The new Nissan will be available on the Japanese automarket in a limited edition of 300 unints. The price will be around $44,000, not too much if we think that the 2007 Nismo 350 Z is sold at a price of $38,695 .
The new Type 380 RS has a 3.8 litre engine ( the engine displacement is increased from 3.5 to 3.8 liters, as indicated by the name - 380 RS) delivering 350 bhp and torque to 293 pound-feet. Not a very big difference if we think that the DOHC 3.5-liter V6 from the Z delivers 306 bhp.
Nismo has done its usual superb job of tuning and fitting appropriate aerodynamic mods to the body.The Nismo Type 380RS gets upgraded shocks, springs and stabilizer bars, as well as stunning aerodynamic touches to the bodywork. The brakes are fitted with Brembo disc brakes. The Nismo comes with Bridgestone Potenza RE01R shoes (245/40R18 in front, 275/35R19 in the rear)
Inside, the Type 380RS features a perforated-leather steering wheel with the Z logoadding a very nice touch on the car, shift knob and handbrake lever, plus drilled aluminum pedals, a unique gauge cluster and sport bucket seats trimmed in Alcantara and leather.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Nismo Type 380RS
Nissan new car - cube
In the interim, enjoy the gallery we've put together of the current Cube family.
Nissan introduces anti drunk-driving technology
Nissan introduces a new systems capable of detecting the presence of alcohol in the perspiration of the driver's palm as he or she attempts to start driving, monitor the driver's state of consciousness through the blinking of the eye, monitoring the operational behavior of the vehicle etc.
This concept car was developed as an exploratory platform to showcase breakthrough technologies that could potentially be applied in future production cars, part of an ongoing program from Nissan contributing towards the prevention of drunk driving.
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has revealed a new concept car featuring multiple preventative features designed to help reduce drunk driving. Presently integrated on-board a production model Fuga sedan, the various technologies are designed to detect the driver's state of sobriety and to activate a range of preventive measures including immobilization of the vehicle.
Alcohol Odor Sensors
1. A hi-sensitivity alcohol odor sensor is built into the transmission shift knob, which is able to detect the presence of alcohol in the perspiration of the driver's palm as he or she attempts to start driving. When the alcohol-level detected is above the pre-determined threshold, the system automatically locks the transmission, immobilizing the car. A "drunk driving" voice alert is also issued via the car navigation system.
2. Additional alcohol odor sensors are also incorporated into the driver's and passenger seats to detect the presence of alcohol in the air inside the vehicle cabin. When alcohol is detected, the system issues both a voice alert and a message alert on the navigation system monitor.
Facial Recognition System
A camera is mounted on the instrument cluster facing the driver to monitor the driver's face. The system is calibrated to monitor the driver's state of consciousness through the blinking of the eyes. When the system detects signs of drowsiness, a voice and message alert is triggered via the navigation system. Additionally, a seat-belt mechanism is activated which tightens around the driver to gain his or her immediate attention.
Driving Behavior
By constantly monitoring the operational behavior of the vehicle (e.g. sensing if the vehicle is veering out of its driving lane), the system can identify signs of inattentiveness or distraction in the driver. When the system detects such behavior, voice and message alerts are issued via the navigation system. The seat-belt alert mechanism is also activated, tightening around the driver to gain immediate attention.
This concept car was developed as an exploratory platform to showcase breakthrough technologies that could potentially be applied in future production cars, part of an ongoing program from Nissan contributing towards the prevention of drunk driving.
Nissan has already launched and is developing several initiatives to help prevent drunk driving. In June, the company introduced the "drunk driving" message alert on its navigation system. In July, Nissan also began testing of a new on-board breathalyzer system in cooperation with several local government authorities, where an interlock mechanism will immobilize the vehicle if the driver's breath indicates the presence of alcohol above a specified level.
Nissan is taking holistic approach towards safety that extends beyond the technology built into its vehicles. To achieve a "safe driving environment", Nissan has embarked on the Intelligent Transport System Project (ITS) in Kanagawa Prefecture - aimed at helping to reduce road accidents via the analysis of traffic data collected from on-the-road vehicles and traffic beacons. In Japan, the company's safety vision is to halve the number of traffic fatalities or serious injuries involving Nissan vehicles by 2015 compared with the level in 1995.
Nissan revealed PIVO2 Concept
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today unveiled the Pivo 2, an advanced electric concept car that will debut at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show. Pivo 2 builds on the popularity of the first Pivo, shown at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show.
