Nissan Maxima – first official pics of the eighth-gen

 

Yes, this is the “4-door sports car” Nissan was talking about – it’s the eighth-gen 2016 Nissan Maxima. The muscular mid-sizer pretty much retains the swoopy silhouette of Detroit 2014’s Sport Sedan concept, with the production headlamps, wheels, door mirrors and door handles doing almost nothing to spoil its looks.
Stand-out styling elements are aplenty, including a heavily-sculpted bonnet, mean-looking headlamps with C-shaped DRL eyebrows (the motif is echoed by the warm-glowing tail lamps), a V-Motion face, a ‘floating’ roofline and twin tailpipes. This is Nissan’s flagship, and it certainly looks it.
The new Nissan Maxima actually made a cameo appearance at the end of the company’s “With Dad” Super Bowl commercial – check it out below. We should have more details closer to the car’s debut at the New York show in April.

DRIVEN: 2015 Nissan X-Trail 2.5 4WD video review

You’ve read the launch story. You’ve seen the walk-around video. Now, join us as we put the 2015 Nissan X-Trail through its paces in the third instalment of our new video review series to find out just how effective all that fancy onboard tech is.
Featured here is the top-spec 2.5 litre variant with Nissan’s All Mode Intelligent 4X4-i system. The QR25DE-k2 mill, which pumps out 171 PS at 6,000 rpm and 233 Nm at 4,000 rpm, is mated to Nissan’s Xtronic CVT transmission. If all that sounds a bit too familiar, the 2015 Nissan X-Trail features an Active Chassis Control platform that includes Active Ride Control, Active Trace Control and Active Engine Brake.
The first feature is designed to limit torque output and braking to maintain a smooth ride over undulations while Active Trace Control works to reduce understeer by automatically braking individual wheels. Active Engine Brake, on the other hand, introduces the notion of engine braking to the CVT gearbox – a world’s first for such a transmission, according to Nissan.

So all this adds up to quite a car, on paper at least. Now join us as we put the 2015 Nissan X-Trail through its paces to see whether all the fancy tech really do add up to a proper competitor to the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5. If you like what you see, give us a thumbs up and be sure to subscribe to our Youtube channel.

Nissan GT-R LM Nismo: front-wheel drive LMP1 hybrid

 

The LMP1 grid at the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans welcomes a new entrant today in the shape of the new Nissan GT-R LM Nismo, which joins the Audi R18 e-tron quattro, Toyota TS040 Hybrid and Porsche 919 Hybrid for 2015. This marks Nissan’s return to top-level endurance racing after a 16-year hiatus.
Like the others, the Nissan is a hybrid, but there’s where the similarities end. Firstly, the long bonnet isn’t just there to provide a visual link to the road-going GT-R – there’s actually an engine underneath, a twin-turbocharged, direct-injected 3.0 litre petrol V6, making this the first front-engined Le Mans Prototype since the Panoz Esperante GT-LM from 2006.
Even more interesting is where the internal combustion mill sends its power – to the front. Yes, this is technically a front-engined, front-wheel drive LMP1, although since there’s also a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) that utilises an even more powerful electric motor to drive both the front and rear wheels, it’s more accurately an all-wheel drive racer.

Total output is said to be somewhere in the 1,250-1,500 hp region – around 500 hp from the petrol engine, and upwards of 750 hp from the eight-megajoule KERS system. A five-speed sequential manual transmission transfers power to the front wheels.
The reason for moving the whole kit and caboodle to the front of the car is something called through-flow aerodynamics. Traditional cars route air around and underneath the car, creating significant drag; on the GT-R LM, it flows straight through.
Clearing out the rear of the car leaves space for two massive air channels that begin behind the front splitter and flows around the narrow hull-like carbon fibre tub and out the back. This reduces aerodynamic drag, which should improve fuel consumption and performance.

This necessitated some blue-sky packaging solutions – the KERS system, for example, is housed under the cockpit, beneath the driver’s legs (meaning that shorter drivers are required, to fit the cramped cabin). Even the electric drive to the rear has to be channeled up and over the air columns through a series of driveshafts and gearboxes to reach the wheels.
The weight, power and downforce bias towards the front mean that the front tyres are quite a bit wider than the rear – 14 inches at the front, nine inches at the rear.

Recognise the highly-experimental nature of the GT-R LM? It’s the work of Ben Bowlby, the same race car designer who came up with the DeltaWing and its successor, the ZEOD RC. Marc Gené, former Ferrari test driver and Le Mans winner, has been confirmed as Nissan’s first factory driver for its 2015 effort. Four diverse cars from four major manufacturers, all gunning for glory – we can’t wait!

