Cobra Technology has released a handful of images and info on its tuned Nissan GT-R, dubbed the Cobra N+ Tuning Concept. There's a full press release after the jump, but the important bits are this: When equipped with the Stage One package, output rises to 550 hp while torque grows to 500 lb-ft. So equipped, Cobra says its fettled GT-R will run to 62 mph in under 3.5 seconds and max out at 199 mph. If that isn't enough, a planned race performance version is expected to pump out 620 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque.
To get the extra power, Cobra reprograms the ECU, ups the boost pressure by 0.15 bar and modifies the air intake. A new free-flowing stainless-steel exhaust system is also in the works and the upgrades aren't just restricted to the engine bay. Cobra has aworked its magic on the suspension, wheels and brakes. Three-piece, 21-inch, lightweight rollers make room for eight-piston brake calipers and 15.9-inch discs up front, and the coil-over suspension features adjustable ride height and damper rates.
The interior gets two options: luxurious Alcantara and leather, or racing-spec carbon fiber seats and a roll cage. Exterior changes include a front fascia claimed to reduce lift and improve cooling, new rocker panels, and a reworked rump with an integrated diffuser and a larger wing. Personally, we'd pass on the Speed and Stripes decal kit (it's got a whiff of John Player Special livery gone awry) and go stealth instead.
The Cobra N+ tuning program will be available when the Nissan GT-R reaches the European market in the spring of 2009. We're not sure we'd want to mess with Nissan's sophisticated suspension setup, but the extra power, body kit, interior upgrades, along with updated wheels and brakes, look rather tasty.
[Source: Cobra Technology & Lifestyle]
Stand on any corner in any city, close your eyes and open your ears. Eventually you'll hear the telltale swell of an engine as someone blips the throttle while braking before the bend. This secret auditory handshake among gearheads signals the arrival of a driver schooled in the art of heel-and-toe. And when the 2009 Nissan 370Z goes on sale in January, you won't be able to tell an aspiring Schumacher from Joe the... shoemaker. Nissan's simple yet brilliant "SyncroRev Match" will relegate the artistry of rev-matching to the annals of motoring history. Other automakers compelled to offer manual gearboxes for the dedicated few will doubtlessly adopt the system, and those of us who care – who've unconsciously conditioned ourselves to crane our heads to catch a glimpse of what's coming – will cease to do so. Progress is a double-edged sword and rarely balanced, but don't fret. The 370Z's overly hyped rev-matching system isn't the end of the world, and it's hardly the best part of Nissan's new Z.
The moment the first batch of Z spy shots surfaced, it was obvious that Nissan's sports car was on its way back from the gym. The coupe was wider, shorter and more sculpted, and when the wraps came off at the 2008 LA Auto Show, we finally had proof that at least one automaker gets "it." By "it" we mean lighter. And Nissan has succeeded – just.
Although the Z's overall length has been shortened by 2.7 inches, the wheelbase cut by 3.9 inches and a set of aluminum doors join an aluminum hood and hatch, Nissan has only managed to shave 95 pounds from the curb weight of the standard model. Thanks to a wider track (0.5 inches up front and 2.2 inches in the rear), side curtain airbags and all of the other assorted equipment required by both the government and the public, the weight savings on the base 370Z is negligible, and the car will likely be heavier than its predecessor when kitted out in Touring trim.
But the Z's 3,232-pound heft is used to good effect. Weight distribution remains 54/46 front-to-rear, and a lighter, stiffer aluminum front suspension cradle works in conjunction with a rear-mounted V-bar and a carbon composite radiator housing to stiffen the structure while keeping it light. The result is 30 percent more torsional rigidity up front, a 22-percent increase in the back and a 30-percent increase in vertical bending resistance in the rear. Combined with the new double-wishbone front suspension, redesigned four-link rear setup and new shock valving, the overall effect is – at first – mildly disconcerting.
The 370Z eschews its predecessor's rickety ride for the kind of refinement you'd expect from a grand tourer. Puttering around town and mashing on the motorway, you get the sense that the 370Z has matured, dropping any adolescent ideas of performance and instead, making a B-line for Dullsville. That sensation continues right up to the point that you muscle the six-speed manual into a lower gear with a notchy ka-thunk, mash the floor-hinged throttle into the carpet and let the 3.7-liter's exhaust note evolve from a idle buzz to a mechanical beehive jacked up on Ephedra.
As you're likely well aware, the 3.7-liter VQ37VHR V6 is the same engine that motivates the Z's FM-platform stablemate, the Infiniti G37. With the optional seven-speed automatic, complete with paddle shifters, you'd swear you are driving the Z's more luxurious sibling. The thoroughly refreshed interior helps matters, dropping the Playskool plastics in favor of a soft-touch dash, redesigned IP and a leather-stitched center console that bears a passing resemblance to that of the GT-R. The eight-way adjustable driver's seat benefits from a bit more bolstering than the passenger, but both chairs balance the proper amount of coddling with the kind of side-hugging support you'd expect in a sports car. The three-pod gauge cluster still pivots to provide an unobstructed view through the asymmetrical steering wheel (it's not quite an oval, but it's certainly not round), allowing you to keep tabs on the central-mounted tach, speedometer and ghastly LCD/LED read-out.
