Tag: nissan

Official: Nissan promising autonomous car production by 2020

Filed under: Safety, Technology, Nissan, Electric

Nissan Leaf Autonomous Drive demonstrator

Nissan will bring the autonomous car to consumers by the end of this decade. The announcement was made by CEO Carlos Ghosn at the company’s US headquarters in Irvine, CA. Nissan has already begun construction of a dedicated proving ground for the self-driving cars in Japan, with completion targeted for the end of 2014.

Teaming with MIT, Stanford, Oxford and others, Nissan has already outfitted Leaf EVs with the Autonomous Drive (Nissan’s brand name for the tech), a suite of new technologies developed from the brand’s existing Safety Shield technology. The current iteration of Autonomous Drive uses the Around-View Monitoring system and laser scanners to analyze the environment, while artificial intelligence systems have been installed to help navigate and operate in a changing environment.

While it’s easy to say that Nissan will bring the technology to market within the next six or seven years, it’s more difficult to say at what price Autonomous Drive will be available. Most remarkable about all of this is Nissan’s claim that self-driving cars will be both commercially viable and available at “realistic prices for consumers.” It’s expecting Autonomous Drive to be available across its range within two vehicle generations.

Nissan’s motivation rests largely with the number of accidents that happen on US roads alone each year – six million accidents that cost consumers $160 million and kill more people between the ages of four and 34 than anything else. Considering the overwhelming majority of those accidents are caused by human error, this tech seems like a great idea.

Carlos Ghosn demonstrated Nissan’s resolve towards bringing the tech to market, saying, “In 2007 I pledged that – by 2010 – Nissan would mass market a zero-emission vehicle. Today, the Nissan Leaf is the best-selling electric vehicle in history. Now I am committing to be ready to introduce a new ground-breaking technology, Autonomous Drive, by 2020, and we are on track to realize it.” Those are some bold words, but what Nissan is promising now is far more complex than a new drivetrain. We look forward to seeing what it comes up with.

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Nissan promising autonomous car production by 2020 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Aug 2013 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Nissan to add Rogue, Murano hybrid around 2015

Filed under: Hybrid, Crossover, Nissan

2014 Nissan Rogue Spy Shots

Except for the limited-production, Toyota-assisted Altima Hybrid, Nissan has pretty much shied away from hybrid vehicles, but that is all about to change. As a part of a plan to launch a total of 15 electrified vehicles by 2016, Nissan is launching the Pathfinder Hybrid, which goes on sale this fall, and we’ve heard in the past that the Altima will get another hybrid variant, as well. Now, Green Car Reports is confirming that the Murano and the smaller Rogue (seen above in next-gen prototype phase) will both receive hybrid powertrains.

Though riding on different platforms, both hybrid crossovers could share the system being introduced in the Pathfinder, consisting of a 2.5-liter supercharged four-cylinder engine, a 22-horsepower electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack. There is still no word on when the next-gen Murano will arrive, but the 2014 Nissan Rogue will be introduced on September 10.

Nissan to add Rogue, Murano hybrid around 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Aug 2013 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Nissan Patrol attempts Guinness record with 170-ton cargo plane tow

Filed under: SUV, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Nissan, Middle East, Off-Road

Nissan Patrol SUV pulls 170-ton cargo plane for Guinness world record.

Yesterday, Nissan teased us with a video showing a Patrol pulling up to a 170-ton cargo plane at an airport in the Middle East – we could only assume that the not-for-America sports utility vehicle would attempt to tow the jet.

Well, somebody leaked the official Nissan video, which indeed shows the Patrol successfully pulling the plane 30 meters for what reportedly is a Guinness world record. While Guinness hasn’t confirmed the record on its website at time of writing, the 170-ton jet would be the heaviest plane ever towed by a production automobile. The video was taken down quickly, but another video shot by an observer at the event was posted for our enjoyment. We figured Nissan would move to repost the official video sooner rather than later, and it did.

The Patrol seems to have no problem towing 340,000 pounds, but let’s just say it wasn’t a quick ordeal. Check out the official and unofficial video of the tow below, as well as Nissan’s teaser video. In a reversal of fortunes, we also threw in another, somewhat smaller but perhaps just as impressive vid, just for fun.

Note, this isn’t the first time a passenger vehicle has towed a massive air-bound machine behind it. See here and here, and for another record-breaking tow record, click here.

