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2010 Design of the Year: 2010 Nissan Cube
Funky, fun and futuristic
Click on Image to view our new 2010 Nissan Cube's in stock
Beauty? Nope. Not a trace. Elegance? Sorry, that was left out. Originality? Well, yes and no. This is the third coming of Nissan's Cube - even though it is the first iteration developed to accommodate left-hand drive for worldwide distribution - so its uncompromising shape is not exactly a surprise. And compared with the Honda Element and the Scion xB, it's a latecomer to the self-propelled packing-box category in this country.
So why is it our 2010 Design of the Year? In a word, charm.
You'll probably start to smile as you approach the Cube. It's funny-looking, yes, but in an especially agreeable way. Its prognathous chin is not the least bit aggressive, each side window is inset from the nominal surface with a nice chamfer around it, and, of course, there is the startling asymmetrical rear with the side-hinged door for access to the minuscule luggage space. It's surprising that the trunk is so small, because the interior gives you a sense, if not the fact, of unlimited space. The amount of headroom, elbow room, and legroom makes the Cube feel more like a limo than the upmarket economy car it actually is.
Feng shui - the art of arranging interior environments to promote health, harmony, and general well-being - is an ancient Chinese conceit, but one can wonder whether Nissan consulted an expert in the art when it created the interior of the Cube. Sitting in it immediately gives one a sense of well-being, and that feeling does not go away as the miles accrue. The wave across the instrument panel (echoed in the carpet design), the concentric rings radiating out from the dome light in the molded headliner (mimicked in the door speakers), and the shaping of buttons and switches to please the hands that touch them all work together to make driver and passengers alike content to be in the Cube.
Many people dislike CVT gearboxes, but we think the Cube's optional transmission is just right for the car's mission: to be the thoroughly practical, no-nonsense urban vehicle of the early twenty-first century. The Cube isn't intended for high speeds, but it acquits itself surprisingly well during 5-mph highway drives, with less wind noise from its blunt shape than we have observed in cars with much more aerodynamic forms. It's funky, fun, and just generally fine. Don't believe us? Just try it.
November 10, 2009
By Robert Cumberford
NISSAN 370Z NISMO
Japanese car maker gives NISMO makeover to its latest 370Z Sportscar.
Jealousy is a terrible thing, but having just driven Nissan's NISMO 370Z we're feeling pangs of it here. The NISMO is an American-only model for now, it turning the already brilliant 370Z into an altogether more entertaining machine. In typical NISMO style the numbers associated with the 370Z NISMO aren't huge - the 3.7-litre V6 engine gets a rather small 18bhp increase in power while torque rises by a single figure.
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Jealousy is a terrible thing, but having just driven Nissan's NISMO 370Z we're feeling pangs of it here. The NISMO is an American-only model for now, it turning the already brilliant 370Z into an altogether more entertaining machine. In typical NISMO style the numbers associated with the 370Z NISMO aren't huge - the 3.7-litre V6 engine gets a rather small 18bhp increase in power while torque rises by a single figure.
CLICK IMAGE FOR OUR NEW 370Z's IN STOCK
Which makes the more overt looks seem a bit over the top at first, the NISMO's bigger rear wing, longer lower nose with a neater air intake, and deeper side skirts suggesting more than the modest increases the NISMO tweaking brings. With its far more muscular looks the NISMO looks like a proper Porsche fighter, its lower stance coming thanks to revised suspension settings and the huge lightweight 19-inch RAYS alloy wheels.
The engine might now rev a bit higher and harder, but the NISMO's driving experience is dominated by the changes to the springs and dampers. It's firm, overly so on harsher surfaces, but it still retains its non-NISMO sibling's ability to flow with surprising composure down tricky roads. Everything underneath is stiffer - the rear dampers by 140% - which means you'll have to be prepared to put up with some compromises on the comfort front. They're worth it though for the additional sharpness on offer from the NISMO, the steering in particular delivering excellent turn-in and nice feel, the grip from the front wheels hugely impressive.
