Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #317]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/autoblog-podcast-317/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/autoblog-podcast-317/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/autoblog-podcast-317/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Mitsubishi Mirage, Toyota thinks of beefing up US production, Marchionne on Alfa, Dart and minivans, Ford Atlas concept, Honda Gear concept autoblog podcast logo

Episode #317 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Jeff Ross and Michael Harley bookend the other podcast topics with a pair from the Montreal Auto Show, the Mitsubishi Mirage and Honda Gear concept, and in between we talk about Toyota building all its US-market cars stateside, Hyundai building a Nurburgring test facility, Sergio Marchionne's latest words about Alfa Romeo, Dodge Dart powertrains and the future of Chrysler vans. Some chatter about the Ford Atlas concept finishes up the meat of the 'cast and then we wrap with your questions. 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 #317:



Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2013 Volvo C30
2013 Dodge Journey
2013 Nissan Altima

Hosts: Dan Roth, Jeff Ross, Michael Harley


Runtime: 01:50:11

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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #317

Autoblog Podcast #317 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa romeoaltimaatlasautoblog podcastautoblog podcast 317c30dartdodgefeaturedfordford atlas conceptgearhondahonda gear concepthyundaihyundai nurburgringjourneynissannurburgringpodcastpodcast 317toyotavolvoWed, 23 Jan 2013 17:50:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #317Autoblog01:25:37 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20437004/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/23/autoblog-podcast-317/20437004/article-detail.xml 20437004 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[IIHS says these are the safest cars of 2013]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/iihs-says-these-are-the-safest-cars-of-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/iihs-says-these-are-the-safest-cars-of-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/iihs-says-these-are-the-safest-cars-of-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

2013 Honda Accord V6 Coupe - red - front three-quarter view

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has revealed its annual list of Top Safety Picks, an award that highlights automobiles it says offer "superior crash protection." A new and still more significant award, the Top Safety Pick+ honor, is given to those vehicles that earn good ratings for occupant protection in four out of five areas of measure. And while some 117 vehicles were given the TSP seal of approval for 2013, just 13 passed muster for TSP+.

To be fair, IIHS only evaluated 29 vehicles with its new testing procedures for TSP+ (we'd expect that the number of qualified cars will rise substantially for 2014). Luxury and Near Luxury midsize cars were the first groups evaluated, followed by midsizers in the Moderately Priced Cars category - unsurprisingly, it's only midsize cars that you'll find among the class this year.

Only two luxury sedans made the list of 13 for 2013: the Acura TL and Volvo S60. The other 11 cars on the list included entries from domestic, Japanese and German car makers: Dodge Avenger, Chrysler 200, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord (sedan and coupe), Kia Optima (but not its close kin, the Hyundai Sonata, strangely), Nissan Altima, Subaru Legacy and Outback, Suzuki Kizashi and the Volkswagen Passat all made the grade.

Scroll down below for the full IIHS press release, and some more information about the methodology behind the institute's new Top Safety Pick+ testing.

Continue reading IIHS says these are the safest cars of 2013

IIHS says these are the safest cars of 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jan 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2002013 iihs top safety pickaccordaccord coupeacuraaltimaauto safetyavengerchryslerdodgefordfusionhondaiihsinsurance institute for highway safetykiakizashilegacynissaoptimaoutbackpassats60subarusuzukitltop safety picktop safety pick+volkswagenvolvoWed, 02 Jan 2013 19:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20414992/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/02/iihs-says-these-are-the-safest-cars-of-2013/20414992/article-detail.xml 20414992 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/iihs-top-safety-picks-2013-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/iihs-top-safety-picks-2013-628.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan sells 4-millionth Altima in US, sets new sales record]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/21/nissan-sells-4-millionth-altima-in-us-sets-new-sales-record/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/21/nissan-sells-4-millionth-altima-in-us-sets-new-sales-record/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/21/nissan-sells-4-millionth-altima-in-us-sets-new-sales-record/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Nissan is reporting that the four-millionth Altima has been sold, marking an impressive milestone for the model that has been around since 1992. Altima number four million was also a party to the best single year of sales ever for the nameplate - Nissan broke its 2007 record of 284,762 Altimas sold.

The automaker is using the occasion of the record-breaking Altima to crow a little bit about the impressive stats for the 2013 car, as well. Nissan says that both transaction price and residuals are trending upward compared with Altimas past, and that 25 percent of those that have purchased the 2013 car traded in a Toyota or a Honda to do so.