Powered by advanced Compact Lithium-ion Batteries and featuring a unique rotating cabin - meaning no reverse gear required - the first Pivo became a cult hit at shows from Beijing to Geneva.
Pivo 2 Concept Car
Nissan recalls 140,000 Altimas
The Japanese automaker decided to recall 140,582 of its 2007 Altima cars after problems with the air filter were reported. The air filter can catch fire if hot objects are drawn into it and this problem will recall only for the 2.5 liter engines.The problem was discovered in February and since then 4 fires were reported.
To avoid the fire the filter will be replaced because it can ignite if something hot such as ashes or cigarettes enter through the fresh air intake valve. To help avoiding the fire an air deflector will also be installed on the vehicle.
The recall affects the cars that were built between September 25th and May 11th at its plant in Smyrna, Tennessee, and those produced from October 30 through May 11 at its Canton, Mississippi, factory. The Altima accounted for 140,253, or 26 percent, of Nissan's U.S. sales this year through June. The car was ninth in sales among all cars and light trucks in the U.S. during the period.
Nissan Joint Venture With India Truckmaker
Oct.29, Nissan Motor Corp.announced a $500M joint venture with Indian truckmakerAshok Leyland to produce light trucks and engines in India for both domestic and export markets.
Nissan's CEO, Carlos Ghosn, on the visiting to India, is going to discuss a possible partnership between Renault and motorcycle maker Bajaj to produce a $3,000 car that would rival Tata Motor's planned "one-lakh" ($2,500) car in the race to capture share in what is the world's fastest-growing passenger car market.
Automakersare keen to tap the potential of India's growing auto market. The country will move from being the 12th largest producer of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles to the fourth-largest by 2016, according to automotive research group CSM Worldwide.
India is the world's fastest-growing automotive marketin those categories, with an annual growth rate of 14 per cent compared with 9 per cent in China.
Nissan's Monday agreement with Ashok Leyland consists of three joint ventures. One company will manufacture light commercial vehicles (LCVs) for both partners by 2010 and is expected to eventually roll out 100,000 vehicles a year.
The second will build and manufacture engines and components for LCVs and export.
The third, a technology development company, will make other truck products and components.
The Indian auto industry last year produced 11m cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles and other motor vehicles. An ambitious government and private-sector "Automotive Mission Plan ", outlined last year, set a production target of 3.2m passenger cars by 2016, up from 1.3m in the 12 months through March.
Nissan Revives Ball-Shaped Pivo2 at 2007 Tokyo Motor Show
Nissanhas just upgrade its bubble car with a futuristic electric vehiclethat can park in the tightest of spots. It's Nissan's just revived Pivo2 electric car concept, which will make it's first official release at 2007 Tokyo Motor Showthis month.
The first version of this Nissan model, shown at the Tokyo Motor Showtwo years ago, rotated completely on its wheel base to eliminate the need for reverse parking. Instead of backing up, the driver of the three- seat Pivo can swing the bubble-shaped pod 180 degrees, so the driver can face any direction. Is it amazing? No doubt of it.
However, this Nissan Pivo2 electric car is too early to come out commercial production yet, for it's too expensive price.
Designers have added robotics in the form of a bobbing mechanical head with eyes near the steering wheel that speaks in an electronic voice.
The car can also decipher the driver's expression and detect whether they are angry or happy.
The robotic head voices pre-programmed phrases to deal with various emotions, such as, "Relax, don't worry," if the driver seems upset.
"We want people to feel how cars can be so much fun," said Shiro Nakamura, Nissan's head designer.
This Nissan Pivo2 Electric Concept Car will make its public debut at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show on October 27.
Pivo 2 will be on display at the Nissan Ginza Gallery in Tokyo, for an exclusive public sneak preview ahead of the Motor Show.
PIVO 2 PUBLIC PREVIEW EVENT
Venue:
The Nissan Ginza Gallery5-8-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Dates:
Oct. 13, 2007 (Sat) to Oct. 14, 2007 (Sun)
Time:
10:00-20:00
Pivo 2 will then be exhibited - together with four other exciting production and concept vehicles at the Tokyo Motor Show, starting October 27.
Nissan NV200 Concept At 2007 Tokyo Motor Show This October
Nissanhas released this teaser image of a new small van concept that will debut at the Tokyo Motor Showthis October. Dubbed "NV200," the study is the product of Nissan Design Europe and the automaker's Design Center in Japan.
see the official release:
LONDON, England (July 23, 2007) - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., has today revealed a highly innovative small van concept at Nissan Design Europe (NDE).