As ever the rear wheels can be involved in steering the Z, the NISMO as playful at the rear as the regular car. It's all very controllable too, the Z not exhibiting no nasty vices in its handling. Inside you're held in tighter thanks to NISMO branded sports seats and there's a NISMO rev-counter dominating the instrument binnacle. Its needle sweeps with greater vigour and although Nissan USA doesn't reveal any official performance figures for the NISMO it feels quicker than the standard 370Z's 5.3 second 0-62mph time.
It sounds quicker too, its twin exhausts allowing the engine to breathe easier and reveal more of its aural character. That makes shifting the mechanical-feeling manual six-speeder even more fun, whether you're letting the clever SynchroRev Match system blip the throttle or doing it yourself. That it's only offered with the manual transmission underlines its focus as a car for enthusiasts, of the sort we've plenty of here in the UK. Which begs the question why Nissan UK isn't offering the NISMO to 370Z customers here?
Rival: Porsche Cayman S
The Cayman S might be a more delicate, flowing driver but it's not quite as focussed in its intent as the NISMO 370Z. Hardcore drivers might find the Cayman a bit dull after the wilder NISMO, but the Porsche would make a more comfortable daily driver - assuming you can afford the premium it would cost over the brawny Nissan.
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The engine might now rev a bit higher and harder, but the NISMO's driving experience is dominated by the changes to the springs and dampers. It's firm, overly so on harsher surfaces, but it still retains its non-NISMO sibling's ability to flow with surprising composure down tricky roads. Everything underneath is stiffer - the rear dampers by 140% - which means you'll have to be prepared to put up with some compromises on the comfort front. They're worth it though for the additional sharpness on offer from the NISMO, the steering in particular delivering excellent turn-in and nice feel, the grip from the front wheels hugely impressive.
As ever the rear wheels can be involved in steering the Z, the NISMO as playful at the rear as the regular car. It's all very controllable too, the Z not exhibiting no nasty vices in its handling. Inside you're held in tighter thanks to NISMO branded sports seats and there's a NISMO rev-counter dominating the instrument binnacle. Its needle sweeps with greater vigour and although Nissan USA doesn't reveal any official performance figures for the NISMO it feels quicker than the standard 370Z's 5.3 second 0-62mph time.
It sounds quicker too, its twin exhausts allowing the engine to breathe easier and reveal more of its aural character. That makes shifting the mechanical-feeling manual six-speeder even more fun, whether you're letting the clever SynchroRev Match system blip the throttle or doing it yourself. That it's only offered with the manual transmission underlines its focus as a car for enthusiasts, of the sort we've plenty of here in the UK. Which begs the question why Nissan UK isn't offering the NISMO to 370Z customers here?
Rival: Porsche Cayman S
The Cayman S might be a more delicate, flowing driver but it's not quite as focussed in its intent as the NISMO 370Z. Hardcore drivers might find the Cayman a bit dull after the wilder NISMO, but the Porsche would make a more comfortable daily driver - assuming you can afford the premium it would cost over the brawny Nissan.
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NISSAN INTRODUCES ALL-NEW 2009 CUBE AND 370Z AT LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW
Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn Gives Keynote Speech on Company's Electric Vehicle Future
LOS ANGELES (Nov. 19, 2008) - Carlos Ghosn, president and CEO, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced a new electric-vehicle partnership with the state of Oregon, in line with Nissan's commitment to begin offering pure electric cars in 2010 in the United States and Japan.The announcement came in a keynote address at the opening of the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show."We see in Oregon the vision that is evident in all the places that are eager for sustainable mobility," said Mr. Ghosn. "Demonstrating their care for the environment, the state and its partners are creating the conditions that will promote zero-emission vehicles as an attractive choice for consumers."
Nissan will launch its first electric vehicle in Oregon in late 2010.Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski is proposing replacing the current $1,500 tax credit on hybrid vehicles with a $5,000 credit on all-electric cars.
Mr. Ghosn's presentation was followed by the North American debuts of two all-new 2009 Nissan vehicles - the Nissan 370Z sports car and the Nissan cube. The Los Angeles Auto Show is open to the public from Nov. 21-30 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
The iconic 2009 Nissan 370Z, the first full redesign of the Nissan Z since its reintroduction as a 2003 model, is scheduled to go on sale in North America in January 2009.