Certainly the strong Altima sales have helped Nissan's fortunes as a whole, too. By our own reporting the maker's sales were up by nearly 10 percent, year-over-year, in November.

Continue reading Nissan sells 4-millionth Altima in US, sets new sales record

Nissan sells 4-millionth Altima in US, sets new sales record originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Dec 2012 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 nissan altima4 millionaltimafour millionth altimanissanFri, 21 Dec 2012 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20409679/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/21/nissan-sells-4-millionth-altima-in-us-sets-new-sales-record/20409679/article-detail.xml 20409679 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/08-2013-nissan-altima-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/08-2013-nissan-altima-628.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Car and Driver</i> "Masters of the Middle" comparo sizes up Passat, Fusion, Altima and Accord]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/12/car-and-driver-masters-of-the-middle-comparo-sizes-up-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/12/car-and-driver-masters-of-the-middle-comparo-sizes-up-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/12/car-and-driver-masters-of-the-middle-comparo-sizes-up-p/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Car and Driver mid-size sedan comparison test - 2013

Last year, the Volkswagen Passat 2.5 SE won a Car and Driver comparison test of mid-size sedans, beating the Honda Accord V6 and Hyundai Sonata 2.0T. A couple of months later, the same Passat model won a mid-size comparo from Motor Trend against the Hyundai Sonata GLS and Toyota Camry LE. Earlier this year, the VW won an even larger C/D comparison test, beating the Chevrolet Malibu Eco, Accord EX-L, Sonata SE, Kia Optima EX and Camry SE.

That's a convincing string of victories, but they're all against the old hotness. So C/D put the Passat 2.5 SE against the freshest mid-sized competitors, the all-new-for-2013 versions of the Ford Fusion SE EcoBoost, Honda Accord EX and Nissan Altima 2.5 SV, and, well, you'll have to see if the German's enormous back seat and good chassis were enough to keep it on top. You can find out how they all ranked, and why, in the video below.

Continue reading Car and Driver "Masters of the Middle" comparo sizes up Passat, Fusion, Altima and Accord

Car and Driver "Masters of the Middle" comparo sizes up Passat, Fusion, Altima and Accord originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford fusion2013 honda accord2013 nissan altima2013 volkswagen passataccordaltimacar and drivercomparisonfordfusionhondanissanpassatvideovolkswagenMon, 12 Nov 2012 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20376709/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/12/car-and-driver-masters-of-the-middle-comparo-sizes-up-p/20376709/article-detail.xml 20376709 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/cdmid-sizecomparo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/cdmid-sizecomparo.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Nissan's V8 Supercar on its inaugural track outing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/05/watch-nissans-v8-supercar-on-its-inaugural-track-outing/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/05/watch-nissans-v8-supercar-on-its-inaugural-track-outing/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/05/watch-nissans-v8-supercar-on-its-inaugural-track-outing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Nissan and Kelly Racing recently put the new Australian V8 Supercar Altima on the track for the first time in order to do a little aerodynamic testing. Team owner and driver Todd Kelly took the machine around Calder Park despite the fact that he's currently recovering from shoulder reconstruction surgery. Kelly said the car feels good, but there's still plenty of work to do between now and next March when the sedan will see its official race debut. Though this is the first of the Altima racers to put tire to tarmac, Kelly racing is working on an additional three cars for competition.

Those should be completed by the end of the year if everything goes as planned. As you may recall, the V8 Supercars Altima benefits from a reworked Nissan VK56DE 5.6-liter V8 engine. All told, Nissan has sunk around $1.56 million into the new V8 Supercars program to become the first brand other than Ford or Holden to compete in the series in nearly 20 years. Check out the car in action below.

Continue reading Watch Nissan's V8 Supercar on its inaugural track outing

Watch Nissan's V8 Supercar on its inaugural track outing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Nov 2012 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 nissan altimaaltimaaustraliaaustralian v8 supercarsaustralian v8 supercars altimakelly racingnissanv8 supercarsv8 supercars altimaMon, 05 Nov 2012 18:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20370558/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/05/watch-nissans-v8-supercar-on-its-inaugural-track-outing/20370558/article-detail.xml 20370558 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/altima07-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/altima07-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan reveals Altima V8 Supercar [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/30/nissan-reveals-altima-v8-supercar-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/30/nissan-reveals-altima-v8-supercar-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/30/nissan-reveals-altima-v8-supercar-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Nissan Altima V8 Supercar reveal on plinth

Seven months after announcing it was reentering the series and $1.5M AUD later ($1.56M USD), this is your new Nissan Altima for the Australian V8 Supercar Series. Just unveiled in Melbourne by Kelly Racing, the racer is Nissan's take on the Car of the Future (COTF) regulations credited with returning other manufacturers to the series. Under the hood is a derivative of Nissan's VK56DE engine, the 5.6-liter V8 that will be slotted into the 2013 Nissan Patrol SUV. Beefed up but downsized to five liters to satisfy regulations, it will put out more than 600 horsepower.