We're at a loss on that last one. Instead of fitting traditional fuel and coolant temperature gauges – just like the trio perched atop the center console – Nissan decided to go with a set of horizontal LCDs sitting above and below a multi-information display. While the idea might be sound, the execution leaves a lot to be desired. The LEDs wash out in all but the subtlest sunlight and the pseudo-techno theme doesn't tie-in with the rest of the analog dials. It's a small gripe compared to the massive blind-spots created by the C-pillars. A back-up camera isn't quite a necessity, but the side mirrors do little to alleviate the pain.
But both of these foibles are forgiven the moment you let out the stiffly sprung clutch and give it the beans. The 3.5-liter V6 fitted to the former Z remains one of our favorite mills, but the 3.7-liter proves that Darwin lives in the details. The new bent-six is mounted 15mm lower, boasts 35% all-new parts, an increased cylinder block height, and with the help of Nissan's Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) system, churns out 332 hp at 7,000 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm. Along with the increase in displacement and power, redline is up to 7,500 rpm, but getting that high into the rev range comes with an aural cacophony that's far less desirable than the thrust accompanying it.
In Sport Package trim, the 370Z comes equipped with 19-inch forged-aluminum RAYS wheels shod in Bridgestone Potenza RE050A rubber (245/40 front and 275/35 rear). The standard brakes (12.6-inch fronts, 12.1-inch rears) are tossed in favor of 14-inch rotors in front and 13.8-inch discs out back, and the variable ratio brake pedal, Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist all work together with the ABS and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) to provide a suitable safety net for ham-fisted frat-boys intent on exploring the Z's substantial limits of adhesion on public roads.
While the 370Z does its best grand-touring impression in the civilian world, the refreshed Z grits its new air-dam-mounted fangs and goes in for the kill out on the track. Even with the traction control on, the 370Z is a revelation compared to its predecessor. Smooth inputs allow you to brake later, accelerate earlier and rarely worry about the terminal understeer that plagued the last generation. With the traction control off, it gets even better. Trail-braking elicits the perfect amount of rotation towards the apex and with the Sport Package's viscous limited-slip differential, a judicious press of the long pedal provides the perfect opportunity to test the Z's speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion setup.
With redesigned mounting bushings and a solenoid valve that acts like a damper under harsh loads, the weighty feel of a wheel that was mildly cumbersome on the road makes perfect sense when applying quick corrections -- something we had the chance to explore on a particularly short downward slope leading into the first turn at Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch. With a slightly off-camber exit following a drop into a right-hand bend, the rear suspension unloaded quickly (for the record, we were forewarned) and the back end lightened just enough to set our neurons on full alert. A quick correction to the left while feathering the throttle brought things right back into line, and we were headed down the straight in third, then fourth gear, ready to tackle the next right-hander.
Hard braking induces a small amount of dive, but not nearly enough to break the Z's composure, and body roll in the bends is nominal at best. Despite being aware of the SyncroRev Match system, our muscle memory subconsciously pivoted our right foot onto the gas pedal while braking before the hairpin. As impressive as the throttle-blipping doodad is (it's fun to drag the shifter around at stop lights and let the engine rev), after our third lap we disabled it by pressing the S-Sport button above the stick. The system is nearly flawless, but old habits die hard.
After a full day of flogging, we're perfectly content declaring the 2009 370Z one of the best performance coupe bargains on the market. With a sticker starting at $29,930, a repositioned trim package that only offers two models (base and Touring) and a convertible on the way that will almost assuredly look more attractive than the Z33 (it was designed right next to the coupe, unlike the 350Z), Nissan has hit all of the right pressure points to stir the enthusiast's soul.
Although pricing for the Sport Package has yet to be announced, it's the only way to go. Forget the Touring trim, option up for the NISMO engine oil and LSD cooler (equipped on our tester and highly-recommended by Nissan if you plan to hit the track) and enjoy excessively. As for the styling – get over it. It's impressive in person and has significantly more presence than its predecessor. And if you're worried about the future of heel-and-toe, don't be – you can hold onto the past with the press of a button.
The Nissan GT-R V Spec will allegedly be packing 520 horses when it arrives some time next year. That still won't be enough for a lot of people (especially folks who want to win seriously competitive drag races), so Hennessey is offering GT-R upgrades that beef Godzilla up to 600 hp. The seven mods in the kit don't do anything crazy to the car -- items like stainless steel turbo downpipes and a wastegate actuator upgrade -- they simply combine to add 120 hp to the corral already on hand. As far as we're concerned, we'd take that over a 520 hp V Spec any day... we can rip out the rear seats ourselves.
[Source: Hennessey]
We already knew that the 2009 GT-R will gain five more extra hp, but what we didn’t know is that Europe would get it first. But that’s okay, because this is the first time Europe gets to taste the GT-R, as it get officially launched there today.
