Autoblog

Nissan prices the 2013 Versa, Cube and Armada

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, SUV, Hatchback, Nissan, Luxury, Off-Road

Nissan has revealed prices for three of its 2013 offerings: the Versa, Cube and Armada. There are no exterior revisions for any beyond paint choices, but all get new combinations in packaging and tech along with minor price increases.

The Versa goes up in price by $1,000. The base, five-speed manual Versa S rings up at $11,990 before the $790 destination and handling charge. Even at that price, the Versa remains the least expensive new car in America to buy. A 1.6 S AT with a four-speed automatic joins the lineup on top of the five-speed and the Xtronic CVT, bringing 26 mpg city and 35 mpg highway to the mix. A new S Plus trim gets cruise control and two more rear speakers.

Aero enhancements like low-rolling resistance tires, an air intake guide, rear spoiler and rear wheel and underbody air deflectors mean that every CVT Versa gets 40 highway mpg, up from 38 mpg in 2012. The Versa line maxes out at $16,590 for the 1.6 SL CVT.

The 2013 Cube goes up by $180, now starting at $16,760 before $790 for destination and handling. For 2013, Nissan axes the base 1.8 model, leaving just S and SL trims. Transmission choices remain a six-speed manual or CVT.

The 2013 Armada's price rises by $840 to $40,710 before the $995 destination fee. A new Platinum Reserve Package makes the priciest Armada sticker at $56,180. It includes 20-inch dark chrome wheels, dark chrome grille and outside mirrors, two-tone Chocolate/Almond leather seating, and dark satin chrome interior accents. For the back-seaters, the single eight-inch screen for the DVD system becomes two seven-inch, headrest-mounted screens.

The press releases below have more details on each of the new offerings.

Continue reading Nissan prices the 2013 Versa, Cube and Armada

Nissan prices the 2013 Versa, Cube and Armada originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Nov 2012 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan Cube needs only a few bolt-ons to hit 1,000+ HP

Kyle Thibaut — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Etc., Nissan, Humor

The Juke-R needed a complete rework for just 480 horsepower. The Nissan Cube needs only a few bolt-ons to more than double that number, apparently.

Despite having very little experience with imports, the guys over at AmericanMuscle.com put together a hilarious video showing exactly how to get a Nissan Cube to crank out 1,001 horsepower. After the base dyno test, the crew outfitted the Cube with some Type R badges, dragon vinyl, a GT-R inspired rear wing and some new wheel covers.

The end results were off the chart. Check out the video below if you have dreams of seeing what a 1,001-hp Nissan Cube looks like.

Continue reading Nissan Cube needs only a few bolt-ons to hit 1,000+ HP

Nissan Cube needs only a few bolt-ons to hit 1,000+ HP originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan says it's still committed to Cube despite slow sales

Chris Shunk — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, LA Auto Show, Budget, Wagon, Hatchback, Nissan

The Nissan Cube is... different. There aren't many vehicles that pack the length of a sub-compact, the height of a crossover and the sex appeal of a postal truck. There is no question that Nissan was thinking out of the box with this boxy ride, but the model has never really caught on in the States. In 2009, Nissan sold 21,000 units, followed by 23,000 units in 2010. This year, however, sales have dipped to just 13,850 units through 10 months, a tepid 198 units having been sold in October.

But while the Cube isn't selling well, AutoWeek reports that Nissan isn't giving up on it just yet. Nissan North America sales boss Brian Carolin told the magazine at the Los Angeles Auto Show that the Cube "has found its place in the market." Carolin added that demand for the Cube was strong when gas prices spiked, and that at that point, the automaker was "struggling to get a supply of it."

Part of the Cube's sales decline could be attributed to parts shortages as a result of the Japan earthquake back in March, but that doesn't seem to explain its very weak October sales numbers. Even with obviously slow sales, Carolin sounds bullish on the Cube, but we're betting that Nissan will struggle to keep the Cube in the U.S. lineup if sales continue to dip, and we haven't heard a peep about a next-generation model.