Todd Kelly of Kelly Racing says it didn't take all that much to transform the production Altima's production bodywork to fit over the control chassis: "Aside from flaring of the rear guards, and extending of the front guards; the doors, roof, bonnet and bootlid panels are all the same length as the road car." Shapelier and more compact than the entries from Ford, Holden and Mercedes-Benz, the V8 Supercars bosses will be testing this Nissan to ensure aerodynamic parity with the other cars.

Kelly Racing namesakes Todd and Rick will take the wheel at the season's February opener in Adelaide, the Clipsal 500. As of today, the team is known as Nissan Motorsports but the livery you see is just for the launch; the competition car will wear the Jack Daniels sponsorship worn by the team's Holden Commodore racecars now. Nissan hasn't been in the series in the two decades since that car (the GT-R) was kicked out, and its return throws four carmakers into battle, doubling the current tally. Now enjoy the video and press release below while we wait for Mercedes to show its hand.

Continue reading Nissan reveals Altima V8 Supercar [w/video]

Nissan reveals Altima V8 Supercar [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Oct 2012 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 nissan altimaaltimakelly racingnissannissan altima v8touring carv8 supercarsvideoTue, 30 Oct 2012 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20365060/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/30/nissan-reveals-altima-v8-supercar-w-video/20365060/article-detail.xml 20365060 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/628-altima-v8-supercar_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/628-altima-v8-supercar.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan Altima V8? Only for Australia's touring car series]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/nissan-altima-v8-only-for-australias-touring-car-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/nissan-altima-v8-only-for-australias-touring-car-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/nissan-altima-v8-only-for-australias-touring-car-series/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Nissan Altima V8 Supercars

By all accounts, the 2013 Nissan Altima is an excellent vehicle, but that doesn't mean it couldn't benefit from the addition of a heady V8 under the hood. Nissan Motorsport has cured that ail by constructing four Altima racers for the Australian V8 Supercars Championship, each with their own 32-valve VK56DE engine in the nose. The bruisers will start campaigning next season, and will mark the first entry in the series from any brand outside of Ford or Holden in nearly twenty years. Nissan has already produced the first of its race engines, and the team is currently working on whipping up another 14 examples for the next season.

Nissan Motorsport is set to unveil the actual race cars next week, but until then, you can check out the video below. In it, the team shows off the progress that's been made so far, including cranking out body molds and building cage structures. Looks like fun.

Continue reading Nissan Altima V8? Only for Australia's touring car series

Nissan Altima V8? Only for Australia's touring car series originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 19:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 altima2013 nissan altimaaltimaaustralian v8 supercarsnissannissan altima v8v8 supercarsv8 supercars championshipTue, 23 Oct 2012 19:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20358185/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/23/nissan-altima-v8-only-for-australias-touring-car-series/20358185/article-detail.xml 20358185 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/altima-v8-supercars-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/altima-v8-supercars-628.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan recalls thousands of 2012 and 2013 Altimas over loose bolts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/nissan-recalls-thousands-of-2012-and-2013-altimas-over-loose-bol/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/nissan-recalls-thousands-of-2012-and-2013-altimas-over-loose-bol/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/nissan-recalls-thousands-of-2012-and-2013-altimas-over-loose-bol/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Do you know what a transverse link bolt is? Well, if you own either a 2012 or 2013 Nissan Altima, the seemingly inconsequential piece of hardware may concern you. A recall has been issued regarding over 13,000 Altima's built between May 10 and July 26 of 2012.

The warning is in regards to said transverse link bolts as well as rack bolts in the power steering system. These bolts were apparently not torqued to the proper specification. The fallout from carrying on without addressing this issue? These elements could become loose, and actually may lead to loss of control of the vehicle.

Nissan is notifying owners of affected vehicles. These models will have the involved blots tightened to the recommended specifications. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, the recall will take effect on, or about October 29 and owners are encouraged to contact either Nissan or NHTSA.

