. The Japanese Automaker was famously ousted in 1993 when the sanctioning body behind the series adjusted the rules to require all entries be V8-based. Nissan had dominated the series for three years with the company's GT-R, laying waste to the front-engine, rear-wheel-drive dinosaurs from Holden and Ford with a high-tech combination of all-wheel drive and turbocharged six-cylinder fury. In 1991, the company set a top-speed record at the Bathurst 1000 that wouldn't be touched for nine years. The following season, the company was forced to carry 100 kg of weight and run reduced boost pressure. It didn't matter. The GT-R still cleaned up.

Nissan is entering the series under the fairly new Car of the Future program, which was designed to make the series more attractive to competitors and sponsors. Interestingly enough, the Car of the Future Program was started by none other than Mark Skaife, the man who piloted the GT-R to many a win in the early '90s. Nissan's racer will be forced to use a generic V8 drivetrain to conform to the rule book, so don't expect to see any more turbo sixes dotting eyes on the track. Likewise, the all-wheel drive of the GT-R will be off the table.

Still, any amount of diversity in a series that's been Holden versus Ford for so long is a step in the right direction. As far as we know, four cars will carry the Nissan badge in the 2013 season and be campaigned by Kelly Racing. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Nissan entering V8 Supercar series in Australia

Nissan entering V8 Supercar series in Australia originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> australianissannissan v8 supercarsv8 supercar seriesv8 supercars Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20168301/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/09/nissan-entering-v8-supercar-series-in-australia/20168301/article-detail.xml 20168301 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/nissan-gt-r-le-mans-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/nissan-gt-r-le-mans-628.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan reveals more about Pathfinder's new interior]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/nissan-reveals-more-about-pathfinders-new-interior-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/nissan-reveals-more-about-pathfinders-new-interior-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/nissan-reveals-more-about-pathfinders-new-interior-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Nissan Pathfinder Interior

Nissan is set to debut an all-new Pathfinder later this year, and the Japanese automaker has given us a better picture of what to expect from the vehicle's cabin. Leather heated and cooled front seats are part of the package, while occupants in the second row will enjoy heated thrones of their own. Nissan focused heavily on making the third row easier to access. The company incorporated larger rear door openings to make ingress and egress a simpler affair, and the second-row seats feature a child-seat mode that still allows rear access even with a booster seat in place.

Speaking of the way-back seats, the next-generation Pathfinder will feature a reclining 50/50 folding bench in the third row. Both the second and third row fold flat for more cargo area.

There should be plenty of technology on board, too, including a 13-speaker Bose stereo and the handy Nissan around-view monitor. Click past the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Nissan reveals more about Pathfinder's new interior

Nissan reveals more about Pathfinder's new interior originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 nissan pathfinder2013 pathfindernissannissan pathfinderpathfinder Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20167329/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/09/nissan-reveals-more-about-pathfinders-new-interior-w-video/20167329/article-detail.xml 20167329 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/nissan-pathfinder-interior-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/nissan-pathfinder-interior-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Nissan NV200 goes after Transit Connect's lunch money]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2013-nissan-nv200-chicago-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2013-nissan-nv200-chicago-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2013-nissan-nv200-chicago-2012/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Nissan is expanding the company's commercial offerings with its new NV200 Compact Cargo Van. On display at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, the NV200 is positioned just below Nissan's mammoth NV Cargo, and should offer buyers a more efficient work vehicle with plenty of interior room.

The NV200 is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a CVT gearbox. Despite its pint-sized powertrain, the van should be able to haul around 1,500 pounds, and its low floor will likely make for easy loading and unloading.

At 186.2 inches long, the NV200 is a full 54.2 inches shorter than its bigger brother while offering 123 cubic feet of cargo area, though Nissan says the NV200 can still accommodate a standard 40x48-inch pallet.

The company hasn't released any pricing details, beyond saying the NV200 will be competitive with other commercial vehicles in this segment. That probably means the 2013 NV200 will land somewhere in the neighborhood of $22,035, which is the MSRP of the Ford Transit Connect.

