Nissan Begins New Altima Coupe Production

Nissan Begins New Altima Coupe Production

by Ryan Thomas

Following the launch of the all-new Altima and its hybrid variant, production started last Monday on the new coupe version which is a sportier version of Nissan's best-selling model that was primarily designed to draw in new customers to their abode.

The Japanese automaker celebrated the Altima's third launch in seven months at its Smyrna plant which is located just 20 miles south of its relocated headquarters in Nashville. Dubbed as "true coupe," the Altima comes as a two-door model that has a shorter wheelbase and a lower profile than its four-door counterpart.

The 2008 Nissan Altima coupe is set for release on the 25th of this month. The coupe, which was officially launched at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show, is engineered to compete against the Toyota Camry Solara, Honda Accord coupe and the Pontiac G6 coupe. The coupe is equipped with reliable Nissan brake pads, and a sport suspension that is mated to two engine choices - the updated VQ35DE, a 270-horsepower 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 or the QR25DE, a 175-horsepower 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder. Also, the driver-centered interior offers a 6.5-inch traffic navigation screen, a rearview monitor, as well as a keyless entry and ignition and hands-free phone system. "There's a lot of coupes on the market, some of which are merely shorter versions of their sedan counterparts, but we didn't want to do that," said John Curl, the regional product manager for Nissan. "It has the proportions of a coupe and not just a 2-door sedan."

Karl Brauer, the editor in chief of Edmunds.com, said that the coupe's almost completely new body panels add sophisticated styling that differentiates it from the sedan. "My first impression was that it looked very upscale," Brauer said. "It will cost you considerably less than a G35 and sends a lot of the same messages."

The Nissan Altima coupe will be priced at $20,490. Its price is far below the company's most comparable model, the Infiniti G35 luxury coupe, and the Z sports car. "In less than a month, we've had a thousand orders, which is fantastic," said Michelle Erwin, a senior manager in marketing. Japan's No. 3 automaker needs the new coupe, along with the Altima hybrid, to compete with rivals Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. as well as to use it to boost dragging profits. "We're optimistic that we're going to get a lot new owners because we've not had a vehicle in this segment at this price range before," Erwin said.

With a broad base of existing Altima customers, Brauer said a coupe was the next logical step to bring in new buyers - especially when sales are down. Nissan marked its first drop in annual profit in seven years in the January-March quarter, the first such setback under the leadership of Carlos Ghosn, who salvaged the Japanese automaker from collapse. "A lot of people would readily admit that they've slid," Brauer said. "They've stagnated in terms of product and had some duds in terms of sales." The third largest Japanese automaker was in a product lull for over a year before the launch of the new sedan in September.

"Sales for the Altima have been strong since the introduction of the new sedan model" in September, said Catherine Madden, an automotive analyst with Boston-based Global Insight. "Unfortunately other products have lagged."

Auto analysts expect Altima's styling to do well against models already on the market, like the Toyota Camry Solara and the Mitsubishi Eclipse. "Nissan has distinguished itself with the consumer and many of their designs have been ahead of other Japanese companies," Madden said. "We're expecting strong sales for that product."

Honda also plans to roll out a coupe for the 2008 model year. The production could put a cramp in Nissan's first-year sales. "That's where you're going to see a pretty interesting divide" among consumers, Brauer noted.

Nissan Titan Gets 2008 Prices

Nissan Titan Gets 2008 Prices

Are you in the market for a Nissan Titan? If you are, then you would most certainly want to know that the Nissan Motor Corporation has already sent out the new prices for this vehicle models in their range.

The Nissan Titan which comes as a full sized pickup truck was first launched in the year 2004 and for this year, this model would come with two new additions to its long bed configurations. It would also come with some redesigns and restyling changes like the new grille, a choice of interior designs and larger wheels. This vehicle would also be having larger rotors for the front as part of the brake system which has also undergone some changes although the Nissan brake dust shield would still remain as is. Other interesting features would include the XM satellite radio, the new wood-like trim, and a phone system which allows the driver to use it hands-free via Bluetooth.

The prices start at $23,700 and that would be for the Nissan Titan 2WD King Cab XE with a standard bed. However, if you would opt to have the 2WD Crew Cab XE with standard bed, that would be for $26,550. $26,900 would be the price you would have to shell out to own the 4WD King Cab XE with a standard bed and some $29,750 for the 4WD Crew Cab XE. For the new addition, the Titan PRO-4X, that version is priced for $31,450 (King Cab) and $33,950 (Crew Cab).