Nissan recalls thousands of 2012 and 2013 Altimas over loose bolts originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 nissan altimaaltimanational highway transportation safety administrationnhtsanissanrecalltransverse link boltTue, 23 Oct 2012 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20356116/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/23/nissan-recalls-thousands-of-2012-and-2013-altimas-over-loose-bol/20356116/article-detail.xml 20356116 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2013-nissan-altima-first-drive_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2013-nissan-altima-first-drive.jpeg <![CDATA[2013 Ford Fusion rated at 25/37 MPG, Hybrid gets 47 MPG]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/07/2013-ford-fusion-rated-at-25-37-mpg-hybrid-gets-47-mpg/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/07/2013-ford-fusion-rated-at-25-37-mpg-hybrid-gets-47-mpg/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/07/2013-ford-fusion-rated-at-25-37-mpg-hybrid-gets-47-mpg/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The EPA posted fuel economy numbers for the 2013 Ford Fusion in front-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive and hybrid flavors, but they were quickly removed from certain parts of the FuelEconomy.gov website. Car and Driver snagged the numbers before they disappeared, however, and it makes for fine reading.

It's a toss-up nowadays as to whether an automatic or manual will get the ultimate economy, but the best numbers among the conventional Fusion powertrains are the 25 city / 37 highway miles per gallon returned by the six-speed-manual-equipped FWD Fusion with the 179-horsepower 1.6-liter EcoBoost motor. Numbers for the six-speed automatic are right behind, at 23 city / 36 highway.

Dropping nine horsepower and a turbocharger will get you price but not efficiency gains, with the 170-hp naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter four doing 22 city / 34 hwy. In the other direction, that's one small mpg away from the 22 hwy / 33 city to be had by the 237-hp 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder. Add all-wheel drive to the equation and pay a 2-mpg penalty, with the 237-hp motor doing 22 city / 31 hwy when turning all four wheels.

Of course the hybrid Fusion killed it, getting 47 city and 47 hwy. That is only bested by the 2012 Toyota Prius C and Prius, ties the 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid and beats the 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid. Among its competitors, the Fusion is in the mosh pit with the 2012 Toyota Camry's 25 city / 35 hwy, the Honda Accord's 27 city / 37 hwy and the Chevrolet Malibu's 22 city / 34 hwy, with just the sedan-surfing Nissan Altima jumping out at 27 city / 38 hwy.

2013 Ford Fusion rated at 25/37 MPG, Hybrid gets 47 MPG originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Sep 2012 10:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford fusionaccordaltimacamryepafordfuel economyfusionfusion fuel efficiencyfusion mpghondampgnissantoyotaFri, 07 Sep 2012 10:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20315075/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/07/2013-ford-fusion-rated-at-25-37-mpg-hybrid-gets-47-mpg/20315075/article-detail.xml 20315075 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/04-2013-ford-fusion-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/04-2013-ford-fusion-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan rounds up Heisman winners for latest campaign]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/05/nissan-rounds-up-heisman-winners-for-latest-campaign/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/05/nissan-rounds-up-heisman-winners-for-latest-campaign/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/05/nissan-rounds-up-heisman-winners-for-latest-campaign/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Nissan Heisman House Ad

Nissan has unleashed a new ad campaign aimed directly at football fans. The six spots all feature former Heisman Trophy winners as they shack up in the "Heisman House," including 2011 winner Robert Griffin III as the rookie.

Other familiar faces also make a showing, including the sport's only two-time Heisman winner, Archie Griffin from The Ohio State University, as well as Herschel Walker and Matt Leinart. All in all, the ads boast 12 trophy winners and one professional actor. Sean Astin, star of Rudy, shows up for a spell alongside everyone else.

What does all this have to do with Nissan? Not much... aside from the fact that a few of the company's 2013 models show up on screen briefly. We get glimpses of machines like the Leaf, Altima, Pathfinder, Titan and 370Z Roadster between scenes of somewhat stilted dialog. You can check out all six ads below.

Continue reading Nissan rounds up Heisman winners for latest campaign

Nissan rounds up Heisman winners for latest campaign originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>370z370z roadsteradadvertisingaltimaarchie griffinheisman househeisman trophyleafnissanpathfinderrobert griffintitanvideoWed, 05 Sep 2012 19:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20316593/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/05/nissan-rounds-up-heisman-winners-for-latest-campaign/20316593/article-detail.xml 20316593 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/heisman-house-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/heisman-house-628.jpg <![CDATA[CVTs expected to more than double in popularity]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/30/cvts-expected-to-more-than-double-in-popularity/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/30/cvts-expected-to-more-than-double-in-popularity/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/30/cvts-expected-to-more-than-double-in-popularity/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Nissan Altima - silver - front three-quarter view parked in front of antique gas pumps

Belts and pulleys will continue to replace traditional gears in the coming years as more carmakers turn to Continuously Variable Transmissions to suck the fun out of future machines increase fuel economy.

