Renault Captur concept is French for “Nissan Juke”

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Crossover, Renault

2011 Renault Capture concept

2011 Renault Captur concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

The lines between vehicle segments and bodystyles are getting more blurred all the time. And it isn’t just the Germans with their “four-door coupes” and “sports activitiy vehicles,” either. Nissan has proven just as capable of blurring the line between SUV and hatchback with their crossovers – vehicles like the Rogue and Juke. And now the Japanese automaker’s sister company, Renault, appears to be following down the same path with its new Captur concept.

The Captur follows last year’s DeZir show car in showing the way forward for the French automaker’s design language, capturing, as it were, the spirit that future Renaults will be taking. Of course this being a French concept car, it encompasses certain elements that won’t ever see production. Things like the fantastical interior, to start with, and those 22-inch wheels whose white spokes seem to blend right into the tires. But if you want an overall picture of where Renault is heading, this is where it’s at.

Powered by Renault’s Energy dCi 160 twin-turbo engine giving 160 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, the Captur also incorporates dual-clutch gearbox.

Although Renault doesn’t say so specifically in the press release after the jump, where you can scope out all the details, we’re assuming we’ll see the Captur on the show stand at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, from which we’ll be sure to bring you our up-close-and-personal impressions and images. In the meantime, you can scope it out in the high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 Renault Captur concept

[Source: Renault]

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Renault Captur concept is French for “Nissan Juke” originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan Esflow concept is a sporty RWD Leaf [w/video]

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Geneva Motor Show, Technology, Nissan, Design/Style, Electric

Nissan Esflow concept rendering

Nissan Esflow concept rendering- Click above to watch the video after the break

Nissan has just announced it’s bringing a new sports car concept called the Esflow to the Geneva Motor Show next month. The released images show a vehicle with classic sporty proportions, but we’re advised its potential for shrieking rubber has been tempered by the environmental credentials that electric propulsion can bring.

The Esflow uses tech developed for the mass-market Leaf EV hatchback, but uses a separate motor to turn each rear wheel and should hit 60 miles per hour from a standstill in under five seconds. The laminated lithium batteries are mounted low to help out the center of gravity and are said to be good for 150 miles (240 km) per charge. Any weight penalty of the energy storage system is offset by an rollbar-integrated aluminum chassis swathed in a composite shell.

While we doubt this particular concept will find a home in dealerships or driveways, it’s nice to see Nissan isn’t just concentrating their electric efforts on its more pedestrian platforms, and it could point the way to a sportier EV future for the brand. Hit the jump for a little video of the concept cruising the rendered road in animated action.

Gallery: Nissan Esflow concept

Nissan Esflow concept

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan Esflow concept is a sporty RWD Leaf [w/video]

Nissan Esflow concept is a sporty RWD Leaf [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 11:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA investigating Infiniti QX4, Nissan Pathfinder over corrosion fears

Filed under: SUV, Safety, Infiniti, Nissan

2003 Infiniti QX4

2003 Infiniti QX4 – Click above for high-res image gallery

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an investigation into certain late model Infiniti QX4 and Nissan Pathfinder SUVs over corrosion of the driver’s side front strut tower. Affected Queue-By-Fours are from the 1997 to 2003 model years, while the Pathfinders are from 1996 to 2004.

According to NHTSA’s summary, the government organization has received 35 reports of corrosion instances, with 18 citing that this problem caused the vehicle’s steering to suffer. What’s more, five of these reports stated that the steering “shaft” or “column” broke, resulting in a complete loss of steering.

This investigation was opened on January 28, and pending NHTSA’s findings, an official recall should be announced in the near future. For the full summary, follow the jump for NHTSA’s release.