This vehicle uses Nissan's platform for pickups - the F-Alpha. For power, it also comes with a DOHC Endurance V8 engine unit with 5.6 liters capacity. This unit can spurt out 317 horsepower as well as 385 pound feet.

Bill Bosley is the vice president and the general manager for the Nissan brand division and he explains what the 2008 Nissan Titan is all about: "The 2008 Titan, with its freshened styling, new wheel styles, new seat design, refined meter clusters and available features such as Bluetooth(R) hands-free phone system, XM(TM) satellite radio tuner, heated leather- appointed bench seat and larger, 8.0-inch DVD screen, offers more choice and greater value than ever before. Titan remains first and foremost a powerful, go- nearly-anywhere, tow-nearly-anything workhorse. For 2008, it's also a refined partner for work and play."

Nissan to Introduce Diesel Powered Maxima

Nissan to Introduce Diesel Powered Maxima

by Ryan Thomas

The recent spikes in the price of gasoline have forced car buyers to look for more fuel efficient vehicles which in turn affected car manufacturers. Automakers are now focusing on the development of smaller cars which are considered more fuel efficient than large vehicles such as sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks.

Car manufacturers like the Toyota Motor Corporation, the Honda Motor Corporation and the Ford Motor Company have developed and produced fuel efficient vehicles using the hybrid technology. While hybrid vehicles boast of a good fuel economy, they are priced much higher than conventional gasoline engined vehicles.

While hybrid vehicles are popular in the United States, in the European car market, clean diesel engines are viewed as a better answer to the growing threat of global warming. German car companies such as Mercedes Benz and Audi have been developing and producing clean diesel engines. Following the steps of these European brands is a Japanese brand - Nissan. The car company's chief executive officer recently announced that they will be offering a clean diesel engined car in the United States in the near future. This is an effort to address the growing demand for fuel efficient vehicles which are also environment friendly.

Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn announced just recently that they will be releasing a diesel powered Maxima in the United States auto market by the year 2010. The announcement made auto industry experts to predict that Nissan will be offering vehicles which closely resemble those made by German car manufacturers such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi.

Aside from the United States, Nissan will also release the diesel Maxima in other countries like Japan and China. Currently, diesel-powered Nissan vehicles with or without Nissan vent visors are made available by the Asian brand in the European car market.

In developing a clean diesel engine for future vehicles to be released in the global market, Nissan is expected to solicit the help of its partner, the French car manufacturer Renault. The development and subsequent release of clean diesel engines by Nissan is a step towards meeting stricter emission standards that will take effect in the near future. These technologically advanced diesel engines are also considered to be Nissan's effort to protect the environment amidst growing concerns about the threat of global warming.

"Nissan is fully engaged in reducing emissions and improving fuel economy and efficiency. Launching a clean diesel engine in the U.S. will offer customers the benefits of fuel economy, CO2 reduction and a satisfying, fun-to-drive performance that is a hallmark of the Nissan brand," says Nissan and Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn. "You can expect to see more diesel engines in our product lineup in Europe, Japan, North America and China by fiscal year 2010," added Ghosn.

In Europe, diesel engines are increasingly becoming popular. That is why Nissan is currently offering the said engine in that region. New technologies made these diesel engines perform better and produce less greenhouse gases. In the United States, diesel engines have received a bad reputation in the past decades which makes them not as popular as gas electric hybrid vehicles which seems to be the current trend in the industry.

Last year, Nissan revealed their "Green Program" which focuses on the reduction of greenhouse gas emission. This is one of the major steps being taken by the Asian brand to support the effort of the United States government and a large portion of its citizens to become energy independent.

Ford, Nissan, Toyota Vehicle Quality Are Alike

Ford, Nissan, Toyota Vehicle Quality Are Alike

by Ryan Thomas

One of the major attributes of cars looked at by car buyers is their dependability. That is why car manufacturers are always looking for ways to improve their vehicle's reliability. A typical car usually shows its weaknesses and become prone to breakdowns when it has reached a certain number of years in use. But car manufacturers count on the reliability of their vehicles during the early stage of ownership.

