Autoblog

Geneva 2010: Nissan Micra is easy being green

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:41:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Nissan

2010 Nissan Micra - Click above for high-res image gallery

The more charming - if that's even possible - Nissan Micra has been tweaked to bring smiles to consumers in 160 countries where it will go on sale. To keep them smiling once things get under way, a brand new 1.2-liter, supercharged three-cylinder gas engine gets down with 80 horsepower and 144 pound-feet.

Believe it or not but the bounty doesn't stop there, with a suspension combining "agility, refinement and poise" also included as standard equipment. We'll let you decide for yourself, unless you're in the U.S. since we probably won't get it. For you, there's a press release after the jump and a gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Geneva 2010: Nissan Micra

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Geneva 2010: Nissan Micra is easy being green originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2010: Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition unveiled with no added performance

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:14:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Nissan

2010 Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

Nissan just unwrapped a 40th Anniversary gift to itself at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. More specifically, it's celebrating the 40th anniversary of one of its most iconic vehicles, the Z car, with a special edition version of the latest in a long line of formidable sportscars to wear that badge. The limited edition 2010 Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary model is actually a bit late to the party since the original 240Z technically debuted in North America on October 22, 1969... but who's counting.

Whereas the 1970 240Z was a revolution in the affordable sportscar scene with a sticker at just $3,626, the 40th Anniversary Edition will start at $38,860. That represents a premium of about $1,200 over Touring Coupe with Sport Package on which it's based. So what do you get by checking off that 40th Anniversary box? Nothing under the hood, in case you were wondering.

That's okay, we guess, as the Touring is already a hot car and the Sport package adds SynchroRev Match for the six-speed stick, a front chin spoiler, rear spoiler, Nissan Sport Brakes, 19-inch Rays forged aluminum-alloy wheels and the limited-slip diff. Basically it's a sticker package with a unique "40th Graphite" paint job, red leather interior, a "high-luster smoke wheel finish," red brake calipers and 40th Anniversary badges on the rear hatch and the front shock tower brace. The gray color and smoked wheels do look great in person, though.

There are also additional changes inside, like red door panel inserts, 40th Anniversary logos in the seatbacks and on the floormats, red stitching on the center stack, shift boot and kneepads, red-stitched leather on the steering wheel and a 40th commemorative plaque. It even comes with a commemorative "premium satin car cover."

Beginning later this month, the 1,000 units will start making their way to dealer showrooms. You can read even more details in the press release after the jump, and see some live shots and the official high-res pics in the gallery below.

Gallery: Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition at Chicago Auto Show

Gallery: 2010 Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Chicago 2010: Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition unveiled with no added performance

Chicago 2010: Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition unveiled with no added performance originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Nissan planning two $10,000 cars for U.S.

Chris Shunk — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:20:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Budget, Hatchback, Nissan

2010 Nissan Micra (EU market) - Click above for high-res image gallery

Nissan apparently thinks America is ready for more $10,000 vehicles, and the Japanese automaker is gearing up to do something about it. Well, two somethings, really. Automotive News reports that Nissan's chairman for the Americas, Carlos Tavares, has gone on record with reporters at the Detroit Auto Show saying that Nissan is planning a pair of vehicles that will start out at around $10,000. AN reports that the vehicles will be based off of Nissan's new V platform, an architecture set to underpin the next-generation Nissan Micra subcompact (current model shown above), which is smaller than the Versa and not sold in the States.

Nissan already markets a sub-$10,000 Versa model in the U.S., although the value-priced subcompact comes without a radio or power windows. Tavares reportedly didn't want to speculate on equipment levels, adding "the only thing that we can tell you is that we will hold that price point."

Nissan will build the vehicles at an assembly plant in Mexico, and the plan is to build three V platform products for North- and South American markets, although only two of them will be for U.S. consumption. Tavares told reporters that a $10,000 price tag would be "about right," noting that "there are very few new cars sold at that price point in the United States."

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Micra

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Nissan planning two $10,000 cars for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan recalls 26,000+ 2009-2010 Altima and Maxima models over strut issue

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Nissan

2010 Nissan Altima -- Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2009 and 2010 Nissan Altima and Maxima are being recalled over a suspension issue. The problem is the upper front strut insulators on some cars, which might not meet specified tolerances and therefore crack. Nissan is notifying owners this month and the repair will be taken care of by dealers, who will replace the strut insulators on both sides. Follow the jump to read the notice from the NHTSA. Hat tip to Art G

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Altima Sedan

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Nissan recalls 26,000+ 2009-2010 Altima and Maxima models over strut issue

Nissan recalls 26,000+ 2009-2010 Altima and Maxima models over strut issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Nissan Rogue Krom Edition revealed

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 10:44:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Nissan

2010 Nissan Rogue Krom Edition - Click above to enlarge

When we hear the word "Krom" we think of Conan the Barbarian in the crypt, finally acquiring that giant sword. Nissan, on the other hand, uses the word to signify its new specialty vehicle line. You've seen the factory-accessorized Cube Krom, and now Nissan apparently believes the time is right for a Rogue Krom. The front clip gets a GT-R-esque treatment, while the rear gets a center-exit exhaust with a sportier sound. The package sits on blinged-up wheels, and gets finished off with privacy glass, body-colored mirrors, and steering wheel audio controls.

