Autoblog

Autoblog Podcast #312

Dan Roth — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Government/Legal, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, Nissan, Diesel

More Honda Fit models, mandatory black boxes, too many GM pickups, Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel

Episode #312 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and George Kennedy talk about reports of a soon-to-be-expanding Honda Fit line, the possibility of a mandated and standardized black box for every car, GM's glut of pickups, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel that's coming soon. For those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #312:

Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2013 Honda Accord Touring
2013 Nissan Sentra SR
2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo

Hosts: Dan Roth, Zach Bowman, George Kennedy

Runtime: 01:31:41

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Autoblog Podcast #312 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Dec 2012 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Nissan Sentra priced from $15,990*

George Kennedy — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 11:33:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, Nissan

It has been five years since the last major redesign of the Nissan Sentra. Nissan showed the world its new, elegant design just over a month ago, and now we have been clued into the Sentra's pricing.

Anyone looking to get their hands on a 2013 Nissan Sentra, in base "S 6MT" trim, will have to spend $15,990 (not including a destination charge, which has not yet been specified, though is likely to run $760 as on the '13 Altima). If you'd like the base S model with the Xtronic CVT transmission it will run you $17,260,

The Sentra comes with a 1.8-liter inline-4 making 130 horsepower and 128 pound feet of torque. All models, save for the S 6MT, send power to the front wheels through the CVT transmission, offering fuel economy of 30 miles per gallon city, 39 highway. Those looking to take advantage of the 40 mpg highway in the S FE+ model will have to throw down $17,660. There is also a mid-pack FE+ SV trim, which fetches $18,870.

If you'd like the SR trim be prepared to spend $18,870. The range topping SL features heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals, push-button start, dual zone automatic climate control and Bluetooth hands-free connectivity at a price of $19,760.

A Navigation Package offers NissanConnect voice recognition, touch-screen NAV system, backup camera, Pandora web radio capability and hands-free text messaging. A Premium Package provides Power sliding moon rood and Bose premium audio system with eight speakers. Pricing has not yet been announced for these options packages, however.

To find out more about the new Sentra, click below to check out the press release.

To compare: the 2013 Hyundai Elantra costs $16,695 for the base GLS, and $20,945 for the Limited, though there are far less tim options than the Sentra. The 2012 Honda Civic starts at $15,955 for a DX model, while an EX-L with navigation is $23,605.

Continue reading 2013 Nissan Sentra priced from $15,990*

2013 Nissan Sentra priced from $15,990* originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #298

Dan Roth — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 17:45:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts

Seventh-Generation Volkswagen Golf, GM Hybrid Trucks cancelled, 2013 Nissan Sentra, Mechanic Shortage

Episode #298 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff Ross talk about the recently unveiled seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf, the 2013 Nissan Sentra, the cancellation of GM's next-generation of hybrid trucks, and the looming shortage of auto mechanics. 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. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #298:

Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2013 Cadillac XTS
2012 Fiat 500 Abarth
2013 Volkswagen CC

Hosts: Dan Roth, Jeff Ross, Zach Bowman

Runtime: 01:21:22

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #298

Autoblog Podcast #298 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Nissan Sentra debuts with improved CVT, 40 MPG

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Nissan

If this big reveal of the 2013 Nissan Sentra feels a bit anticlimactic to you, know that you aren't alone. Not only have we seen the new Nissan compact do its slow striptease on the spy shot circuit, the car already debuted for the Chinese market as the Sylphy during this year's Beijing Motor Show. Still, that doesn't make it any less of a big deal.

The new model is roughly 150 pounds lighter than the car it replaces.

The 2013 Sentra follows in the footsteps of Nissan's larger Altima sedan, and not just in terms of design. We already knew this new C-segment car was going to look a lot like its big brother, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. It may not be as aggressive as a Ford Focus or Dodge Dart, but it's a conservatively handsome little thing nonetheless, offering premium touches like LED running lamps, attractive 17-inch wheels and LED taillamps out back. A close focus on weight savings has been applied to this seventh-generation Sentra, and the new model is roughly 150 pounds lighter than the car it replaces.