A reputation of a brand is at stake during this stage and this would be if a vehicle exhibits poor quality during the early stages of ownership, it will of course give the vehicle's manufacturer a bad reputation. Some of the most dependable brands are Lexus and Honda while Ford, Toyota, and Nissan are not left far behind.

In a recent study conducted by the RDA Group, it has been found out that the quality of Ford's vehicles is equal to that of Nissan and Toyota vehicles. The said study was conducted for the Ford Motor Company. It is conducted to give consumers an idea which brand offers the best dependability. Aside from the fact that Ford has equaled Asian brands in terms of dependability, the study also found out that Honda is the most dependable auto brand. This gives the Japanese brand a boost in its reputation as the car company surge forward to increase their brand's popularity in the United States auto market.

During the study, the research firm interviewed 31,000 owners of new vehicles. These respondents are asked to list the problems they have met with their new vehicles in the first three months of ownership. The study is only concerned about vehicles released for the 2007 model year. Cars and trucks from major automobile brands are considered for the study.

Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury brands collectively are rated almost equal to Nissan and Toyota brands. The study reported that for the Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury brands, there are 1,456 problems encountered per 1,000 vehicles checked. For Nissan, the dependability of their vehicles and parts such as their Nissan water pump is rated lower than Ford but almost equal to the U.S. brand.

For every 1,000 Nissan vehicles, the study found out that there are 1,456 problems encountered. For Toyota, the study reported that there are 1,453 problems encountered every 1,000 new vehicles. Meanwhile, Honda was found out as the most dependable car brand when new Honda owners reported 1,313 problems met for every 1,000 vehicles.

For Ford, this study will surely give their reputation a boost. After the recalls of their Escape and the F-Series Super Duty truck, Ford needs to improve their image with regards to dependability. Indeed, Ford is becoming a serious competition for Asian brands in terms of quality. In the midsize car class, the study found out that there are less problems encountered in the Ford Fusion than the Honda Accord or the Toyota Camry. The most dependable vehicle in Ford's stable is the Mercury Milan with only 910 problems met per 1,000 vehicles.

Nissan to Develop Advanced Auto Battery

Nissan to Develop Advanced Auto Battery

by Ryan Thomas

The growing threat of global warming and the depletion of fossil fuels has forced the auto industry to venture in the development of auto technologies which will reduce dependence on fossil fuels. One technology being explored by car manufacturers is the possible advent of electric cars.

Currently, the auto industry has successfully developed hybrid electric vehicles and fully-electric vehicles as well. These vehicles use an electric motor to aid the vehicle's internal combustion engine. One major issue being faced by the auto industry when it comes to the construction of hybrid electric and even fully-electric vehicles is the battery pack which a vehicle needs to have so as to get and store power.

To address the issue, car manufacturers are partnering with other companies outside the auto industry to develop better battery packs for electric cars. One car company which has expressed its dedication to the development of better battery packs is the Japanese car company Nissan. The company recently announced that they have formed an alliance with NEC Tokin, which is a subsidiary of NEC, to develop highly efficient lithium-ion batteries for automotive application.

The partnership aims to make the electric cars more practical. A problem being faced by the electric car technology is the cost of production. If a partnership such as this can find a way to make an electric car's battery cheaper, then electric cars can be within the reach of an even larger number of consumers.

The partnership between two of Japan's biggest companies will work on the safety and stability of lithium-ion batteries. This kind of battery is seen as a better alternative to the nickel-metal hydride batteries which is being widely used currently. Lithium-ion batteries weigh less than nickel-metal hydride batteries. It is also more powerful than Ni-MH batteries. In fact, lithium-ion batteries are half the size of nickel-metal hydride batteries but they can store twice as much power as the Ni-MH battery. This battery pack can efficiently power an electric car or its amenities such as power windows controlled by a Nissan window switch.

Investing in the development of an advanced battery pack will positively affect Nissan. After all, it is predicted that the rechargeable car battery market will experience a surge in the near future. The expected expansion of the said market will be the effect of the advent of electric cars. It can be expected that as car manufacturers come up with ways to bring the cost of production, the public will certainly buy these environment friendly vehicles.

Car manufacturers are already developing plug-in hybrid cars which show that the future of electric cars is coming pretty soon.

