Autoblog

Nissan Note gets minor upgrades for 2012

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Minivan/Van, Europe, Hatchback, Nissan

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.

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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.

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Nissan creates first self-healing iPhone case

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Nissan, Design/Style

Nissan has been working on its self-healing clearcoat technology called Scratch Shield for more than seven years. While it's been applied to the company's cars for four years now, it's first non-automotive application is here: an iPhone case.

Called the Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case, it appears aimed at the doubly-retentive types who not only don't like their phone getting scratched, but also don't even like their cases to show any wear. The healing finish is applied to an ABS-plastic case, so that the case protects the smartphone and the Scratch Shield protects the case. Nissan claims another benefit is that the glossy finish is easier to grip.

It's in beta-trial now, but if real-world testing brings accolades it could go on sale later this year - hopefully with some more subtle choices of branding.

Continue reading Nissan creates first self-healing iPhone case

Nissan creates first self-healing iPhone case originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan Juke-R is world's quickest crossover with 3.7s 0-60 time

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Videos, Crossover, Nissan, UK

The Nissan Juke R is a gaggle of impressive numbers: 1,540 hours and 22 weeks of development time, 11 videos of its development, several upset bosses, 480 GT-R-derived horsepower and 428 pound-feet - and to that group we can add a 3.7-second 0-to-60 time and a top speed of 160 miles per hour. Yes, 3.7 seconds may be a second slower than the GT-R, but it's only two-tenths of a second slower than the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

Speaking of the videos, the eleventh and last in the series has been released and it's the final teaser before the real thing explodes onto the scene in Dubai. You'll find it after the jump, and when you're finished with that you can watch them all here. We've included the 10th vid after the jump as well, because who isn't interested in a track shakedown of the crossover Beelzebub uses to take his little 'bubs to soccer practice?

Continue reading Nissan Juke-R is world's quickest crossover with 3.7s 0-60 time

Nissan Juke-R is world's quickest crossover with 3.7s 0-60 time originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan 370Z plays chicken

Zach Bowman — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Nissan, Humor

Nissan 370Z races a chicken - Click above to watch video after the jump

The team at Nissan UK has worked up a new spot for the company's 370Z that features plenty of wing-to-fender action. Set in a seedy underworld where poultry is pitted against sheetmetal in a dire race for bragging rights, the 370Z is seen battling the latest descendant in a long line of racing chickens. The chicken in question supposedly excels in the corners, though predictably enough, he's no match for the tail-sliding action of the Z.

Does any of this make sense? Of course not, but neither do a bunch of rapping hamsters, and we still love those. Considering that Kia just walked away with the winning nod at the Nielsen Top Auto Ad of the Year awards for the company's "This or That" spot, Nissan may be hoping to cash in on the animal craze in its own way, though we have to wonder if the ad might not ruffle a few feathers over at PETA.

Hit the jump to watch Nissan's poultry in motion.

[Source: Nissan via YouTube]

Continue reading Nissan 370Z plays chicken

Nissan 370Z plays chicken originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Apr 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Nissan Cube on the outs in UK?

Chris Shunk — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 21:02:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Crossover, Hatchback, Nissan, UK, Rumormill

Nissan Cube S - Click above for high-res image gallery

At one time there were high hopes in the UK for the current generation Nissan Cube. But in the year since its entry into the market, the quirky little box on wheels has experienced putrid sales. We're talking a reported 686 units sold. In a year. And with no diesel version on the way.

Auto Express reports that the Cube has been so unsuccessful on the Island Nation that dealers won't be required to have a Cube on site for demonstration purposes. And if dealers can sell twice as many copies of the also-quirky Juke in one month (1,617 were sold in September alone) as the Cube in an entire year, we can't see to many dealers asking for a Cube if they don't need one.

Does this news mean anything for the future of the Cube in the U.S.? Nearly 20,000 copies of the boxy little runabout have been sold so far this year; probably not a poor enough showing for the Cube to be shown the door, but nothing much worth bragging about, either.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Nissan Cube (U.S.-spec)

Photos Copyright (C)2009 Alex Núñez / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Auto Express]

Rumormill: Nissan Cube on the outs in UK? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 21:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Nissan UK commercial for Juke lights 'em up

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, Nissan, UK

Nissan UK Juke commercial - Click above to watch video after the jump

The Nissan Juke, a space oddity that continues to win hearts and minds, has a commercial in the UK that continues the crossover's ownership of left field. The two-minute spot with a music track straight from a Halo ad injects some energy to the Juke mix, suggesting that it might have enough spark to get the city going and make your hair stand on end. Or at least enough to start up Richard Simmons. Follow the jump to watch.