Nearly every piece and component of the current Nissan 350Z has been rethought or redesigned resulting in a more refined, more powerful, better handling 370Z - a shorter wheelbase, greater use of lightweight body materials, larger 332-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL), a new 7-speed automatic transmission, a world?s first synchronized downshift rev matching system for the 6-speed manual transmission, a new high quality interior design and new available technology features.
The 2009 370Z has a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* of $29,990, providing passionate performance at an excellent value.At this price the new 370Z is about $280 less than a comparably priced 2008 350Z Enthusiast model - yet it offers more standard equipment, such as Nissan Intelligent Key, side and curtain supplemental air bags and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC).The new Z is available in two models: 370Z and 370Z Touring.
The boxy yet stylish Nissan cube, known in the Japanese market for its unique combination of fashion and functionality, will be available for the first time in the United States beginning in spring 2009.
The 2009 Nissan cube provides the utility and dependability consumers expect in a small car wrapped in a package that is anything but square. It's unique, non-traditional design features an asymmetrical body, a stout bulldog-like" stance, wide doors, a large greenhouse with wraparound rear window, and a refrigerator-style rear door.
Inside, the new cube's interior is a roomy social space, designed to be a destination rather than a way to get to get one. Capable of seating up to five passengers, the new cube offers a plethora of innovative storage solutions ideal for storing cell phones, MP3 players and other personal items.To accommodate its occupants, the new cube provides comfortable front seating with a three-position sliding, reclining theater-style rear seat.
The front-wheel-drive cube is available with a standard 122-horsepower 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine and a choice of Nissan's advanced, smooth-shifting Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) or 6-speed manual transmission.Fuel efficiency is expected to be over 30 mpg highway with the CVT transmission (actual EPA estimates not available at this time).Cube is offered in three well-equipped models: cube 1.8, cube 1.8 S and cube 1.8 SL.A long list of safety features are standard on the cube, including six air bags.Accessories will also be offered, allowing cube owners to personalize their vehicles to reflect their own tastes and needs.
Also on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show is the new 2009 Nissan Versa Sedan 1.6 model, which focuses squarely on value and fuel economy.With a starting price of $9,990, the new Versa 1.6 has the lowest new car MSRP* in the United States.
The Versa Sedan 1.6 features a standard 107-horsepower DOHC 16-valve 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers responsive performance, along with a 34 mpg highway fuel economy rating (with the 5-speed manual transmission).The Versa Sedan 1.6 went on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide Nov. 18, 2008.
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing.Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling.
* MSRP excludes applicable tax, title and license fees. Dealer sets actual price.Prices and specs are subject to change without notice.
NISSAN ROLLS OUT ZERO-EMISSION ELECTRIC CAR
in new environmentally friendly headquarters
By Yuri Kageyama (CP) - 3 days ago
YOKOHAMA, Japan - Nissan Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn made a quiet entrance Sunday at the Japanese automaker's new headquarters building - driving the company's zero-emission vehicle on stage for its inaugural public viewing.
Nissan Motor Co.'s environmentally friendly automobile - a blue hatchback with a sporty design and a recharging opening in the front - is set to go on sale in Japan, the U.S. and Europe next year.
Designer Shiro Nakamura said the vehicle was intentionally designed to avoid a stereotypical futuristic design.
"This is not a niche car," he said. "We didn't make it unusual looking. It had to be a real car."
Nissan has promised that the Leaf, which goes into mass-production as a global model in 2012, will be about the same price as a gas-engine car such as the 1.5 million yen ($15,000) Tiida, which sells abroad as the Versa, starting at about $10,000.
The car has a range of 160 kilometres on a single battery charge, according to Nissan. The company is targeting initial annual production of 50,000 units for the Leaf at its Oppama plant in Yokohama, including export models.
Ghosn drove out on stage with former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi sitting next to him, and a Yokohama governor and mayor in the rear seats.
"This car represents a real breakthrough," Ghosn told reporters and guests in the new headquarters' showroom.
He said the new car and new office building in Yokohama, southwest of Tokyo, marked two fresh starts for Nissan, which hopes to take the lead in zero-emission vehicles.
