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First Drive: 2011 Nissan Quest

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Nissan, First Drive

Nissan Emerges From The Kitchen With Something New

2011 Nissan Quest

2011 Nissan Quest – Click above for high-res image gallery

You can get vanilla ice cream in an array of varieties. There’s New York Vanilla (the classic flavor), French Vanilla, Vanilla Bean, Homestyle Vanilla, Creamy Vanilla and Country Vanilla. Regardless of the subtle differences, each frozen delight is only a mild modification of the same mixture of milk, cream, sugar and vanilla beans. While generally bland and lackluster when compared to Rocky Road, Carmel Ribbon and Mint Chip, good old-fashioned vanilla ice cream enjoys an enormous following and offends few, making it the best-selling flavor in the freezer section. If you make ice cream and want to sell in volume, get on the horn to your friends in Madagascar.

Minivans are a lot like vanilla ice cream.

No matter how hard the automakers try to differentiate their product, all of today’s minivans are essentially mildly altered concoctions blending seven-passenger, front-engine, front-wheel drive, six-cylinder, highly-utilitarian ingredients. Yet, like vanilla ice cream, they are part of a segment that cannot be ignored, and they do surprisingly well at satisfying a broad degree of palates. In the case of nearly every automaker, if you’re building family vehicles, you offer a minivan.

Nissan has released its all-new 2011 Quest and it’s a minivan formulated with today’s all-too familiar ingredients, but unlike the rest of the vanilla troop, the Quest could leave a unique taste in your mouth. Has Nissan broken new ground with its new family transport, or are they just offering consumers the same dessert with just a different label? Read on for the answer.

Gallery: 2011 Nissan Quest: First Drive

2011 Nissan Quest

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First Drive: 2011 Nissan Quest originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Nissan, Mitsubishi will work together on small, possibly electric, cars

Filed under: Mitsubishi, Nissan, Electric

Following reports that Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will open a new, efficient global small car plant in Thailand, rumors that MMC and Nissan are talking about a 50-50 joint company in 2011 are a lot more interesting. Automotive News is reporting that the two Japanese automakers could bring a small car to market together in 2012 and – here’s where it gets good – they might also work together on electric vehicles. Mitsubishi has been making the Mitsubishi iMiEV for years and Nissan just delivered its first Leaf. The two automakers also participate in a joint car-sharing program in Kyoto, Japan.

According to a statement from Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn, no details have been decided, but an analyst at a consulting company in Tokyo told AN, “The alliance of the two automakers seems to be a good one as we can expect more cooperation in electric vehicles going forward.” Ghosn’s statement said the partnership, “is important for Nissan as it supports our expansion in emerging markets, meets immediate capacity needs overseas and enables us to grow our minicar business in Japan.”

Mitsubishi and Nissan already work together on some vehicles, like the Mitsubishi Lancer Cargo (made by Nissan) and the Minicab, Town Box, eKWagon and Pajero Mini models (built by Mitsubishi for Nissan).

[Sources: Automotive News – sub. req., Green Car Reports]

Report: Nissan, Mitsubishi will work together on small, possibly electric, cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Nissan Quest minivan helps find the strip club after dropping off the kids

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Etc., Technology, Nissan, Humor

2011 Nissan Quest navigation menu

The 2011 model year represents an all-new generation of the Nissan Quest. It’s a stylish people hauler that should spice up the competition among industry heavyweights like the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, and Chrysler Town & Country.

It may also be popular with entertainment-seeking grown-ups. We’re not talking about concerts or sporting events, but rather the type of windowless entertainment facilities that require a trip to the ATM beforehand… and then another trip a few songs later. Yes, as you see above, an “Adult Entertainment” category is part of the Quest navigation system’s POI database. This functionality may, in fact, be included in other Nissan and/or Infiniti products – or GPS systems from other automakers – but this is the first time we’ve seen it anywhere.

In any case, this proves that the 2011 Nissan Quest isn’t just a capable kid-hauler – it’s equally qualified for bachelor party duty. Thanks for the tip, Keith!

