Autoblog

Honda invests $470 million for new transmission plant in Mexico

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 03 May 2013 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Honda

Honda has announced that it has made an initial investment of $470 million to build a brand new transmission plant in Celaya, Mexico. For those keeping track, this is the same city that will also house Honda's new automobile manufacturing facility, which will begin production of the Fit compact beginning in the spring of 2014.

This new transmission plant is expected to come online in the second half of 2015, with an annual production capacity of 350,000 units, though that number is expected to double in the years following the plant's opening. With a 700,000-unit production capacity, Honda says a full 1,500 new associates will be hired at the Mexican plant.

Honda will specifically use this new transmission plant for the production of CVTs for automobiles built in Mexico, as well as for cars produced in facilities around the world. It stands to reason, then, that since the next-generation Honda Fit will be built right around the corner from these new CVTs, the small hatchback - which is expected to grow into a full family of vehicles - could be fitted with continuously variable units in the future.

Scroll down for Honda's full press release.

Continue reading Honda invests $470 million for new transmission plant in Mexico

Honda invests $470 million for new transmission plant in Mexico originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 May 2013 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Chevy Spark ditching four-speed automatic for CVT

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 03 May 2013 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM

According to Green Car Reports, a few minor changes are on deck for the littlest Chevrolet. Christi Landy, Chevy's small car marketing director, confirmed to GCR that the 2014 model year Spark will lose its four-speed automatic transmission in favor of a continuously variable unit.

The new CVT will be offered alongside the Spark's five-speed manual transmission, and no other changes are planned regarding the car's 84-horsepower, 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine. Fuel economy numbers have not been released as of this writing, but a slight gain is expected for the new CVT model.

This isn't a huge deal to the naked eye, but we fully expect that the new CVT-equipped Spark will offer a more refined driving experience. The 2014 Spark hits Chevy dealers later this year.

2014 Chevy Spark ditching four-speed automatic for CVT originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 May 2013 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Jeep Compass and Patriot get available PowerTech six-speed auto, modest changes

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, SUV, Crossover, Jeep, Off-Road

The 2014 Jeep Compass and Patriot are here, and as expected, the big news is the availability of a six-speed automatic transmission on certain models. The transmission, sourced from PowerTech (a subsidiary of Hyundai) will attempt to address the noise, vibration and harshness issues suffered by older CVT-equipped models by using noise-resistant gears. It has a long sixth gear to improve fuel economy, but Jeep hasn't revealed the mileage numbers for the auto-equipped models yet.

The new automatic will be available as an option on the Sport trim of both spec, and as standard on Latitude and Limited models. It can be had in front-wheel-drive versions or those equipped with the optional Freedom Drive I. It can't be specified with the Freedom Drive II, however, the full-time four-wheel-drive package with a low-range gear sticks with the unloved CVT2L Continuously Variable Transmission.

With their expected demises perhaps a year away, not much has changed otherwise. Engines are either the 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 158 horsepower and 141 pound-feet of torque or the 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 172 hp and 165 lb-ft, and the five-speed manual transaxle is still in the mix.

The Compass gets a catalog's worth of shiny trim pieces to mark its last year, including plated upper grille trim with a "mold-in-color Billet Silver grille texture," new headlight, fog light and taillight inner bezel treatments for the various trims, painted mirror caps, optional new 18-inch wheels for the Limited and an available backup camera. Inside are new trim options on the Latitude like a sport mesh and vinyl seat, and on the Limited, trims like Saddle Brown perforated leather seating. The Patriot gets no changes other than the addition of front seat-mounted airbags.

The price of the Patriot hasn't changed, sticking with an MSRP of $15,995 (plus $995 destination). The press release below doesn't mention the price of the Compass, so don't be shocked if it gets goosed a bit from the $19,495 MSRP of the 2013 model.

Stay tuned for live shots from the floor of the Detroit Auto Show later today. The two updated baby Jeeps will be in showrooms the second quarter of this year, and there's plenty of reading to be done in the official announcement below.

Continue reading 2014 Jeep Compass and Patriot get available PowerTech six-speed auto, modest changes

2014 Jeep Compass and Patriot get available PowerTech six-speed auto, modest changes originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2013 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai says dual-clutch gearboxes fit brand's character better than CVTs

George Kennedy — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hyundai

Hyundai officials are not afraid to make their views known on prevailing technologies, standing by their choices and criticizing the alternatives. Previously, the Korean automaker's fuel cell boss told reporters that EV makers "jumped the gun." Now comes word that Hyundai is sticking by dual-clutch transmissions, citing the shortcomings of continuously variable transmissions.

