2008 Nissan Rogue small crossover SUV debuts at Detroit Auto Show
Nissan took advantage of the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit to display the all-new Nissan Rouge, a compact crossover SUV scheduled to reach the U.S. marketplace in the fall of 2007 as an ?08 model. Rouge sits on Nissan?s ?C? platform and seeks to combine functionality with performance and clean ? yet aggressive ? styling.
A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 170 horsepower and 175 foot-pounds of torque through a continuously variable transmission with available paddle shifters. Although all-wheel-drive arrives optionally, all Rouge models include Vehicle Dynamic Control, traction control, electric power steering and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS. Front side-impact and curtain airbags are also standard.
Source: Nissan News
Image: Bob George, Dealer.com
Nissan may co-develop lithium-ion batteries with NEC Corporation
Unlike other leading Japanese auto manufacturers, Nissan Motor Company has not yet developed its own hybrid-electric propulsion system. The 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid scheduled to debut early next year licenses Toyota?s Hybrid Synergy Drive, placing an HEV in Nissan?s lineup but still leaving the company devoid of in-house hybrid engineering. As reported last month, however, Nissan plans to deliver a fully electric vehicle to market by 2010 powered by advanced lithium ion batteries.
The Japanese newspaper Nihon Keizai Shimbun is reporting that Nissan will partner with NEC Corporation, a huge information technology company, in developing li-ion batteries to be marketed by 2010. The joint venture will include an estimated $84 million investment in a production facility to be completed within the next few years.
Since much of the final product will likely be sold to other businesses, Nissan will assume an ownership stake less than 50 percent. Nissan?s recently announced ?Green Program 2010? seeks to develop electric, hybrid-electric, plug-in hybrid electric and fuel cell vehicles by 2010 and beyond. This potential NEC partnership would augment that effort immensely while also challenging Toyota?s cooperation with Matsushita Electric Industrial Corporation.
Source: Green Car Congress
Image: Nissan news [Nissan Hypermini concept]
Nissan Sentra seeks high performance presence
Shown today at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Nissan will introduce two high performance variants to the Sentra lineup this coming March. Both Nisan Sentra SE-R and Sentra SE-R Spec V models use a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine tuned for high output. In front of a modified continuously variable transmission with paddle shifters, the SE-R?s engine delivers 177 horsepower.
Spec V variants enjoy an output of 200 horses in front of a six-speed manual transmission. A front strut tower brace, larger front brake rotors and a limited slip differential are also added to the Spec V trim. Both SE-R and SE-R Spec V Nisan Sentra models include 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and fog lights.
Source and image: Automotive News [Subscription required]
Nissan fully electric vehicle: coming by 2010
The Japanese paper Nihon Keizai Shimbun has reported that Nissan will bring a fully-electric vehicle to market by 2010. Powered by lithium-ion batteries, the subcompact will likely achieve a driving range of 200 kilometers (124 miles) before recharging is required. That?s double the range of Nissan?s two-passenger Hypermini electric car from 2000, a vehicle that was leased by the city of Pasadena, California but never made it to mass production.
Hybrid technology exclusive to Nissan will likely equip models within the same time period. The 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid relies on a gas-electric system licensed from Toyota (a derivation of Toyota?s Hybrid Synergy Drive). The Nissan Altima Hybrid sedan, available early in 2007, is the only gas-electric vehicle in the company's current lineup.
Source: Green Car Congress
Image: U.S. Department of Energy [2000 Nissan Hypermini]
2007 Nissan Altima includes XM satellite radio NavTraffic Service
The first product in the Nissan lineup to include XM satellite radio?s NavTraffic Service is the redesigned 2007 Nissan Altima sedan. Available in 44 major U.S. markets, XM NavTraffic integrates traffic reports via satellite into the Nissan Altima?s optional navigation system. As a result, drivers are alerted of potential delays due to traffic jams and can quickly determine alternate routes to save fuel and time.
A three-month complimentary service is offered with each Nissan Altima that leaves the dealership with XM NavTraffic technology. XM satellite radio also provides entertainment, convenience and connectivity to its subscribers. Beginning in 2008, Nissan will utilize XM as its exclusive satellite radio provider.
Source: PRNewswire
Image: Nissan news
Nissan set to expand North American production, could utilize former Ford and GM facilities
Daniel Gaudette, Nissan?s senior vice president of North American manufacturing and supply chain management, has announced the possibility of Nissan acquiring manufacturing facilities and equipment abandoned by Ford Motor Company and General Motors as the two U.S. automakers reduce production capacity in the next several years. Ford plans to close 16 North American plants by 2012, while GM will discontinue 12 through 2008.
Conversely, Nissan is expecting to expand North American manufacturing as more new vehicles come to market. Currently, the Japanese automaker runs three production plants in the United States and two in Mexico, each between 85 and 90 percent capacity. ?Everything depends on what's available, when it's available and then what our needs are," remarked Gaudette in an interview with Reuters. ?We certainly would consider any viable opportunity."
Source: Reuters
Image: Nissan news [2007 Nissan Versa hatchback]