Gallery: 2011 Nissan Quest

[Source: Family Car Review]

2011 Nissan Quest minivan helps find the strip club after dropping off the kids originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Dec 2010 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Renault-Nissan engines to power future Mercedes, Smart models

Filed under: Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Smart, Renault

The door metaphorically adjoining the offices of Msr. Ghosn and Dr. Zetsche swings both ways. The two executives – heads of Daimler and the Renault-Nissan Alliance respectively – signed a deal that would see the two auto groups collaborating on future products. So far all the reports appear to be benefiting Nissan – including the latest on AMG engines in Infiniti Performance Line models – but the latest indicate a measure of reciprocation.

According to the wire coming in from across the pond, the next generation of Mercedes-Benz A- and B-Class hatchbacks will be powered by Renault-Nissan’s new 128-hp 1.6-liter turbodiesel four. Beyond that, the two auto groups will reportedly begin developing a new range of small engines, similar to the engine program between BMW and PSA Peugeot-Citroën.

Their displacements will, according to reports, range from 1.2 liters to 1.8, cylinder counts from three to four and coming in both gasoline and diesel formats, to be used in a broad range of small cars bearing Mercedes, Smart, Nissan and Renault badges.

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Renault-Nissan engines to power future Mercedes, Smart models originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 2011 Nissan Leaf assembly process detailed

Filed under: Japan, Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, Videos, Hatchback, Nissan, Electric

2011 Nissan Leaf assembly – Click above to watch video after the jump

Earlier this week, we rolled out a time-lapse video of the assembly of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt. In that video, General Motors took us inside its Detroit-Hamtramck plant to watch its plug-in hybrid undergo a transformation from a bodyshell to a ready-to-roll vehicle. In the all-too-brief clip, GM attempted to capture the complex steps of assembling the Chevy Volt but, as many of our commenters pointed out, failed to provide a detailed look at the intricate technologies that differentiate the Volt from more conventional vehicles.

In an attempt to be as fair as possible, it’s only fitting that we also showcase the assembly of the 2011 Nissan Leaf. This video, shot inside Nissan’s plant in Oppama, Japan, captures the production of the Leaf in painstaking detail. Hit the jump to watch the Nissan Leaf as it comes together right before your eyes.

Gallery: 2011 Nissan Leaf: First Drive

[Source: Nissan via YouTube]

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Video: 2011 Nissan Leaf assembly process detailed originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Nissan GT-R officially goes 0-60 in 2.9 seconds

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Nissan

What’s it take to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just under three seconds flat? According to Nissan, it takes exactly 530 horsepower and 488 pound-feet of torque, coupled to a sophisticated electronic all-wheel-drive system and a dual-clutch transmission.

Put more simply in actual dollars and cents, that will cost you $89,950. For those unaware, that’s the sum Nissan is asking for its updated 2012 GT-R, which recently made its live American debut at the 2010 LA Auto Show. The Japanese automaker has kindly provided a digital readout from an electronic measurement device from Digitek to silence the doubters (above). As you can ~~clearly~~ squint and see, the GT-R hit 60 miles per hour in 2.9 seconds and 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph) in exactly three seconds.

Your move, Corvette ZR1.

Gallery: LA 2010: 2012 Nissan GT-R

2012 Nissan GT-R

Gallery: 2012 Nissan GT-R

[Source: Nissan]

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2012 Nissan GT-R officially goes 0-60 in 2.9 seconds originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #206: Porsche Cajun, Nissan Leaf COTY, 10Best

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Buick, Honda, Infiniti, Nissan, Porsche, Toyota

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #206 of the Autoblog Podcast is staffed by Chris Shunk, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Chris Paukert. We hit the Autoblog Garage first and then cover the confirmation of the Porsche Cajun, what it means that the Nissan Leaf has been named European Car of the Year, and finish up talking about the new Car and Driver 10Best list. Of course, we finish with your questions at the end, and it’s a breezy hour and twenty-three minutes. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #206: Porsche Cajun, Nissan Leaf COTY, 10Best

In the Autoblog Garage:

Toyota Highlander
Buick Regal
Infiniti M56
Honda CR-Z

News Topics:

Confirmed Porsche Cajun
Nissan Leaf gets European COTY
Car and Driver 10Best

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman, Chris Paukert
Runtime: 1:23:09

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #206: Porsche Cajun, Nissan Leaf COTY, 10Best originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: A closer look at the Nissan iV Design Concept