A report from Automotive News points to words from Hyundai Motor America VP of product planning, Mike O'Brien, backing the dual-clutch technology. "Dual-clutch has a better future with us. It has better fuel economy advantages. It's better for the enthusiast driver. It matches [our product philosophy] better," said O'Brien, speaking at SEMA on Monday.

While it is noted that shifts with the dual-clutch units are not the smoothest available, O'Brien says that characteristic is outweighed by the parasitic losses experienced by CVTs resulting in poorer performance and fuel economy. According to the report, the "rubber band" effect experienced is also a setback, as is the limitation of engine size. CVTs are optimal only for smaller-displacement engines so application becomes an issue.

Hyundai currently offers the Veloster with a dual-clutch gearbox, though O'Brien has suggested that the application of such a transmission could expand in Hyundai's future.

Hyundai says dual-clutch gearboxes fit brand's character better than CVTs originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota planning 2.0T, more CVTs among other powertrain developments

Jeffrey N. Ross — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Toyota

Aside from its hybrid technology, Toyota has fallen behind the competition in terms of vehicle powertrains which could leave popular cars like the Toyota Camry and Toyota RAV4 lagging behind the competition. While most of its rivals have started using gasoline direct injection, turbochargers and some have moved to Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) to balance performance and fuel economy, many Toyota models are still using underpowered engines and outdated transmission technology. According to a report in Autoweek, Toyota is finally going to start dabbling in all of these technologies over the next couple years.

In the States, Toyota only currently uses direct injection on the Scion FR-S, Lexus GS and Lexus LS, but AW says it will be introducing two new GDI engines over the next two years: a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle engine for its hybrids next year and a sportier 2.0-liter turbocharged mill a year later. It sounds like Toyota is also looking to convert its AR family engines to direct injection as early as next year for use in cars like the Venza and Lexus RX, but it won't be used on the Prius due to higher cost that would likely only return an "incremental benefit." The 2.0-liter turbo engine would be a derivative of the 2.5-liter AR engine, but there is no word as to what models this would go into. Based on the success of the Ford EcoBoost engines, we'd have to guess at least the Camry, RAV4 and Highlander.

Toyota's transmission lineup will also get some much-needed updating with wider-spread use of CVTs and six- and eight-speed transmissions for its bigger cars. Toyota is one of the few remaining automakers still using a four-speed automatic on its small cars, and this is rumored to be ending with the next-generation Corolla receiving a new CVT.

Toyota planning 2.0T, more CVTs among other powertrain developments originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Nissan Sentra priced from $15,990*

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

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, Nissan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Autoblog Podcast #294

Dan Roth — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 17:55:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts

Buyers like tech, Diesel on the upswing, Hondas getting new engines, more CVTs

Episode #294 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week Dan is joined by Steven Ewing, Autoblog Executive Editor Chris Paukert, and new guy George Kennedy. Topics the popularity of often-confusing technology among buyers, a small-scale diesel renaissance, and Honda getting with the program and updating engines, redesigning the Civic, and adding more CVTs. Your questions and comments power the end of the 'cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #294:

Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
2012 Volkswagen Up!
2012 Nissan Leaf
2012 Ford Edge EcoBoost
2013 Scion FR-S

Hosts: Dan Roth, Steven Ewing, George Kennedy, Chris Paukert

Runtime: 01:14:51

Get the podcast
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Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com

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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #294

Autoblog Podcast #294 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Aug 2012 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda Accord, Fit and Pilot to receive Dreamy new engines, CVTs

George Kennedy — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Minivan/Van, Sedan, Crossover, Hatchback, Honda, Electric

Honda is set to unveil its new "Earth Dreams" family of engines, and while the lineup will make its debut in the all-new Accord, the more efficient powertrains are poised to spread throughout the lineup.

According to an Automotive News report, the direct-injected, dual overhead cam powerplant range is said to be good for a 10-percent increase in fuel economy over the current lineup.

Also mentioned in the story is the possibility of getting a 1.6-liter diesel with 220 pound feet of torque here in the States, and possibly a large-car hybrid setup. Will Honda renew the short-lived Accord Hybrid?

