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Want to test drive a Nissan Leaf? Live in Southern California?

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Nissan, Event Alert, Electric

2011 Nissan Leaf

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

Nissan is running around the country to promote its all-electric Leaf. The Drive Electric tour has already had two stops in California – the AltCar Expo in Santa Monica and the Orange County Auto Show in Anaheim – and a third one is planned for this coming weekend. SoCal residents, this is your opportunity to get behind the wheel of a 2011 Nissan Leaf and see what it’s like to drive a full-size electric vehicle.

The San Diego stop of the Drive Electric tour is located at the NTC Promenade. The event kicks off today and will be open from 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM. The EVs will be in San Diego through Sunday, October 17th.

Interested in attending this weekend’s EV fun? Head over to DriveNissanLeaf.com and register. If you don’t live in Southern California but want to the chance to drive a Leaf, take a look at the schedule to see if the Drive Electric tour is coming to a town near you.

Gallery: 2011 Nissan Leaf: First Drive

Photos copyright (C)2010 Damon Lavrinc / AOL

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Want to test drive a Nissan Leaf? Live in Southern California?

Want to test drive a Nissan Leaf? Live in Southern California? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: AMS Alpha 10 claims new quarter-mile record for Nissan GT-R

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Nissan

AMS Alpha 10 GT-R at the starting line

AMS Alpha 10 Nissan GT-R claims a quarter-mile record – Click above to watch the video after the jump

AMS Performance has broken its own quarter-mile record in a Nissan GT-R, this time gussied up with its Alpha 10 package. The most important thing you need to know about the suite of changes is that it takes the car up to 1,100 horsepower. The details include an Alpha 10 turbo system on top of a blueprinted engine, with all that horsepower routed through an Alpha 10 transmission. Naturally, just about everything else from the turbo inlet pipes to the fuel injectors to the downpipes have been upgraded or reworked.

The result was a 9.33-second run at 153 miles per hour. That takes 0.56 seconds off AMS’ time from March of this year in its GT-R SR850 at the TX2K10 Supra & GTR Nationals. Video footage of the run (completely with overly dramatic music and buildup) is after the jump, and a few shots of the runner itself are in the gallery of images below. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Gallery: AMS Performance Alpha 10 GT-R

[Source: AMS Performance]

Continue reading Video: AMS Alpha 10 claims new quarter-mile record for Nissan GT-R

Video: AMS Alpha 10 claims new quarter-mile record for Nissan GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Oct 2010 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan teases next-gen Versa, confirmed for U.S.

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Etc., Hatchback, Nissan, Design/Style

Next Generation Nissan Versa sketch

Nissan has released a sketch of the next-generation Versa, and in the process has confirmed the new model will be sold in the United States. The 2011 model benefited from minor equipment and pricing changes, but the next Versa looks to take on much more stylish design language, with the Versa adopting some of the familial lines of its larger Altima and Maxima siblings.

Details are still very limited at this point, in fact we only have the above image and confirmation that this next-gen Versa will be sold here, but with the auto show season just ramping up, we’d expect to see Nissan’s new compact bowing at the LA Auto Show this November.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Nissan Versa Hatchback

[Source: Nissan]

Nissan teases next-gen Versa, confirmed for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Oct 2010 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Juke film answers the question – What were Nissan designers thinking?

Filed under: Videos, Crossover, Nissan, Design/Style

Nissan Juke with Albaisa

Design inspiration for the Nissan Juke – Click above to watch video after the jump

The 2011 Nissan Juke has what some might call ‘controversial’ styling. It’s downright polarizing. So, where did Nissan pull its inspiration from in order to craft these lines? Alfonso Albaisa is the Vice President of Nissan Design Europe and he’s here to explain exactly why the Juke looks like it does.

Albaisa states that the essence of the Juke “captures the pure life of a 30-something year-old guy.” The vehicle is aimed at a younger demographic of new car buyer and Nissan’s goal was to turn lifestyle elements into design features. The interior is supposed to be reminiscent of a person wearing a wetsuit while the front end is intended to invoke visions of a rally car.

Automotive designers are always entertaining to listen to, and Alfonso Albaisa is no exception. His descriptive language wended its way into our brains giving us a greater appreciation for Nissan’s little sporty crossover. Don’t believe us? Listen to the man in the clip after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Nissan Juke: First Drive

Photos copyright (C)2010 Chris Paukert / AOL

[Source: Nissan via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Juke film answers the question – What were Nissan designers thinking?