Continue reading 2013 Nissan NV200 goes after Transit Connect's lunch money

2013 Nissan NV200 goes after Transit Connect's lunch money originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 20132013 nissan nv200chicagochicago 2012chicago auto shownissannissan nv200nv200 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:39:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20165425/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/08/2013-nissan-nv200-chicago-2012/20165425/article-detail.xml 20165425 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/nv20022-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/nv20022-opt.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Nissan 370Z has been defanged]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2013-nissan-370z-has-been-defanged/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2013-nissan-370z-has-been-defanged/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2013-nissan-370z-has-been-defanged/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2013 Nissan 370Z

By defanged, we mean, of course, that the 2013 Nissan 370Z no longer sports vampish extensions of its front fascia. We don't mean to imply that its down on power - the carryover 3.7-liter V6 still puts out 332 horsepower, and the NISMO's 3.7-liter is still blessed with 350 horses.

Besides the change to its face, it'll take an astute observer to spot the differences between the 2012 and 2013 Z. Subtle changes to the lighting both front and rear, combined with new 18- and 19-inch wheels, round out the exterior updates.

See the 2013 Nissan 370Z live from the 2012 Chicago Auto Show in our high-res image gallery above, and feel free to peruse the press release after the break.

Continue reading 2013 Nissan 370Z has been defanged

2013 Nissan 370Z has been defanged originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 nissan 370z370zchicagochicago 2012chicago auto shownissanz Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20167061/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/08/2013-nissan-370z-has-been-defanged/20167061/article-detail.xml 20167061 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2013-nissan-370z-chicago_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2013-nissan-370z-chicago.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan Altima prototype gives up more of the goods, including interior]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/nissan-altima-prototypes-gives-up-more-of-the-goods-including-i/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/nissan-altima-prototypes-gives-up-more-of-the-goods-including-i/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/nissan-altima-prototypes-gives-up-more-of-the-goods-including-i/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2013 Nissan Altima spy shots

Nissan is busily putting the 2013 Altima prototype through its paces ahead of the vehicle's debut later this year and spy photographers spotted the vehicle on public streets wearing a new vinyl wrap designed to obfuscate the model's lines. Even so, we can clearly see a few more details about the upcoming sedan.

From the looks of things, the vehicle received more than a little inspiration from the Nissan Ellure Concept. With a contoured body line and headlights borrowed from the 370Z, the vehicle looks to have quite a bit more personality than in years past. Additionally, the same boomerang line found in the headlight housings also look to be transposed on to the vehicle's C pillars and tail lamps, though the look isn't as exaggerated as we saw on the Ellure.

The photogs also garnered a glimpse into the vehicle's cabin, giving us the first look at the dash in the 2013 Altima. The sedan will likely come with the same intelligent key system found elsewhere in the Nissan line, and the center stack and steering wheel have seen some love as well. Word has it the Altima will debut with a new hybrid drivetrain that makes use of a an electric motor paired with a supercharged four-cylinder engine and a lithium-ion battery pack.

Nissan Altima prototype gives up more of the goods, including interior originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 altima2013 altima hybrid2013 altima spy shots2013 nissan altima2013 nissan altima spy shotsaltimaaltima spy shotsnissan altimaspy shots Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20166272/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/07/nissan-altima-prototypes-gives-up-more-of-the-goods-including-i/20166272/article-detail.xml 20166272 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2013-nissan-altima-spy-shots-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2013-nissan-altima-spy-shots-628.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #268]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/autoblog-podcast-268/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/autoblog-podcast-268/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/autoblog-podcast-268/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

Superbowl commercials, Fiat 500L preview, Honda loses Civic Hybrid lawsuit, driverless LeMons cars

autoblog podcast logo

Episode #268 of the Autoblog Podcast is here with Chris, Dan, and Zach. Topics include our favorite automotive Superbowl commercials, the pre-Geneva preview of the Fiat 500L, Honda losing a small-claims lawsuit over Civic Hybrid fuel economy numbers, and self-driving LeMons cars. Your questions and comments power the end of the 'cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. We've embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #268:
In the Autoblog Garage
2012 Jeep Compass Latitude
2012 Nissan Maxima