Nissan says it's still committed to Cube despite slow sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan discontinues Krom Cube and Rogue models for 2012

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Hatchback, Nissan, Design/Style

2011 Nissan Cube Krom - Click above for high-res image gallery

Nissan has confirmed to Autoblog that the Krom versions of its Cube hatchback and Rogue crossover will be discontinued for the 2012 model year. The Cube Krom, based off of the 1.8 S model, was introduced at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show, while the Rogue Krom joined the lineup later that year as a 2010 model. Both vehicles were set apart from their kin with unique front fascias featuring horizontal chrome bars, as well as dark chrome wheels.

"They sold just fine, but they were billed as limited editions," Nissan spokesperson John Schilling tells Autoblog. When asked about the possibility of the Krom nameplate being resurrected for future models, Schilling tells us that there's "nothing planned in the near future."

For 2012, the Cube will continue to be offered in 1.8, 1.8 S and 1.8 SL trims, while the Rogue will carry on in S and SV variants. The 2012 Cube will arrive at dealerships this winter, while the 2012 Rogue will be available starting this summer.

Nissan discontinues Krom Cube and Rogue models for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 17:29:00 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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Reports: Nissan to repair 2.14 million vehicles in its 3rd biggest recall ever

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 09:52:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Infiniti, Nissan

The line at the door for the recall party is getting longer. Nissan has just showed up and it needs to bring in 2.14 million vehicles around the world, making it the automaker's third largest recall of all-time. The issue lies with a faulty ignition relay that could cause the engine to stall or fail to restart. The fix is reported to take less than 25 minutes, and involves swapping out the faulty ignition relay for a new one.

This recall affects vehicles built around the world, from August 2003 to July 2006. Japan serves up the bulk of the recalled vehicles, with 835,000 units needing to come back in. The U.S. and Canada are not far behind, recalling 762,000 cars between them. The vehicles include a wide gamut of Nissan product, from subcompacts like the Micra and Cube up to larger cars and trucks such as the Titan and Infiniti QX.

Nissan joins an ever expanding list of automakers reporting recent recalls. BMW recently took the first step in admitting they have a problem, by recalling N54-equipped vehicles. Chrysler and Volvo vehicles have had power steering issues. Some Ram trucks went out with incorrectly labeled weight and seating stickers. Honda and Toyota used a parts supplier who was dealing in faulty brake master cylinders. The list goes on and on.

[Sources: AOL Autos]

Reports: Nissan to repair 2.14 million vehicles in its 3rd biggest recall ever originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 09:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan gets in on the custom graphics racket

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Nissan, Design/Style

Nissan Graphics Custom Vinyl Wraps - Click above for high-res image gallery

Nissan is teaming up with Original Wraps Inc. to join Ford by jumping on the custom vinyl bandwagon. The Cube is the first Nissan to receive the vinyl wrap treatment and you can customize your own designs at NissanGraphics.com.

As the Cube customization hits the web it will quickly be followed by the Juke before Nissan moves on to the Frontier, with more products being added to the line over time. The graphics are installed by a professional, but can be removed at anytime and leave no residue. Manufacturing, warranties and shipping of the vinyl units are all handled by Original Wraps and each piece is designed to last up to three years. Hit the jump for the full details.

Gallery: Nissan Graphics Custom Wraps

[Source: Original Wraps]

Continue reading Nissan gets in on the custom graphics racket

Nissan gets in on the custom graphics racket originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bang for Your Bark: AAA picks best canine-friendly cars

Zach Bowman — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc.

Honda Element, one of AAA's best dog-friendly vehicles - Click above for high-res image gallery

Dog owners looking for a new set of wheels can take heart; the American Automobile Association has taken the time to pick a handful of vehicles best suited to moving your furry friend from one place to another. With around 45 million households across the country boasting at least one dog in the family, it should be no surprise that the ability to conveniently and safely move a pet plays a big role in which vehicle consumers choose to buy. A total of 11 SUVs, crossovers and wagons have made the AAA list, each divided into categories like luxury, active lifestyle and efficient and fun.