The report is not limited to engine technology, as Automotive News says Honda will move to Continuously Variable Transmissions in a much larger way. We've known for some time that the Japanese automaker is poised to go the belt and pulley route, but it hasn't been clear what vehicles will receive the transmission. Not every vehicle will get a CVT, as the report states that "performance models and off-road vehicles will retain geared transmissions."

AN also provided a breakdown of future product plans, which include a redesigned Fit in summer of 2014, with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder paired with a CVT. Europe will get a hybrid Fit, but American plans for the hybrid version have reportedly been nixed. Honda's smallest offering, may also spawn a compact crossover, slotted below the CR-V, but it's not expected until Spring, 2015.

In other portfolio news, the aging Pilot three-row crossover will receive a new 3.5-liter Earth Dreams V6 when the model is redesigned for 2014. Power is expected to be on the order of 310 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, and a CVT is also part of the program, but only on front-drive models. Also included is additional confirmation that the Civic will get an emergency refresh, a mere 18 months after its launch triggered a lackluster response from critics.

Finally, the AN report also dangles the possibility of reviving the S2000 to compete with the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ, but then dashes hopes by saying that its not a priority for the Japanese automaker.

Honda Accord, Fit and Pilot to receive Dreamy new engines, CVTs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CVTs expected to more than double in popularity

Scott Burgess — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 14:16:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Honda, Nissan, Toyota

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.

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Mini sued over CVT failures. Again.

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Government/Legal, Hatchback, Mini

A group of Florida plaintiffs have come together to file a class action lawsuit against Mini. Their issue is with the reliability of the Continuously Variable Transmissions in first-generation Cooper hatchbacks from 2002-2006 and in Cooper Convertible models from 2006-2008. A cursory web search on the matter returns plenty of results from Mini owners complaining of the same issue, sudden failure of the CVT, and having mixed fortunes at Mini dealers when trying to get the situation resolved.

The Florida suit comes a year after a class action suit was filed against Mini in California for the same reason. As with the Florida case, the California legal action Brad Aarons v. BMW of North America, LLC sees "restitution, damages and other relief" for plaintiffs who were "required to spend approximately $6,000 to $9,000 (one-third to one-half of the original purchase price) to repair or replace their CVTs, or sell their vehicle without repair for a substantial loss...." Parent company BMW has not yet commented on the matter.

Mini sued over CVT failures. Again. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jul 2012 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Infiniti JX35 [w/video]

Chris Shunk — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Infiniti, Nissan, New Car Reviews, Luxury

Big Luxury That's Long On Looks

Three-row crossovers are a bit like accounting departments in that every automaker has one, and there isn't much else about them that's exciting. But while most every automaker offers a crossover with seating for seven or eight, there surprisingly aren't many options in the luxury space. The Audi Q7 doesn't really count since it weighs an SUV-like 5,200 pounds. Lincoln offers the MKT, but few buyers have taken Ford's luxury marque up on that offer. And then there is the Buick Enclave, which sells well but suffers from that "not quite a Cadillac" feeling. That's it... every other three-row luxury vehicle falls squarely in the body-on-frame SUV category, until now.

Infiniti is looking to spice up the larger luxury space with its JX35, which is built on next-generation Nissan Pathfinder hardware, but with more expressive sheet metal and a spruced-up cabin compared to its mainstream counterpart. Since the field is wide open for Infiniti, the luxury brand appears ready to blaze its own trail with a reasonable $40,000 price of entry and an impressive suite of available features.

Continue reading 2013 Infiniti JX35 [w/video]

2013 Infiniti JX35 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Nissan Altima

Chris Paukert — Fri, 25 May 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Nissan, First Drives

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.

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Nissan shows us its new and improved Continuously Variable Transmission

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Nissan

Finally, A CVT That Doesn't Suck

Continuously variable transmissions have been the bane of our enthusiast existence since... well... forever. An endless, droning tone coupled with the dreaded "rubber band" effect has relegated the gearboxes to rolling appliances and miserable fuel misers - save for one particular sedan.

It's not just an improvement, this is the best driving CVT yet.

When Nissan debuted the new Maxima and revived the "Four-Door Sports Car" name, we wanted to love it. Then we saw one glaring omission on the spec sheet: a manual gearbox. Nissan wouldn't offer the Maxima with a stick, and to add insult to injury, the reborn 4DSC would only be available with a CVT. That bitter taste in the back of our throats - disappointment.

But then we drove it. And it wasn't THAT bad. The six faux ratios were a bit of a joke, but they worked, and everything from the seating position to the chassis tuning were better than nearly anything in the segment.