NISMO 350Z Debuts At The New York International Auto Show

NISMO 350Z Debuts At The New York International Auto Show

by Ryan Thomas

The Nissan North America, Inc. debuted at the 2007 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) the latest addition of the automaker to the famous Z sports car lineup. The performance-oriented car is the fifth in this year's 350Z Coupe lineup from the automaker.

The new vehicle offers an improved list of unique auto equipment that covers a special body package and improved handling equipment. The vehicle is expected to be available this July at Nissan dealers nationwide.

According to enthusiasts, the most striking visual feature of the vehicle is the NISMO aerodynamics package. The feature strongly resembles the Super GT championship winning ZÒs. Other remarkable features of the vehicle include the aggressive front fascia with chin spoiler, side skirts, a rear wing, and an extended rear fascia with an underbody diffuser. Additionally, the NISMO 350Z produces extra aerodynamic downforce to deliver improved cornering and handling performance.

The automaker's pool of engineers has also added additional performance features that include the special NISMO-tuned independent multi-link suspension, Brembo brakes with four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers that measure 12.8-inch for the front front and 12.7-inch rear rotors, and the Nissan PCV valve as well. It is also equipped with special NISMO-branded gunmetal gray RAYS super lightweight forged-alloy wheels that measure 18x9-inch front and 19x10-inch rear with a 245/40WR18 front, as well as 265/35WR19 rear Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires. To highlight a more dramatic effect, the automaker has added a NISMO-branded tuned exhaust to go with the powerful V6 engine.

The all-new NISMO 350Z also offers a full complement of 350Z standard features, including the new VQ35HR 3.5-liter V6 engine, which is capable of producing 306 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. Aside from the engine, the new NISMO 350Z is also given a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD), and Traction Control System (TCS).

Inside the new sports car is a list of comfortable perks that include the unique black cloth seats with red inserts and stitching all-over the interior and special NISMO white-faced tachometer. All NISMO 350Z units include a NISMO-etched aluminum plaque mounted on the center console, designating its limited edition status.

Other standard equipment integrated to the car includes a HomeLink Universal Transceiver, a cruise control, aluminum pedals, an illuminated steering wheel audio controls and an auto dimming rearview mirror, power windows, 3-bay gauge cluster, LED taillights, High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-xenon (high and low beam) headlights, the Advanced Air Bag System, Active Head Restraint, and side and curtain side-impact supplemental air bags.

"The combination of aerodynamic enhancements and performance tuning adds up to a Z with enhanced cornering, steering precision and handling," said Bill Bosley, the vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA).

Bosley added, "The NISMO 350Z is the ideal package for true enthusiasts - adding a high level of aesthetic and performance enhancing equipment not available in the aftermarket - while retaining the reliability, durability, and comprehensive warranty found standard on every 2007 Nissan 350Z."

Nissan To Showcase Altima, Armada, and Maxima at New York by Ryan Thomas

Nissan To Showcase Altima, Armada, and Maxima at New York

by Ryan Thomas

The upcoming New YorkInternational Auto Show (NYIAS) is always known for attracting a huge number of attendees and exhibitors. Recently, Japanese car manufacturer Nissan announced that they will be showcasing their vehicles at the event. These vehicles will showcase the capabilities of Nissan in producing cars in response to the demand of their growing buyer base.

The third biggest Japanese car manufacturer recently announced that among their exhibit at the country's largest motor show will be the Altima, the Armada, and the Maxima. These three are among the lineup of Nissan which the company hopes will help them continue to increase their popularity among American car buyers.

The Nissan Altima, slotted between the Sentra and the Maxima in price range, is a direct descendant of the Nissan Bluebird which was famous during the 1950's. This year's Altima though is far more advanced than its predecessors. Its exterior styling gives it a muscular look. The car looks larger than it actually is thanks to the design concepts used by Nissan in the design of the vehicle. The muscular appeal of the Altima though is not limited to its exterior design.

With an option of either a four-cylinder or a V6 engine, consumers will surely experience the power of the Nissan Altima. Its interior is designed for functionality and gives adequate space for occupants. As far as ride comfort is concerned, its suspension is sport-oriented giving the vehicle good ride comfort and handling. The2.5-liter four-cylinder engine of the Altima can produce as much as 175 horsepower while the 3.5-liter V6 engine can produce as much as 250 horsepower.