Called Nissan NV200 and due to be given its worldwide debut at theTokyo Motor Show in October, the conceptturns conventional light commercial design inside out… literally.
Its most striking feature is a storage pod which extends from the van's load area when the vehicle is parked. As the pod is deployed, the now empty load bay is transformed into a mobile office.
The Nissian NV200 was jointly developed by Nissan Design Center in Japan and NDE, located in Paddington, London. By having no pre-conceived ideas about what form NV200 should take, the team has developed a radical, futuristic, but entirely practical new concept.
"A light commercial vehicle has a specific job to perform, but that's no reason to design a purely rational vehicle with no warmth. For NV200, function becomes the aesthetic. Our concept is a highly efficient tool but one with a human touch," says Shiro Nakamura, senior vice president and chief creative officer at Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Although Nissan NV200 answers the specific needs of a professional underwater photographer with 'wet' and 'dry' storage zones in the pod for diving and camera equipment, the basic concept could be tailored to suit different customers.
The pod is latched inside the load area when the van is being driven. But upon arrival at its destination, it slides out rearwards to allow easy access to the storage zones. As the pod is withdrawn from the van, the area left behind is transformed into a mobile office. The front passenger seat swivels backwards on a curved rail to face a computer table, which drops down from the side of the van.
Nissan's 2009 GT-R global website goes live
o.Nissan official press release on Tokyo,Japan of Sept.26, 2007. Nissan today started the pre-launch activities in support the All-New 2009 Nissan GT-R, the high performance sports super car to be debut ed at 2007 Tokyo Motor Show on October 24th.
The All-New 2009 GT-R will ultimately go on sale around the world. To provide latest news, specifications and dealer information, Nissan launched a new gobal website for this 2009 Nissan GT-R supercar, and the website address is: www.gtrnissan.com, providing six languages: Japanese, English, Spanish, German, French and Italian.
With sales due to start in Japan in December, Nissan is today also confirming the final name of this 2009 All-New GT-R.
Previous generations of this car were known as the Nissan Skyline GT-R; the new name for this car is simply "Nissan GT-R" in all global markets.
Supporting substantial early customer interest in the Nissan GT-R, the company is today making available for customers in Japan some initial details including basic specifications, colors and practical information on placing pre-orders. Prices in Japan for the Nissan GT-R will start from around 7.8 million yen.
In support of the sale of the Nissan GT-R, the company also announced today the establishment of 160 Nissan High Performance Centers in Japan.
These centers have been established to provide specialist sales and servicing support for customers of the Nissan GT-R.
2009 Nissan Murano SUV Sucking The World
As a lot of Nissan cars lover come to my site from the google keywords "2009 Nissan Murano" search, I noticed that the 2009 Nissan Murano SUV is hot all over the world.
But 2009 Nissan Murano SUV is really to go out? No one can say "yes", as nothing leak from the Nissan Corp. official. Batch rumor of 2009 Nissan Murano SUV is spreading around the world. Even the Renault Koleos Concept is taken as the 2009 Nissan Murano SUV, Lol...
On Yahoo Answers, some said that, the Nissan Murano will be replaced by the Nissan Rogue in 2008, which is another Nissan's Crossover SUV, competing against with the Nissan Murano.
The All-New Nissan Rogue crossover had been released before, having intuitive all-wheel drive, smart storage, and a steet savvy 27mpg, with starting price at $19,250.
Take some old 2007 Nissan Murano SUV images below. ( 2007 Nissan Murano Received Highest Front Impact and Side Impact Safety Rating. The Nissan Murano has received the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA's) highest rating - 5 stars - for front-impact and side-impact crash safety.1 )
2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R Ready To Rock 2007 Tokyo Motor Show
As 2007 Tokyo Motor Show coming closer, the 2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R is all ready to rock on this year's Tokyo Auto Show. No wonder 2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R (R36) is the most eagerly anticipated car in a generation. And we will keep the step of Nissan's official pulse.
The 2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R is still a legend before it even enters production. For six years the 2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R has been the subject of intense rumors and frenzied speculation.
Why is this car followed so closely? Because the Nissan Skyline GT-R R36 is expected to be the ne plus ultra of Japanese performance machinery; and after 30 years of waiting, it's finally America's turn to officially take part in all the fun.
I thinks this 2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R must rock the U.S. as the iPhone before.