Under the hood, the outgoing Sentra's 2.0-liter inline-four has been ditched in favor of a smaller and oddly less powerful 1.8-liter unit. This engine produces 130 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque - losses of 10 and 19, respectively - and is mated to the company's next-generation Xtronic continuously variable transmission. Only the base Sentra S is available with a six-speed manual 'box. Much like in the larger Altima, this new CVT means fuel economy is vastly improved, with the majority of Sentra models rated at 30/39/34 miles per gallon (city/highway/combined). Adding the extra-efficient FE+ trim package will even net you a full 40 mpg on the highway with the CVT.

In addition to the S, S FE+, SV, SV FE+ and SL, Nissan will offer an SR trim (pictured above) that adds unique five-spoke 17-inch alloys, sport front and rear fascias, a sport front grille, lower body side sill extensions, fog lights, a rear spoiler and a chrome exhaust tip. Sadly, no suspension or powertrain upgrades are included with the "sporty" SR, but inside, silver trim is mixed in with unique cloth seats.

Sadly, no suspension or powertrain upgrades are included with the "sporty" SR.

The remaining Sentra models offer what Nissan says is a "class-above" premium feel inside, with improved overall interior dimensions versus the outgoing model. Both cloth and leather upholstery are available, as is the automaker's fancy new NissanConnect infotainment system that combines things like NavTraffic, NavWeather, as well as Bluetooth and Pandora streaming audio.

Full pricing information will be released closer to the Sentra's launch this fall. For now, scroll down to read the official word from Nissan and browse through the gallery above to see the new compact sedan from all angles.

Continue reading 2013 Nissan Sentra debuts with improved CVT, 40 MPG

2013 Nissan Sentra debuts with improved CVT, 40 MPG originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan cranking up Canton output to accommodate 2013 Sentra [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Nissan

Nissan has announced that it will build the 2013 Sentra at its Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant in Canton, Mississippi. The Japanese automaker had already committed to moving both its Frontier and Xterra SUVs to Mississippi from Nissan's plant in Smyrna, Tennessee. The manufacturer says it will hire 1,000 workers to keep pace with the three new models in the Canton plant, pushing the facility's total workforce to 4,500. The location also builds the 2013 Altima, Armada, Titan and NV commercial trucks. Sentra production is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of this year.

Nissan will also build the 2013 Sentra at its Aguascalientes, Mexico plant, where the company builds the current sedan. The company says the two-front approach will allow it to produce more Sentra models than before in order to better keep up with demand. Scroll down to read the official press release and to watch a Nissan-produced faux news report.

Continue reading Nissan cranking up Canton output to accommodate 2013 Sentra [w/video]

Nissan cranking up Canton output to accommodate 2013 Sentra [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jun 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Nissan Sentra caught completely uncovered

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Sedan, Nissan, Design/Style

Just days after our spy photographers caught the 2013 Nissan Sentra doing its best zebra impersonation, we now have photos of the automaker's new compact sedan completely uncovered (okay, so the badge is covered) attempting to hide under the cloak of night. To no one's surprise, this nearly production-ready Sentra looks exactly like what we expected - that is to say, a baby version of the recently introduced Altima, or more to the point, an Americanized version of the Sylphy sedan that was unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show back in April.

Word on the street is that the Sentra will be powered by a direct-injected 1.8-liter inline-four, mated to either Nissan's Xtronic continuously variable transmission or a six-speed manual. If the CVT's improvements are anything like what what we've tested in the new Altima, the Sentra should be poised to offer substantial fuel economy improvements versus its predecessor.

We'll have the full skinny when Nissan officially unveils the 2013 Sentra at this year's Los Angeles Auto Show, but for now, scroll through our high-res image gallery to see the new Sentra's swoopier skin.

2013 Nissan Sentra caught completely uncovered originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jun 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Nissan Sentra sedan snapped wearing stripes

Jeff Sabatini — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 15:01:00 EST

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

Nissan is making waves with the promise of five new products in the next year, including an all-new Sentra, arguably the model in the company's portfolio that could most use a redesign. Our spy shooters have now captured the forthcoming Sentra and we're happy to say that it looks to be a major upgrade in attractiveness, both inside and out. The Sentra also looks to have grown, as it continues its transition upmarket, further distancing itself from the Versa.