2015 Nissan X-Trail launched in Malaysia

 

Previewed back in December, the new Nissan X-Trail has officially gone on sale – the third-gen iteration of the mid-size SUV was launched a while ago at Edaran Tan Chong Motor’s (ETCM) new Nissan 3S centre in Glenmarie, Shah Alam.
The X-Trail – which premiered in Frankfurt in 2013 – makes its local debut in 2.0 litre and 2.5 litre forms, both CKD locally-assembled. The vehicle sits on Renault-Nissan Alliance’s Common Module Family (CMF) platform, and from a design perspective, is a marked step away from its predecessors’ boxy and conservative shapes.
The base X-Trail is powered by a 2.0 litre mill, and the new Twin CVTC MR20DD direct injection unit is good for 144 PS at 6,000 rpm and 200 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm. As for the 2.5 litre, the QR25DE-k2 lump has 171 PS at 6,000 rpm and 233 Nm at 4,000 rpm for output numbers.
The engines are paired with the automaker’s latest Xtronic CVT gearbox with ECO mode and a seven-speed manual mode, a feature absent in both B17 Sylphy and L33 Teana CVT sedans. As for drive configurations, the 2.0 is 2WD or front-wheel drive, while the 2.5 litre model is shod with Nissan’s All Mode Intelligent 4X4-i system.

The latter offers three drive modes – two-wheel drive, Auto Mode (which automatically changes torque distribution between front and rear wheels when driving on paved or slippery roads) and 4WD Lock Mode (50:50) for permanent four-wheel drive. Operation is selectable via a knob on the centre console.

The SUV features an Active Chassis Control package that includes Active Ride Control, Active Engine Brake and Active Trace Control functions. Active Ride Control controls engine torque as well as braking to moderate pitching motion on bumpy roads, while Active Engine Brake tells the Xtronic CVT to add a degree of engine braking when cornering or coming to a stop.
As for Active Trace Control, that automatically applies small amounts of braking to the individual wheels during cornering to reduce understeer – the system engages at any point in the corner, whether at entry, mid-corner or exit. Both variants feature Hill Start Assist (for slopes above 5%), and the 2.5 litre 4WD variant gets Hill Descent Control (only in 4WD Lock mode, speed locked between 4-15 km/h).
The new X-Trail features a 5+2 seating configuration, and the small, contingency third-row seats – which come with three-point seat belts – can of course be flat folded 50:50 into the floor. Folded as such, boot space is 550 litres, and with both third and second-row 60:40 split seats folded flat, cargo carrying space increases to 1,520 litres. A compartment under the boot floor keeps the tonneau cover in place when needed.

In terms of equipment, the 2.0 2WD gets daytime running lights, automatic (halogen) headlamps, keyless entry with push start ignition and dual-zone climate control (with rear vents). There’s also an Advance Drive Assist Display (five-inch colour display, between the dials), steering buttons, leather steering/shift knob, cruise control as well as Nissan’s Around View Monitor and a reverse camera.
The 2.5 4WD has all the above, and adds on LED headlamps, leather seats, a 10-way powered driver’s seat and four-way powered passenger seat as well as auto wipers. The variant also features a different panel finishing (in fake carbon fibre, while the 2.0 2WD has silver/grey trim).
As for safety kit, both variants are equipped with dual-airbags, ABS, EBD, BA, Vehicle Dynamics Control, Hill Start Assist and Isofix on top of the Active Chassis Control components mentioned above. Both X-Trail versions get identical 17-inch wheels and 225/65 rubber, meaning that the only way to differentiate them externally is via the headlamps (halogen vs LED).

Five colours are available, these being Tungsten Silver, Titanium Olive, Graphite Blue, Brilliant White and Diamond Black. Finally, pricing – the new Nissan X-Trail is priced at RM143,800 for the 2.0L 2WD and RM166,800 for the 2.5L 4WD (on-the-road, with insurance). An optional TCAT Multimedia Navigation unit can be had for RM3,800. The X-Trail comes with a three-year or 100,000 km warranty (whichever comes first) as well as free three-year maintenance service.

Nissan Altima to be facelifted in 2016, will our Teana?

 

Automotive News has reported that the US-market Nissan Altima (that’s our Nissan Teana) is set to get a significant facelift for 2016, about three years after the D-segment sedan’s Stateside launch.
Nissan North America product planning VP Pierre Loing told the publication that the refresh will follow the substantial mid-cycle changes in the US-market 2015 Toyota Camry (separate from the global-market 2015 Toyota Camry facelift, which we should be getting this year), but it won’t be as drastic.
“Camry did something very huge. I believe they did that probably because they thought the car was not where they wanted it to be. I’m not sure we’re going to go to that extent. But we’re going to do something significant for the Altima for the mid-cycle,” Loing said, adding that styling updates and technology enhancements are planned.
Last year, the Altima found 335,644 Stateside buyers – five percent up on the year before. The Honda Accord sold 388,374, the Toyota Camry 428,606 and the Hyundai Sonata only 216,936 (believed to be due to the over-conservative styling, facelift to arrive in 2017 or 2018). In December, the Altima outsold both Accord and Camry.