Three color choices -- Venom Red, Wicket Black, and Gotham Gray -- will set off the Krom badge in the hopes of making this Rogue the baddest grocery-getter on the block. Maybe that way it won't be so awkward when you swing your sword over your head, scream "Krom!" and ask your next door neighbor, "Do you want to live forever?" It will be awkward when he calls the police on you, though.

Nissan didn't announce pricing on the Rogue Krom, but you can read about everything else in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Rogue Krom Edition

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading 2010 Nissan Rogue Krom Edition revealed

2010 Nissan Rogue Krom Edition revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quick Spin: 2010 Nissan Altima a well-mannered sedan without surprises

Michael Harley — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Nissan, First Drives

2010 Nissan Altima - Click above for high-res image gallery

As the company's number-one global volume vehicle, the Altima is instrumental in keeping the lights on at Nissan HQ. Now in its fourth-generation (last redesigned for the 2007 model year), the made-in-the-USA model is sold in both sedan and coupe variants with a choice of two gasoline engines or one hybrid powerplant. Nissan offers four sedans for the 2010 model year, with the Altima slotting in directly under the flagship Maxima in the lineup (with both sharing Nissan's D-platform architecture).

After spending time with the 2010 Nissan Altima, we understand why it's the brand's best selling model and while it's not a tire shredding sport sedan, this competent family hauler deserves all the kudos and sales volume it's earned.

Gallery: Quick Spin: 2010 Nissan Altima

Continue reading Quick Spin: 2010 Nissan Altima a well-mannered sedan without surprises

Quick Spin: 2010 Nissan Altima a well-mannered sedan without surprises originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Revamped for 2010 Nissan Altima says hello, gets priced from $19,900

Chris Paukert — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Nissan

2010 Nissan Altima - Click either image for high-res gallery

Remember that small, grainy photo of the refreshed-for-2010 Nissan Altima that was making the rounds earlier this month? Forget it - because the official pics, pricing, and details are all here.

For 2010, Nissan's pivotal midsizer receives a modest but effective new bit of front clippery, including a new grille, bumper, and hood. Additional exterior changes are mainly limited to things like alloy wheel patterns and paint choice.

Inside, expect alterations that include reworked option package groupings,new interior fabrics and trim, and so on. On the infotech front, a new nine-speaker Bose stereo will be available incorporating things like iPod connectivity, Bluetooth telephony, XM, and a rearview camera visible from its 4.3-inch display. Those wishing to spend a few more sheckels can opt for a next-gen navi with a 6.5-inch touchscreen setup, and it includes everything from the usual XM add-ons (NavTraffic, NavWeather) to speed limit advisories and a built-in Zagat's guide for stranded foodies. On the entertainment front, it also includes a 9.3-gig drive for ripping tunes, Bluetooth streaming audio and DVD player functionality.

Underneath, all 2010 Altima models get standard stability control whether they have two or four doors, and the 3.5 SE trim designation has rather curiously been ditched in favor of 3.5 SR.

Pricing for the sedan starts at $19,900 for the 170 horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder S when paired with a CVT gearbox and climbs to $24,520 for the 270 hp, 3.5-liter V6 SR model, also with CVT. Want a third pedal? Prepare to lose a couple of doors - the 2.5 S coupe with a six-speed manual starts at $22,440, and the SR coupe with the 3.5-liter manual runs $29,600 - curiously, that's $2,330 more than the CVT model even though the same transmission is cheaper than the shift-it-yourself gearbox in four-cylinder guise. Last, but not least, if you're in the market for an Altima hybrid, expect to pony up $26,780 before options.

Will these changes be enough to keep the Altima in the thick of the family sedan hunt against perennial adversaries like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Chevrolet Malibu, and Mazda6? Let us know what you think after checking out the high-res galleries below and the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Altima Sedan

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Altima Coupe

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Revamped for 2010 Nissan Altima says hello, gets priced from $19,900

Revamped for 2010 Nissan Altima says hello, gets priced from $19,900 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2010 Nissan Altima Coupe getting a nip/tuck? UPDATED

Dan Roth — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Nissan, Design/Style

UPDATE: Images removed at request of photographer.

Next on the Cavalcade of Mild Styling Tweaks, the Nissan Altima Coupe. It's still mostly internet speculation about what's in store, but some pictures of what's believed to be the 2010 Altima Coupe have surfaced. Altimas.org forum member Mr_Coupe got hold of a couple of stills that appear to depict a facelifted Altima two-door and a 370Z Roadster getting all shot up by a Mercedes M-Class process truck. It could be running footage or a commercial being filmed, and it's unclear where the two snaps came from, but it offers grist for the mill.

When we asked about the photographs, Nissan told us the following:

"We can confirm that several marketing activities (photo shoots, etc.) have been underway for the past several weeks capturing a number of Nissan products. While the image does appear to be a 2010 Altima, no further information will be provided at this time."

It looks like the Coupe will be given a grille more like its sedan siblings (although the four-door is also likely to get refreshed), and the headlamps appear different here when the picture is scaled up. As we head into the end of 2009, there's sure to be more details coming soon. With just a single shot of the front end, we're left to wonder if the same kind of treatment has gone on out back, with subtle changes to the rear fascia and taillamps. Now that we've lit the conjecture bomb, we're just going to back away behind this blast wall here... Thanks for the tip, Mehdi!

[Source: Altimas.org]

Spy Shots: 2010 Nissan Altima Coupe getting a nip/tuck? UPDATED originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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