Nissan, Japan's No. 3 automaker, which has an alliance with Renault SA of France, has fallen behind Japanese rivals Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. in gas-electric hybrids that have become increasingly popular recently.
Nissan said the new 22-storey headquarters was designed to be energy-efficient to qualify as one of the most ecological buildings in Japan. The company, which is losing money amid the global downturn, is selling its old Tokyo headquarters as part of efforts to cut costs.
Koizumi said environmentally friendly auto technology holds the key to Japan's economic growth.
"It was so unexpectedly smooth and quiet," he said after getting out of the car. "I am sure this car is going to be popular."
Nissan received a $1.6 billion loan from the U.S. Department of Energy to modify its Tennessee-based plant to produce electric vehicles and batteries to power them, with production starting in 2012.
Other carmakers, including U.S.-based Tesla Motors, are also racing to make electric automobiles.
In June, Nissan's smaller Japanese rival, Mitsubishi Motors Corp., launched its electric vehicle, the 4.59 million yen ($48,300) i-MiEV. The company has acknowledged that may be too expensive for most consumers.
Toyota has said it plans to sell electric vehicles in the U.S. by 2012. Chinese automaker Dongfeng Motor Corp. has teamed up with a Dutch-based company to develop and make electric cars.
Ghosn said Nissan's electric vehicle will get a boost from the interest of governments around the world, adding tougher emissions regulations were expected to increase market share of such cars to 5 per cent. Hybrid models only make up about 2 per cent of the auto market now, he said.
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By Yuri Kageyama (CP) - 3 days ago
YOKOHAMA, Japan - Nissan Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn made a quiet entrance Sunday at the Japanese automaker's new headquarters building - driving the company's zero-emission vehicle on stage for its inaugural public viewing.
Nissan Motor Co.'s environmentally friendly automobile - a blue hatchback with a sporty design and a recharging opening in the front - is set to go on sale in Japan, the U.S. and Europe next year.
Designer Shiro Nakamura said the vehicle was intentionally designed to avoid a stereotypical futuristic design.
"This is not a niche car," he said. "We didn't make it unusual looking. It had to be a real car."
Nissan has promised that the Leaf, which goes into mass-production as a global model in 2012, will be about the same price as a gas-engine car such as the 1.5 million yen ($15,000) Tiida, which sells abroad as the Versa, starting at about $10,000.
The car has a range of 160 kilometres on a single battery charge, according to Nissan. The company is targeting initial annual production of 50,000 units for the Leaf at its Oppama plant in Yokohama, including export models.
Ghosn drove out on stage with former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi sitting next to him, and a Yokohama governor and mayor in the rear seats.
"This car represents a real breakthrough," Ghosn told reporters and guests in the new headquarters' showroom.
He said the new car and new office building in Yokohama, southwest of Tokyo, marked two fresh starts for Nissan, which hopes to take the lead in zero-emission vehicles.
Nissan, Japan's No. 3 automaker, which has an alliance with Renault SA of France, has fallen behind Japanese rivals Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. in gas-electric hybrids that have become increasingly popular recently.
Nissan said the new 22-storey headquarters was designed to be energy-efficient to qualify as one of the most ecological buildings in Japan. The company, which is losing money amid the global downturn, is selling its old Tokyo headquarters as part of efforts to cut costs.
Koizumi said environmentally friendly auto technology holds the key to Japan's economic growth.
"It was so unexpectedly smooth and quiet," he said after getting out of the car. "I am sure this car is going to be popular."
Nissan received a $1.6 billion loan from the U.S. Department of Energy to modify its Tennessee-based plant to produce electric vehicles and batteries to power them, with production starting in 2012.
Other carmakers, including U.S.-based Tesla Motors, are also racing to make electric automobiles.
In June, Nissan's smaller Japanese rival, Mitsubishi Motors Corp., launched its electric vehicle, the 4.59 million yen ($48,300) i-MiEV. The company has acknowledged that may be too expensive for most consumers.
Toyota has said it plans to sell electric vehicles in the U.S. by 2012. Chinese automaker Dongfeng Motor Corp. has teamed up with a Dutch-based company to develop and make electric cars.
Ghosn said Nissan's electric vehicle will get a boost from the interest of governments around the world, adding tougher emissions regulations were expected to increase market share of such cars to 5 per cent. Hybrid models only make up about 2 per cent of the auto market now, he said.