While we weren't surprised to see cars like the Subaru Forester and Honda Element make the cut, others, like the BMW 3 Series Touring and the ever fun-to-fling Mazda3 five-door were vehicles we wouldn't have necessarily thought of as doggie rides. Thrifty buys like the Kia Soul and Nissan Cube found particular favor on the AAA list, thanks in part to their ability to serve up plenty of space with their rear seats folded down. We still say a Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon would do just fine - at least for a low-profile dog like a dachshund or beagle. Hit the jump for the press release after checking out our complete gallery of canine-correct-carriers below.

Gallery: AAA Dog-Friendly Vehicles

[Source: American Automobile Association]

Continue reading Bang for Your Bark: AAA picks best canine-friendly cars

Bang for Your Bark: AAA picks best canine-friendly cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan recalls 46,000 2009-10 Cube models over fuel system integrity

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, Nissan

2009 Nissan Cube - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last month, the Lexus HS250h was the subject of a serious recall involving fuel leakage resulting from rear-end collisions. Now, Nissan faces a similar predicament involving 2009 and 2010 model year Cube hatchbacks, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a full recall, covering 46,000 Cubes built between January 30, 2009 and July 30, 2010.

Much like the HS hybrid, NHSTA cites that the amount of fuel leakage following a rear-moving barrier crash "exceeds the allowable limits," and that this could result in a fire. While a fuel leak is bad news, it's important to note that this NHTSA test isn't simply a case of a simple crash test and resultant fuel leak - the government agency's methodology includes striking the vehicle from the rear with a deformable barrier at 50 mph with a 70 percent overlap. Post-impact, the vehicle is then spun on its longitudinal axis degree-by-degree for a total of 90 degrees, somewhere along which a fuel leak was detected. While any fuel spillage is a bad thing, we suspect you can put any images of the massively overblown Ford Pinto debacle out of your head right now.

In any case, the full recall is expected to start on or before August 30. To fix the problem, dealers will install a special protector to the gasoline recirculation tube where it meets with the filler neck connector. Naturally, the service will be performed free of charge at any authorized Nissan dealer. The full details are available in NHTSA's press release after the jump.

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

Photos by Alex Núñez / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Nissan recalls 46,000 2009-10 Cube models over fuel system integrity

Nissan recalls 46,000 2009-10 Cube models over fuel system integrity originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Volcano stops JDM Nissan plant, could hurt U.S. Cube, Murano, Rogue supplies

Zach Bowman — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Japan, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Hatchback, Nissan

2009 Nissan Cube - Click above for high-res image gallery

The wrath of Iceland's Eyjafjallajökull volcano continues. Airlines are just now beginning to get brave enough to test the skies after airborne ash put a stop to all flights last week, and today there are new reports of volcanic activity putting everyone on notice. And while the volcano has left plenty of travelers stranded across Europe, the eruption is having a widespread impact on the manufacturing sector, too. Case in point: The Wall Street Journal reports that Nissan is suspending production at its plants in Fukuoka and Kanagawa. The reason? The Japanese plants use pneumatic sensors produced in Ireland that are delivered by aircraft, and that whole 'just-in-time' production methodology apparently doesn't jibe all that well with Icelandic ash.

If you've been anxiously waiting delivery of your new Nissan Cube, Murano or Rogue, odds are you're probably okay - for now. But all three models use the sensor in question, and as such, are facing production delays. The company doesn't know when the plants will be able to resume production, but odds are it will depend on when Iceland's volcano stops wreaking havoc on Europe's airspace.

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

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]

Report: Volcano stops JDM Nissan plant, could hurt U.S. Cube, Murano, Rogue supplies originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ice Cube: Everyone's favorite boxy Nissan chills in London with famed tattoo artist

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Nissan, UK, Design/Style

Nissan Cube ice sculpture - Click above for high-res image gallery

With such a strong focus on design, we knew it wouldn't be long before the Nissan Cube was transformed into some sort of life-size art project. And that's exactly what legendary celebrity tattoo artist Henry Hate has done, creating an ice sculpture that encompasses the edgy design of Nissan's econobox with tattoo art.