Europe’s Godzilla comes with a few more changes. Now stickier Dunlop SP Sport 600 DSST tires are standard. The GT-R is now offered in three different versions: standard, Premium edition and Black Edition. All come with price increased of 3.8 percent
As mentioned before, the 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 gets a bump from 480 PS (473 hp) to 485 PS (478 hp), according to an official statement from Nissan UK. Nissan calls tis a 5 hp bump even though the car is listed as 480 in the states. While trying to split hairs about whether it’s a five or eight extra horses, remember that most testers believe the engine really produces over 500 hp.
In Europe Nissan has already received the maximum 2500 orders for the GT-R, this means that any new customers will have to wait until 2010 to storm the countryside.
Today at the Nissan Technical Center in Farmington Hills, MI, Nissan revealed its new NV2500 concept commercial van. The NV2500 is a preview of its upcoming light commercial vehicle that will debut in 2010. The NV2500 will be taking the place of the Titan pickup at the company's Canton, MS assembly plant and take Nissan into a new market segment in North America. Nissan's Communications VP Alan Buddendeck explained that the automaker competes in the commercial vehicle market around the world and wants to round that out with North America.
The NV2500 concept shows just one of many possible configurations of the vehicle. The concept and the production vehicle are based on a modified version of the current Titan F-Alpha chassis. Nissan will be partnering with Cummins to provide diesel engines for the new vehicles and ZF for the automatic transmissions. In the first three years of production, Nissan plans to introduce thee different vehicles off this platform.
In addition to the big NV2500, Nissan also showed the NV200 concept that appeared at last year's Tokyo show. The NV200 is similar in concept to Ford's upcoming Transit Connect and is built on Nissan's compact B-platform. There currently aren't any production plans for the NV200, but it is a possibility.
[Source: Nissan]
Nissan has released official images of the NISMO 370Z S-Tune, and the photos show a much more hardcore of version of the Japanese brand's new rear-wheel-drive sports car than we saw debut at the LA Auto Show last month. Buyers will be able to choose between the full-on body kit above with a new lower chin spoiler, "extension nose piece", rocker moldings, rear valance and rear wing or a toned down version. Those larger deep dish, five-spoke aluminum wheels are also an option, as are a stainless steel exhaust system, upgraded S-Tune suspension, additional body braces and S-Tune brake pads. Nissan already has an official website up in Japanese extolling the virtues of the 370Z S-Tune, including an opening intro video that flies around the car. Check out the new official pics in high-res, as well as detail shots of each NISMO component, in the gallery below.
[Source: 370Tech.com via AutoFiends]
The Nissan GT-R is slap-your-mama fast, which has led to some dustup on the internet surrounding voided warranties when using the included Launch Control. Contrary to a previous report that Nissan intends to drop Launch Control from the 2010 GT-R, Motor Trend's blog is reporting that no decision has been made yet and we've heard the same thing from Nissan itself. The bigger point that MT goes on to make is that even without Launch Control, the GT-R is still brutally fast. When the magazine got its first crack at the R35, testers did an acceleration run just for giggles with all the electronics aids active except for Launch Control. The result? 3.9 seconds to 60 mph by just mashing the skinny pedal all the way down. That's enough speed to keep the GT-R running in the same pack with which it's already been lumped, and with the computers doing the work, there's no risk of stalling at launch and getting smoked by a '93 Duster. So what've we learned? Without risking a $20,000 transmission replacement, the GT-R is still a rocket.
[Source: Motor Trend]
Following the lead of Porsche, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Ferrari, Land Rover and Rolls-Royce, Nissan has announced that it won't be present at the 2009 North American International Auto Show, otherwise known as the Detroit Auto Show. But Japan's third largest automaker is going one step further than the others and also pulling out of the Chicago Auto Show in February.
You may recall that Nissan blew its wad, so to speak, at last week's LA Auto Show where it unveiled the new 370Z, Cube and Infiniti G37 Convertible. With nothing left to show save for a commercial van concept called the NV2500, Nissan felt its marketing money could be better spent elsewhere. No word yet on what'll happen to the NV2500 that was supposed to debut in Detroit, but at this rate we fully expect to have a large team of bloggers on hand in early January who are bored to death on the show floor of Cobo Hall. Thanks, economy.
[Source: The Detroit News]
The Nissan GT-R has a relationship with the famed Nurburgring in Germany like no other modern car. It has brought the track back into the headlines by taking out much more expensive hardware with a blistering, though unofficial, lap time of 7 minutes, 29 seconds. That number has since been eclipsed by the Corvette ZR1 and Dodge Viper ACR, but remains ahead of the GT2 despite Porsche's accusation that Nissan ran a less-than-stock GT-R. Well, the GT-R in Japan is getting some upgrades for 2010, and Nissan is reportedly headed back to the 'Ring to see what it'll do. The changes include a slight increase in power to 485 PS, or about a 5-horsepower bump, as well as a new compound Dunlop tire and suspension tweaks. Other mods include a larger fuel tank and some very minor cosmetic changes that won't make a damn bit of a difference on the track. Will the GT-R be able to best its 7:29 lap time? We're guessing they wouldn't bother to make the trip if they weren't certain there were at least a couple of tenths to shave off. Thanks for the tip, Sean!