Click here for complete article
ALL-NEW 2010 NISSAN 370Z ROADSTER ADDS OPEN AIR EXCITEMENT; FEATURES POWER AUTO-LOCK TOP DESIGN
Nissan Z® Roadster Joins 370Z Coupe in Nissan Showrooms In Late Summer 2009
Nashville, Tenn. -
Less than a year after the introduction of the all-new 2009 Nissan 370Z Coupe - a vehicle that reset the bar for affordable sports car design and performance - comes its dramatic new stablemate, the 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster. The seductively styled Z®?Roadster offers everything the hardtop Z® Coupe does - and more. As in more classic open-air sports car driving excitement. More sun, moon and stars. And more refinement than any Z® convertible that has ever come before - including a standard automatic latching power top and Nissan Intelligent Key?. Also offered are an array of technology and convenience features, including the first-ever Z® Roadster-available heating and cooling ventilated net seats, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, satellite radio and advanced Nissan Navigation System. The 2010 370Z Roadster is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan retailers nationwide in late summer.
"As expected, the 370Z Roadster delivers an exhilarating connection to the air, wind and environment on top of the new Z® Coupe's exceptional levels of performance," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA). "But perhaps unexpected for a car this sporty is its greatly enhanced refinement and quality - as seen in features such as its one-touch, auto-locking convertible top and beautifully crafted interior."
A Truly Authentic Roadster
The 370Z Roadster's most obvious departure from the 370Z Coupe is its convertible top. The soft-top roof was designed with an emphasis on three key areas: to provide a sleek silhouette matching the new Z®'s stunning styling with the top up or down, to offer easy single-action open-close operation, and to provide an enjoyable top-down experience with reduced wind turbulence and all-climate driver/passenger comfort.
With convertible top in the closed position, the design provides a sophisticated sloped-back appearance, the perfect balance between the soft top and the Z® body design. The shortened windshield and aerodynamically rounded rear deck enhance the Z®'s kinetic and dynamic character lines. When in the down position, the convertible top is concealed beneath a full body-color hard tonneau cover, which extends forward to help create the Z® Roadster's classic "double cockpit" style interior.
The standard black cloth convertible top features a fabric inner liner, which provides a quality appearance and helps reduce noise intrusion into the cabin, along with an enlarged (versus the previous generation Z® Roadster) glass rear window with an integrated electric rear window defroster. The top operation takes approximately 20 seconds start-to-finish and is controlled by either a center console-mounted switch or by a button located on the doors. The automatic latch system secures the top to - or releases it from - the windshield header without driver intervention. The shape and position of the glass wind deflector, located between the fixed headrest bars, has been optimized to reduce turbulence into the cabin.
Like the new 370Z Coupe, the Z® Roadster's new exterior is more aggressive in appearance and lighter and tighter in structure than the previous generation. The wheelbase is nearly four inches shorter (100.4 inches versus 104.3 inches) and overall length is reduced by 2.6 inches (167.2 inches versus 169.8 inches). The new Z® Roadster features an aluminum hood, door panels and trunk for reduced weight. At the same time, the body structure was extensively revised, improving rigidity and stability. The 370Z Roadster includes additional structural reinforcement (over the 370Z Coupe), including in the A-pillars and side sills.
The Z® Roadster's exterior design incorporates the look and feel of the new Z® Coupe, including its signature long nose/short cockpit proportions, vertical door handles and distinctive new headlight/taillight treatment, which features a fierce "boomerang" shape. High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon headlights with auto on/off feature are standard.
The 370Z Roadster is offered in seven exterior colors: Solid Red, Magnetic Black, Brilliant Silver, Platinum Graphite, Pearl White, Monterey Blue and a special premium color, Black Cherry.
Inside the stunning exterior, true to its sports car heritage, the Z® Roadster's interior is completely driver-centric, with its three-layer design grouping items by how a driver sees information, operates the controls and is held in place - so drivers feel completely connected and engaged whenever and wherever they drive, top up or down.