At the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan showed the GT-R Concept as the prospective successor to the R34. By early 2005, modified G35 coupes with Infiniti badges, oversize wheels and tires, big rear wings, hood scoops and bodywork protrusions big enough to hide exotic exhaust systems in back or intercoolers up front were spied at the Nürburgring.
These weren't just tuner cars, but full-fledged prototypes of the next GT-R.
Then in the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, another Nissan GT-R showcar appeared called the GT-R Proto; and the new, innovative shape of the next GT-R was apparent. Obviously based on Nissan's FM-code front midengine chassis, this GT-R would apparently use a turbocharged version of the VQ V6 with a seven-speed transmission and all-wheel drive.
And at the 2006 New York Auto Show, Nissan's CEO Carlos Ghosn announced that, yes finally, going to debut at 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, the new Skyline GT-R R36 would be sold in the United States and it would be sold worldwide exclusively through Nissan, and not Infiniti. And apparently without the Skyline name.
You are deserved to look forward to this 2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R generation supercar at 2007 Tokyo Auto Show.
Frankfurt Motor Show 2007: Nissan Mixim Concept Super Car
In addition to the Micra Colour+ Conceptof Nissan show on Frankfurt Motor Show 2007, Nissanwill display another concept at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Shownext month called the Nissan Mixim Concept.
The Nissan Mixim concept caris a compact vehicle for young drivers who are mostly engaged by their computer and the world via the internet.
The driver sits centrally, with two seats either side, while the steering wheel and controls are inspired by the interfaces so familiar to computer gamers.
Powered by Nissan's 'Super Motor'electric motor/generator and using compact lithium-ion batteries, Mixim has unusually rapid performance combined with a usefully extended range. One Super Motor powers the front axle and a second drives the rear axle, giving Mixim all-wheel drive.
Mixim takes the most up-to-date electric vehicle (EV) technology and clothes it in a svelte and distinctive coupé shape.
Its wraparound windscreen, inspired by the visor of a crash helmet, dominates the profile while the swept back windscreen, flowing roofline and sharply truncated rear hints at sporting performance unexpected from an electric vehicle.
Diamond-shaped styling cues feature inside and out, notably on the twin air intakes to the rear of the doors and the front LED driving lights, while an upper triangular side window links the gentle slope of the roof with the dramatic angular slash that runs through the centre of the doors. The rear hatch opens to reveal a large trunk area behind the three seats. An occasional fourth seat is also housed behind the front seat module.
Sitting on a 2530mm wheelbase, Nissan Mixim Conceptis 3700mm long, 1800mm wide and 1400mm high, the Mixim is shorter and lower than Micra, though slightly wider. It weighs just 950kg.
Despite being a concept car with no guarantee of being turned into a series production model, Mixim's development is in line with the Nissan Green Program, the company's publicly stated desire to create a more sustainable mobile society.
Throughout the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, the Nissan Mixim Concept will be driving from a low stage via a ramp to an elevated display platform on the Nissan stand.[Source: Nissan]
Nissan NV200 Concept At 2007 Tokyo Motor Show This October
Nissan has released this teaser image of a new small van concept that will debut at the Tokyo Motor Show this October. Dubbed "NV200," the study is the product of Nissan Design Europe and the automaker's Design Center in Japan.
see the official release:
LONDON, England (July 23, 2007) - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., has today revealed a highly innovative small van concept at Nissan Design Europe (NDE).
Called Nissan NV200 and due to be given its worldwide debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in October, the concept turns conventional light commercial design inside out… literally.
Its most striking feature is a storage pod which extends from the van's load area when the vehicle is parked. As the pod is deployed, the now empty load bay is transformed into a mobile office.
The Nissian NV200 was jointly developed by Nissan Design Center in Japan and NDE, located in Paddington, London. By having no pre-conceived ideas about what form NV200 should take, the team has developed a radical, futuristic, but entirely practical new concept.
"A light commercial vehicle has a specific job to perform, but that's no reason to design a purely rational vehicle with no warmth. For NV200, function becomes the aesthetic. Our concept is a highly efficient tool but one with a human touch," says Shiro Nakamura, senior vice president and chief creative officer at Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Although Nissan NV200 answers the specific needs of a professional underwater photographer with 'wet' and 'dry' storage zones in the pod for diving and camera equipment, the basic concept could be tailored to suit different customers.
The pod is latched inside the load area when the van is being driven. But upon arrival at its destination, it slides out rearwards to allow easy access to the storage zones. As the pod is withdrawn from the van, the area left behind is transformed into a mobile office. The front passenger seat swivels backwards on a curved rail to face a computer table, which drops down from the side of the van.