[Source: 2009gtr.blogspot.com]
Nissan dropped the final cover off its all-new 2009 370Z at the LA Auto Show today. While we've been looking at pics of the two-place coupe since last month, today Nissan gave us pricing (base MSRP of $29,930) and a slew of technical info at the roll-out (follow the jump for the details). Regardless of how you feel about the new styling, it will be hard to dismiss the significant improvements Nissan made to the interior of the new car. The materials, fit, and finish are all excellent... especially if you compare the new car to the old side-by-side. Addressing poundage (another significant complaint about the previous-gen 350Z), Nissan put the new car on a serious diet. Paying close attention to the little things, engineers dropped several hundred pounds off the curb weight compared to the outgoing 350Z. The svelte standard model with a 6-speed manual now tips the scales at just 3,232 pounds (the 2008 350Z Enthusiast Model was about 3,350 pounds). More power, a stronger chassis and a much improved interior. Enthusiasts will find a lot to like with the new model.
InsideLine hosted a little soirée for Nissan/Datsun devotees to show off the 2009 Nissan 370Z ahead of its unveiling this Tuesday at the LA Auto Show, and the crew from StreetFire was on hand to provide some pics and a video of the reveal.
Beyond the trio of teasers and "leaked" images that found their way onto the Web this past week, these new shots finally give us a clear view of all the exterior styling details and a few shots of the thoroughly revised interior. The upkick in the door's edge that leads into the side windows is a particularly nice touch, as is the new steering wheel, revised instrument panel with integrated LCD and dual stitching on the leather dash.
[Source: StreetFire]
Nissan is planning not one, but two, separate events to reveal the new Nissan 370Z to a select group of gearheads ahead of its unveiling next week at the LA Auto Show. But Nissan's worst-kept secret keeps leaking out. So in addition to a handful of teasers, a few game-play screen caps and a trio of spy shots, GTRWorld has seven pics of Nissan's newest Z car out in the open.
While the new head- and tail-lamp treatments have garnered the most attention, a few elements haven't been in clear view until now. The slight indentation in the roof matches the revised hood, while the shortened hatch and new bumper eschews the outgoing model's harsh creases for a more bulbous back end. Inside, the rear strut tower brace that seriously compromised the 350Z's trunk space has been moved just aft of the doors and everything in the engine bay looks ready for production.
[Source: GTR-World]
Nissan announced a few updates for the 2009 GT-R, updates that include 5 more hp from the 3.8-litre twin turbo V6 "VR38" engine. The 2009 model year will be called Series II Nissan GT-R R35 and will be first launched in Japan.
There are other changes to the car, but they are mostly minor. The white body color changed from paint code QX1 to QAB (Storm White); Brembo brake calipers are rebadged to Nissan; front license plate is base removed (U.S. already has it); gas tank is size expanded from 71 liters to 73.8 liters (about .75 gallons).
All this does come at a premium. There is a five percent price increase.
[Source:GTR Blog]
Nissan has hit a major home run with its latest Skyline, known as the GT-R here in the States. In fact, the car was knocked so far out of the park that it seems an obvious choice for anyone's Car of the Year. Nissan's latest supercar boasts enough performance to take on the best from the rest of the world regardless of price, making it an amazing value despite costing upwards of $80,000. As such, the new GT-R has been awarded the Car of the Year trophy from Automobile Mag. Who are we to argue?
Other winners of Automobile's year-end awards include Audi's stunning A5 coupe, which takes the award for Design of the Year, though it seems it feels like the A5's already been around for more than a year. Man of the Year goes to Honda's CEO, Takeo Fuki, who's company is now reaping the rewards for staying true to its initial vision of rational, fuel efficient designs after all these years. It's pretty hard to take exception with these choices, though 2009, which is right around the corner, is shaping up to be the year of fuel efficiency. Follow the jump for Automobile Mag's official press release, which has a few extra award winners we didn't mention.
[Source: Automobile]
PRESS RELEASE
AUTOMOBILE Magazine Names the Nissan GT-R Automobile of the Year
ANN ARBOR, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AUTOMOBILE Magazine, America's leading automotive lifestyle publication and part of Source Interlink Media, LLC, a subsidiary of media and marketing services company Source Interlink Companies, Inc. (NASDAQ:SORC), announced today that the Nissan GT-R is the 2009 Automobile of the Year. The magazine also named the Audi A5 Design of the Year, Honda president and CEO Takeo Fukui Man of the Year, and Direct Fuel Injection Technology of the Year.
The winners are featured in the pages of the January 2009 issue of AUTOMOBILE Magazine, available on newsstands beginning December 2, 2008.