“Mid-size (D-segment) is contracting a little, but it’s still a two-million-a-year segment. It’s extremely important,” Loing said. “It is very difficult to grow in the segment because our competitors do a very good job. But we’re a strong player and we intend to remain a strong player and grow.
“If you look at fuel economy, we’re very good. Altima is 38 miles per gallon (16.2 km per litre). It’s a light car. It’s already up there, and of course we will reinforce this when we do the mid-cycle.”
With Asia and America now sharing the same L33 dress, it’s reasonable to assume our Nissan Teana will also get some, if not all, of the upcoming updates further down the road. Anything in particular you would like to see changed?

Nissan Titan XD shown – 752 Nm from 5.0 diesel V8

 

Storming onto the stage at the 2015 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit is the new Nissan Titan XD, marking the brand’s return to the ultra-competitive US full-size pickup market.
The XD (no, not the emoticon) is not designed to replace the current 12-year-old Titan – a proper successor should arrive at a later date, along with other Titan-badged trucks. Instead, Nissan aims to create a new segment with the new model, which is promised to offer the towing and hauling performance of larger, more expensive heavy-duty models with the fuel efficiency and lower price of a regular half-ton pickup.
Far stronger and more exuberant-looking than the original Titan, the new truck looks ready to slug it out with the big boys. There are hints of the much smaller NP300 Navara in the design, with the strong shoulders, angular LED headlights with Tetris-esque daytime running lights and broad V-Motion grille, but super-sized to an almost hilarious degree.

There are some neat touches for power users – the original’s Utili-track Bed Channel System has been adopted for this application, with four moveable heavy-duty aluminium alloy cleats for tying down various objects. The bed also feature a pair of removable, lockable, waterproof and drainable storage boxes, a factory spray-on bed liner, LED lighting, a 120 V socket and a dampened tailgate.
The interior looks like a nice place to be, with materials and trim inspired by quilted hunting jackets. The gear selector has been moved up to the steering column, freeing up space for a console box large enough to fit a 15-inch laptop, while 12 V and 120 V outlets and lockable rear under seat storage add convenience. Front and rear storage has been increased by 33% and 28% respectively.
Also fitted are Nissan’s newfangled zero gravity-inspired front and rear seats, optional heated and cooled seats, a 12-speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system, a five-inch colour multi-info display in the instrument cluster and a NissanConnectSM infotainment system with a seven-inch touchscreen and navigation. NVH levels have been decreased with the inclusion of laminated side window glass, among other improvements.

Providing the pulling power is a Cummins 5.0 litre turbodiesel V8, delivering 310 hp and a house-pulling 752 Nm of torque. The oil-burner is mated to a Aisin six-speed heavy-duty automatic transmission and an optional electronic locking rear differential. V6 and V8 petrol engines will be revealed further down the line.
The fully-boxed full-length ladder frame derived from Nissan’s commercial vehicles has been reinforced and strengthened for higher stiffness, vertical and lateral bending as well as torsional rigidity. The XD has a maximum payload of more than 2,000 pounds (900 kg) and a maximum towing capacity of over 12,000 pounds (5,400 kg).
To ensure towing safety, the Titan XD is equipped with Integrated Trailer Brake Controller, Trailer Sway Control (TSC), Tow/Haul Mode with Downhill Speed Control, Trailer Light Check and trailer guides for the RearView Monitor.

Nissan and NASA to jointly develop autonomous cars

 

Nissan, through its North American arm, and NASA have announced the formation of a five-year research and development partnership to advance autonomous vehicle systems and prepare for commercial application of the technology.
Researchers from Nissan’s US Silicon Valley Research Centre and NASA’s Ames Research Centre at Moffett Field, California, will focus on autonomous drive systems, human-machine interface solutions, network-enabled applications, and software analysis and verification, all involving sophisticated hardware and software used in road and space applications.
Researchers from the two organisations will test a fleet of zero-emission autonomous vehicles at Ames to demonstrate proof-of-concept remote operation of autonomous vehicles. For NASA, these tests parallel the way it operates planetary rovers from a mission control centre. The first vehicle of that fleet should be testing by the end of 2015.
“The work of NASA and Nissan – with one directed to space and the other directed to earth, is connected by similar challenges. The partnership will accelerate Nissan’s development of safe, secure and reliable autonomous drive technology that we will progressively introduce to consumers beginning in 2016 up to 2020,” said Carlos Ghosn, president and CEO of Nissan.