Gallery: 2011 Nissan Juke: First Drive

Photos copyright (C)2010 Chris Paukert / AOL

[Source: Nissan UK via Top Speed]

Continue reading Video: Nissan UK commercial for Juke lights 'em up

Video: Nissan UK commercial for Juke lights 'em up originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan Micra C+C+Conran gets designer makeover

Alex Nunez — Mon, 17 Jul 2006 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Coupe, Etc., Europe, Misc. Auto Shows

Nissan's relationship with London-based designer Sebastian Conran continues with the the latest product of their collaboration: the Nissan Micra C+C+Conran concept. Based on the 1.6 Essenza version of the neat little Micra C+C, the C+C+Conran is a design exercise that will be floated at this week's British International Motor Show to gauge potential interest in a production version. No mechanical changes have been made -- this one's all about style.

Conran's goal with the exterior was to emulate the finish of Japanese lacquer. The paint color used is called Blushing Black, named for the deep wine-red reflections it casts off. The lights and wheels are said to incorporate fleeting hints of red in their dark grey finishes, but in the photos that nuance is not immediately apparent. The trunklid paintwork also incorporates a subtle leaf pattern, which ties directly to the car's interior styling.

(More after the jump! Remainder of the post, photo gallery, and press materials follow)

[Source: Nissan UK]

Continue reading Nissan Micra C+C+Conran gets designer makeover

Nissan Micra C+C+Conran gets designer makeover originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Jul 2006 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Flag-draped flagship: the Nissan Micra Sport SR

Alex Nunez — Tue, 11 Jul 2006 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Nissan

At the top of a reshuffled Nissan Micra lineup in the UK sits the flagship Micra Sport SR, which is essentially a Micra 160SR with a new name (It's part of the newly-created "Sport" Collection, hence the updated moniker). Nissan UK is responsible for its design, engineering and manufacture, and it will make its debut at next week's London International Motor Show.

Appropriately (or actually, maybe not, based on the picture above), the Sport SR featured in the press photos advertises its Brit creds with a full-body Union Jack motif that makes MINI's rooftop flags look like mere bumper stickers. Nissan assures us that the Micra's flag scheme is not a production option, so good taste prevails. Rest assured, the quirky-cool Micra looks a lot better in solid colors.

The Micra Sport SR is available in bespoilered 3 and 5-door body styles. Foglights, tinted headlamps, and 16" wheels complete the list of Sport Collection visual upgrades. It also gets climate control, automatic lights and windshield wipers, side airbags, a 6CD changer and stability control. The 1.6L 4-cylinder underhood makes 110 horsepower and is connected to a 5-speed manual. Performance is not earth-shattering by any means (0-60 in around 9.5 seconds), but is perfectly adequate for an everyday runabout. Estimated "on the road" pricing (including VAT, etc) is £10,995 for the 3-door and £11,645 for the 5-door.

Nissan Technical Centre employees also prepped a set of matching geese (yes, geese ... don't ask me) to go with their super-patriotic paint scheme. See them after the jump.

(Goose photo, Press release after the jump)

[Source: Nissan UK]

Continue reading Flag-draped flagship: the Nissan Micra Sport SR

Flag-draped flagship: the Nissan Micra Sport SR originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Jul 2006 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan UK shows off the 350Z GT-S concept

Alex Nunez — Thu, 29 Jun 2006 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Europe, Nissan, Misc. Auto Shows

A group of frisky engineers at the Nissan Technical Centre Europe have been keeping busy with a special weekend project the last year or so. The results of their labors will be on full display at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the form of the Nissan 350Z GT-S Concept. Visitors to the festival will see the car in action on the hill climb course. When it's not screaming up the hill, the 350Z GT-S will be on display in the Supercar Paddock.

Power has been raised to 382 horses thanks to the addition of a Novidem supercharger. Likewise, torque has been improved to 313 lb-ft. All that should be good for a 5.8 4.8 second 0-60 run.

A snarlier exhaust, retuned suspension, Strosek body kit and wheel and tire upgrades complete the package. The NTCE team that worked on the car was cost-conscious in developing it, and the upgrades were done in such a way that they could potentially be offered as aftermarket accessory "packs" (i.e. suspension pack, engine pack, etc.) by the manufacturer. A best case scenario would have the GT-S greenlighted for production as a full car.

Nissan is keeping mum about plans for the car, but you can bet that they'll be closely monitoring fan reaction at Goodwood. If it's a hit, maybe we'll see it become available in some form.

Cross your fingers.

(Press release, more photos after the jump)

[Source: Nissan UK]

Continue reading Nissan UK shows off the 350Z GT-S concept

Nissan UK shows off the 350Z GT-S concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jun 2006 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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