Radical Nissan saloon not for UK

It’s unlikely European buyers will ever see a model produced under the influence of Nissan’s impressive take on the three-box saloon, the Ellure concept.

Nissan is traditionally strong in the US, Japanese and growing Chinese markets with its saloons such as the Sentra and Altima. However, this segment is coming under pressure as buyers move towards coupés and crossovers.

See the official pics of the Nissan Ellure concept

Shiro Nakamura, Nissan’s design chief, says the Ellure’s ‘shock wave’ exterior theme will not translate directly into a new model but shows a new design language for the near future.

European Nissan buyers might, though, see the new hybrid drivetrain that made its debut under the Ellure, which was revealed at the recent LA motor show. It uses a supercharged 2.5-litre engine and a CVT gearbox.

Read the full story on the Nissan Ellure concept

This is hooked up to a 25kW electric motor via a dual-clutch set-up, which improves efficiency by disconnecting the engine from the drivetrain when the car is running on the lithium ion battery pack.

2012 Nissan Sport Cars GT-R

The 2012 Nissan GT-R version of its flagship GT-R sports cars. This is designed to be one of the best models in automobile industry. Accordingly, the manufacturer has modified the front end along with strengthening the dashboard support area and the forward suspension. The GTR is said to be 3% more efficient than the earlier models. Yesterday, Nissan Motors offered up the full information on the Japanese version of the 2011 Nissan GT-R. Already one of the fastest cars in the world, the Nissan sports cars coupe receives a variety of improvements for 2011 (at least in the Japanese market) to help distance itself from the competition.

There are only subtle refinements made to the exterior of the latest Nissan GT-R supercar and while these changes might be hard to notice in traffic, the physical upgrades to the 2011 model year GT-R offer a 10% improvement in downforce and a decrease in drag. There is also a slightly refined interior with a new instrument panel and carbon fiber trim here and there but the big news is what is under the hood.

2012 Nissan Sport Cars GT-R

For 2012, Nissan GT-R features improved engine output and torque, greater fuel efficiency, revised handling, a refreshed exterior with improved aerodynamics, revised interior treatment and new wheels and tires. The large number of enhancements for the new model year is part of the continuous advancement of the GT-R design, technology and performance since its debut.

Developed under the theme of offering the "world's best multi-performance and responsive driving pleasure," every area of the Nissan GT-R has been carefully rethought or retuned for 2012. The changes range from greater body stability and strength and improved aerodynamics performance to a sportier interior and enhanced performance.

The latest version of the potent Nissan GT-R goes on sale at select Nissan dealers in the United States and Canada early in the 2011 calendar year. Full details on the North American version of the Nissan GT-R will be available at the Los Angeles show in November.

Though exact specifications have yet to be released for the U.S. cars, horsepower and torque figures have been revealed for Japan market cars. The updated 2012 Nissan Sport Cars GT-R (Japan Specs) Set For North American will be powered by the same twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-6 offered in the current GT-R. However, the turbo's boost pressure has been increased, the intake and exhaust systems have been opened up to permit freer breathing, and the ECU has been tweaked to take advantage of these changes.

2012 Nissan Sport Cars GT-R

The 2012 in the US market Nissan GT-R is powered by the same twin turbocharged 3.8L V6 that was offered in the current GT-R, an enlarged charge air intake pipe and an enlarged exhaust system combined with a recalibration of the car’s ECU, the 2011 GT-R will offer 523 horsepower and 451lb-ft of torque. This is a fair improvement over the output of the current models 485hp/434tq and this extra power could help the mighty GT-R move up the list of the fastest cars in the world (based on testing done at the famed Nürburgring in Germany). The 2011 Nissan GT-R will be the 2012 Nissan GT-R when it hits US shores next year.

2012 Nissan GT-R EGOIST

Nissan announced the car would get an exclusive luxury package called EGOIST, which tacks on almost the cost of another GT-R to the price tag. Each customer can choose a combination of interior colors among 20 choices. EGOIST is the first and only Nissan GT-R in the world exclusively created by Takumi, or “master with greatest skills”. In addition, the Bose® sound system is exclusively tuned according to the driving position of each driver to meet every customer’s needs. This is the ultimate expression of the Nissan GT-R.