Another Nissan model which will be showcased at the motor show is the Armada. Just like the Altima, the Armada packs a lot of power and just by looking at it; one can already see that the full-size sport utility vehicle is muscular. The newest version of the Armada, formerly known as the Pathfinder Armada, is equipped with a new massive engine. Its powerplant, a 5.6-liter double overhead cam, 32-valve V8 engine can provide the Armada with 305 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque. The amount of horsepower and torque of the Nissan Armada's engine is one of the highest in its class.

The SUV is also a workhorse with a towing capacity of 9,100 pounds. That towing capacity makes gives the Armada the bragging right to having the highest towing capacity in its class.

The Nissan Maxima will also be showcased at the upcoming motor show. The upscale mid-size sedan will be attracting luxury car buyers. True to Nissan's tradition of manufacturing high quality vehicles, the Maxima combine a good dose of sport car performance and luxurious features. Its interior is characterized by plush and comfortable seats that will come in play especially on extended roar trips. The lush interior complements the performance of the Maxima's engine.

The luxury sedan is powered by a 3.5-liter double overhead cam 24-valve V6 engine supported by a wide array of high performance Nissan Maxima parts produces as much as 265 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque. The engine and the interior features of the Maxima is protected by advanced safety features like the Traction Control System and the Vehicle Dynamic Control technology.

All of these cars will be showcased at the New York International Auto Show which will be held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City.

New York Auto Show to Host Nissan Murano, Pathfinder, Quest

New York Auto Show to Host Nissan Murano, Pathfinder, Quest

by Ryan Thomas

The largest motor show in the United States, the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) is just around the corner. The excitement of auto enthusiasts is building as to what cars will be unveiled at the show. Of course, there will be concept vehicles showcased at the motor show.

Aside from concept vehicles, a motor show is also a venue for car makers to showcase their production cars. The New York International Auto Show is no exception since car makers already announced what they will be strutting at the event. Nissan recently announced that they will be unveiling the upgraded versions of their Murano, Pathfinder, and Quest models. These vehicles are part of Nissan's exhibit at the event and are aimed to further increase the popularity of the Nissan brand among Americans.

The Nissan Murano, dubbed as the "Maxima of SUVs", is a crossover sport utility vehicle first introduced in 2003. It was the top-of-the-line SUV for the Japanese brand until the introduction of the Nissan Armada. The Murano which will be showcased at the New York Auto Show combines the versatility of a sport utility vehicle with the handling performance of a sedan.

The new Murano will be an all-wheel drive vehicle which makes it an all-weather vehicle. With the drive wheel configuration, the vehicle supplies traction to all of its wheels making it maneuverable in any road condition. The power supplied to its wheels comes from a 3.5 liter direct overhead cam V6 engine boasting of 245 horsepower and 246 lb-ft of torque. Fuel efficiency-wise, the Nissan Murano offers a continuously variable transmission - Nissan's Xtronic CVT as it is called. This efficiently transfers power from the engine to the wheels with less waste so that fuel consumption is reduced.

Another Nissan model that will grace the New York Auto Show is the Nissan Pathfinder. The 2008 Pathfinder is designed to look as muscular as its predecessors. Its three-row seating gives the Pathfinder versatility of the SUV that its is. Off-road driving ability is also phenomenal. While the new version of the Pathfinder is built on a longer wheelbase, the short front and rear overhangs gives it the maneuverability that it needs to navigate through city streets or off the road.

The increased wheelbase gives the interior of the SUV good legroom and headspace for its occupants. Powering the Pathfinder is the 4.0-liter version of the brand's award-winning Nissan VQ-Series V6 engine. The 4.0-liter double overhead cam V6 is proven to produce 270 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque. The ratio of horsepower and torque is the highest among its competitor in the mid-size SUV market.

Another Nissan vehicle upgraded for the 2008 model year which will be showcased at the New York Auto Show is the Nissan Quest. This minivan first introduced in 1993 is still setting standards in its class. The Nissan Quest is designed to have that sociable looks common on minivans, from its Nissan mirrors to its side windows, the Quest looks every bit like a family car that it is. The power of the Quest comes from a 3.5 liter double overhead cam 24-valve V6 engine capable of producing 240 horsepower and 242 lb-ft of torque.