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman
Runtime: 01:32:17
Get the podcast
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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #268

Autoblog Podcast #268 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autoblog podcast 268driverless carfeaturedfiat 500lhonda civic lawsuitsuperbowl commercials Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:45:00 EST Autoblog Podcast #268Autoblog01:32:17 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20165848/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/07/autoblog-podcast-268/20165848/article-detail.xml 20165848 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Nissan 370Z goes evolution, not revolution]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/2013-nissan-370z-goes-evolution-not-revolution/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/2013-nissan-370z-goes-evolution-not-revolution/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/2013-nissan-370z-goes-evolution-not-revolution/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Nissan will officially debut its 2013 370Z tomorrow at the Chicago Auto Show, and the changes fulfill the dictionary definition of "subtle." The new 19-inch wheels and Euro-tuned shocks on models with the Sport Package are the big news, but details like vertical LEDs, 18-inch wheels on the non-Sport Z, two new colors and a red reflector out back add just enough signals to make a difference to model-year-conscious buyers.

The refreshed 2013 370Z will come in coupe, convertible and NISMO trims, with the latter iteration getting more speakers for its Bose audio system. Oddly, though, that same trim does not get some of the changes for the new model year, including the Euro-tuned shocks that will debut on the Sport Package.

The 3.7-liter V6 with 332 horsepower carries over, as does the same 3.7-liter with 350 horsepower in the NISMO, and the new Z goes on sale in June. Check out the press release after the jump, and stay tuned to get more images and info from our team at the Chicago Auto Show.

Continue reading 2013 Nissan 370Z goes evolution, not revolution

2013 Nissan 370Z goes evolution, not revolution originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 nissan 370z370zchicagochicago 2012chicago auto shownissan Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20161584/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/07/2013-nissan-370z-goes-evolution-not-revolution/20161584/article-detail.xml 20161584 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2013-nissan-370z-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2013-nissan-370z-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan power dominates LMP2 category in endurance racing]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/nissan-power-dominates-lmp2-category-in-endurance-racing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/nissan-power-dominates-lmp2-category-in-endurance-racing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/nissan-power-dominates-lmp2-category-in-endurance-racing/#comments Filed under: ,

Nissan at Le Mans

Nissan doesn't compete in Formula One. It doesn't field a top-tier LMP1 team at Le Mans. It doesn't race in NASCAR, IndyCar or the World Rally Championship. Yet the Japanese automaker doesn't have to stretch all that far to make the association between its brand and racing. It does, after all, offer competition versions of its GT-R and 370Z for use in a number of sportscar racing series around the world. But where it really shines is in the LMP2 category.

Slotting just below LMP1s like the Audi R18, new Toyota TS030 and the lamentably departed Peugeot 908, LMP2 racers are purpose-built for endurance racing at Le Mans and related events, but tend to be fielded by privateer teams. And the vast majority of them opt for Nissan engines.

In fact, 11 out of the 18 LMP2 cars that will be on the grid at this year's running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans will powered by the 3.4-liter VK-series V8 engine which Nismo (the company's motorsport division) developed specifically for this application. And in the broader FIA World Endurance Championship (running for the first time this year), six out of nine will be powered by Nissan - the rest using Honda, Judd or Lotus-prepared BMW engines.

With those kinds of odds, our money's on Nissan taking the prize once again. Follow the jump for the press release.

Continue reading Nissan power dominates LMP2 category in endurance racing

Nissan power dominates LMP2 category in endurance racing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> fia wecfia world endurance championshiple manslmplmp2nismonissanwecworld endurance championship Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20165650/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/07/nissan-power-dominates-lmp2-category-in-endurance-racing/20165650/article-detail.xml 20165650 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/8864515-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/8864515-1.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan and NASA announce 350Z-based spec series]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/nissan-and-nasa-announce-350z-based-spec-series/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/nissan-and-nasa-announce-350z-based-spec-series/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/nissan-and-nasa-announce-350z-based-spec-series/#comments Filed under: , ,

nissan 350z spec racer

Nissan is partnering with the National Auto Sport Association (NASA) to create an all new Spec Z Series that promises low costs and performance parity. The single classification series will feature 350Z models from 2003 to 2008, and prizes that part-time track warriors can really get behind.