Not only is this Hate's first sculpture, it is the first sort of "ice tattoo." Normally, ice is chiseled and carved to stand alone as a unique sculpture, but in this case, elements of tattoo design have been carved into the large ice blocks that enclose the Cube. Colorful lighting has been placed around the base of the car as well, giving it a glowing effect that looks pretty darn cool at night.

The Cube ice sculpture is currently on display in London's South Bank, on display for the public until the warm weather melts the ice away. Can't make the trip to see it in person? Check out our gallery of high-res shots below, and click through the jump to read Nissan UK's official (short) press release.

Gallery: Nissan Cube Ice Sculpture

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Ice Cube: Everyone's favorite boxy Nissan chills in London with famed tattoo artist

Ice Cube: Everyone's favorite boxy Nissan chills in London with famed tattoo artist originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: Bono wants cars to bring sexy back

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Celebrities

No, really. If you didn't know, U2's front man and Africa activist Bono is a regular columnist at The New York Times. And he (too) has a top 10 list to kick off the new decade we now find ourselves living in. Bono first smartly apologizes for burdening our collective eyes and minds with yet another such list, before then presenting his.

Items found on his list include: a cap and trade system taxing every individual's right to pollute, protecting the intellectual rights of movie and television studios, a rock star teleportation scientist and eradicating rotavirus. All good and/or interesting stuff, no doubt, if not a little, um, predictable. Which may very well be why Bono stuck his car-related concern up on they very top of his list. That concern? "Return of the Automobile as a Sexual Object."

In short, Bono thinks modern four-door sedans are lame looking and laments the fact that minivans and SUVs are so widespread (and dull). He meditates on the decline of the sexy family car, pioneered during the U.S. auto industry's design heyday, circa 1946 to about 1971. Where are the curves, he asks, before stating, "In Ireland in the '70s, it was the E-Type Jag that made sense of puberty." A line, we should add, that we'll be stealing.

Bono then goes on to muse that the problem with modern car design might the practice of "design by committee," noting that, "rarely does majority rule produce something of beauty." We're with him so far, but then he gets a little fatuous. Essentially, Bono says that since the Obama Administration, "still holds the keys to the big automakers," they ought to be injecting some, "style fascists into the mix." Among those mentioned, Marc Newson, Steve Jobs and Jonny Ive, Frank Gehry and Jeff Koons. Luckily, we've got some insider knowledge about that last little bit. Make the jump for a slightly NSWF explanation of why this writer thinks that Bono's wrong.

[Source: The New York Times | Image: William West/AFP/Getty]

Continue reading PSA: Bono wants cars to bring sexy back

PSA: Bono wants cars to bring sexy back originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Nissan Cube S is unbalanced, in a good way

Alex Nunez — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Minivan/Van, Nissan

2009 Nissan Cube S - Click above for high-res image gallery

One of our favorite cars last year was a cream-colored, Japanese Domestic Market (JDM), second-generation Nissan Cube that the Japanese automaker loaned us for a few days of commuting and assorted daily driving duties. It was a fantastic car, with excellent styling, the ingenious e-4WD system, a practical interior, and - bless its heart - a front bench seat. Nissan was passing around the keys because it wanted to build up buzz for the arrival of the third-generation Cube, which would break free of the right-hand-drive market prison to which its predecessors were restricted. The JDM Cube was indeed a tasty appetizer, but now the main course has arrived. Once again, we were given the keys to a Nissan Cube for a few days. Only this time it was brown and, more importantly, you can actually buy it in the U.S.

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

Continue reading Review: 2009 Nissan Cube S is unbalanced, in a good way

Review: 2009 Nissan Cube S is unbalanced, in a good way originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Square Deal: Nissan releases complete Cube pricing, Krom to start at $20,065

Chris Paukert — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:26:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hatchback, Nissan

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Nissan Cube and Cube Krom

While Nissan revealed preliminary pricing on its new Cube compact earlier this month at the Chicago Auto Show, it has now released more figures for the entire lineup, and it is launching a pre-order website today, too.