According to a new Automotive News report, by the numbers, about one percent of new vehicles were equipped with a CVT in 2005. By 2010, that number of new vehicles in the U.S. grew to seven percent, thanks largely to Nissan, not to mention an increase in the number of hybrid models sold in America (most of which are fitted with the technology). Experts at IHS Automotive now predict that percentage will more than double by 2016 to 16 percent.

The belt-and-pulley transmission can adjust to an engine's torque in an infinite number of ways, making it more efficient than traditional gearboxes. But CVTs have become the bane of many enthusiasts and critics because of a number of undesirable characteristics - namely the unpleasant 'rubber band' sound they emit under hard acceleration.

According to Automotive News, Japanese carmakers appear especially interested in adding CVTs to their lineups. Honda is widely expected to offer a CVT on its next-generation four-cylinder Accord, Toyota may include a CVT on its future Corolla, and the CVT stalwarts at Nissan introduced its 2013 Altima earlier this year with an upgraded CVT that helps it achieve 38 miles per gallon on the highway.

While CVTs continue to improve, some providing faux programed "shift points" through sport programs or paddle shifters, they remain a non-starter with most enthusiasts we talk to. Further, critics like us can't help but note that with the advent of newer, lighter automatics and dual-clutch gearboxes with more and more speeds (eight speeds are becoming increasingly common, and nine- and ten-speed autos cogswappers on the horizon), the efficiency advantages of the CVT aren't as impressive.

We'll obviously need some sort of pulley mechanism to drag us into the future.

CVTs expected to more than double in popularity originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jul 2012 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>altimacontinuously variable transmissioncvthondaihs automotivenissantoyotatransmissionMon, 30 Jul 2012 14:16:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20289016/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/30/cvts-expected-to-more-than-double-in-popularity/20289016/article-detail.xml 20289016 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/08-2013-nissan-altima-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/08-2013-nissan-altima-fd.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Nissan Altima: The Ultimate Proposal Machine?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/25/2013-nissan-altima-the-ultimate-proposal-machine/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/25/2013-nissan-altima-the-ultimate-proposal-machine/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/25/2013-nissan-altima-the-ultimate-proposal-machine/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Nissan Altima: The Proposal

Paris, Hawaii, Las Vegas, a Mediterranean cruise, the scene of your first date and that heinously expensive restaurant - these are legendary places to propose. And now you can add Nissan's Proving Grounds in Stanfield, Arizona to that list.

Nissan has put five members of its Facebook fan club into the 2013 Altima for "upgraded" test drives as part of a series called "The Altima Experience." One of those fans, Paul, wrote in to say that his girlfriend, Jane, loves the way the Altima drives, and Paul pledged to propose to her at the track if he got the chance to be one of the first to drive the new model.

The confetti and the string quartet didn't go to waste. To see how they got to that point, check out the video below.

Continue reading 2013 Nissan Altima: The Ultimate Proposal Machine?

2013 Nissan Altima: The Ultimate Proposal Machine? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jun 2012 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 nissan altimaaltimahow to proposemarriage proposalnissannissan test trackproposalproposal videostanfieldthe altima experiencevideovideosyoutubeMon, 25 Jun 2012 12:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20265122/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/25/2013-nissan-altima-the-ultimate-proposal-machine/20265122/article-detail.xml 20265122 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/nissan-altima-proposal_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/nissan-altima-proposal.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan debuts first barrage of Altima ads]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/nissan-debuts-first-barrage-of-altima-ads/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/nissan-debuts-first-barrage-of-altima-ads/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/nissan-debuts-first-barrage-of-altima-ads/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Nissan has plenty to be proud of with its all-new 2013 Altima. The sedan promises to average 38 miles per gallon on the highway, which is best-in-class for a non-hybrid. The new Altima also boasts a lighter and stronger frame, increased power and quicker acceleration among its many improvements.

As you'll see below, crafting an ad campaign is that much easier when you have so much to be proud of. Scroll down to watch the first four commercials that Nissan has lined up to introduce its new Altima to America.

In the first two, Nissan plays it straight with a raft of back-patting and a couple of jabs at the competition from Honda and Toyota. The second two spots aim for the funny bone while also pointing out new technology and hammering away at those all-important fuel economy numbers.