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Nissan Patrol attempts Guinness record with 170-ton cargo plane tow originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Aug 2013 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Nissan’s Dacia Duster-based Terrano revealed

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, SUV, Nissan, India

Nissan Terrano - front three-quarter view

The new Nissan Terrano has appeared in production form after an apparent August 20 launch in India, but the small sport utility vehicle remains sadly aloof from the US market. We’ve had our eyes on the Terrano ever since we learned it would be produced as an upscale alternative to the Dacia Duster on which it’s based, but currently Nissan has no plans to import it here. Blame safety and perhaps emissions laws – the Duster was never designed for our market.

Even with these less-than-high resolution images, it’s clear that the beyond the obvious badges, Nissan’s signature trapezoidal grille and a slightly altered rear end with new taillights are the biggest visual clues that this is the Terrano, but those with astute eyes will also notice a slightly redesigned hood and blacked-out door pillars instead of the Duster’s body-colored items. Either way, it looks to be a handsome, low-cost little brute – the sort of simple and rugged SUV that’s hard to come by in today’s marketplace.

Nissan’s Dacia Duster-based Terrano revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Aug 2013 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Teased: Nissan says next Rogue coming September 10

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Crossover, Nissan

2014 Nissan Rogue teaser

The Nissan Rogue has been around since 2007, and after nearly seven years on the market, it’s about due for replacement. Which is just what Nissan has announced is coming up next down the pipeline.

The Japanese automaker didn’t reveal much to go with this teaser image of the headlight and front fender, saying only that “the all-new 2014 Nissan Rogue will push the envelope of CUV design starting on September 10 when it is unveiled.” That’s the day on which the Frankfurt Motor Show opens its doors for press previews, so it’s pretty safe to say that we’ll be seeing it at the Messe.

The news follows the spy shots we brought you two weeks ago. Expect the design to follow the lead set forth by the Hi-Cross concept from Geneva last year, with production to take place in Tennessee.

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Nissan says next Rogue coming September 10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Aug 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2014 Nissan Rogue gives us our best look yet

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Nissan

2014 Nissan Rogue spy shots

Nissan is reportedly fast-tracking the development of its next-generation Rogue crossover, and judging by this latest set of spy shots, the new small CUV is coming along quite nicely.

To no one’s surprise, the new Rogue takes the vast majority of its design cues from the Hi-Cross concept that debuted at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, and specific elements like the pronounced wheel arches, angular nose, flat roofline and more stylized taillmaps should make for a Rogue that’s far more style conscious than the model it replaces. This stronger design language should help the new Rogue to better stand out in the sea of Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 rivals.

There’s far more to the new Rogue than just some swoopier sheetmetal, though. This crossover is expected to be the first vehicle to ride on the Renault-Nissan CMF (Common Module Family) platform, an architecture flexible enough to eventually support a host of new products. As we reported earlier, the next Rogue will be built in the US, in Tennessee.

According to our spies, Nissan plans to launch the new Rogue in the 2014 model year, and we won’t rule out a possible debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show this November. For now, take a gander these new spy shots.

2014 Nissan Rogue gives us our best look yet originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Aug 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: 2014 Nissan Altima gets updated equipment, prices

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Nissan

The 2014 Nissan Altima Sedan is available in seven well-equipped models ? the 2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 SV and 2.5 SL featuring a 182-horsepower 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder and the 3.5 S, 3.5 SV and 3.5 SL with a standard 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. Every 2014 Altima is equipped with a standard Xtronic CVT? (Continuously Variable Transmission).

The fifth-generation Nissan Altima is heading into its second year, and to mark the occasion, it’s getting updated pricing, some visual and tactile enhancements and new option packages. First up are the physical changes: All 2014 Altima models will have chrome exhaust tips, revised seat cloth (when not fitted with leather) and better noise isolation. Check the option box for the new Sport Value Package, and the Altima also will come equipped with 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and remote engine start.

But those aren’t the most important updates for 2014. Nissan is showcasing the expanded functionality of its NissanConnect system, which works with Android and iPhone handsets. Applications will be introduced in the fall and launch with Google search and Facebook, later to be joined by iHeartRadio and Pandora. NissanConnect with navigation system (separate from NissanConnect applications) will be capable of running SiriusXM Travel Link for data including weather, fuel prices and movie times. In addition, there are changes to other option groups, including a revised Technology Package and a new Display Audio Package, the specifics of which can be found in the official release.