Nissan has set 2020 as the timeframe for the introduction of autonomous drive vehicles that have the ability to navigate in nearly all situations, including the most complex situation, city driving.
According to the terms of the partnership, NASA will benefit from Nissan’s shared expertise in innovative component tech for autonomous vehicles, shared research to inform development of vehicular transport applications, and access to appropriate prototype systems and provision of test beds for robotic software.
“All of our potential topics of research collaboration with Nissan are areas in which Ames has strongly contributed to major NASA programs,” said director of Ames Research Centre, S. Pete Worden. “Ames developed Mars rover planning software, robots onboard the International Space Station and next generation air traffic management systems to name a few. We look forward to applying knowledge developed during this partnership toward future space and aeronautics endeavours.”

VIDEO: Nissan Almera’s new Android head unit

 

It looks like every carmaker is into offering Android-powered head units these days. Malaysian Nissan distributor Tan Chong is the latest to join the pack with this 6.5” touch screen Android head unit offered as part of the Nissan Almera’s ’Navi with Internet Package’.
The package costs RM7,000, but doesn’t quite just consist of the head unit – it also includes leather seats and door cards plus Solar Gard Armorcoat tinting. The leather on its own costs RM1,800 while the tint is priced at RM1,400, so I suppose the head unit set is valued at RM3,800. The head unit also includes a reverse camera and GPS navigation.

When you start it up you’re greeted by a six icon screen. From here, you can pick the iGO GPS navigation software, Phone for hands-free calls, as well as Radio, Music and Photo & Video which are self-explanatory. There’s also something called Infogo App Garage, which is familiar – Infogo is the brand of a music store by Prodigium Mobile pre-installed on the Clarion AX1 Android head unit.
The 2-DIN head unit’s faceplate has no branding on it but we started to suspect it’s actually a Clarion AX1. This was confirmed when we opened the iGO app to check out the GPS navigation feature – the start-up screen clearly said Clarion AX1.

There’s no Google Play Store support by default on the AX1. So it won’t be easy to get Waze onto this, although users of the Clarion AX1 have previously reported that it is certainly possible. The head unit is loaded with an app to stream radio channels from around the world, as well as an app that can access DLNA servers to play media. If you run a DLNA server on your phone, the head unit will be able to play music, photos and videos from there.
The Infogo App Garage provides a way for you to install new apps, but only two apps are of interest so far – the Infogo Music Player for you to buy, download and play songs from Infogo’s music library, and a HyppTV app for you to watch TM’s HyppTV channels on the go.

We confirmed that the head unit isn’t disabled when you release the hand brake and shift the gear into the D position, so all of these can run on the go, which will be useful for the front passenger.
The head unit can connect to a WiFi hotspot or use Bluetooth tethering for internet access. You can either run it off your phone’s internet connection or buy a device like Celcom’s 4G LTE PortaWiFi for a somewhat permanent internet connection in the car for the head unit.

Another feature that the head unit has over the normal non-Android head unit in the TCAT DVD Navi package (RM1,000 cheaper) is VAPS, which from what we understand is powered by Arkamys. You can tweak the sound stage using the VAPS menu and there’s even a Child Sleep option to reduce the volume at the seat where a child is asleep while keeping the volume higher for the other occupants.

Finally, the head unit runs Android version 2.3.7 in case you’re interested to know. We played around with the head unit a bit – watch the video below to see how the user interface and how it responds.

GALLERY: Nissan Almera facelift – a closer look at the Nismo Performance Package and V trim model

 

Earlier in the week, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) introduced the Nissan Almera facelift in the country via a press release and studio shots – here then is the car in the metal, in both stock and dressed-up guise.
To recap, the car – which made its debut in Thailand last year – goes on sale in Malaysia in four variant forms, the baseline E manual (RM64,960 OTR without insurance) and E automatic (RM67,882), midrange V (RM74,700), and top-of-the-line VL (RM77,622).
All variants are equipped with a 102 PS and 139 Nm HR15DE 1.5 litre DOHC CVTC unit carried over unchanged from the pre-facelift, paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed auto transmission.
Externally, the facelift gets restyled, larger headlamps, a new front bumper and a revised front grille, now with three bars as opposed to the original Almera‘s four, as well as new chrome trim around the fog lamps. New wheels complete the external rework – the Almera now features Y-spoke design 15-inch alloy wheels (with 185/65 tyres) as standard across the entire model range.

Inside, the Almera now has a new, more premium-looking steering wheel, a redesigned centre stack trimmed in piano black. There’s also a new CD/MP3 player fitted as standard from the E grade version on, but if you’re looking to tech up the presentation, a couple of different options are available.
The first is a RM6,000 Navi DVD Package, which features a 6.5-inch DVD head unit with navigation, reverse camera, iPod connectivity, USB and Bluetooth. The second is a RM7,000 Navi with Internet Package, an Android-based 6.5-inch multimedia navigation system with Internet connectivity (tethering from smartphone via WiFi) and Virtual Acoustic Positioning System (VAPS).
The pricing isn’t just for the electronics – both packages add leather seats/door cards as well as Solar Gard Armorcoat tinting. Other options abound too – there’s a RM750 Elegance Package, which throws in stainless steel kicking plates with LED illumination, door visors, trunk tray and sport pedals for the automatic (for the manual, it’s RM600, minus the sports pedals).

