NIssan Versa Hatchback

Innovation thats, Innovation for All

1.8 S

The Versa Hatchback offers more than you expect: a powerful 122-hp engine, 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, 15" wheel covers, AM/FM/CD audio system,auxiliary audio input jack,  power windows and door locks, dual power body-color outside mirrors, rear intermittent windshield wiper with washer, 60/40 split fold-down rear seats and Vehicle Dynamic Control with Traction Control System.

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Nissan Infiniti FX

The new Infiniti FX SUV is expected to have a new form of hybrid train designed by parent company Nissan, according to a story on the Dutch website autoblog. This new hybrid system allows an electric motor to provide assistance to a gasoline engine, even at higher speeds. Nissan believes this will translate to fuel savings for urban, suburban, and rural buyers because of the increase in mileage on both highways and city streets.

Typically, hybrid powertrains use the electric motor at low speeds and for initial acceleration, leading to gains in fuel conservation mainly in city driving and stop-and-go traffic. The Infiniti FX Hybrid will have this capability, as well as the high speed use of an electric motor.

FX fans will have to wait until 2011, or later, for the new hybrid. The 2009 Infiniti FX will be available with either a V6 or V8 gasoline engine, or with a Renault-built V6 diesel in 2010.

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Nissan Note Facelift Revealed (JA)

Sales start Jan 16 in Japan

The Nissan Note has been on the market for three years now and it is time for a little nip and tuck. The new Nissan Note has a revised exterior, enhanced interior and the line-up has been extended with the sporty Note 15RS.

The Exterior features a new front fascia with new headlights, hood, grille and bumper while the rear remains the same. Inside you will find new instrument panel styling, water-repellent seat fabric and a choice of three interior colours. Exterior body colours include three new options, Titanium Pearl Metallic Blue Turquoise, Titanium Metallic Frosty Green and Pearl Metallic Amethyst Gray.

The Nissan Note is powered by the HR15DE 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with either 2WD or 4WD, both are well below the new JC08 fuel economy and exhaust emission test mode.

Further details in the attached press release.

Press Release

New Nissan Note Debuts With Refreshed Styling and Enhanced Lineup

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that the new Note compact car will go on sale at dealers throughout Japan beginning on January 16. Since the original Note’s debut in January 2005, it has garnered customer accolades for its quick acceleration, quiet and comfortable driving manner, comfortable roomy interior and convenient double-decker multi-configurable trunk.

The new 2008 Note features revised exterior styling, enhanced interior appearance and convenience, as well as improvements to the HR15DE engine and XTRONIC CVT, complying with Japan's new JC08 fuel economy and exhaust emission test mode*1. Additionally, the Note lineup has been revised, with a special new “Plus navi HDD" upgrade to some models.

New Note Models and Technology

Note’s strong model lineup includes a value-leading 15RS model, newly added to strengthen the Sporty grade. Additionally 15G, 15G FOUR, 15X and 15X FOUR models are available in a "Plus navi HDD" version, which includes an exclusive HDD-based navigation system with a high-speed, large-capacity 30-gigabyte hard disk drive, wide 7-inch liquid crystal monitor, touch panel, TV, VICS FM multiplex receiver, Music Stocker, iPod® Control*, CD player and electronically tuned AM/FM radio; green-tinted UV-blocking windshield glass with a top shade; and two rear speakers.

Refreshed Exterior Styling

The 2008 Note features a new front end design, with new headlights, hood, grille and bumper. Additional front end enhancements include a choice of grille finish on the G and X Series Notes – either a body-color or gunmetal metallic finish – or a “smoky chrome” - plated grille on the Sporty Series Note.

Ten exterior colors are available on the 2008 Note, including three new colors – a special Titanium Pearl Metallic Blue Turquoise, Titanium Metallic Frosty Green and Pearl Metallic Amethyst Gray.

An Interior Emphasizing Style And Convenience

The 2008 Note’s interior provides a tasteful ambience while offering convenience for the driver and passengers. Note’s new instrument panel styling, with larger openings for the dual ringed meters with the liquid crystal display odometer and twin trip meters with a fuel consumption display function, provides enhanced readability. White-faced gauges are standard on the Sporty Series (15RX and 15RS), as is a genuine leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel with red stitching (standard on 15RX).

Note features a wide variety of convenience equipment, including a standard rear-seat center armrest with two cupholders on the 15G, 15G FOUR, 15RS and 15RX models; standard water-repellent seat fabric that resists dirt and moisture, in a set with a seatback table on the driver's seat on the 15G and 15G FOUR models; standard cold climate package on all 4WD models; and a standard seatbelt reminder system for the driver on all models.

New seat and door trim color packages are offered in Sand Beige, featuring a new color scheme; Black; and Carbon Black with red stitching.

Sporty, Environmentally Responsible Powertrain

Available with both 2WD and 4WD drivelines, the 2008 Note remains easy to drive, with low fuel consumption and clean emissions. Improvements have been made to the HR15DE 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and XTRONIC CVT, which enables all 2WD models to comply with the requirements of the new JC08 fuel economy and exhaust emission test mode*1.