2009 Automobile of the Year: Nissan GT-R
The much anticipated Nissan GT-R is the first Japanese supercar to seriously threaten the reigning opposition, many of whom the GT-R bested on Germany's renowned Nurburgring. Editors noted that while the Nissan GT-R rides like a subway car, sounds like an appliance and weighs a ton, it still deserved to be named Automobile of the Year for delivering high-intensity fun and astonishing performance.
'For decades, previous versions of the GT-R were never exported to the United States. Now we know what we've been missing, and are we happy to be invited to the party,' said Jean Jennings, president and editor-in-chief of AUTOMOBILE Magazine. 'What we love about the GT-R is that it refuses to compromise. It is not comfortable, it is not trying to make friends and it is not trying to influence people. It exists for one reason only ' to go fast ' and it does.'
In awarding the GT-R its ultimate prize, AUTOMOBILE Magazine editors cited the car's 'neck-snapping acceleration,' 'super-accurate steering' and 'incredible value' by supercar standards.
Design of the Year: Audi A5
AUTOMOBILE Magazine's Design of the Year is notable for its restraint, elegance, and perfect execution on the interior and not just the exterior, according to editors. Initially, the editors were skeptical of Volkswagen Group design chief Walter de Silva's assertion that the Audi A5 is his best-ever design. It was on seeing the A5 on the road, however, that the magazine's editors could fully appreciate the quality of the A5's total design. Audi has indeed created a beautiful car.
'The first point of appreciation comes upon approaching the car,' said Design Editor Robert Cumberford. 'The second comes when the door is opened to one of the best interiors offered today, in any car at any price. The A5's elegance, stability, and sheer visual presence make it a clear winner.'
Man of the Year: Takeo Fukui - President, Honda Motor Company
In a year when the U.S. auto market has been challenged by fuel prices and the financial meltdown, Honda stands as an exception. With Takeo Fukui at the reins, Honda maintained a diverse model mix, especially in the small-car arena, and successfully positioned itself for the current marketplace.
We've always thought that Infiniti's current M35/M45 sedan deserved greater consideration from American consumers than it has typically received. With a strong VQ-series powerplant and entertaining rear-wheel drive handling, there has always been a lot to like from behind the wheel, but its restrained styling has seemingly always failed to convey the sort of emotion delivered by the driving experience. Thankfully, judging by its just-introduced Nissan Fuga twin here at the Tokyo Motor Show, anonymous styling figures to be less of an Achilles heel going forward.
Powered in the Japanese market by a pair of VQ-series V6 engines displacing 2.5-liters and 3.7-liters respectively (power figures have not been disclosed), the real emphasis for the next-gen model appears to be on advanced safety and creature comfort technology. We're hoping this focus doesn't result in compromised dynamics, but we are very curious to sample such bits of electronic wizardry as Nissan's "Forest AC" that includes a breeze setting and an aroma atomizer, to say nothing of "Intelligent Pedal," a new system that can actually make braking decisions based on data from the sat-nav unit. In our experience, bearing in mind how often the map data has been wrong in a given vehicle's GPS system, we hope that the system doesn't randomly lock up the binders for a phantom hairpin – especially with someone following a bit too closely behind.
Either way, when the Fuga comes to North America next year, we expect it to once again be powered by either the larger of the two VQ-series V6s or a V8 engine. A hybrid model will hit Japan next autumn, and we hear it's also coming Stateside.
New Nissan Fuga blends class-leading technology
interior comfort and performance
Redefining the traditional luxury car, Nissan's first generation Fuga luxury sedan, delivered outstanding performance, comfort and interior quality. Inheriting that flagship DNA package, the all-new Nissan Fuga arrives in Japanese showrooms this autumn.
Class-leading performance, handling and engineering
At the heart of the new Nissan Fuga are new technological advances that combine seemingly conflicting attributes such as nimble handling and comfortable ride, plus powerful acceleration and silent, eco-friendly performance. Customers may choose from either the VQ37VHR 3.7-liter V6 or the VQ25HR 2.5-liter V6.
Amongst the innovation, fitted to the Fuga are newly developed `Double Piston Shock Absorbers' (frequency responsive) that employ a double piston construction to improves handling and ride quality by increasing oil flow inside the shock absorber to reduce vibration from road undulations and absorb minor road imperfections.
Incorporating some significant advanced technologies such as LDP (Lane Departure Prevention system) and Intelligent Cruise Control, this sedan promotes safe, comfortable driving.
Based on sat-nav map information indicating a curve approaching, the system assists deceleration by deploying a movable accelerator pedal and activating the brakes in a system called `Intelligent Pedal (Navigation-Cooperative).' `Cornering Stability Assist' applies the VDC System to control vehicle movement for safe and smooth cornering. Both the `Intelligent Pedal' and the `Cornering Stability Assist' are world-first technologies to be featured on the new Fuga. Along with advanced active four-wheel steering, these technologies support the driver to ensure a comfortable driving.