Video: Juke film answers the question – What were Nissan designers thinking? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan to offer free conventional car loan to Leaf buyers to ease range anxiety?

Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Nissan, Rumormill, Electric

2011 Nissan Leaf

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

The December 2010 launch of the 2011 Nissan Leaf gets closer every day and thousands of people have already signed up to reserve their spot for one. Still, some would-be buyers may suffer from a touch of “range anxiety” – that is, a nervous apprehension about running out of juice, only to be stranded somewhere. To quell that fear, TheDetroitBureau.com reports that Nissan is pondering an option for owners who need to undertake a journey longer than the 100-mile range the all-electric Leaf is rated for. A no-cost loan of a conventional, gasoline-powered vehicle could be made available to owners for periods of up to a week.

The loaner car option is still in the early planning stages, and it’s not yet clear exactly how it would work. Would the Leaf owner be required to arrange the loan through a rental agency, or could it be handled through a local dealership? Nissan still has a lot of details to iron out, but if the plan gets approved, it could prove to be a strong marketing tool.

Gallery: 2011 Nissan Leaf: First Drive

Photos by Damon Lavrinc / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: TheDetroitBureau.com]

Nissan to offer free conventional car loan to Leaf buyers to ease range anxiety? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevrolet Volt, Nissan Leaf named ‘Breakthrough Products’ by Popular Mechanics

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Hatchback, Chevrolet, Nissan, Electric

Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf

It looks like Popular Mechanics had room for two vehicles this year on its annual “Top Products” awards list. Both the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf were named Breakthrough Products for 2010. PM praised the ride quality and technology of the Volt, stating that it’s “more than the sum of its cutting-edge parts.” In addition, the publication prominently touted the Volt’s range-extending abilities, possibly as a jab at the other winner.

The magazine still had some love left for the Leaf, though, calling it, “a pure EV with space for five, a moderate price and enough range for most tasks – plus, an operating cost that’s irresistibly low.” The Leaf does not do any one thing that hasn’t been done before, but Nissan has combined a lot of features together in a mass-market-ready package that has already resulted in 20,000 pre-orders in the U.S. alone.

Contrary to PM’s 2008 Breakthrough car (Click to see what it is. Hint: it’s a three-wheeled electric vehicle), you will actually be able to buy both of these 2010 cars the same year they’ve been acclaimed, a nice change of pace in this uncertain world. To see the rest of Popular Mechanics‘ Top Products of 2010, click here.

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

Chevrolet Volt, Nissan Leaf named ‘Breakthrough Products’ by Popular Mechanics originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan gets in on the custom graphics racket

Filed under: Etc., Nissan, Design/Style

Nissan Graphics - Nissan Cube

Nissan Graphics Custom Vinyl Wraps – Click above for high-res image gallery

Nissan is teaming up with Original Wraps Inc. to join Ford by jumping on the custom vinyl bandwagon. The Cube is the first Nissan to receive the vinyl wrap treatment and you can customize your own designs at NissanGraphics.com.

As the Cube customization hits the web it will quickly be followed by the Juke before Nissan moves on to the Frontier, with more products being added to the line over time. The graphics are installed by a professional, but can be removed at anytime and leave no residue. Manufacturing, warranties and shipping of the vinyl units are all handled by Original Wraps and each piece is designed to last up to three years. Hit the jump for the full details.

Gallery: Nissan Graphics Custom Wraps

Nissan Graphics Custom Wraps - Nissan Cube

[Source: Original Wraps]

Continue reading Nissan gets in on the custom graphics racket

Nissan gets in on the custom graphics racket originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Nissan Juke – The Ultimate Donut Machine?

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, Nissan

Nissan Juke drift

Nissan Juke on a donut run – Click above to watch the video after the jump

Is the 2011 Nissan Juke a smart tool for doing donuts? It’s a fun whip, but as a front- or front-biased all-wheel driver, we’re leaning very close to ‘No.’ Is the Juke a great tool for getting donuts? After watching Nissan’s new ad for its little crossover, we might just have to say ‘Yes.’