Egoist takes a dry carbon rear spoiler (also used in the SpecV). A stable aerodynamic performance even when driving with more than 300 kilometers per hour, rear spoiler gives an intense look in the back with black carbon paint.

Lightweight and highly rigid forged aluminum wheels, used in the SpecV to reduce unsprung weight and contribute to a smooth driving experience. Newly developed five layers Blue Sword Chrome Color Coating adopted. 2012 Nissan Sport Cars GT-R EGOIST Created by Takumi uses a Titanium exhaust system, also used in the SpecV, providing agile accelerator response and a clear, exhilarating exhaust sound.

2012 Nissan Sport Cars GT-R EGOIST

Interior parts aired to attack Company, Inc. Muelheim an der Ruhr in Germany and leather master artificers run and stick a carefully selected by the player skin bridge. Inducts are exclusive designs coated with the single and double crochet patterns are incorporated in reticular approach. The high consistency of performance grip (suitable for driving racing circuit), a smooth and approve all provided. Nissan also says the parts are hand made in Germany to add a little prestige to the hyper-expensive rocket.

The new car will come with the pumped-up engine that will power next year’s Nissan Sport Cars GT-R. The twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-6 will unleash 520 bhp at 6400 rpm to all four wheels, while weighing in about 60 lb. less than the current car, thanks to lighter weight parts throughout the body. Peak torque, estimated at 452 lb.-ft., will be reached from 3200 to 5200 rpm. This means the car will be quicker than the current GT-R. The 2012 Nissan Sport Cars GT-R EGOIST will also have a more compliant suspension (via revised spring rates and slightly different geometry at the rear), while still being able to keep up with cars on the track. The interior will also have numerous key “Egoist” touches.

The car will be delivered to customers in December. The price of the GT-R Egoist is set at about 14,000,000 yen or $150,000, roughly $50,000 more than a stock GT-R and about $10,000 less than a Spec V. The company plans to only sell about 10 cars per month. Nissan U.S.A. has offered no comment about the Egoist and maintains that the only GT-R the company will be selling in the U.S in 2011 is the stock one, so don’t expect the Egoist or Spec V to come this way anytime soon.

2012 Nissan Sport Cars GT-R EGOIST

Nissan

As we get closer to seeing significant numbers of electric vehicles come to market, various standards are starting to emerge that cover things like how these vehicles are to be charged and how to measure range and equivalent mileage. One feature that remains up in the air is the sound signature of electric vehicles. For years, EV advocates have touted the silent operation of battery-powered vehicles as a bonus.

However, advocates for the blind and safety regulators are pushing for electric vehicles to produce some audible alert that indicates their presence. According to Just-Auto, beginning next week, Nissan will be bringing in 500 people including media, government officials and customers who have signed up to buy the Leaf to drive the car at its Oppama, Japan test track.

Among other things, they will be evaluating the "approaching vehicle sound" that will be used for the Leaf and Fuga (Infiniti M37) hybrid. Nissan is testing a system that produces external sounds that sweep across a range of frequencies to insure that almost anyone can hear it. The sound will also vary depending on whether the car is accelerating or decelerating.

Nissan Versa

The Nissan Versa hasn't received any substantial updates since its 2007 debut. It's a shame, since there's some pretty stiff competition on the market these days, especially from the likes of the Suzuki SX4, Honda Fit and Ford Fiesta. Still, Nissan adds incremental updates annually, and the 2011 model year is no different. What's most important, though, is that pricing for the latest Versa has gone unchanged, meaning the bottom-end 1.6 Base sedan still rings in at $9,990, and the top-end 1.8 SL hatch commands $16,900, with a variety of models in both body styles in between.