The Z® Roadster features high back black woven "Carbon" cloth seats with 8-way manual driver's/4-way manual passenger's seat adjustments. Touring models include unique leather-appointed "net" seats with 4-way power/4-way manual operation on the driver's seat (4-way power on the passenger's seat). These second-generation net seats are exclusive to the Z® Roadster and have integrated heating and cooling functions - ideal for open air driving no matter what the outside temperature. Adjustable front seat Active Head Restraints are also standard.
The Z® Roadster's 2-seat layout includes a deeply scooped instrument panel with a full-length center console separating the driver and passenger's seat. The instrument panel retains the traditional Z® 3-pod cluster with oil temperature, voltmeter and clock, while the speedometer and tachometer now include an "initial sweep" function, coming alive when the car is first started.
The sporty steering wheel is a new "oval" 3-spoke design, which offers baseball-style stitching, improved thumb grips and palm rest areas for improved feel on long drives. The surface of the leather-wrapped wheel is "shaved" to provide a more kidney-like shape to better fit in the hand. The manual transmission shifter is specially padded to improve the accuracy of diagonal shifts and to feel softer in the hand for forward and backward motions.
Standard interior comfort and convenience features include Nissan Intelligent Key? with Push Button Ignition, power windows with one-touch auto up/down feature, power door locks with auto-lock feature and a center console box with a non-intrusive cover design.
Other features include automatic climate control, two 12-volt power outlets, three cupholders (two in door panels, one in center console) and an AM/FM/CD/AUX 4-speaker audio system with illuminated steering wheel-mounted controls.
The Touring model adds a 6CD Bose® audio system with eight speakers (includes dual subwoofer) and MP3/WMA playback, XM? Satellite Radio (XM? subscription required, sold separately), Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, HomeLink? Universal Transceiver and aluminum-trimmed pedals. This is the first time Bluetooth® and XM? satellite radio have been available on a Z® Convertible.
The optional Navigation Package includes the touch-screen Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with XM NavTraffic??real-time traffic information (XM? subscription required, sold separately), 9.3GB Music Box hard drive for digital music storage and playback and a USB fort for iPod® connectivity. The new navigation system offers a number of enhancements (versus previous Nissan Navigation System designs), including four times higher screen resolution, wireless music player audio streaming capability (via Bluetooth®), on-board Zagat restaurant ratings database, an in-dash DVD player and XM NavWeather? weather information display (XM? subscription required, sold separately).
The 370Z Roadster interior is available in Black cloth or for 370Z Touring Roadster models, a choice of Gray, Black or Wine leather-appointed net seating.
Open Air, Open Roads - An Unbeatable Combination
Roadster or Coupe, the new Z®s share one of the most advanced drivetrains available for affordable sports cars today. The Z® Roadster's long list of cutting edge performance-focused technologies includes a standard 332-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL), choice of 7-speed automatic transmission or close-ratio 6-speed manual with available "SynchroRev Match" (the world's first synchronized downshift rev matching manual transmission), refined 4-wheel independent suspension and 4-wheel vented disc brakes (with available Nissan Sport Brakes).
"The new 370Z Roadster lives in the same sweet spot of performance, style and value that the Z® Coupe does," said Castignetti. "Open air driving just begs for open roads and the new 370Z Convertible is the perfect companion."
Compared to the previous generation 350Z Roadster, the new Z® convertible picks up 26 horsepower and 2 lb-ft of torque (332 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm, compared with the previous 3.5-liter V6's 306 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm and 268 lb-ft of toque @ 4,800 rpm).
Along with its larger displacement, the 3.7-liter engine gives better power delivery all the way to the 7,500 rpm redline, improved low-end power and more high-end torque, creating an entirely new driving experience. Key to the enhanced performance is the VVEL system, which is able to optimize intake valve open/close movements, allowing the needed air to be sent promptly to the combustion chamber at the precisely optimized time. Since the VVEL system can adjust to open the valves slightly, it improves fuel efficiency by reducing camshaft friction and fuel waste. It also provides cleaner emissions by allowing for quicker warm-up of the catalyst and by stabilizing combustion when the engine is cool.