Supporting Eco-drive and Safety-drive
The new Fuga is the world-first model to feature a driving safety support system, which utilizes the ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) in its navigation system. The system supports safe driving by providing information to alert the driver at blind intersections for example, based on information on nearby vehicles and traffic environment, which is transmitted to the Fuga from optical beacons installed all across the country.
Fitted as equipment that supports eco-driving, the Fuga employs a world-first `ECO-pedal'. When the eco-pedal system is on, each time the driver steps on the accelerator, a counter push-back control mechanism is activated if the system detects overly zealous throttle work, helping to inform the driver that they could be using more fuel than required. An eco-driving indicator integrated into the instrument panel feeds the driver with real-time fuel consumption levels to help improve their driving behavior.
A first for Nissan, the newly engineered "Drive Mode Selector" is fitted as standard equipment and adjusts engine response, transmission shift schedule and 4-wheel active steering, giving the Fuga a sportier, more comfortable on-road feel. In addition to normal drive mode, the 4-door sedan features a newly fitted sports mode and eco-mode. By selecting a mode using a dial located under the gear shifter, drivers can choose modes ranging from sharper, more responsive handling to economical, easy cruising settings to suit any mood or road conditions.
Dynamic design appeals to senses
The new Fuga's powerful combination of long hood, short overhangs and deeply sculpted fenders with large diameter 20-inch wheels*, give a visual appeal as only authentic rear-wheel drive sports sedan proportions can. By moving the front pillar back, lowering the car's height and adding to its width, interior comfort has been enhanced while achieving a low, powerful stance.
The Nissan Fuga's large, low-slung, grille and bold headlight design inspired by traditional Japanese Kabuki eye make-up combine to establish a strong presence, while its sculptured body takes on varied personalities depending on the angle viewed and the light reflected on its surface.
Spacious, bright and comfortable interior
The premium quality interior in the new Fuga takes the first generation's highly rated cabin design to the next level. Designers have further improved interior quality by enhancing trim and details.
For example, seats in the luxurious interior employ `premium semi-aniline leather.' A special kneading process creates a softer, more supple surface that has been finished in a strong yet soft protective coating. This process results in a luxury sofa-like leather seat that is soft to the touch yet firm in its cushion support.
In addition, soft and smooth textured trim (Sofiless) has been used to cover the armrests and other spots where the skin touches, and the dashboard has been covered with a material that has the high-quality finish and comfortable softness of a leather furniture.
Employing a traditional hand-application method, craftsmen have painstakingly applied pure silver powder to the premium interior woodgrain panels giving them an immaculate mirror finish. The silver powder woodgrain paneling and semi-aniline leather are exclusive to premium interiors.
Utilizing materials suitable to each specific location in the car, occupants sense they are cocooned in a tailor-made cabin, surrounded by surfaces that are soft to the touch and switches that are all newly designed and boast a more luxurious, tactile and high-quality feel.
Significant luxurious appointments further elevate the Nissan Fuga's status as a leading luxury sedan. These include a world-first climate control system called ` Forest AC' that manages air temperature and fan strength, as well as humidity, odor detection and suppression to create the clean interior environment. Occupants can also enjoy the relaxing effect of special aromas and natural outdoor-like breezes through air vents, while a newly developed plasma-cluster ion unit purifies cabin air. In addition, the overwhelming sound from the BoseR Surround Sound System, which drives 16 speakers with a 14-channel digital amplifier, will ensure premium sound quality.
SPECIFICATIONS
Overall Length (mm) 4,945
Overall Width (mm) 1,845
Overall Height (mm) 1,500
Wheelbase (mm) 2,900
Seating Capacity 5
Fuga Hybrid
On the Nissan stand at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, a hybrid version of the new Fuga will also be displayed. Employing a 3.5-liter V6, high-power Li-ion batteries and a highly efficient one-motor-two-clutch parallel hybrid system solely developed by Nissan, this model generates the fuel consumption of a compact C-segment car. This model will be launched in the Japanese market from 2010 autumn.
Without much fanfare (okay – zero fanfare), Nissan has rolled a tweaked version of its home-market GT-R onto the show floor here at the Tokyo Motor Show.
While you're not likely to notice any exterior differences, JDM buyers should appreciate that Nissan has fettled the suspension, fitted higher-flow cats to the exhaust system for improved low- and mid-range response (as if this were a problem before), and they've also added a next-generation hard-drive based navi system that includes iPod connectivity.
On the suspension end of things, the rear suspension radius rod bushings have come in for a stiffening, and the front shocks and springs have been tweaked for increased "accuracy" (no, we're not entirely sure what that means either).
Perhaps the only modification that will be visible to passers-by is the inclusion of rear diffuser cooling ducts across the range – previously these were only fitted to the SpecV model.
Speaking of SpecV, the higher-performance model also gets new rear shock settings and standard Dunlop tires – Bridgestone loyalists, fear not - those shoes are also still available by request.
PRESS RELEASE:
October 21, 2009
Nissan Releases New-Spec Nissan GT-R
YOKOHAMA (Oct. 21, 2009) - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the release of the latest version of the Nissan GT-R, which goes on sale on December 7th at Nissan dealers nationwide in Japan. The updated GT-R receives a number of enhancements, including a revised navigation system, recalibrated suspension settings and an improved-flow catalyst system. It is scheduled to go on sale in other global markets beginning next spring.