At the regional level, podium finishers can earn up to $850 in prize money. Further, Nissan will pony up $6,500 in cash support for top Spec Z finishers at the 2012 NASA Championships. Further support will come from BFGoodrich, which will be the control tire for the series and will back a contingency price program for Spec Z.

Hit the jump to read over the Nissan press release, which includes a link that will provide still more information on the Spec Z series.

Continue reading Nissan and NASA announce 350Z-based spec series

Nissan and NASA announce 350Z-based spec series originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 350znasaNational Auto Sport Associationnissanracingspec z Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20164885/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/06/nissan-and-nasa-announce-350z-based-spec-series/20164885/article-detail.xml 20164885 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/speczimage_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/speczimage.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan Invitation Concept peeks out ahead of Geneva debut [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/nissan-invitation-concept-peeks-out-ahead-of-geneva-debut/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/nissan-invitation-concept-peeks-out-ahead-of-geneva-debut/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/nissan-invitation-concept-peeks-out-ahead-of-geneva-debut/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Nissan Invitation Concept

Nissan is headed to the Geneva Motor Show in March with a brand new hatchback concept. Called Invitation, this five-door should give us an idea of what the Japanese manufacturer has planned for its next B-segment contender. The concept borrows a bit from the likes of the Honda Fit, though that's no bad thing. With a clean, athletic design, the Invitation is a refreshing break from some of the automaker's more questionable exteriors.

Nissan hasn't divulged any drivetrain details as of yet, though the company has said each of the Invitation derivatives will be eligible to wear the company's Pure Drive badge. That means the production-version Invitation will be among the most efficient and economical vehicles Nissan produces. We do know the hatch will boast the ever-cool around-view monitor system along with a full slate of tech goodies. Hit the jump for the full press release and be sure to keep an eye open for our Geneva show coverage of the concept's official unveiling.

Continue reading Nissan Invitation Concept peeks out ahead of Geneva debut [w/video]

Nissan Invitation Concept peeks out ahead of Geneva debut [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> conceptgenevageneva 2012geneva motor showinvitationinvitation conceptnissan Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20165134/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/06/nissan-invitation-concept-peeks-out-ahead-of-geneva-debut/20165134/article-detail.xml 20165134 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-nissan-invitation-concept628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-nissan-invitation-concept628opt.jpg <![CDATA[These are North America's top producing auto plants]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/these-are-north-americas-top-producing-auto-plants/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/these-are-north-americas-top-producing-auto-plants/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/these-are-north-americas-top-producing-auto-plants/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Volkswagen Puebla, Mexico facility

Volkswagen has the honor of being this year's top producing North American automotive manufacturer by a wide margin with its Puebla, Mexico facility. The factory managed to produce 510,041 units last year, beating out second-place Nissan and its Aguascalientes, Mexico plant by a staggering 149,245 units, according to Ward's Auto. Nissan jumped from third to second place after Toyota and its Georgetown plant dropped from the top five. Toyota and Honda both saw themselves ousted from the leader board after a year pockmarked by disruptions from earthquake and tsunami activity in Japan and flooding in Thailand.

The Japanese automakers' vacancies made room for Hyundai and its facility in Montgomery, Alabama with 338,127 units to take fourth place. Ford, meanwhile, moved from fifth in 2010 to third in 2011 with 344,446 units from its Dearborn Truck plant. Nissan rounded out the top five last year with the company's plant in Smyrna, Tennessee taking the automaker's second spot on the list.

Ward's Auto reports Volkswagen enjoyed a boost from the popularity of the Jetta. That model alone helped push the company's Puebla facility to a 75,356 unit gain over last year's figures. Head over to Ward's to see the full report.