The first Juke ad we saw went in a rather weird direction, however this new spot plays up the CUV’s sportiness. The Juke squeezes 188 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque from its 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Pair that with an available six-speed manual transmission and a curb weight that sits on the good side of 3,000 pounds (for the front-wheel drive model), and you have a tiny machine capable of a surprising amount of thrills behind the wheel.

Grab the e-brake and drift on over to the jump to see the donut-run action, along with a second bonus commercial in which the Juke takes on ‘The Dread.’ Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Gallery: 2011 Nissan Juke: First Drive

[Source: Nissan via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Nissan Juke – The Ultimate Donut Machine?

Video: Nissan Juke – The Ultimate Donut Machine? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #197 – F-150 powertrains, GM diesel car, hatchbacks, Mahindra, Bugatti Galibier and Nissan’s sold-out Leaf

Filed under: Podcasts, Bugatti, Cadillac, Ford, GM, Jaguar, Kia, Volkswagen, Electric

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

Steven Ewing joins podcast regulars Dan and Chris for Episode #197 of the Autoblog Podcast. Items we cover are the newly expanded powertrain selections for the Ford F-150, a potential diesel-powered car from General Motors, the apparently heating-up American love affair with hatchbacks, the just-out-of-reach Mahindra Pik-Up, the definitely unattainable Bugatti Galibier and the rush to pre-order the Nissan Leaf. At one hour, twenty-two minutes, it’s not quite as epic as last week’s extravaganza, and we wrap up by responding to some of your feedback. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #197 – F-150 powertrains, GM diesel car, hatchbacks, Mahindra, Bugatti Galibier and Nissan’s sold-out Leaf

In the Autoblog Garage:

Cadillac CTS
Volkswagen Tiguan
Jaguar XKR Convertible

News:

F-150 Ecoboost Drive
GM will sell a diesel car in the U.S.
Hatchbacks: Who says Americans don’t buy ’em?
Despite uproar, Global Vehicles places its initial order from Mahindra
Bugatti Galibier coming for 2013
Nissan full up with Leaf pre-orders

Hosts:
Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Steven Ewing

Runtime: 1:22:14

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 #197 – F-150 powertrains, GM diesel car, hatchbacks, Mahindra, Bugatti Galibier and Nissan’s sold-out Leaf originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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North American Car/Truck of the Year shortlists led by Ford, GM, Hyundai/Kia and Nissan [w/poll]

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Etc.

A pool of 50 U.S. and Canada-based automotive journalists from various news outlets has cut down the list for the 2011 North American Car and Truck of the Year awards to 14 possible winning vehicles in each category.

Among the manufacturers, Ford, Hyundai/Kia, General Motors, and Nissan lead with the most nominations, and the lists run the gamut from the inexpensive (Ford Fiesta, Mazda2), to the sybaritic (Audi A8, Jaguar XJ, Porsche Cayenne), to the groundbreaking (Chevrolet Volt, Nissan Leaf).

Car	Truck
Audi A8	Dodge Durango
Buick Regal	Ford Edge
Chevrolet Cruze	Ford Explorer
Chevrolet Volt	Honda Odyssey
Ford Fiesta	Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai Sonata	Infiniti QX56
Infiniti M37/M56	Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jaguar XJ	Kia Sorento
Kia Optima	Kia Sportage
Mazda2	Lincoln MKX
Nissan Juke	Mercedes-Benz R-Class
Nissan Leaf	Porsche Cayenne
Volkswagen Jetta	Toyota Sienna
Volvo S60	Volkswagen Touareg

Jurors will cull each list down further in December, and the finalists will be displayed when the winning car and truck are announced at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

What car and truck do you expect to win? Check out our galleries of the finalists below, then click through the jump to place your vote for the car and truck you expect to win. If you like, you can also drop your fellow commenter a line as to what vehicle you’d most like to see take home the heavy hardware.

(*Full Disclosure: Author is a member of the NACTOY voting jury)

Gallery: 2011 North American Car of the Year Short List

Gallery: 2011 North American Truck of the Year Short List

[Source: North American Car of the Year]

Continue reading North American Car/Truck of the Year shortlists led by Ford, GM, Hyundai/Kia and Nissan [w/poll]

North American Car/Truck of the Year shortlists led by Ford, GM, Hyundai/Kia and Nissan [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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