We're especially fond of the last commercial, which cleverly points out that the horn will honk when the tires have been filled to the optimum level. Funny stuff.

Continue reading Nissan debuts first barrage of Altima ads

Nissan debuts first barrage of Altima ads originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jun 2012 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20132013 nissan altimaadaltimacommercialnissansedanspotWed, 20 Jun 2012 12:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20262181/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/20/nissan-debuts-first-barrage-of-altima-ads/20262181/article-detail.xml 20262181 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/screen-shot-2012-06-20-at-11.40-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/screen-shot-2012-06-20-at-11.40-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan's Mississippi plant is chief UAW target]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/11/nissans-mississippi-plant-is-chief-uaw-target/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/11/nissans-mississippi-plant-is-chief-uaw-target/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/11/nissans-mississippi-plant-is-chief-uaw-target/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 Nissan Altima goes into production in Canton, Miss.

Historically, automotive plants in the South have been impervious to efforts by organization drives by the United Auto Workers. In 2001, the UAW was rejected two-to-one by Nissan workers at its Smyrna, Tenn. plant. And in 2005 and 2007, the UAW failed to get enough interest at Nissan's plant in Canton, Miss.

But the UAW is reportedly ready to give it a go again in Canton. Union officials say the group has been discussing the possibility with workers there, and reactions are not all positive. UAW President Bob King says Nissan officials have been actively trying to dissuade its Canton employees from cooperating with the union by using scare tactics.

"Fear and intimidation should not be part of the equation when workers are deciding whether they want to be represented by the union," King is quoted saying in the Reuters article. "Workers should be able to hear equally from both sides and make a decision for themselves."

In Nissan's defense, a company spokesman says the accusations of intimidation are not true.

If it is to succeed in Canton, the UAW will need to win over the workers, but to do so, it will likely have to overcome Nissan's apparent objections as well as the anti-union attitudes of politicians. Miss. Gov. Ken Bryant has in the past said "he would step in if the UAW tried to organize a plant in the state," Reuters reports.

Nissan's Canton plant builds five models, including the 2013 Altima, which has just entered production last week.

Nissan's Mississippi plant is chief UAW target originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>altimabob kingcanton misscanton mississippimississippinissanorganization driveuawunionunionizingunited auto workersMon, 11 Jun 2012 16:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20255872/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/11/nissans-mississippi-plant-is-chief-uaw-target/20255872/article-detail.xml 20255872 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/2013-nissan-altima-production-starts_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/2013-nissan-altima-production-starts.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Nissan Altima]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/2013-nissan-altima-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/2013-nissan-altima-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/2013-nissan-altima-first-drive-review/#commentsFiled under: , ,

38 Special



2,500 rpm in a family sedan generally isn't a whole lot to get excited about. In fact, it's traditionally closer to idle speed than anything offering the possibility of real entertainment. But each and every one of those 2,500 revolutions in this 2013 Nissan Altima offers a frisson of excitement when whirling away in concert. Why? Because they add up to 100 mph. In a four cylinder.

Process that for a minute: 2,500 revs = 100 mph in a 2.5-liter normally aspirated four-door kinshlepper. This, friends, is impressive. We first verified the figure for ourselves during a prototype drive at Nissan's Arizona proving grounds back in March. More real-world numbers include 2,000 rpm at 80 mph and just 1,450 rpm at 60 mph. Credit the Altima's Continuously Variable Transmission, which has been extensively reworked for this new model. Seventy percent of the transmission's parts are new, and internal friction has been reduced by up to 40 percent through a battery of small tricks including redesigned internals swimming in lower viscosity oil. The transmission has a super-wide 7.0 gear ratio spread and reprogrammed control logic to help the keep all four pots on boil as necessary.

Of course, it's still a CVT, which is to driving enthusiasts what Mark Zuckerberg is to the Amish. But Nissan's Xtronic unit at least makes a good go of it, thanks to a sport mode that introduces shift points to create a physical and auditory experience similar to that of a traditional torque converter automatic. To be fair, the revs don't plunge quite as far as they would in a slushbox, but it keeps the engine in the meat of its powerband and still delivers a pretty convincing performance, even when subjected to aggressive throttle openings. Either way, those awkward "stretched rubberband" CVT moments are kept to the bare minimum, only rearing their head when the accelerator is buried in the carpet, and just for a moment. Under most circumstances, we imagine most Altima drivers probably won't even notice they own a CVT.