There’s also a new Almera Nismo Performance Package, which is the white car you see in the photos. The route brings about an Aero Package, made up of a front and rear bumper spoiler, side skirts and trunk lid spoiler as well as 16-inch alloys wrapped with 205/50 Continental MaxContact MC5 tyres.

It also adds on a sports exhaust muffler and a performance suspension system, which features uprated springs and shock absorbers. Complete, the entire Nismo package goes for RM14,000, but buyers can opt to go for Aero Package and its five-piece bodykit and wheels/tyres for just RM9,000, or RM4,500 if it’s just the bodykit alone.
The other car in the photos is a stock standard V variant, which is identical externally to the range-topping VL. The model comes with dual airbags, Fine Vision instruments and fog lamps, among other things. The Almera facelift will be starring in a Nissan roadshow in 1 Utama till this Sunday, so head there if you want get touchy-feely.

Nissan Almera facelift launched in Malaysia – Nismo kit makes world debut; E, V and VL from RM65k

 

The Nissan Almera facelift is now officially available in Malaysia. The popular B-segment sedan has been in the local market since October 2012, with over 56,000 units on the road. This refreshed version was first seen in Thailand a year ago.
Looks wise, the update brings about reshaped (and larger) headlamps, a revised front grille with three bars (original had four bars), a new front bumper and chrome trim around the fog lamps. New Y-spoke design 15-inch alloy wheels (with 185/65 tyres) are now standard across the board – no more steel wheels for the base variant.
Inside the Almera’s roomy cabin, you’ll find a new and more premium-looking steering wheel that’s similar to that in the Grand Livina MPV, plus a redesigned centre stack trimmed in piano black.

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) is also introducing for the first time an Android-based 6.5-inch multimedia navigation system, which offers Internet connectivity (tether to smartphone via WiFi) with Virtual Acoustic Positioning System (VAPS), reverse camera, iPod connectivity, USB and Bluetooth.
The white car you see above is the fitted with the new Almera Nismo Performance Package, which is making its global debut in Malaysia.
The package consists of a front and rear bumper spoiler, side skirts, trunk lid spoiler, 16-inch alloys with 205/50 Continental MaxContact MC5 tyres, sports exhaust muffler, and a performance suspension system. The latter includes uprated springs and shock absorbers. The pre-facelift also had a Nismo package, unveiled at KLIMS13.

As before, the Serendah-assembled Almera facelift is available in four variants – E manual (RM64,960 OTR without insurance), E automatic (RM67,882), V (RM74,700), and VL (RM77,622). All are powered by an unchanged 1.5L DOHC CVTC unit with 102 PS and 139 Nm. The HR15DE is paired to a five-speed manual or four-speed auto.
The base E spec comes with a driver’s airbag, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, wing mirror turn signals plus a new CD/MP3 player with USB and AUX-in. Moving up to the V nets one dual airbags, Fine Vision instruments and fog lamps. The top VL spec is equipped with i-key (keyless entry and push start), automatic air con and steering wheel audio controls.
Plenty of optional packages are available, plus some ala carte items. The RM750 Elegance Package throws in stainless steel kicking plates with LED illumination, door visors, trunk tray and sport pedals for the automatic. Just RM600 for the manual, without the pedals.

The RM6,000 Navi DVD Package includes a 6.5-inch DVD head unit with navigation, reverse camera, iPod connectivity, USB and Bluetooth, while the RM7,000 Navi with Internet Package (shown above) comes with the abovementioned Internet-enabled unit, which is different set from the RM6k Navi DVD unit. Both packages come with leather seats and door cards plus Solar Gard Armorcoat tinting.
Speaking of those, should you just want leather, it’s a RM1,800 upgrade. Ala carte prices for the tint are RM950 for Solar Gard, RM1,400 for Solar Gard Armorcoat and RM2,600 for V-Kool Elite. Want to upgrade from Solar Gard Armorcoat to V-Kool Elite? Just pay the RM1,200 difference.
Lastly, the Nismo stuff. If you want just the looks, the Nismo Aero Package provides the five-piece bodykit and wheels/tyres for RM9,000, or RM4,500 for just the bodykit alone. The full Nismo Performance Package with suspension and exhaust, plus “special edition” floor mats, wing mirrors and aero fins, will set one back RM14,000. For a full and clearer view of specs and options, head over to the Almera page on CarBase.my.