2008 Nissan Versa Spyshot and Price Announcement
Nissan 2008 Versa price announcement from Nissan North America, Inc: The NA Nissan announced pricing on the 2008 Nissan Versa Sedan and Hatchback models , which are now on sale, according to the company's offical news release.
The 2008 Nissan Versa Sedan gets its pricing by MSRP ( Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price ) at $12,550 of 1.8 S with 6-speed manual transmission, and $13,350 with 4-speed automatic transmission.
The 2008 Nissan Versa Sedan 1.8 SL with Nissan's advanced Xtronic CVT(TM) (Continuously Variable Transmissions) is priced at $15,550.
For 2008 Nissan Versa , the Sport Package is now an option on the Versa Sedan 1.8 SL model (previously available on Versa Hatchback 1.8 SL).
The 2008 Versa Sport Package adds a higher level of performance styling with a rear spoiler (roof-mounted for Hatchback, decklid-mounted for Sedan), lower body side sill extensions, unique front and rear fascia (Hatchback) and chin spoiler (Sedan) and fog lights.
The 2008 Nissan Versa Hatchback is offered in four models:
Versa Hatchback 1.8 S 6-speed manual transmission at an MSRP of $12,650;
Versa Hatchback 1.8 S 4- speed automatic transmission at $13,450;
Versa Hatchback 1.8 SL 6-speed manual transmission at $14,650;
Versa Hatchback 1.8 SL with Xtronic CVT(TM) at $15,650.
All 2008 Nissan Versas are equipped with a standard 122-horsepower 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine.
Estimated 2008 EPA fuel economy is 27 mpg City/33 mpg Highway with the CVT transmission;
24 mpg City/31 mpg highway with the 4-speed automatic transmission;
and 26 mpg city/31 mpg highway with the 6-speed manual transmission.
Nissan Confirm Titan Diesel for 2009
News reports from Japan confirm that Nissan will put a diesel in its Titan full-size pickup truck by 2009, but so far the Japanese automaker shows no hint of interest in launching a truck in the heavy-duty pickup segment.
Nissan reportedly will buy V8 diesel engines from International Truck and Engine Corp. Automotive News has reported that the company also may offer a low-budget V6 gasoline engine in the Titan in the future.
The Titan's only powerplant is a 5.6-liter, 317-hp, 385-lb-ft V8 gasoline engine.
Nissan had hoped to sell 100,000 Titans per year when the truck debuted in the 2004 model year, but so far the model has sold at about 85,000 per year.
Spy Shots: 2009 Nissan Murano?...but It's Renault Koleos Concept
Spy photos taken during hot weather testing in Spain were widely circulated on the net yesterday and identified as the next generationNissan Murano.
However, a closer look at the photos reveals that this vehicle is in fact the production version of a vehicle that was shown by Renault at last fall's Paris Motor Show called the Koleos concept.
The Koleos is being developed by Renault in conjunction with Korean partner Samsung. It is expected to be produced by Samsung in 2008 for sale under both the Renault and Samsung brands.The platform was developed with Nissan and it would not be surprising to learn that it's shared with the Nissan Rogue, which was revealed in production form at the Detroit Auto Show last January.
[Source: The Car Connection, Renault]
Nissan Install Solar Panels on Spanish Plants to Save CO2
In an effort to both save some euros off the electricity bill and some CO2 from hitting the environment, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd, will install 606 solar panels at its Barcelona (Spain) vehicle plant by the end of this summer. which will cover a surface of 3,000 square-metres and generate 308,000 kWh of electricity per year, which helps them reduce CO2 emissions by 110 tons.
Nissan is also installed a similar layout on its other plant in Spain, in Ávila this summer, 732 solar panels resulting in savings of 267 tons of CO2 emissions every year. But not only Spain is getting renewable energy to power the plants, Nissan is also using renewable energy at its Sunderland vehicle plant in the UK, where it has erected six wind turbines good for 5 percent of the plant's electricity which cuts CO2 emissions by 3,300 tons a year.
These interventions are being held under Nissan's Green Program 2010, which expectations are to lower CO2 emissions 7 percent from 2005 levels.