Continue reading 2013 Nissan Altima

2013 Nissan Altima originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 May 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 nissan altimaaltimaaltima slcvtfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivemaximanissanFri, 25 May 2012 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20244691/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/25/2013-nissan-altima-first-drive-review/20244691/article-detail.xml 20244691 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/08-2013-nissan-altima-fd-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/08-2013-nissan-altima-fd-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan's Easy Fill idiot-proofs tire inflation *UPDATE]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/nissans-easy-fill-idiot-proofs-tire-inflation/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/nissans-easy-fill-idiot-proofs-tire-inflation/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/nissans-easy-fill-idiot-proofs-tire-inflation/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Nissan Easy Fill Tire Alert System

Nissan is moving to make its Easy Fill Tire Alert system standard equipment on its 2013 model year vehicles. Taking the federally mandated tire pressure monitoring system to the next logical step, the Nissan system honks the car's horn when you've inflated your tires to the correct pressure. No more reading the tire pressure placard on the door jamb and hunting around in the glovebox for a pressure gauge.

While Nissan actually introduced this feature beginning with the 2011 Quest minivan, its proliferation throughout the lineup makes sense. After all, it's a good idea, and most motorists can't be bothered to care about tire pressure, despite its importance for both fuel economy and on-road safety. If Nissan's system can actually encourage a few of those disinterested drivers to maintain proper tire inflation pressures, it's a win for all.

Scroll down to watch a Nissan-produced video demonstrating the feature on the company's 2013 Altima and read the press release.

UPDATE: Nissan has contacted Autoblog to clarify that only the Altima and Quest will have Easy Fill for the new model year. The new technology will roll out to additional models in the future, but it will not be available in all 2013 Nissans as originally indicated in an earlier press release.

Continue reading Nissan's Easy Fill idiot-proofs tire inflation *UPDATE

Nissan's Easy Fill idiot-proofs tire inflation *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 May 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 nissan altimaaltimaeasy fillnissantiretire inflationtire pressuretire pressure monitoring systemtirestpmsThu, 24 May 2012 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20244171/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/24/nissans-easy-fill-idiot-proofs-tire-inflation/20244171/article-detail.xml 20244171 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/easyfill-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/easyfill-opt.jpg <![CDATA[New pics show 2013 Nissan Altima from all angles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/19/new-pics-show-2013-nissan-altima-from-all-the-angles/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/19/new-pics-show-2013-nissan-altima-from-all-the-angles/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/19/new-pics-show-2013-nissan-altima-from-all-the-angles/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 Nissan Altima

Nissan has released a passel of official photosd of the 2013 Nissan Altima, the sedan it "would like to make #1 if customers agree." While the new styling might take getting used to, the other changes are all welcomed: it's lighter, has a revised transmission, will return 38 miles per gallon if equipped with the four-cylinder, and starts at $21,500 before the $760 destination charge.

Now that the Altima and Toyota Camry are known quantities, the pending reveal of the Honda Accord will fill out the field and then we'll have a better idea of the fight to come. Until then, have a closer look at the new Altima in the photo gallery above.

New pics show 2013 Nissan Altima from all angles originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 May 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 nissan altimaaltimaaltima photosaltima sedannissanSat, 19 May 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20241096/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/19/new-pics-show-2013-nissan-altima-from-all-the-angles/20241096/article-detail.xml 20241096 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/nissan2013altima-11-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/nissan2013altima-11-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Nissan Altima production kicks off in Smyrna, aims to pass Camry for #1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/nissan-altima-production-kicks-off-in-smyrna-aims-to-pass-camry/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/nissan-altima-production-kicks-off-in-smyrna-aims-to-pass-camry/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/nissan-altima-production-kicks-off-in-smyrna-aims-to-pass-camry/#commentsFiled under: , ,



"We are ready to make this car the top seller if the customer agrees."

Nissan started Job One production for the 2013 Altima sedan at its Smyrna, Tennessee plant today.

Nissan has big plans for the fifth-generation Altima, which was the number-two selling car in the United States in 2011. The company is adding a third shift at Smyna, and shifting models around between this plant and its Canton, Mississippi plant with an eye toward the Altima passing the Toyota Camry as the top-selling model in America.

Toyota sold 308,510 Camrys last year, compared with Nissan's 268,981 Altimas.

"We haven't built and designed this car the way we have, and made all these changes with a goal of being number-two," said Nissan Americas vice chairman Bill Krueger. Krueger admits that the consumer will vote on whether the Altima becomes the top selling car. "But we are ready to make this car the top seller if the customer agrees."