Visually, nothing will change from the 2010 car (pictured), but some new standard equipment makes its way onto some trims. 1.8 S Versa sedans now benefit from an in-dash six-disc CD changer, and mid-grade 1.6 sedans now come with standard ABS (sorry, 1.6 Base, you still have to do without anti-lock brakes).

We find the Versa to be a rather pleasant little economy car, but with fresher, more attractive offerings on the marketplace, Nissan will be wise to accelerate the development of its next-generation car. Still, with an unchanged price and more standard equipment on deck, the Versa should continue to sell relatively well until a replacement crops up.

Renault

According to an unnamed source, the Renault board of directors has called an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday, April 6th, to discuss plans to enter into an agreement with German automaker Daimler. As was the case when Renault teamed up with Japanese automaker Nissan, there will reportedly be an exchange of stock, but not nearly at the same level as Renault's 44-percent stake in Nissan.

If the board chooses to move forward – and all indications are that it will – an announcement could be made as early as Wednesday detailing the partnership. It's widely thought that Daimler is keenly interested in Renault's small car expertise for its less-than-wildly-successful Smart car division, and it seems increasingly likely that the two automakers could jointly develop new city car platforms. Might a more family-friendly ForFour be in the offing as rumored?

2011 Nissan Juke

Nissan won't have its official press conference for a few hours, but we've already snagged these shots of the production Juke, an oddly styled smaller-than-you-think crossover that's poised to hit North America for 2011. In person, the Juke is perhaps less bizarre than one might think, with the exuberance of its alien face reined in with comparatively modest alloy wheels, traditional doors and Volvo C30-like taillamps. If you're wondering where the Juke fits into the Nissan lineup that already has the Murano, Rogue and the Qashqai, this vehicle is markedly smaller than the Murano and actually appears smaller than the Rogue.

The interior is pure Nissan, though it looks like the Japanese automaker has put a few more dollars into some of its interior plastics and materials than it has in the past. In particular, the new HVAC controls have a crisp and colorful display, and the transmission tunnel has a quasi motorcycle-tank look about it.

For Europe, the Juke is available with a pair of 1.6-liter gasoline engines in either normally aspirated or turbocharged direct-injected form, as well as a 1.5-liter diesel, the latter of which is unlikely to make it to North America. The compact CUV will be made in both front- and all-wheel drive configurations, the latter being a newly developed torque-vectoring system dubbed ALL-Mode 4x4-i that is capable of splitting power 50:50 from front-to-rear as well as side-to-side.

NISSAN JUKE: BRINGING THE SMALL CAR MARKET TO LIFE

• Compact SUV meets sports car....
• .....to challenge small car traditions
• To be produced in Europe and Japan
• To be sold globally, including Europe, Japan & US
• Powerful new turbocharged direct-injection gasoline engine
• New torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system

PARIS, France (Feb 10, 2010) - Nissan today revealed for the first time its all-new small Crossover, Juke.

Designed to offer a refreshing alternative for customers who are shopping in the small car segment of the market, but uninspired by the traditional offerings, Juke is a distinctive combination of SUV toughness and sporting style. Juke will inject some much needed masculinity and dynamism into the small car market.

The decision to introduce the industry's fisrst small crossover into the small car market reflects Nissan's philosophy of challenging conventions in Europe. "In the last five years we have enjoyed significant growth in a crowded European market. This has been achieved by challenging traditional patterns and moving away from the C and D segments. Instead, we have pioneered the introduction of crossovers. We started with Murano and then, in higher volumes, with Qashqai - a car which has far exceeded our expectations. Sales have exceeded half-a-million in Europe in less than 3 years," said Colin Dodge, Executive Vice President.

Juke will be manufactured in Europe at Nissan's factory in Sunderland, England, and in Oppama, Japan. In Europe, its production alongside the Note compact family car and Qashqai crossover is the result of an investment in excess of 60m Euros, which safeguards over 1000 Nissan jobs, and more than 2000 in the supply chain. Sales of Juke will begin in Japan in the summer, with the European and North American launch beginning in the autumn.