Since its introduction in the Japanese market in December 2007, the Nissan GT-R has gone through continuous evolution, remaining on the cutting-edge of multi-dimensional performance. The GT-R has also been acclaimed globally, winning more than 50 top awards in various categories since launch. Nissan also supports GT-R owners with exceptional after-sales service.
The latest revisions to GT-R include a new HDD-based CARWINGS navigation system with enhanced entertainment functions. A USB port with iPod®*1 connectivity allows the driver and passengers to enjoy their favorite music in the car, creating an even more pleasant interior environment. *2
In addition, the GT-R's suspension has been retuned to offer enhanced, premium quality ride comfort, while still providing the driver with a feeling of direct contact with the road surface. The accuracy of the front shock absorbers and springs has been increased and the stiffness of rear suspension radius rod bushings has been strengthened. Rear diffusers with cooling ducts, previously available only on the GT-R SpecV, have been expanded to non-SpecV models, improving cooling performance around the rear floor area.
The exclusive Nissan GT-R SpecV models receive revised rear shock absorber settings, enhancing the characteristic combination of supple ride comfort and flat, predictable handling. In conjunction with this change, SpecV now comes standard with Dunlop tires. The previously standard Bridgestone tires are available as a factory-installed option.
Finally, both the Nissan GT-R and GT-R SpecV achieve improved low- and mid-range engine response, thanks to newly adopted hexagonal meshed catalyst cells that reduce ventilation/airflow resistance.
Nationwide MSRP Pricing in Japan (including consumption tax)
Drivetrain Engine Grade Transmission Price (yen)
4WD VR38DETT GT-R GR6 dual clutch
transmission 8,610,000 ☆Model in photo
GT-R Black edition 8,820,000
GT-R Premium edition 9,240,000
GT-R SpecV 15,750,000
* SpecV goes on sale at seven specially selected Nissan dealers throughout Japan.
*1 iPod is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
*2 May not be applicable in selected countries.
At the Tokyo Motor Show this morning, Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn rolled silently onto the stage in the company's latest battery powered concept, the Land Glider. Like Volkswagen's One-Liter concep from the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Land Glider is a narrow-gauge tandem two-seater. However, that's where the similarities end.
The Nissan is purely battery powered, with a pair of rear-mounted electric motors receiving juice from a sub-floor lithium-ion battery pack. Ghosn referred to the Land Glider as a vehicle that offers quick acceleration thanks to its light weight and torquey electric motor. Topping up the batteries figures to be quick and painless as well, as the Land Glider features a non-contact charging system, meaning that drivers won't have to fiddle with any plugs, they can just pull into designated charging spaces.
Like some other tandem seat concepts that we've seen in the past, this one also leans into turns like a motorcycle – up to 17 degrees. Unlike those past concepts, however, Ghosn announced today that this model may reach showrooms in the not too distant future.
PRESS RELEASE:
Is it a Car or a Motorcycle?
-- Land Glider Leans into a Totally New Driving Experience --
Nissan's planning and design team were given a challenge: to explore new forms of zero emission mobility that redefined existing segments. The result was a radical new vehicle that combines the company's vision for future urban mobility with Nissan's great driving heritage.
In creating the Land Glider concept, Nissan planners and designers have conceived a totally new form of personal zero emission mobility that combines clever, new driving experiences, all in the one compact, 4-wheeled package.
With more than 50% of the world's population living in big cities in the near future, designers latched onto motorcycles as a credible base to start the design process.
While the agility, thrills and freedom of bikes inspired the designers and engineers, an extra spice was added to the mix. Tandem architecture became the obvious choice. A unique two-seater, cocoon-like structure sitting on a zero emission powertrain. With four-wheel stability and a sense of safety that originates from a tilting cabin, the Land Glider will appeal to both two- and four-wheel driving enthusiasts.
Targeted at city dwellers of all generations, the Land Glider is a serious motoring statement of the new era of mobility that Nissan intends to lead.
Cocoon in the shell
"The exterior incorporates a soft, sleek-looking body that appears to be protected by a special armor," explains Takashi Nakajima, Nissan's Project Design Director. "And while it is very mechanical in its nature, the four-wheeler boasts a dynamic body design that almost seems alive. As part of Nissan's expanding zero emission family, the Land Glider exudes a clean, friendly attitude."
The vehicle's two-seater tandem layout is enveloped in what seems like the canopy of a glider, while its unique `tilt' setup employs a special leaning function that holds occupants firmly in place even when the vehicle is cornering at angles. In developing the Land Glider, Nissan designers have created a two-seater that offers the sense of security of a cocoon, but delivers real driving pleasure.