Last week I had the chance to sample the Maxima again, and the timing couldn't have been more perfect. Thirty hours after dropping off the Maxima at the airport I was behind the wheel of an Altima prototype with the automaker's all-new CVT. Nissan claims it boosts fuel economy another 10 percent while offering a dramatically refined driving experience. I can't speak to the new tranny's decreased fuel consumption, but I can say this: It's not just an improvement, this is the best driving CVT yet.

Continue reading Nissan shows us its new and improved Continuously Variable Transmission

Nissan shows us its new and improved Continuously Variable Transmission originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: GM considering CVTs for small cars

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, GM, Toys/Games

2010 Chevrolet Spark - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors is considering the introduction of continuously variable transmissions in its next round of small cars in an effort to improve fuel efficiency. According to a report from Automotive News, the Chevrolet Cruze is being considered for CVT application, as well as Bowtie's smaller Aveo and Spark compacts.

In speaking with AN, Sohn Dongyoun, GM's vice president of engineering at Daewoo, says that CVTs offer an easy, quick fix in order to help improve fuel mileage. Dongyoun says that GM will need to improve the fuel economy on its small cars by at least 10 percent in their respective next generations.

This will not be GM's first application of CVTs. In the early 2000s, the automaker used CVTs in the Saturn Ion coupe and Vue crossover, as well as the Opel Astra hatchback overseas. This CVT was not well received, however, and was discontinued at the end of the 2005 model year. Currently, no word has been given as to whether or this GM's new CVT would be developed in-house, or when we might see the first applications being offered.

Gallery: 2010 Chevy Spark

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: GM considering CVTs for small cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Nissan Juke details, specs spilled ahead of New York intro *Updated w/video

Chris Paukert — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Budget, Crossover, Nissan

2011 Nissan Juke - Click above for high-res image gallery

Nissan's new-for-2011 Juke is set to make its North American debut at tomorrow's New York Auto Show, and the small crossover's polarizing moon-buggy styling is sure to set tongues wagging, just as it did during its global premiere at the Geneva Motor Show. Having seen this vehicle in person already, we can tell you that its "Baby Predator" front end takes some getting used to, but it all comes together better than expected, and the interior seems surprisingly roomy and well-resolved.

Much smaller in person than one might think, the curvy ute is significantly shorter than vehicles like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 - it's even shorter than the new Hyundai Tucson and Nissan's own Rogue, not to mention the likes of Mitsubishi's Outlander Sport (itself another NY debut). The closest competitor we can think of is Suzuki's SX4 crossover, which is, believe it or not, actually longer than the Juke. In the end, we fully expect it to be cross-shopped with more conventional hatchbacks (Mazda3), as well as 'box cars' like the Kia Soul.

Featuring the first application of Nissan's 1.6-liter direct injected four-cylinder turbo in North America, it will be available with torque vectoring all-wheel drive, so it might just be the driver's car of the bunch, too. Featuring "180+ horsepower and 170+ lb-ft of torque," it will be available in both six-speed manual form and CVT with a sport setting. Unfortunately, the three-pedal setup will only be available in front-drive SV and SL trim, however. That torque-vectoring system? It defaults to a 50:50 front-to-rear split, but it can push power from side-to-side along the rear axle when situations warrant.

No official pricing has been revealed yet, but Nissan promises that the Juke will start at "just under $20,000." Want to learn more? Check out our high-res gallery below and the official press releases and spec sheet after the jump.

Update: Three videos of the Juke, its torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system and Nissan's new direct-injected 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine (definitely the one to watch) have been added after the jump.

Gallery: Nissan Juke

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading 2011 Nissan Juke details, specs spilled ahead of New York intro *Updated w/video

2011 Nissan Juke details, specs spilled ahead of New York intro *Updated w/video originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Subaru Hybrid Tourer concept previews Fuji Heavy's new design language

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Wagon, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru, Design/Style

Subaru Hybrid Tourer -- Click above for high-res image gallery

The Subaru Hybrid Tourer is sharp-nosed and an all-out sharp piece of car. The car's flat floor hides two electric motors, one aft that powers the car in low-speed acceleration and assists with acceleration, and one up front connected to a direct-injection turbocharged gas engine. The Tourer is also fitted with Subaru's trademark symmetrical all-wheel drive system and a Lineatronic CVT transmission.