As noted earlier, the Cube will start at $13,990 for a base 1.8-liter model with a six-speed manual transmission. The midline 1.8 S model will command $14,690 in manual and $15,690 in Xtronic CVT configuration, while the uplevel SL (available only with the Xtronic) will command $16,790. The top-shelf Krom, also an automatic-only proposition, is pegged at $19,370. All of the aforementioned prices do not include destination charges, so be sure to tack on an additional $695 in your calculations. For comparison's sake, Scion's larger xB will set you back a minimum of $16,420 (including destination), versus $14,685 in-your-garage for a Base Cube S.

For more information including details on standard equipment, please check out the official press release after the jump. If you're interested in speccing out or reserving a Cube with such eccentricities as 20-color interior illumination or dashboard shag, click here. Initial Cube shipments are expected to hit dealers in early May.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Nissan Cube and Cube Krom

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Square Deal: Nissan releases complete Cube pricing, Krom to start at $20,065

Square Deal: Nissan releases complete Cube pricing, Krom to start at $20,065 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: The new Nissan Cube! (JDM, with U.S. tease)

Alex Nunez — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:14:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Budget, Japan, Hatchback, Nissan

Click above for high-res gallery of the US-market Cube. Click here for the JDM car.

Here it is. It's "tomorrow" in Japan, and Nissan has unleashed the motherlode of new Nissan Cube photos - including three showing the U.S.-Spec version that'll be rolled out at the LA Auto Show tomorrow. There's no accompanying press release at the moment, but the Japanese media is running their stories as we speak. JDM Cubes are equipped with a 107-hp/109 lb-ft 1.5L four-cylinder mated to a CVT transmission. Front- and four-wheel-drive versions are available. We'll get a different engine with more power that should deliver fuel economy in the Versa neighborhood. More on that tomorrow from our team in LA.

The three shots of the U.S.-market bodywork show, as expected, the reverse of the JDM car. Kudos to Nissan for doing a second body for left-hand drive markets. Inside, the simple appointments of the current Cube are updated with better shapes and, hopefully, a bigger, more upscale mix of materials. The bench seat returns in the JDM car, and there's no reason to believe we won't see it here as well. A water-droplet theme introduced in that silly teaser video we showed you last week is present in the cupholders and also available as ceiling trim inside the passenger compartment. Check out the galleries below for photos of just about everything, including the Japan-specific Lifecare (disabled access) and Autech Rider versions.

Come back tomorrow, when the gang in LA will deliver live coverage of the U.S. car's debut. We liked the JDM version, and we're really looking forward to trying out the Cube again now that it's been engineered for our market's needs.

Gallery: 2009 Nissan Cube (JDM)

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Cube (US Model)

[Source: Nissan]

Officially Official: The new Nissan Cube! (JDM, with U.S. tease) originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Nissan Cube breaks cover in Japan

Alex Nunez — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Spy Photos, Budget, Japan, Hatchback, Nissan

Click above for a photo gallery of the JDM Cube in the wild

The redesigned 2010 Nissan Cube will be unveiled in the U.S. tomorrow at the LA Auto Show, but Nissan's boxy little wagon is already making its way to Japanese showrooms, as evidenced by these shots of a transporter loaded with them. What you see here is what you'll see in LA tomorrow, only with one major difference: we'll get a reversed version of the car's asymmetrical layout. Stay tuned.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Cube Spy Shots (JDM)

[Source: Newcar-News via TTAC, Motive]

2010 Nissan Cube breaks cover in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Nissan Cube teaser vid shows... nothing

Alex Nunez — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Budget, Videos, Hatchback, Nissan