As for pricing, the changes are pretty minimal, with the base 2.5 CVT starting at $21,860 and the full-boat 3.5 SL CVT topping out at $30,660 before options and a $790 destination fee. You can compare those figures with 2013 pricing here, and see the full rundown of all the trim level prices by scrolling below.

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2014 Nissan Altima gets updated equipment, prices originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Aug 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Nissan had to re-edit this commercial two times to placate Aussie ad watchdog [w/poll]

Filed under: Budget, Marketing/Advertising, Safety, Videos, Hatchback, Nissan, Australia

Nissan Australia was required to re-edit its Nissan Pulsar SSS commercial three times before it satisfied the government.

Nissan recently aired a commercial in Australia for its Pulsar SSS hatchback – think of it as a five-door relative of our Sentra – in which a couple is seen hastily making their way to the hospital ahead of giving birth. But the ad you can watch now isn’t the same ad that aired originally – in fact, Nissan had to re-edit the commercial twice before the Australian Advertising Standards Bureau (ASB) would accept it.

According to Go Auto, the original ad received complaints that it depicted unsafe and reckless driving, including speeding, following cars too closely and screeching to a halt upon arriving at the hospital. One of the complaints reportedly read: “The advertisement promotes driving behavior (rapid acceleration/deceleration/changes of direction) that is counter to sound medical advice regarding the carriage of heavily pregnant women in motor vehicles.”

In the first edit, Nissan lowered the vehicle’s engine noise, removed the woman’s speech urging the man to drive faster (“Go, go, go!”) and inserted a disclaimer that read “Filmed under controlled conditions,” according to Go Auto, but all of that still wasn’t enough to appease the ASB.

Nissan went back for some more editing, which resulted in the tamer commercial that’s airing in Oz today. Nissan even removed extra shots to fit in slightly slow-motion video of the Pulsar driving, to be sure viewers don’t think it’s speeding. Even so, there’s still an enjoyable hook to the ad – watch it by scrolling below.

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Nissan had to re-edit this commercial two times to placate Aussie ad watchdog [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Aug 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan recalling 13k Versa Note hatchbacks

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Nissan

2014 Nissan Versa Note front three-quarters

Nissan is recalling 13,000 of its new 2014 Versa Note hatchbacks due to an issue with various bolts used to assemble the vehicle. Considering the Versa Note was only recently put on sale, this news must be driving Nissan nuts (we couldn’t resist), but presumably the lion’s share of these vehicles are still at dealerships.

According to a report from The Detroit News, there are two separate issues. The first has to do with the latches for the rear seats, which include bolts that may not be strong enough to keep the seats upright in the event of a crash. The second relates to the bolts that attach the body to the undercarriage. Apparently they may not have been tightened properly, and in rare cases may be missing altogether. No injuries or accidents have been reported from either issue.

Owners are being told to report to dealers for the fixes, with notifications coming in mid-August.

Nissan recalling 13k Versa Note hatchbacks originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Jul 2013 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: 2015 Nissan GT-R Nismo to hit 60 mph in 2 seconds?

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Nissan, Rumormill

Here’s your daily dose of incredulity – AutoExpress is reporting the 2015 Nissan GT-R Nismo will hit 60 miles per hour in two seconds. Okay. The report comes from an unnamed source that AE spoke with at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, and would mean that the GT-R Nismo, a car that will likely sit below $150,000, will be able to outsprint (over short distances) a 1200-horsepower, $2.58-million Bugatti Veyron Super Sport.

Citing a more potent version of the GT-R’s twin-turbocharged V-6 along with a healthy drop in weight, AutoExpress says that the performance is the result of the same group that helped develop the Juke Nismo, Williams Advanced Engineering. An unnamed engineer for Williams (it’s not made clear if this is the same source from Goodwood) notes that there are improvements to be had “even with a car like the GT-R.”

As exciting as the GT-R Nismo is going to be, we’re having a hard time accepting that it will be able to hit 60 in two seconds flat, at least on street tires. What do you think? Have your say in Comments.

2015 Nissan GT-R Nismo to hit 60 mph in 2 seconds? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Jul 2013 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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