Corner and lean
Described as a `personal city commuter,' the Land Glider features steering-by-wire and a lean capability when cornering ? like a motorcycle ? that enables the vehicle and its tires to lean by up to 17 degrees. Able to turn sharply at nearly any speed, the Land Glider employs sensors for vehicle speed, steering angle and yaw rate to instantly calculate the level of lean required to negotiate a corner. All the driver must do is turn and the cabin will lean accordingly. By enabling the car to lean, designers have succeeded in minimizing vehicle width and tire tread width, thus achieving a sleek, futuristic look.
Driven by rear electric motors
With drive coming from two electric motors in the rear powered by lithium-ion batteries mounted beneath the floor, the zero-emissions Land Glider is quick off the mark. The car also features a non-contact charging system that can be charged whilst shopping at a supermarket or stopping at a motorway service station. This system enables vehicles to be charged cable-less at locations where the infrastructure exists.
Collision Avoidance
To ensure maximum safety whilst driving, engineers have fitted a car-robotics style crash avoidance system in which sensors mounted in the body detect other vehicles in the same way as fish swim in schools without colliding. This system directs the vehicle's path away from any obstacles.*
Whilst Land Glider is a concept car created for the Tokyo Motor Show, it should not be regarded as a mere design study. This leaning machine gives a clear direction to how a future small car from Nissan could look in congested cities...a clue of what Nissan means by new era of mobility.
*: Refer to the CEATEC press release issued Oct. 1, 2009.
SPECIFICATIONS
Overall Length (mm) 3,100
Overall Width (mm) 1,100
Overall Height (mm) 1,415
Wheelbase (mm) 2,180
Seating Capacity 2a
We're here at the Tokyo Motor Show, where CEO Carlos Ghosn has just confirmed that Nissan, Renault's Japanese alliance partner, will boast a lineup of at least three electric vehicles in the next few years – and a fourth vehicle is also possible. We already know about the Leaf hatchback (above) that was unveiled back in August. In addition, Nissan will build an electric version of the NV200 light commercial van that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show. For the first time, Ghosn also confirmed that Infiniti will get a compact four-passenger sedan powered only by batteries.
No other information was available on this car, but Ghosn did say that it would be unveiled in the near future. In all likelihood, the Infiniti will be based on the Leaf platform that is designed for purely electric drive.
PRESS RELEASE
Infiniti Confirms Plan for a Zero Emissions Vehicle
FRANKLIN, Tenn., Oct. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Mr. Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO, Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., announced at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show that Infiniti plans to introduce an electric vehicle - one that will be true to the Infiniti brand's promise of "Inspired Performance."
Mr. Ghosn stated that a concept is being developed for a stylish, compact, high performance four-seat luxury Infiniti with zero emissions.
With the addition of a high-performance V6 diesel to Infiniti's Western Europe line in 2010, and the Infiniti M Hybrid, which will available in the U.S. in the spring of 2011, Infiniti will soon offer an almost unrivalled choice of powertrains compared with other luxury brands.
About Infiniti
Infiniti offers a full-line of luxury performance automobiles, including the G Coupe, Sedan and Convertible, M sedan, EX and FX crossovers, and the QX full-size SUV. More information about Infiniti and its Total Ownership Experience® can be found at www.InfinitiUSA.com.
Nissan has revealed its Townpod EV concept, a sort of larger, more amorphous take on the Cube and Leaf. Singularly Japanese in feel, the Townpod is intended to bridge the world of private and commercial vehicles. According to the splendiforously indulgent press release (sample: "The innovative position of the headlights also allows a coupe-esque bonnet line, not dissimilar to Nissan Z, which feeds in to a visor-like wraparound, blue tinted glass house, reminiscent of Nissan Cube, while the galls to body proportions hark back to the rat-rods of the fifties."), the Townpod targets everyone from young entrepreneurs to first-time home builders and retirees looking to turn their hobby into a paycheck.
The barn-doored concept has a bizarrely characterful and friendly looking animated marshmallow-like face, with headlamps that feature blue 'petals' that change position depending on whether they are being used as marker units or headlights. The interior is a flexible space that's designed to accept third-party storage accessories and such, and it's complete with a display that according to Nissan is designed to coordinate with the owner's PDA (who uses a PDA anymore?).
Nissan says that the Townpod has been designed as an EV, though interestingly, it actually doesn't explain the motivational technology underneath the vehicle's sheetmetal. Its mystery powerplant is seemingly appropriate for such a blank-canvas concept, of course. After all, François Bancon, Nissan's general manager of its Exploratory and Advance Planning Department notes that the same blank-slate mindset is true of the car's intended audience: "What is more revealing is that Nissan Townpod users do not appreciate stereotypes or status symbols. For them, the ultimate status is to have no status."
Well look what we found tucked away in a glass-enclosed corner of the Nissan stand. What you're looking at is the 2012 Nissan GT-R, complete with a fascia comprised of a restyled bumper, air-intakes and LED daytime running lamps. A new diffuser pulled from the SpecM is mounted out back, along with new lightweight wheels that may or may not be included in the final package. Our insider wouldn't give us any details on power increases, but they did say we should keep an eye out for an official announcement in the coming months.