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam chimed in on the rivalry. "We are going to give the folks down in Georgetown [Kentucky] a serious run for the money," said Haslam, speaking of Toyota's plant in the neighboring state.

Nissan definitely has the capacity to pass the Camry, as it builds Altimas at two plants.

Krueger says he is not willing to cut and slash profit margins to chase the top-seller number for Altima. Nissan has long been more aggressive in incentive spending than its Japanese rivals in large part because it does not have the brand cachet and reputation for durability and quality that Toyota and Honda have.

Nissan built 570,000 vehicles in the U.S. last year and is adding a third shift to Smyrna. Nissan executives, however, won't pinpoint what total capacity is for Smyrna and Canton for competitive reasons. But it definitely has the capacity to pass the Camry's sales, as it builds Altimas at both plants.

Driving impressions of the 2013 Altima are embargoed until May 25, but we are allowed to tell you about a new feature we think is pretty cool. The tire pressure monitoring system not only tells the driver specifically what tire is low, but when you inflate each tire to the ideal, manufacturer-specified level, the car's horn sounds. Pretty neat, huh?.

2013 Nissan Altima production kicks off in Smyrna, aims to pass Camry for #1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 May 2012 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 nissan altimaaltimacamrynissansmyrnasmyrna tennesseetennesseetoyotaTue, 15 May 2012 17:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20238621/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/15/nissan-altima-production-kicks-off-in-smyrna-aims-to-pass-camry/20238621/article-detail.xml 20238621 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/nissan-altima-smyrna_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/nissan-altima-smyrna.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #280]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/autoblog-podcast-280/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/autoblog-podcast-280/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/autoblog-podcast-280/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Dodge Dart, Chrysler Q1 sales, FR-S and BRZ versus MX-5, 2013 Nissan Altima's Hyundai Sonata influence

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Episode #280 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Chris, Dan, and Zach chat about the Dodge Dart, Chrysler's first-quarter 2012 sales, a Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ smackdown at Motegi with a Mazda MX-5, and the influence of the Hyundai Sonata on the 2013 Nissan Altima. 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 #280:



Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2012 Hyundai Veloster
2012 Audi S5
2012 GMC Acadia


Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman
Runtime: 01:41:32
Get the podcast
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Autoblog Podcast #280 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 May 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 audi s52012 dodge dart2012 gmc acadia2012 hyundai veloster2013 nissan altimaacadiaaltimaautoblog podcastautoblog podcast 280brzchrysler salesdartfeaturedfr-ss5scion fr-ssubaru brzvelosterTue, 01 May 2012 17:45:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #280Autoblog01:41:32 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20228324/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/01/autoblog-podcast-280/20228324/article-detail.xml 20228324 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[Nissan teases new Sentra, Rogue and more]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/nissan-teases-new-sentra-rogue-and-more/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/nissan-teases-new-sentra-rogue-and-more/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/nissan-teases-new-sentra-rogue-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

New Nissans teased

The next year and a half will be an interesting period for Nissan. The automaker has announced that it will launch five new models over the course of 15 months, starting with the 2013 Altima that made its debut at the New York Auto Show last week. What's next? Take a close look at the image above and those mysterious shapes under the white sheets aren't exactly tough to decipher.

Left to right, first up is clearly the Versa hatchback, the five-door follower of the not-so-highly regarded sedan that launched late last year. Want another glimpse of what could be in store for the large-rumped Versa? Have a glance at its overseas cousin, the Tiida. The North American model will no doubt be different, but the Tiida indeed previews what could be in store.

The next two models aren't really a surprise - that big crossover is the Pathfinder that we've already seen in just-about-done concept form, and the middle car is the midsize Altima sedan. Moving one more space to the right, there's a smaller CUV that is, without question, the next-generation Rogue. Lastly, that's the new Sentra hanging out at the far right. The next Sentra has already been tipped to receive an Altima-like front fascia, and that's immediately noticeable even under the white sheet.

The 2013 Pathfinder will go on sale later this year, following the launch of the new Altima. As for what's next, your guess is as good as ours. As Car and Driver reports, the fact that Nissan has confirmed that one of these cars is the new Sentra makes us think it'll be the next one to arrive, not to mention the fact that it's the one most desperately in need of replacement.

Nissan teases new Sentra, Rogue and more originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>altimanissanpathfinderroguesentraversaTue, 10 Apr 2012 09:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20211581/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/10/nissan-teases-new-sentra-rogue-and-more/20211581/article-detail.xml 20211581 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/five-new-nissans_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/five-new-nissans.jpg -1 2