Five colours are available – Bronze Gold, Tungsten Silver, Diamond Black, Brilliant White and Graphite Blue. All but the white are metallic colours. The blue, similar to that on the Grand Livina and Serena S-Hybrid, is new for the Almera and replaces grey.

Nissan GT-R, Juke to feature at 2015 Tokyo Auto Salon

 

Nissan has announced its lineup for the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show kicking off next week, bringing no less than 12 cars to Japan’s premiere tuner showcase.
The highlight of the stand will definitely be the Nissan GT-R Nismo, kitted-up in full N Attack Package specification that enabled the Godzilla to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 7 minutes 8.679 seconds, clinching the volume production car lap record in the process.

Also on display will be the Super GT championship-winning Motul Autech GT-R Nismo GT500, as well as the 2015-spec GT-R Nismo GT3 that is lighter, more aerodynamic, more fuel-efficient and has a better weight balance than last year’s racer.
The rest of the range has not been ignored, either – the Juke Personalization Advanced Concept will make an appearance, sporting a unique yellow paint scheme and special parts, including a front splitter and side skirts. Another spruced-up machine that will grace the stands is the e-NV200 Sports Utility Gear – the electric van receives a black-and-yellow paint scheme and bigger wheels, among other changes.

Nismo’s other brace of tuned-up Nissans – the Fairlady Z/370Z Nismo, Juke Nismo, March Nismo and Note Nismo – will come dressed with an assortment of styling and performance accessories such as exterior parts, powertrain upgrades and suspension and brake tweaks.
Finally, Autech will be showing the Dayz Roox Rider and the Elgrand Rider High Performance Spec Black Line (try saying that three times fast), the latter with performance upgrades to go with the new chromed-up style. The Nissan tuner will also bring along a Serena-based Rider Advance Study concept, meant to showcase a new design direction for the Rider range.

All-new Nissan TITAN travels west to meet with fans

January 23 – Los Angeles – After the all-new 2016 Nissan TITAN XD made its world debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the PRO-4X model took a tour out west.
In Southern California, a few hours north of where it was designed at Nissan Design America in San Diego, the truck drew a crowd wherever it stopped. From the 4 Wheel Parts Superstore in Compton to Super Car Sunday in Woodland Hills, fans were eager to get a look.
“I’m incredibly impressed. Pictures don’t do it justice. I mean, you see the pictures – now, seeing the curves, the headlights. It’s beautiful,” said Phil Zamarripa of Yorba Linda, California.
“We have been watching this truck and its development for quite some time. Probably about a year and a half now that we have heard rumors that Nissan was going to produce a full-size truck with a Cummins motor in it. So the interest has brought us here because this is the truck we have been waiting for,” said Michael Purington of Laguna Hills.
After a two-day engagement in California, the truck made its way to Las Vegas for the Shooting Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show.
“We were here last year, and these are the hunting outdoorsmen and fishermen. This is where they all come to meet. This is their trade show. With our truck centered around that type of lifestyle, we wanted to bring it back here and let those people have a chance to see it,” said Rich Miller, director, Product Planning, Trucks & SUVs, Nissan North America.
Project TITAN was at the show’s Day at the Range, giving rides to fans who also were looking forward to the next-gen TITAN.
“I cannot wait to have that power on the dirt, in the mud, in the forest, in the rivers, in the lakes. I want to take that and turn and burn it. I want to put it to the test,” said Ton Jones, actor, Auction Hunters.
The new TITAN XD, the first of the new-generation of Nissan TITAN models, creates a new segment in the American truck market.
“I’ve been excited about the roll-out of the new Cummins diesel in the full-size (TITAN) truck. To be able to see one up close, I love this,” said Duane Forrester, SHOT Show participant.
“A lot of guys really understand the positioning we are going after with the TITAN XD, where they do have those 10,000-lb. trailers and they are looking for a truck that can haul that economically. And they are super stoked about the diesel engine. A lot of them know Cummins. They have had them on their farms and ranches. And now to have it in a truck of this size – they are really excited about it,” said Miller.

The all-new Nissan TITAN XD is projected to reach U.S. Nissan dealerships in late 2015. Until then, fans can follow the truck via Twitter using hashtag #NissanTITAN.

Nissan U.S. exports its one-millionth vehicle

Jan 22 – Nashville, Tenn. – Nissan North America recently said “bon voyage” to its one-millionth U.S.-built export. The car was manufactured at Nissan’s Smyrna, Tennessee plant and destined for sale in South Korea.
“To have achieved one million units of exports proves that we are making attractive and globally competitive products,” said John Martin, senior vice president, Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management and Purchasing, Nissan North America, Inc. “Quite simply, it shows how well-designed, well-built cars are appreciated universally by all customers, no matter where they live and buy the product.”