Cars Review: Nissan Qashqai SUV
Driving
Designing a crossover vehicle presents a real challenge for chassis engineers. A high centre of gravity has a negative effect on handling. Despite this, the Qashqai is surprisingly adept in corners. The steering, while somewhat lacking in feel, is fluid and direct, allowing for precise turn-in. A taut body and well controlled suspension mean the Qashqai rolls slightly, but then maintains its composure. As a result, it's agile and reassuring. Under braking, it's very stable and feels well controlled, while the ride is impressive too. The damping in particular is cosseting. However, over sharp bumps, particularly in corners, the body shimmies. But this is the only time it lets you down. We tested the 1.5-litre dCi diesel, which may not be the most powerful around, but is very refined and smooth. Combine this with the slick six-speed gearbox and light but well placed pedals, and the Qashqai is a very user-friendly machine.
Marketplace
The Qashqai offers SUV styling in a compact hatch package. Styled in the UK at Nissan's London design studio, it looks modern, chunky and well proportioned, and yet has a body that's similar in size to family hatch benchmark such as the Ford Focus and VW Golf. However, there's no doubt that thanks to its height, it looks like a compact SUV. With a choice of four engines (1.6 and 2.0 petrol, 1.5 and 2.0 dCi diesel), Nissan also gives buyers the choice of two- or four-wheel-drive on the more powerful versions; there's a small fuel economy penalty if you want all wheels driven, but the benefits of extra traction are obvious, even if few Qashqai will ever go off road. Trims compromise of Visia, Acenta and Tekna and all are generously stocked. With competitive prices too, the Nissan is well placed to battle alongside the Focus, Golf, Dodge Caliber and even the Kia Sportage.
Owning
The SUV overtones continue once you're behind the wheel, because the lofty seat position will certainly please fans of off-roaders. Forward visibility is excellent, and with a simple cabin layout, the Qashqai is comfortable and easy to live with. There's lots of clever storage space, while in the rear, there's a decent amount of legroom. Although the roofline slopes down towards the tailgate, headroom is still acceptable. The biggest problem is that the thick C-pillars and small rear screen restrict visibility. Fortunately, Nissan includes parking sensors as standard. The firm haven't done anything clever with the rear seats, though, because they fold conventionally and have a standard 60:40 split. However, the large boot is a useful shape. Unfortunately, relatively short 12,500-mile service intervals bump up costs, and our 1.5 dCi only averaged 36mpg, compared to an 'official' figure of 52mpg. Our experts predict strong retained values, though, and Nissan reliability is generally accepted to be superb.
Nissan New Convertible Model Altima Coupe
Nissan is looking to pry open niches using existing hardware, and the four-place convertible market might be next in the company's sights if it green-lights the idea of an Altima convertible. In creating the Altima coupe, Nissan studied markets into which it could expand its midsize sedan, examining segments such as station wagons before deciding that a coupe was the way to go.
Much of the rationale that precipitated the coupe's development applies also to the idea of a convertible, and with the coupe already in place, most of the heavy lifting has been done. The question now is whether a drop-top Altima will be approved by Nissan's product planners. "Wouldn't that be great?" enthused Sean Blankenship, senior manager of Nissan marketing. "I'd love that."
Just as the company contemplated its options before building the coupe, Nissan is again considering possibilities. "We are studying a number of possible variants," Blankenship acknowledged.
In building the coupe, Nissan sought to give the company and the Altima family a halo car that would enhance consumers' perception of Nissan as a company with sporty products. With a body using entirely unique panels - except the hood, which is shared with the Altima sedan - and riding on a shortened platform, the coupe has the stance and lines of a "true coupe," which was Nissan's goal for the car. With that engineering work already done and the sheet metal created, a convertible is tantalizingly within reach.
In the segment, an Altima convertible would face many of the same competitors it is challenging in the coupe market. In fact, the company attributes the decline of the coupe market to customer fatigue with the aged products in the segment, and not to a decline in interest in coupes.
What this means to you: A convertible version of Nissan's excellent new Altima coupe would provide a powerful and agile contender against perennial segment leaders, the Toyota Solara and Chrysler Sebring, as well as newcomer Pontiac G6.
Nissan UK-Made Micra C+C Convertible Landing Japan
Nissan Corp. News: Although Nissan Micra hatch is available in Japan since 2002, this is the first time that the UK designed, engineered and built Micra C+C Convertible will be available in the Japanese market.
The Japan bound C+C's will all be top spec models featuring 15" alloys, in-dash 6 CD autochangers, keyless entry and leather upholstery. All cars will be powered by a 1.6 litre petrol engine, with customers able to choose between manual and automatic transmission. Initially, around 1,500 cars will be shipped, with customer demand carefully monitored once the car reaches Japanese showrooms in July. Notably, the Micra C+C will be Nissan's Sunderland Plant second export model to Japan after the Qashqai crossover.