Filed under: Concept Cars, Technology, Videos, Nissan, Design/Style, Electric

Nissan iV Design Concept video

Nissan iV Design Concept – Click above to watch video after the jump

For us, one of the most interesting parts of the LA Auto Show is the Design Challenge, in which automakers are invited to rack their brains, sharpen their pencils and crank out a concept that best matches a set of predetermined parameters. This year, manufacturers were challenged to come up with a concept that was stylish, engaging to drive, and easy on the environment, all wrapped in a 1,000-lb. package. Automakers from Honda to Maybach rolled out their ideas of what said vehicle should look like, and while the judges crowned both Cadillac and Smart as this year’s winners, we were intrigued by the Nissan iV.

Fortunately, Nissan has been kind enough to give us a closer look at the vehicle. The spec sheet for the iV reads like a who’s who of concept fantasy, with building materials sourced from fast-growing ivy and spider silk, plus a propulsion and steering system that makes use of clever electromagnets. While a bio-battery stores energy for your commute, the iV also makes use of a supercapacitor to recover energy that would otherwise be lost during braking. Hit the jump to take a look at a video of the concept.

Gallery: Nissan iV Design Concept

[Source: Nissan]

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Video: A closer look at the Nissan iV Design Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Nov 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan Leaf snags 99 mpg rating on official EPA sticker

Filed under: Government/Legal, Hatchback, Nissan, Electric

As far as we know, the first production Chevrolet Volt models are still awaiting their official EPA stickers. Nissan, though, has received the details on what the government agency has rated its all-electric Leaf at, and it looks good: a combined rating of 99 miles per gallon (equivalent) which breaks down into 106 city/92 highway. The official EPA range for the car is 73 miles, which Nissan admits is a variable (we know it can be beaten), and the annual electric cost is estimated at $561. The Leaf is the first vehicle to get this new label, Nissan spokesperson Katherine Zachary told AutoblogGreen that 99 mpg puts the Leaf way in front into the “best” fuel efficiency rating for mid-size vehicle class. It’ll be interesting to see how Nissan uses this in upcoming advertisements, especially since the company has called the car a compact in the past.

So, how does the EPA calculate mpg for an electric car? Nissan’s presser says the EPA uses a formula where 33.7 kWhs are equivalent to one gallon of gasoline energy. Also, the EPA determined the Leaf’s efficiency is 3.4 miles per kWh, another number you can easily beat while driving, as the driver info screen can prove. Since the Leaf has a 24 kWh battery pack and can go, officially, 73 miles, then, the EPA says, it could theoretically go 99 miles if it had a 33.7 kWh pack (and everything else about the car remained the same). Make sense?

Maybe, but the car will also have another label from the Federal Trade Commission that it applies to all alternative fuel vehicles. That sticker will show that the Leaf gets 96 to 110 miles of range, so don’t trust everything you see. Check out Nissan’s official press release after the jump for more details.

Gallery: 2011 Nissan Leaf: First Drive

[Source: Nissan]

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Nissan Leaf snags 99 mpg rating on official EPA sticker originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Nissan Leaf demand forces dealers to give up demo cars

Filed under: Car Buying, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Nissan, Electric

2011 Nissan Leaf

2011 Nissan Leaf – Click above for high-res image gallery

Nissan may have underestimated the demand for its all-electric 2011 Leaf. The company had originally planned to supply its dealers with two demo cars each, but with buyers essentially beating down doors to be among the first to hop behind the wheel, Nissan has decided to cut that number by half in order to free up supplies. That may mean as many as 1,000 additional Leaf EVs will be in stock when the car goes on sale in December. Nissan USA has only been given a total of 20,000 Leaf vehicles for sale on our shores in 2011, and the company hit that many reservations months ago.

Why so few? The real hang up is having enough batteries to go around. While Nissan is working closely with its supplier in Japan, the company is also building a new battery facility in Smyrna, Tennessee that should help crank out 200,000 battery packs per year when it goes online in 2012. At that point, Nissan says that it should be able to produce somewhere around 150,000 Leaf units per year.

Gallery: 2011 Nissan Leaf: First Drive

[Source: Automotive News – sub. req.]

Report: Nissan Leaf demand forces dealers to give up demo cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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