As for its design, Subie officials tell us that the nose points the way for Subaru's new corporate face and the rest of the car indicates the general design language we'll see from the brand represented by the Pleiades. "It will be anti-Bangle, editing, not adding - cars have too many character lines now." But forget about the gullwing doors -- those were fitted to provide the best view of the interior. You can have a great view of it in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Subaru Hybrid Tourer

Tokyo 2009: Subaru Hybrid Tourer concept previews Fuji Heavy's new design language originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New CVT coming from Nissan and JATCO with auxiliary gearbox

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Nissan

Nissan and JATCO have just announced a new continuously variable transmission that features a wider ratio spread than any previous example of the type. The maximum spread from low to high in the past has been 6:1 but Nissan/JATCO have expanded that range to 7.3:1 facilitating better fuel efficiency. Since this is a friction belt type CVT, expanding the ratio spread can normally be problematic because of the physical limitations of bending the steel belt around the pulleys.

However, the automaker and transmissions builder have developed a novel solution that essentially creates a hybrid transmission. It's not a transmission that transfers electrical and mechanical power, however. Rather, it's a combination belt CVT and conventional geared transmission. A small auxiliary gear-set is added to the CVT to provide extra range to the ratios. In spite of the new hardware, Nissan says this new unit is 10 percent shorter in length and 13 percent lighter than other comparable CVT transmissions.

At this point, Nissan has not announced which vehicles will get the new unit. Check out the official press release after the jump.

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading New CVT coming from Nissan and JATCO with auxiliary gearbox

New CVT coming from Nissan and JATCO with auxiliary gearbox originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru developing CVT for all models

Chris Shunk — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 09:37:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Subaru, First Drives

CVT transmissions definitely aren't new, but high gas prices have thrust the once unreliable continuously variable trannies back into the powertrain equation. Chrysler uses the CVT in a few of its products, Mitsubishi added the tranny to the new Lancer, and Nissan has begun using the CVT in the Altima and Sentra, among others. According to a Japanese business rag, Subaru is planning to add the gearless transmission into every model they make by 2010. The first Subie to mate a boxer engine to the CVT is rumored to be the updated 2009 Legacy, and a 2.0L diesel with a CVT may follow shortly there after. While the CVT will be available with every model, we're assuming (and hoping) that manual transmissions will be offered as well.

CVTs are usually a bit quicker off the line than automatics, but in our experience fuel economy savings are a mix bag. While the Sentra's MPG improved with the CVT, in the 2006 Ford Five Hundred, the FWD CVT version got two less MPG on the highway than the auto-equipped SEL model. As far as the driving experience goes, CVTs take a little getting used to since the transmissions keep the engine in the optimal rev range at all times and the transmission feels like it's slipping, but most drivers may never notice the difference.

[Source: Winding Road]

Subaru developing CVT for all models originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jul 2007 09:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First review of Nissan Altima Coupe calls it "best" of FWD two-doors

Dan Roth — Wed, 23 May 2007 11:34:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Etc., Nissan

At first blush, the Altima coupe sounds like a Japanese Monte Carlo -- firmly midsized, front drive, fast roofline -- but that's where the similarities end. Inside Line put an Altima coupe with the lusty 270 HP V6 under the microscope and proclaimed it the best of the field. While the performance figures and spec sheet may reflect solid numbers that don't necessarily best the competition, there are some cars that have a je ne sais quoi that defies measurement. The Inside Line folks laid down the clipboard on the passenger seat and discovered that the Altima Coupe experience is more about how the whole of the machine works. It sounds to us like the Altima is channelling the G37, and thusly, it outclasses its peers.

Thanks for the tip, Mehdi!

[Source: Inside Line]

First review of Nissan Altima Coupe calls it "best" of FWD two-doors originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2007 11:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru may mate boxer diesel to CVT

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 15:51:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Subaru

The folks over at the North American Subaru Impreza Owner's Club (NASIOC) were kind enough to post a translated article from Yahoo! News that outlines the future use of CVTs by Subaru.

According to the article, Subaru is currently developing a CVT to be used in conjunction with their new boxer diesel on models sporting two-liter engines, including the upcoming Forester and Legacy models. Both models are expected to bow sometime in 2008, at which point other CVT-equipped vehicles will follow.

Since CVTs are said to offer a 10-percent boost in fuel economy, it's probably a smart move to equip Subaru's upcoming diesels with the gear-less tranny. As for the rest of the Subaru lineup, we're not entirely convinced.

[Source: NASIOC via Straightline]

Subaru may mate boxer diesel to CVT originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Apr 2007 15:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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