Though it's hard to see under the zebra skin, a swooping character line that runs from front to back seems appears to mimic what we're seeing in newer Nissan models like the 2013 Pathfinder and Altima, and the Sentra's instrument panel is a perfectly sculpted match. It looks like the new model will get a whole host of other upgrades, including LED taillights and some metal-finish accents on the interior. We also hear that Nissan will be installing a direct-injected 1.8-liter four-cylinder underhood, which will come with either a CVT or a six-speed manual.

While it might be hard to imagine getting excited about a Sentra again, we had high hopes based on official images of the Chinese-market Nissan Sylphy, which is essentially the same car. That these spy photos confirm a much more stylish Sentra only makes us eager to get behind the wheel, though we'll have to await until after the official reveal at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Check out all the images, including some interior shots and closeups, in our high-res gallery.

2013 Nissan Sentra sedan snapped wearing stripes originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Jun 2012 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Nissan Sentra previewed by new Sylphy in Beijing [w/video]

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Videos, Nissan, Beijing Motor Show, Design/Style

Starting with the 2013 Altima, Nissan will be launching five all-new products in the United States over the next 15 months. And while the sedan you see here is initially heading to China as the Nissan Sylphy, it'll be heading to our shores as the Sentra later this year, albeit with a few market-specific tweaks.

For now, Nissan has released a short video teaser of the North American-spec 2013 Sentra, which you can view after the jump. The video shows the new compact sedan in its SR trim, which Autoblog has learned is only a North American-specific trim package. The rest of the Sylphy's styling appears to carry over largely unchanged, with new details like LED running lamps and taillamps rounding out a design that's essentially a downsized version of what we see on the new Altima.

In China, the Sylphy will be launched with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine mated to Nissan's next-generation Xtronic continuously variable transmission. It might not be an all-new powertrain, but remember, this is the same strategy that Nissan is using with the new Altima - one that has paid big dividends in fuel economy. The engines themselves haven't changed, but with an improved CVT, we should see gains in not only performance but fuel economy, as well.

We'll see the North American-spec 2013 Sentra this summer with the car officially going on sale this fall. Scroll down to watch a teaser video of the Sentra SR, and to read the full press materials about the Chinese-market Sylphy.

Continue reading 2013 Nissan Sentra previewed by new Sylphy in Beijing [w/video]

2013 Nissan Sentra previewed by new Sylphy in Beijing [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Nissan Sentra to look more like a baby Altima?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 09:32:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Nissan, Design/Style

2010 Nissan Sentra SE-R - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's not that the Nissan Sentra is a 'bad car,' so to speak, but it's about as exciting to anyone with even a modicum of automotive enthusiasm as a haircut. Sadly, that milquetoast feeling even extends to the more powerful SE-R and 200-horsepower SE-R Spec V. Said another way, the current Sentra is a long time gone from the SR20DE-engined B13 Sentra SE-R of the early '90s.

But there may be light at the end of the tunnel: Nissan knows that its current Sentra is too boring. Al Castignetti, Nissan Division Vice President of Sales recently admitted to AutoWeek that "We miss the heart of the market right now. A lot of people reject the Sentra because of its looks... it is not a natural progression to move down to it from the Altima."

While you could certainly argue that the Sentra needs more than just a restyling - like, perhaps having more content and sporting potential to properly differentiate itself from the almost-as-large and significantly cheaper Versa - looking more like the handsome Altima sounds like a solid step in the right direction.

One thing's for certain: Nissan has big hopes for its next-gen compact car, which should hit the market in about two years. Castignetti believes that Nissan has the opportunity to increase sales from 100,000 units per year to 300,000. Lofty goals for sure, but both the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla prove that it can indeed be done.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Nissan Sentra SE-R

Next Nissan Sentra to look more like a baby Altima? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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