Confirmed on the basis of the recently adopted JC08H + JC08C emissions test mode*1, which better reflects actual driving conditions, 2WD Note models emit 75% fewer nitrogen oxides (NOx) and non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC) than the levels required under Japan's 2005 exhaust emission regulations. 4WD Note models also attain the same reduced emission levels under the 10-15+11 test mode.

Additionally, due to the adopted JC08 test mode*1, as well as on conventional 10-15 test mode data, fuel economy figures have been realigned for 2WD Note models which more closely matches actual fuel consumption in real-world driving.

Highlights of Note "Plus navi HDD" Enhancements

Package Available on Note models:	15G (2WD 1.5L) 15X (2WD 1.5L) 15G FOUR (4WD 1.5L) 15X FOUR (4WD 1.5L)
Plus navi HDD adds:	Exclusive HDD-based navigation system: Wide 7-inch liquid crystal monitor, TV Touch panel VICS FM multiplex receiver Music Stocker iPod® Control* CD Electronically tuned AM/FM radio Green-tinted UV-blocking windshield glass with top shade Two rear speakers (standard on 15G and 15G FOUR base vehicles)

*iPod is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries.

Note Pricing and Sales Targets

Price range: 1,354,500 yen to 1,865,850 yen (including consumption tax)
Sales target: 4,000 units per month

*1 This new fuel economy and exhaust emission test mode will be enforced as a result of revising the ordinances of the Energy Conservation Law and the announced particulars of the safety criteria applied

Related entries:

European Debut for Nissan Note at 2005 IAA

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Nissan GT-R SpecM

Spied recently testing at the Nurburgring, the SpecM will retain the same core performance package of the GT-R, but with a host of upgraded features--high-end audio, upgraded interior materials and a generally 'bespoke' feel. The only visible changes are likely to be a set of new bumpers, both front and rear. If you look closely at the spy shots, you will notice small vents positioned in the rear bumper near the exhaust tips.

Earlier this year we saw the introduction of the limited-production GT-R SpecV model, a stripped down version of the already extreme Japanese supercar designed for hardcore club racers and performance nuts. As previous GT-R generations have shown, however, Nissan was never going to rest with just one special edition of its halo model. New info revealed today gives us even more info on the luxury-oriented SpecM.

The biggest difference, however, between the standard GT-R and new SpecM will be the price. According to a new report, the SpecM will be more expensive than the SpecV, which is already double the price of the standard GT-R in Japan. Expect a pricetag around the ¥18,000,000 mark (approximately $ 201,691)--exotic supercar territory. More details should be forthcoming closer to the car’s expected launch early next year.

While the SpecV is focused on reducing weight, the SpecM will be focused on increasing comfort. Expect to see a revised suspension package, slightly more biased to a civil city ride, in addition to the upgraded interior with new trim options and colors, as well as unique seats and special items. The SpecM will be all about customization and as such almost every car will be different--something similar to Ferrari’s One-to-One and Lamborghini’s Ad Personam customization programs.

As for the SpecM, the mechanical package should remain unchanged to the standard GT-R’s, which means we can expect an output of 485 horsepower and 434 pound-feet of torque.

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Ghosn Says Nissan Will Stay in the Full-Size Truck Market

Speculation is that Nissan could be looking for an outside partner (or already have one) to collaborate on a new pickup. We're thinking one candidate could be Toyota. The only other Japanese automaker competing directly with the domestics in the U.S. half-ton pickup truck market, Toyota was expecting to produce 200,000 units per year of the Tundra when the it launched, but has sold only 66,000 through October. Teaming up with Nissan would help bring costs down, soak up extra production capacity and mitigate the risk inherent in competing against Ford, GM and Chrysler at what they do best.


When Dodge announced that it wouldn't be sharing its Ram platform with Nissan, we just kind of assumed that the Titan was going to go the way of the Do Do. Why? Because Titan sales are the suck. Nissan has only sold 15,393 copies of its largest truck through the first 10 months of the year. For perspective, Ford sold more F-150s in the first two weeks of October than Nissan has sold in 43 weeks. Last year wasn't much better either, as only 30,000 customers walked out of a Nissan dealer with a new Titan.


But if a report from Inside Line is to be believed, the Titan will live on. Renault/Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn reportedly told IL that "Titan will have a replacement, we are staying in the large pickup truck market." It makes a bit of sense that there will be another Titan given the fact that Nissan also uses the basic platform for the Infiniti QX56 and the Nissan Armada. But then again those portly SUVs aren't exactly flying off the shelf, either.


More Photos

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Nissan announced NV200 Price

Nissan has announced the prices of its ground breaking new NV200, offering unbeatable CO2 emissions and load volume in its class from only £12,090*.