Gallery: 2003 Infiniti QX4

2003 Infiniti QX42003 Infiniti QX42003 Infiniti QX42003 Infiniti QX42003 Infiniti QX4

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading NHTSA investigating Infiniti QX4, Nissan Pathfinder over corrosion fears

NHTSA investigating Infiniti QX4, Nissan Pathfinder over corrosion fears originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 2011 Nissan Quest is klutz-proof in new TV spot

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Nissan

Nissan Quest in new commercial

Nissan Quest shows off its useful cargo space in new ad – Click above to watch video after the jump

After skipping a model year in transition, the new 2011 Nissan Quest is on the scene, and Nissan needs to win over prospective minivan shoppers. So, it’s time for the ad onslaught to begin. In this new spot, Nissan highlights the Quest’s storage capacity by showcasing a harried mom balancing (literally) a Herculean shopping load, two kids and her poor cone-wearing pooch. Naturally, it all goes south, but the Quest magically saves the day and eradicates rank dog breath to boot. See for yourselves after the jump.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: 2011 Nissan Quest is klutz-proof in new TV spot

Video: 2011 Nissan Quest is klutz-proof in new TV spot originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Jan 2011 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan blows by Honda in global automotive sales

Filed under: Honda, Nissan

Nissan Badge

In the U.S., the pecking order among Japanese automakers looks like this: Way out in front is Toyota, followed by Honda and Nissan respectively. On a global scale, however, Nissan has finally leapfrogged Honda for second banana status. Torque News reports that Nissan’s global sales soared 21 percent in 2010 due in part to exploding business in China. All told, Nissan moved 4.08 million units during the calendar year.

Honda also saw increased sales, but it managed only a five percent gain. That’s 3.56 million vehicles sold, or about 500,000 fewer units than its rival. 2010 was a very solid year for Nissan, as well its alliance partner Renault, which also fared very well. Together the two automakers combined to sell 7.3 million cars and trucks. That’s more than Ford or Volkswagen, though Renault-Nissan sales aren’t officially counted together when the final rankings are tabulated at the end of the year. Toyota led all automaker sales for the year, followed by General Motors and VW.

[Source: The Detroit Bureau]

Nissan blows by Honda in global automotive sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Jan 2011 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda to supply Nissan with its own version of Mazda5

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Japan, Plants/Manufacturing, Mazda, Nissan

2012 Mazda5

2012 Mazda5 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Mazda has officially announced that it will supply the Mazda5 minivan to Nissan beginning in May of this year. But before you go dreaming of a Nissan micro-minivan here in the United States, know that this will be a Japan-only affair. As of this writing, mum’s the word on what the Nissan-badged Mazda will be called in the automaker’s home market. The Mazda5, or Premacy as it’s known in Japan, will “enrich [Nissan’s] minivan lineup in the Japanese market” – a place where small MPVs are sold in great volume.

This is not the only collaboration between Mazda and Nissan in Japan. Currently, Mazda provides its Bongo Van/Truck to Nissan under the name Vanette. Likewise, Nissan supplies its AD/AD Expert to Mazda, sold under the name Familia Van. Follow the jump for the official press release.

Gallery: 2012 Mazda5

2012 Mazda52012 Mazda52012 Mazda52012 Mazda52012 Mazda5

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda to supply Nissan with its own version of Mazda5

Mazda to supply Nissan with its own version of Mazda5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Jan 2011 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Autoblog witnesses the 2012 Nissan GT-R’s launch control

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Nissan

2012 Nissan GT-R launch

2012 Nissan GT-R deftly launches – Click above to watch the video after the break

Smoke ’em if you got ’em. Well, only if you’re really just interested in showing off. In reality, if your tires go up in giant plumes of white smoke, you’re going nowhere fast.

It stands to reason, then, that drivers of the 2012 Nissan GT-R, which once again has an official factory launch control mode, won’t be indulging in any tire-smoking shenanigans. Instead, they will be launching themselves and any passengers they may be carrying into ludicrous speed with nary a hint of wheelspin to contend with.

And we finally have first-hand video evidence that proves the point. We witnessed the 2011 GT-R catapult itself into near orbit using launch control with our own eyes and managed to capture the act on video. Click past the break to see for yourself.