Design

From a design standpoint, the lower portion of Juke is pure SUV. It combines chunky wheels, wide tyres, extended ground clearance and a robust stance with a top portion that is unadulterated sports car, with a high waistline, slim visor-like side glass graphics and a coupé-style falling roofline. The coupé effect is further underlined by the rear doors which have their handles hidden in the frame of the door.

Inside, the sports car theme continues with a driver-focused cabin dominated by a centre console design inspired by a motorcycle fuel tank. Finished in a distinctive high gloss colour, the 'bike' console adds a sense of fun to the car. Practicality is assured by the rear-opening hatch and versatile luggage area with hidden storage opportunities.

Speaking at the launch, Nissan's Senior Vice President for Design and Chief Creative Officer, Shiro Nakamura, said: "It was our intention to challenge the conventions. I really think Juke will bring something different for customers - something more emotional, energetic, more masculine".
Juke is based on the Renault Nissan Alliance B platform and has a 2530mm wheelbase, is 4135mm long, 1765mm wide and 1570mm tall. On front-wheel drive versions, suspension is by MacPherson struts at the front with a torsion beam at the rear while four-wheel drive models have a multi-link rear suspension modelled on the system found on Qashqai.

The ALL-MODE 4x4-i, is a new development of Nissan's respected electronic all-wheel drive system and now features torque-vectoring technology to enhance agility and reduce understeer when cornering. As well splitting torque front to rear - up to a maximum of 50:50 - it can now be split from side-to-side across the rear axle, too.

Cornering ability is enhanced by sending increased torque to the outside rear wheel, reducing understeer. In total, up to 50% of the total available engine torque can be sent to either rear wheel. The inclusion of this innovation is a first in the small car segment - a technology that has, until now, only been found on top-of-the-range, premium vehicles.

Engines & transmissions

In Europe, three different engines will be available when sales start later in the year: one diesel and two 1.6-litre petrol units, all fully Euro 5 compliant. At the top of the range is a new turbocharged petrol engine (MR16DDT) with direct injection. The engine is one of the most powerful in its class, developing 140kW (190PS) and 240 Nm. The combination of direct injection with a turbocharger provides the power and responses expected from a 2.5-litre engine with the economy of a smaller engine.

The second petrol engine is a newly developed version from Nissan's trusted HR-family. Designated HR16DE, the lightweight, low-friction 16-valve unit now has a unique dual-injection system allowing finer metering of the fuel sprays for better combustion and develops 86kW (117 PS). Finally, the K9K 81kW (110PS) 1.5-litre dCI common rail diesel offers excellent driveability - thanks to its heady 240 Nm of torque - with good economy and emissions.
In terms of transmissions, the two-wheel drive turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine is available with a six-speed manual transmission. Nissan's XTRONIC CVT transmission, with a six-speed manual mode, will be available on the range-topping all-wheel-drive version of the turbocharged petrol engine. The naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol is available either with a 5-speed manual or the updated XTRONIC CVT, while the 1.5-litre diesel engine is available with a 6-speed manual.

Equipment

Lists of standard and optional equipment will be released nearer the on sale date, but expected items such as climate control, leather upholstery, rear view camera and Intelligent Key will all be available to Juke customers along with some more unusual features.

One such is the Nissan Dynamic Control System, a central command and display module which allows the driver to alter dynamic drive settings as well as make changes to more obvious functions such as climate control. The display, meanwhile, shows engine and drive related dials and information.

"At Nissan, we are working hard to bring more value to the brand through great design, quality, and driving pleasure. For me, Juke represents so much of what Nissan is and will reinforce Nissan's position as a global leader of design innovation, but also as the global pioneer in crossovers," said Shiro Nakamura

Engine
Power
Fuel
Drive
Transmission
1.5 dCi
81kW
Diesel
2wd
6-speed manual
1.6i
86kW
Petrol
2wd
5-speed manual
1.6i
86kW
Petrol
2wd
Updated XTRONIC CVT
1.6i Turbo
140kW
Petrol
2wd
6-speed manual
1.6i Turbo
140kW
Petrol
4wd
XTRONIC CVT M6