Click to enlarge

Nissan’s record-setting performance is attributable to a more than $10.1 billion investment in American manufacturing operations. More than 31 years after the start of U.S. manufacturing, 13.7 million vehicles, 7.6 million engines and 57,000 lithium-ion battery packs have been proudly manufactured in the U.S.
“It provides a buffer,” said Martin. “In terms of the volume that exports allow us to make, and it provides a buffer for us against domestic demand. Because naturally we have seasonality in the U.S., Mexico and Canada, they are our biggest markets, but the seasonality in other parts of the world are certainly different. And that acts as a buffer and helps to keep our production level at a pretty stable level throughout the year.”
Between its Smyrna, Tennessee and Canton, Mississippi manufacturing plants, Nissan exports to 68 markets worldwide. For example, the Nissan Altima is now exported to countries such as Africa, Brazil, Korea, Russia and Mexico. The Nissan LEAF is shipped to places such as Canada, Japan, Korea and Mexico.
“Our exports are driven by our proven reputation for quality, durability and reliability, or QDR,” said Martin. “My experience is that the most demanding customers in the world are those in the United States and Japan. So, servicing U.S. customers and meeting their high expectations only serves to improve our overall product quality and enhance their attractiveness to our export customers.”

Top export markets for Nissan’s U.S.-manufactured vehicles include New Zealand, Taiwan, Asia Pacific and Canada.

Prince Charles Visits Sunderland Plant

January 20 – Sunderland, UK – His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales toured Nissan’s Sunderland plant on Tuesday, a visit highlighting the factory’s leading role in EV manufacturing as well as in youth training.
The UK plant, built in the mid-1980s, reflects a corporate commitment to sustainability, through electric vehicle production, and to the professional development of young talent.
Prince Charles, widely known for his active support of sustainability – including reductions in carbon emissions and organic farming – toured the all-electric Nissan LEAF production line.

And accompanied by local dignitaries and Nissan executives, he met manufacturing staff and apprentices at the specialist EV training area.
“The Prince’s commitment is very clear through Prince’s Trust, a big investment of his time and, obviously, a big commitment in terms of developing youth and talent. And that is very much aligned with Nissan,” said Nissan Europe Chairman Paul Willcox.
“Here in Gateshead we have a first-class training facility  to develop the talent of the future. We’ve had over 1,400 apprentices go through this facility in Sunderland and that shows our commitment.”
Sunderland, which manufactures one in three British cars, saw European LEAF sales rise 33 percent in 2014 on year – testament to the growing EV market and the model’s popularity.
The Prince of Wales also toured the Global Training Centre, where employees and apprentices receive training, and where local school children experience hands-on activities.
At the Nissan Skills Foundation, students from local institutions met with Prince Charles for learning in monozukuri, “the art of making things”.
Holly Sugden, 10, of Gillas Lane Primary described how she felt meeting a member of the royal family.
“It’s really cool just to be in the same room with him, since he’s royalty and he’s our next king,” said Sugden. “It’s amazing.”

HRH Prince Charles speaks to a student learning "monozukuri"

The Prince of Wales is committed to numerous youth initiatives, including the Industrial Cadets program and the Step Up To Serve campaign, which engages young people to further their involvement in the community.

Before leaving the plant, Prince Charles unveiled a plaque commemorating his visit, as well as the work of the Nissan Skills Foundation.