Continue reading Video: Autoblog witnesses the 2012 Nissan GT-R’s launch control

Video: Autoblog witnesses the 2012 Nissan GT-R’s launch control originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 18:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan Leaf wins 2011 European Car of the Year

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Nissan, Electric

nissan leaf europe car of the year

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

The Nissan Leaf is a technological leap in that it is a mass-produced electric vehicle with a range of up to 100 miles on a single charge. Unfortunately for Nissan, its quirky EV hit the market at the same time as the prize-hungry Chevy Volt, which has already taken home the North American Car of the Year and Motor Trend COTY awards.

But while the Volt has taken the hardware here in the United States, the Leaf can now sport its own prestigious award: the 2011 European Car Of The Year. The 58 voters gave the Leaf the nod over more conventional offerings like the Volvo S60 and the Opel Meriva. Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn is quick to point out the fact that the Leaf is the first EV to win the Europe COTY award, but he also stresses that the Leaf “is an appealing, competitive car, with no compromise on style, features, safety, performance or handling.” Hit the jump to read over Nissan’s brag-tastic press release.

Gallery: 2011 Nissan Leaf: First Drive

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan Leaf wins 2011 European Car of the Year

Nissan Leaf wins 2011 European Car of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2011 Nissan Juke

Filed under: Budget, Performance, Crossover, Hatchback, Nissan, Reviews

Funky Hatch Is The Perfect Nissan Middle Child

2011 Nissan Juke2011 Nissan Juke – Click above for high-res image gallery

Nissan seems to be on a war path to fill every last ounce of white space in the automotive spectrum. The company has unleashed a barrage of vehicles that range from playful to downright confusing. At first blush, the 2011 Nissan Juke would seem to fit into the latter category. With styling that’s two shakes away from robo-reptilian, the small crossover packs plenty of power, a tall ride height and a small footprint into one sub-$20,000 package. If you can avoid pigeonholing the Juke, you’ll find that the engineers at Nissan secretly managed to bring their own interpretation of the hot hatch to market without raising the ire of the company’s accountants.

We wouldn’t blame you for thinking we’re one stud short of a lug pattern on this one, but point your peepers to a few specs and you’ll see what we mean. The Juke weighs in at less than 3,000 pounds in front-wheel-drive guise and packs a turbocharged, direct-injection 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that’s good for 188 horsepower. For reference, the company’s own Sentra SE-R hits the scales with an extra 88 pounds on its waist and 11 fewer ponies at its command. Opt for the manual gearbox in the Juke, and things get even lighter. Intrigued? We were too.

Continue reading…

Gallery: 2011 Nissan Juke: Review

2011 Nissan Juke2011 Nissan Juke2011 Nissan Juke2011 Nissan Juke2011 Nissan Juke

Photos copyright (C)2011 Zach Bowman / AOL

Continue reading Review: 2011 Nissan Juke

Review: 2011 Nissan Juke originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan NV commercial truck production gets underway

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Work, Nissan

2012 Nissan NV

Nissan NV work trucks – Click above for high-res image gallery

Nissan has kicked off production of its all-new 2012 NV commercial truck. Scheduled to go on sale this spring, the NV will be available in three variants; NV1500, NV2500 HD and NV3500 HD. Two different configurations will also be offered: a standard roof or high roof that offers more interior work and/or cargo space.

Power comes from a choice of familiar six or eight-cylinder engines. The 4.0-liter V6 produces 261 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque while the 5.6-liter V8 delivers 317 hp and 385 lb-ft of torque. Both engines drive the rear wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission.

Body-on-frame construction should help the NV go a long way in the rugged work truck category. Inside, a few trick features will help further set it apart from competitors like the Ford Transit Connect. The passenger seat folds flat to offer up its backside as a workspace. The large, lockable center console offers plenty of storage and 120V outlets are installed front and rear.

The 2012 Nissan NV starts at an MSRP of $24,950. Once the NV configurator comes online, we (and tradesmen in need of a new ride) should be able to elevate that sticker price significantly.

Gallery: 2011 Nissan NV

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan NV commercial truck production gets underway

Nissan NV commercial truck production gets underway originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 Jan 2011 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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