Recently awarded the title of Van of The Year 2010 by the Institute of Transport Management (ITM), the NV200 is available to van buyers with a vehicle to trade-in which is more than 8 years old for only £10,090, thanks to the Government’s Scrappage Scheme**.

However, don’t think for a second that tempting prices mean second-rate technology. All NV200 variants are powered by the same superbly economical 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine. Returning combined fuel economy of 54mpg with best-in-class CO2 emissions of 137g/km, this Nissan’s running costs are just as thrifty as its list prices. That’s why the NV200 wears Nissan’s Pure Drive badge, which identifies it as being among the most efficient vehicles in the range.

In the UK, NV200 buyers will initially have the choice of two models. Even with its list price of only £12,090*, the entry-level E panel van comes equipped with everything from a CD audio system with MP3 aux jack to keyless entry. One step up the range to the £12,590* SE grade brings the benefit of electric front windows and a full steel bulkhead.

A Combi version complete with the option of seven seats will join the range later with prices announced closer to its launch in February.

Buyers who want to add even more to the NV200’s standard kit list can choose from some top value optional extras. The SE grade can be upgraded with air conditioning for £575, glazed rear doors for £150 and a safety pack which includes air con for only £1,000.

Nissan’s LCV sales and marketing director, Francis Bleasdale comments: “The NV200 is a brilliant addition to the Nissan range and with prices starting so low we have high hopes for it in the UK. Factor in the exceptional CO2 emissions and LCV customers will be hard pushed to make their money go further.”

*Price includes Road Fund Licence and £55 first registration fee. Price excludes VAT.
**Scrappage scheme terms and conditions apply. Savings are based on manufacturer’s recommended retail prices.

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2010 Nissan Rogue Krom edition

Nissan North America, Inc.

(NNA) today announced the latest addition to its Krom specialty vehicles lineup, the 2010 Nissan Rogue Krom edition, which is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in December 2009. The new Rogue Krom edition is designed to offer a unique dimension to traditional compact sport utility
vehicles with its aggressive sport styling, exclusive 17-inch wheels and a center-exit sport-tuned exhaust. Nissan also offers a Krom edition of the popular Nissan cube®.

The limited production Rogue Krom edition is available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations and in just three exterior colors - Venom Red, Wicked Black and Gotham Gray.

Built on the solid foundation of the Rogue S, the Krom edition adds 17-inch brilliant finish aluminum-alloy wheels with P225/60R Continental Conti 4x4 Contact tires and a unique grille embedded in the aggressive front fascia with integrated fog lights. In the rear, the Rogue Krom edition includes a boldly styled sport fascia with integrated center-exit exhaust, a body-colored rear spoiler and rear privacy glass. Body-colored power outside mirrors, a Krom emblem and steering wheel-mounted audio controls complete the Krom equipment modifications.

"The new Krom edition expands Rogue's already strong appeal, bringing its unmistakable sporty and active design to buyers seeking to stand out from the crowd of ordinary compact SUVs," said Pat Steiner, director, Specialty Vehicles Group, NNA. "Just as our NISMO models add enhanced performance straight from the factory, the Krom lineup offers intriguing, customized design right off the showroom floor."

Based at NNA headquarters in Franklin, Tenn., the Specialty Vehicles Group was formed in August 2006 to develop niche derivatives of Nissan vehicles.

"Krom adds a level of style and appearance, along with a sense of intrigue, excitement and self-expression. The Krom name suggests 'cars with attitude,' rather than a literal interpretation of chrome wheels or trim," added Steiner. "We leverage our speed and flexibility in bringing exciting new products to market - faster and for less than 'mainstream' models."

About the 2010 Nissan Rogue

The 2010 Nissan Rogue crossover SUV continues to satisfy both the functional needs of the buyers and their emotional needs - including the versatility provided by a large 58 cubic feet of cargo space. For 2010, Rogue is available in three offerings, Rogue S, Rogue SL and the intriguing Rogue Krom edition - each equipped with a standard 170-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, Nissan's advanced Xtronic CVT(TM) (Continuously Variable Transmission), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), 4-wheel disc brakes with
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and available with an intuitive All-Wheel Drive system. Rogue SL and Rogue Krom include 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Chrome door handles are now standard on all Rogue models.

Rogue's interior includes a driver-oriented cockpit with available leather-appointed seating surfaces, heated seats and 6-way power driver's seat. Versatility is enhanced by numerous convenient storage and
ultra-functionality features, including an oversized glove compartment, a large center console and an innovative available rear cargo organizer.

Available technology features include Nissan Intelligent Key(TM), Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately) and a powerful Bose®-developed audio system with Nd® Richbass® woofer and MP3 playback.

Rogue also offers a long list of standard safety features, including front seat-exit side impact supplemental air bags and roof-exit curtain side impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection.

For 2010, Rogue S models are available with a new 360 degree Value Package, which includes unique 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, privacy glass, integrated rearview mirror rearview monitor, auto-dimming rearview mirror, a rear spoiler and chrome grille.

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