These are North America's top producing auto plants originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aguascalientesauto manufacturingauto plantsdearbornfordhyundaimanufacturingmontgomerynissanplantspueblasmyrnavolkswagen Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20161802/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/01/these-are-north-americas-top-producing-auto-plants/20161802/article-detail.xml 20161802 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/puebla-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/puebla-628.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan has a North American quality problem: suppliers]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/nissan-has-a-north-american-quality-problem-suppliers/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/nissan-has-a-north-american-quality-problem-suppliers/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/nissan-has-a-north-american-quality-problem-suppliers/#comments Filed under: ,



During the automaker's Quality Forum, reporters were told that Nissan had reduced "nonconforming deliveries," a euphemism for bad batches of parts from vendors, by 85 percent from 2007 to 2011. Yet problems remain, according to a report in Automotive News, with suppliers in North America - both the U.S. and Mexico - who account for 70 percent of Nissan's global nonconforming deliveries.

That statistic presents another challenge to Nissan's North American expansion plans. The company built a quarter of its global production here last year and it just announced a new complex in Aguascalientes, Mexico. Additionally, it has already confirmed a deal to build engines for Daimler and it has already suggested that it and Daimler will do more than just cooperate on small cars.

Nissan hasn't named suppliers, nor did it get into the kinds of issues it was having. It also isn't immediately clear what - if any - of these "nonconforming" parts are being assembled into vehicles that are shipped to dealers without getting flagged at a quality checkpoint somewhere along the assembly process. Even if all of the bad parts are caught ahead of delivery to customers, remedying the problem is likely to be costly and time-consuming.

Even so, Nissan is on the case, with AN reporting that the Japanese automaker has already cut the rate of nonconfirming deliveries by 85 percent globally since 2007.

Nissan has a North American quality problem: suppliers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> mexiconissan suppliersnissan vendorsnorth americasuppliersvendors Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20160648/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/01/nissan-has-a-north-american-quality-problem-suppliers/20160648/article-detail.xml 20160648 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/nissanlogoquality_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/nissanlogoquality.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan releases official footage of Juke-R supercar street race in Dubai]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/nissan-releases-official-footage-of-juke-r-supercar-street-race/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/nissan-releases-official-footage-of-juke-r-supercar-street-race/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/nissan-releases-official-footage-of-juke-r-supercar-street-race/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Juke-R vs Supercar Challenge

When is a Nissan Juke not a Nissan Juke? When it's the 480-horsepower, Godzilla-powered Juke-R, that's when. Then it's a supercar-beater. And to prove the point, Nissan UK took its one-off super-crossover down to Dubai for a little street racing action.

So what did Nissan pit its Juke-R against? No, not other crossovers, but a pack of the leanest, meanest supercars on the market: the Ferrari 458 Italia, Lamborghini Gallardo and Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. We first saw video footage shot from the sidelines a couple of weeks ago, but since the publicity stunt proved so popular, Nissan responded by releasing an official, high-quality version, complete with in-car footage and plenty of tire squealing. Follow the jump to check it out.

Continue reading Nissan releases official footage of Juke-R supercar street race in Dubai

Nissan releases official footage of Juke-R supercar street race in Dubai originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 458 italiadubaiferrari 458 italiagallardojukejuke-rjuke-r vs supercar challengelamborghinilamborghini gallardomercedes-benzmercedes-benz sls amgnissannissan jukenissan juke-rsls amgstreet racevideo Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20160833/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/31/nissan-releases-official-footage-of-juke-r-supercar-street-race/20160833/article-detail.xml 20160833 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/juke-rvsupercars_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/juke-rvsupercars.jpg <![CDATA[Hagerty predicts this year's future classics]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/hagerty-predicts-this-years-future-classics/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/hagerty-predicts-this-years-future-classics/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/hagerty-predicts-this-years-future-classics/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , , ,



The world would be considerably less entertaining if we could all predict the future. Even so, the classic car gurus at Hagerty Insurance have cast a few chicken bones in an attempt to figure out which vehicles produced today might eventually turn collectible.

The company restricted entrants to hardware with a price tag of less than $100,000, so the list isn't populated with too many wild exotics. While vehicles like the Nissan GT-R Black Edition, Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca Edition, Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and Porsche 911 are low-hanging fruit, the list also featured a few surprises.