All-new Nissan Titan powers into the Detroit Auto Show

DETROIT – The all-new Nissan TITAN, a truck conceived, designed, and engineered in the U.S., made its global debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
“We see opportunity – opportunity in the unmet needs of today’s American truck customers,” said Carlos Ghosn, president and CEO, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
With more than two million full-size trucks sold in U.S. each year, Nissan believes there is untapped potential in America’s pick-up segment.
“Until now, if you wanted a V8 diesel, you simply didn’t have an option. Each year, 75,000 U.S. buyers move up from light-duty to heavy-duty pickups,” said Ghosn. “However, just as many people move the other way. That’s 150,000 owners who are struggling to find the right truck. With the 2016 Nissan Titan, we were just not going for best in class. We really are creating a new class and positioning ourselves as the best offer.”
This new Nissan TITAN shown today sports a newly developed Cummins V8 turbo diesel engine.  And it delivers something that American truck lovers have been waiting for.
“This is something that we heard time and time again from our focus groups. We heard it from the traditional half-ton customers, and we heard it from the three-quarter-ton customers,” said Rich Miller, director, Product Planning, Trucks & SUVs, Nissan North America, Inc. “Some were looking to come down and save a little bit of money but still have the capability that they want. And some of them were really looking for: ‘I’m really pushing the limits of my half-ton truck, but I don’t want to go all the way to the expense of a three-quarter-ton truck.’ And so that is where this white space really came together.”
Nissan is investing in the Titan brand with an all-new tough and rugged design and a focus on true work truck capabilities, partnered with premium materials and quality. More configurations are to come.
“What we are showing here today is the TITAN XD in the crew cab with the six-and-a-half foot bed configuration, but that is not all that we have,” said Miller. “We will also come out with our King Cab truck, and we will have, as a first for Nissan, a regular cab with an eight-foot bed.”
Design of the new TITAN’s exterior and interior comes out of Nissan Design America in San Diego, Calif., which also created the original TITAN.
“The new design language for the Titan is very bold, very athletic, very capable but sculptural. When I say athletic, it looks like it is running – it is moving,” said Diane Allen, senior manager, Nissan Design America, Inc. “I saw the reveal with the whole Nissan Design America design team. We came to see the reveal here in Detroit and we were so proud. We were so excited, and we were just very happy.”
This truck underscores Nissan’s commitment to localized production.  It was engineered in Michigan, designed in California and tested at Nissan’s proving grounds in Arizona.  TITAN’s V8 and V6 engines will be built at Nissan’s powertrain facility in Tennessee, and the truck continues to be assembled at Nissan’s plant in Mississippi.
“When you think about what we are calling the American TITAN, you just stop and think for a second that this truck did the product planning in Nashville, Tenn., the design in La Jolla, Calif., the engineering in Michigan, the testing in Phoenix, Ariz., and it is going to be manufactured in Canton, Miss. What’s not American about this truck?” said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Nissan Sales & Marketing and Operations U.S., Nissan North America, Inc. “We have done something that is truly an American truck for an American trucker.”
Nissan is targeting 10 percent market share in the U.S., and the all-new Nissan TITAN is a key part of the company’s growth strategy.
“If I have said it once I have said it a thousand times to my team: We must continue to stay very disciplined and order to achieve profitable growth. And, most importantly, we must stay humble and hungry for the future,” said Diaz.

Sporting 2+2 Infiniti Concept foreshadows third-generation coupe due in 2016

DETROIT – Yesterday saw the arrival of a stunning new sports coupe concept from Infiniti on the eve of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the two-door Q60 Concept.
“This I can tell you is about 90 percent,” said Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti Executive Design Director. “Many of the things – the front view, the very strong shoulder, the sculpted artistry of the body – this is very close to the production.”
Infiniti continues to broaden its lineup to cover the spectrum from smaller premium vehicles, namely the Q30, to full-size cars such as the Q70L.
The Q60 Concept reflects Infiniti’s intention to strengthen its offerings in the mid-size segment. Come next year, Infiniti will produce a sports coupe with influences from the Q60 Concept.

“A car like this needs to look like you want to drive it and will respond to you. So, the rearview: We intentionally tapered all of the forms toward the middle to 20 feet behind the car. And then the rear fenders stick out like a cat’s rear legs, so really a sense that it is going to pounce,” said Albaisa. “We want to celebrate the person who drives it. They are very ambitious. They want to constantly improve. So, also we want the Infiniti to be a better you. Just simply, this kind of car looks rare – looks designed for you. It is a better you.”
This is a sports car with a powerful road presence designed to fuse with top-notch performance.
“There is a little bit of naughtiness, a little bit of, I would not say evil, but nefariousness in this car,” said Michael Bartsch, vice president, Infiniti Americas. “We are going to have some high-performance engines in this car. And you just need to look inside it and you know that this is being designed for a driver.”
In North America, sales for Infiniti are growing. The brand has made particular strides in Canada and Mexico.

“Every manufacturer – all of the great brands – have a legacy vehicle. This is our legacy car. The car you see over my shoulder here, the new Q60, is the continuation of that legacy,” said Bartsch. “And, it is really important because it is going to be a brand halo and going to make a really strong statement about what Infiniti is, and where Infiniti is going to go in the future.”

Nissan Titan “Truckumentary” Chapter 2: The Quarterback

NASHVILLE, TENN. – Nissan is featuring Rich Miller, Director of Product Planning and TITAN Chief Product Specialist, in the second installment in the multi-chapter TITAN “Truckumentary.”
This chapter, titled “The Quarterback,” explores Rich’s 20-plus year history working for Nissan and details his rural roots and upbringing in which pickup trucks featured prominently. Rich explains his personal philosophy of pickup truck development and highlights the local expertise that has contributed to a majority of the next-generation TITAN’s development.
As a member of the original Titan program, Rich highlights a number of breakthrough features that debuted on the original vehicle while also noting that this next-generation truck is a chance for the team to do things all over again, and improve on the vehicle’s history of innovation.

The new TITAN, which will be unveiled at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 12th, was designed in California, engineered in Michigan, tested in Arizona and will be assembled in Mississippi and powered by engines from Indiana and Tennessee.