Click above to view video after the jump

Go figure. Nissan's playing the debut of the revised and now U.S.-bound Cube very, very close to the vest. We say this because there are photos of the new 370Z all over the place -- released by Nissan, no less. The Cube? Not so much. We posted leaked imagery, and were subsequently forced to pull them down, so we know they were accurate. (No worries, scraped copies of that post are all over the web. Click away.) Aside from that, the only other views of the redesigned Cube came courtesy of Tomica's new die-cast. So it was with excitement that we opened this new Cube teaser video released by Nissan (view after the jump), only to find that it shows absolutely nothing except the logo. We're waiting like everyone else for the car's debut next week at the LA Auto Show. In the interim, you can pass the time by reading our review of the current JDM model.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Cube Die-Cast

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Nissan Cube

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading New Nissan Cube teaser vid shows... nothing

New Nissan Cube teaser vid shows... nothing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tomica die-cast verifies new Nissan Cube styling

Alex Nunez — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 10:37:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Budget, Wagon, Hatchback, Nissan, Toys/Games

Click above for a gallery of Tomica's new Nissan Cube die-cast

Thanks to alert reader Galvin, we can verify that the 2009 Nissan Cube images we published back in September and (rolls eyes) were subsequently ordered to pull down are indeed accurate. The source? eBay -- in auctions for Tomica's new Matchbox-sized die-cast of the car. As you can see here, the toy shows off the restyled front and rear ends, as well as the roof details of cars equipped with panoramic glass (as seen on the early leaked image of the JDM car). Now, Tomica's a Japanese toy company, so the die-cast shows the JDM config. That asymmetric bodywork is reversed on the USDM car. Oh, and while we were forced to remove the shots we originally posted of the new Cube, you can still check them out at any of the dozens of sites that scrape Autoblog's web feed and repost it verbatim, photos included. Have a look and compare them to the toy gallery below. That's what's heading to L.A. later this month.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Cube Die-Cast

[Source: eBay]

Tomica die-cast verifies new Nissan Cube styling originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Nov 2008 10:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is this the 2009 Nissan Cube?

Alex Nunez — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Nissan

Click image to enlarge and compare to the current Cube

It sure looks like it could be. Reader "Uncle Evan" sent us this image, which looks like it's either a scanned PR shot of the next-gen JDM Cube³ or a good photoshop, perhaps from one of the Japanese buff mags. We're inclined to think it's the latter scenario, and that this photo might have even served as its basis (look at the shapes visible through the windshield and passenger window -- they appear to be identical in both images). In any case, the car depicted here has all of the elements first seen in the leaked Nissan photo back in May, giving us a little more to chew on while we wait for the Cube's official debut at the LA Auto Show.

As seen in the original leaked image, the wheel covers have four thin slits. Body-colored a-pillars (they're blacked out on the current car) curve softly into the roof, which has a large glass section up front. The fender bulges are more pronounced on the current Cube, and the fascia now incorporates headlamps that wrap around to the front quarter panels as opposed to being fully contained in the grille insert.

Hopefully, this is a mostly accurate depiction, because it shows an evolved Cube that really keeps the good stuff intact. After driving the Japanese version, we're looking forward to seeing what the USDM version has in store for us. Thanks for the tip, Uncle Evan!

Is this the 2009 Nissan Cube? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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U.S. Nissan Cube site hits the web

Alex Nunez — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 11:38:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Budget, Wagon, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Nissan

The new Nissan Cube will be unveiled the morning of November 19 at the Los Angeles Auto Show, and the automaker has begun the buildup to its arrival. The Cube now has an official website, where you can count down the days and see more on the Cube art cars that design students prepared for the '08 New York Auto Show, among other things. Nissan's covering all the bases, also getting the Cube set up on Facebook and other social networking sites in the meantime.

We like the Cube a lot, and hope the new version keeps the character of the current Japanese car intact while delivering power and fuel economy geared to appeal to the U.S. buyer. We don't think Nissan's going to botch this, so and shoppers looking to get their geek ought to have a strong candidate from Nissan. Not that it'll be without competition -- the Scion xB, Honda Element, and Kia Soul will all be vying for peoples' attention, too. Let the geekmobile deathmatch begin. Thanks for the tip, Turkey Pie!

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Nissan Cube

[Source: Nissan]

U.S. Nissan Cube site hits the web originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Jul 2008 11:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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