For starters, it begins with none other than the mighty Buick Regal GS. Hagerty says the vehicle is a win because it's the first Buick with a manual transmission since the fall of the Holy Roman Empire. The Fiat 500 Abarth also makes an appearance alongside an even hotter hatch, the Volkswagen Golf R. Of course, we're simply thrilled to see the sinister Audi TT RS make a showing. Hit the jump for the full list or view each vehicle in our gallery above.

Continue reading Hagerty predicts this year's future classics

Hagerty predicts this year's future classics originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 500500 abarth911audibuickcamarocamaro zl1chargercharger srt8chevroletdodgefiatfordfuture classicsgolfgolf rgrand cherokeegrand cherokee srt8gt-rgt-r black editionhagertyhagerty insuranceinsurancejeepmustangmustang boss 302mustang boss 302 lagunra secanissanporscheregalregal gstttt rsvolkswagen Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20159781/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/30/hagerty-predicts-this-years-future-classics/20159781/article-detail.xml 20159781 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-regal-gs-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-regal-gs-opt.jpg <![CDATA[A word on Nissan Leaf sales, orders and reservation numbers [w/poll]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/a-word-on-nissan-leaf-sales-orders-reservation-numbers/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/a-word-on-nissan-leaf-sales-orders-reservation-numbers/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/a-word-on-nissan-leaf-sales-orders-reservation-numbers/#comments Filed under: , , ,



What's up with the sales, orders and reservations of the Nissan Leaf? The Japanese automaker loudly trumpeted the 20,000 reservations it originally collected back in September, 2010 and Nissan's Mark Perry recently told AutoblogGreen that, since then, that number has climbed to around 26,000. Where do things stand today? That's not exactly simple to figure out. Here's what we know:
  • Number of accepted Leaf reservations: 26,000
  • - Number of Leaf models sold: 10,000
  • - Number sold in January: 800 (estimate)
  • - Number sold in February: 800 (estimate. Perry recently said these two months were sold out or nearly sold out)
  • - Number of people who haven't had a chance to order because they live in a state where the Leaf is not yet for sale: 2,000 (according, again, to Perry)
  • - Number of people who cancelled (unknown)
  • = 12,400 people or so
Nissan's Katherine Zachary tells Autoblog that the company doesn't share cancellation data, so it's not possible for outsiders to know exactly how many of the 12,400 have raised and then lowered their hands. Zachary added, "We have new people coming into the process every day, so it's really a moving target." Still, somewhere out there, there could be 12,000 people who are patiently waiting to snatch up Nissan's 2012 Leaf production. Even if 50 percent of them cancelled, that still leaves many months of strong sales coming for Nissan in the U.S. this coming year, even as production ramps up.

One thing that Zachary was willing to share were the colors chosen by buyers for model year 2012 Leaf orders. They are:
  • Brilliant Silver - 24%
  • Blue Ocean - 23%
  • Glacier Pearl - 21%
  • Cayenne Red - 19%
  • Super Black - 14%
Given that Blue Ocean was the Leaf's "Launch Color," we're a bit surprised to see it being outsold by silver, if only just. If you were going to order a Leaf (or if you already have), what color would it be? Take our poll below.


View Poll

A word on Nissan Leaf sales, orders and reservation numbers [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 nissan leafkatherine zacharyleafleaf colorsleaf evleaf reservationsleaf salesnissannissan leaf Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20159098/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/30/a-word-on-nissan-leaf-sales-orders-reservation-numbers/20159098/article-detail.xml 20159098 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/leaf-colors-percent_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/leaf-colors-percent.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan Note gets minor upgrades for 2012]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/nissan-note-gets-minor-upgrades-for-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/nissan-note-gets-minor-upgrades-for-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/nissan-note-gets-minor-upgrades-for-2012/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2012 Nissan Note front three-quarter view

For 2012, the funky little Nissan Note is getting some upgrading for its top two trims, the oddly named Acenta and N-TEC+, while the Note lineup itself is getting some downsizing. Outside, the Acenta sits on 16-inch wheels now and gets "chrome-effect" caps on the side-view mirrors and around the front fog lights. Inside, items like climate control and automatic headlights are standard, as is a blue cross-stitching on the seats for "a more premium feel."

Above that, in the UK, the new N-TEC+ trim is now the top-of-the-line model, as the former top-tier Tekna is going away. The N-TEC+ gets rear parking sensors, privacy glass and Nissan's "Connect" touch-screen satellite navigation.

The base Visia model remains unchanged, as does its £11,200 price (around $17,500 USD). The Acenta gets a £200 price bump to £13,000 ($20,400), the N-TEC+ rises £100 over the plain old N-TEC of yore to £13,500 ($21,200), all prices inclusive of Britain's costly Value Added Tax. Engines in the range, the 1.4- and 1.6-liter petrols and 1.5-liter diesel, are also carried over. Follow the jump for the press release and have a closer look at the Note in the gallery of high-res photos.

Continue reading Nissan Note gets minor upgrades for 2012

Nissan Note gets minor upgrades for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 nissan notempvnissan europenissan notenissan uknotesuperminisupermini mpv Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20157119/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/26/nissan-note-gets-minor-upgrades-for-2012/20157119/article-detail.xml 20157119 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2012nissannote_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2012nissannote.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan confirms new North American assembly plant in Mexico]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/nissan-confirms-new-north-american-assembly-plant-in-mexico/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/nissan-confirms-new-north-american-assembly-plant-in-mexico/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/nissan-confirms-new-north-american-assembly-plant-in-mexico/#comments Filed under: ,

Nissan Mexico plant rendering

Nissan has announced plans to build a new manufacturing facility in Mexico. The company will invest $2 billion in a new complex situated in Aguascalientes, Mexico to help produce the automaker's B platform models. The plant is expected to begin operations in late 2013 and should be capable of producing up to 175,000 units annually during phase one. Nissan says the endeavor will create up to 3,000 direct jobs in the area with another 9,000 positions created via the supply chain necessary to support the facility.

The plant will be Nissan's third in Mexico and is part of a strategy that should allow the company to produce more than one million units annually in the country. Nissan claims no other automaker is investing in our southern neighbor with the same level of commitment. Click past the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Nissan confirms new North American assembly plant in Mexico

Nissan confirms new North American assembly plant in Mexico originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aguascalientesaguascalientes mexicomexiconissannissan plantnissan plant in mexico Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20156503/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/25/nissan-confirms-new-north-american-assembly-plant-in-mexico/20156503/article-detail.xml 20156503 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/nissan-mexico-plant-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/nissan-mexico-plant-628.jpg <![CDATA[First it was Vette on Vette violence, now it's Z on Z carnage]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/first-it-was-vette-on-vette-violence-now-its-z-on-z-carnage/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/first-it-was-vette-on-vette-violence-now-its-z-on-z-carnage/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/first-it-was-vette-on-vette-violence-now-its-z-on-z-carnage/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2 z models crash

Back on Thanksgiving Day of 2011, we saw what happens when a C5 Chevrolet Corvette goes head-to-head on public roads against a C6 Vette - the older Vette spears into the passenger-side door of the newer Vette. The video was our most popular post of 2011, so we know that well over a million viewers saw the ill-advised drag race. We think that video illustrated that racing on public roads was a bad idea, but sometimes, accidents happen even without a race.

Hit the jump to see what happens when a pair of tuned-out Nissan 350Z models do their best impression of the Thanksgiving Day Melee. The YouTube page claims that the two cars were actually traveling at the speed limit (read: not racing) as part of a caravan of Z models, when the black, supercharged Z coupe tapped its throttle and lost control, veering into the passing lane and right into the path of a Z roadster.

Still, the collision looks like déjà vu all over again, except the quick video is better this time and we actually hear the impact and see the parts flying all over the freeway. The accident reportedly didn't result in any serious injuries.

Continue reading First it was Vette on Vette violence, now it's Z on Z carnage

First it was Vette on Vette violence, now it's Z on Z carnage originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 350z350z roadster370zaccident videocorvettenissannissan zvettevideoz roadster Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20156075/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/25/first-it-was-vette-on-vette-violence-now-its-z-on-z-carnage/20156075/article-detail.xml 20156075 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/z-on-z-accident_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/z-on-z-accident.jpg -1 2