The 2010 Z® Roadster is offered with a choice of two new advanced transmissions - a close-ratio 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic. The 6-speed manual is available with SynchroRev Match? (included in the optional Sport Package), which allows drivers of any skill level to experience professional-like gear shift performance. The SynchroRev Match? function automatically controls and adjusts engine speed when shifting to the exact speed of the next gear position, essentially "blipping" the throttle to smooth out any up/down shifts. This not only allows the driver to focus more on braking and steering, it improves vehicle balance and smoothness by reducing the typical "shock" when the clutch is engaged. The system can be deactivated with a button next to the shifter for drivers who prefer less vehicle intervention.
The available 7-speed automatic includes Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) and Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and is designed to offer quick, manual-like shifting when operated in manual mode.
Drivers can use the standard paddle shifters or the shift lever. The 7-speed's wide gear ratios offer improved fuel efficiency, while the Adaptive Shift Control is designed to adjust to the driver's driving style.
Estimated fuel economy for the 370Z Roadster is 18 mpg City/25 mpg Highway for both the 7-speed automatic and 6-speed manual transmissions - increases of 1 mpg City/2 mpg Highway for the automatic and 1 mpg City/1 mpg Highway for the manual transmission versus the 2009 350Z Roadster.
The Z® Roadster also utilizes the Z® Coupe's advanced 4-wheel independent suspension. The double-wishbone front suspension (which replaces the lower multi-link setup in the 350Z) uses lighter forged aluminum arms and a lightweight rigid aluminum-alloy cradle, along with a lighter stabilizer bar with a 35 percent improved lever ratio. The 4-link rear suspension is also stiffer and lighter, with the rear cradle entirely integrated into a single part. "High response" shock absorbers are utilized on each corner for improved ride comfort.
The standard 370Z Roadster wheel and tire package features 18x8.0-inch front/18x9.0-inch lightweight aluminum-alloy wheels with P225/50R18 front/P245/45R18 rear Bridgestone Potenza RE050A summer tires. Available as part of the optional Sport Package are 19-inch RAYS forged lightweight aluminum-alloy wheels with Bridgestone Potenza RE050A P245/40R19 front/P275/35R19 tires.
The Z®'s standard 4-wheel vented disc brake system includes Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). The optional Sport Package includes Nissan Sport Brakes with large diameter 14.0-inch front and 13.8-inch rear rotors (versus 12.6-inch front/rear standard rotors) with 4-piston front and 2-piston rear aluminum calipers.
Steering is provided by a vehicle-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion design. Unwanted steering kickback and vibrations are reduced with the addition of a solenoid valve that acts like a damper when there is a harsh impact load. A Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system is standard.
The Nissan 370Z Roadster's list of standard safety features includes the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors; front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; door-mounted curtain air bags; and seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Other standard equipment includes Active Head Restraints, Zone Body Construction with front and rear crumple zones, Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System, Vehicle Security System and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Two Well-Equipped Models
The new Z® Roaster is offered in two well-equipped models - 370Z Roadster and the 370Z Touring Roadster. The Touring model includes the heated and cooling leather-appointed power net seats, HomeLink? Universal Transceiver, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, 8-speaker Bose® audio system, XM? Satellite Radio (XM? subscription, sold separately) and aluminum-trimmed pedals.
Only two option packages are offered (Touring model only): the Sport Package, with 19-inch RAYS forged wheels and Bridgestone Potenza tires, Nissan Sport Brakes, SynchroRev Match (6-speed manual transmission only) and Viscous Limited Slip Differential; and the Navigation Package, with Hard Drive-based Nissan Navigation System, 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive and USB connectivity.
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Nashville, Tenn. -
Less than a year after the introduction of the all-new 2009 Nissan 370Z Coupe - a vehicle that reset the bar for affordable sports car design and performance - comes its dramatic new stablemate, the 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster. The seductively styled Z®?Roadster offers everything the hardtop Z® Coupe does - and more. As in more classic open-air sports car driving excitement. More sun, moon and stars. And more refinement than any Z® convertible that has ever come before - including a standard automatic latching power top and Nissan Intelligent Key?. Also offered are an array of technology and convenience features, including the first-ever Z® Roadster-available heating and cooling ventilated net seats, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, satellite radio and advanced Nissan Navigation System. The 2010 370Z Roadster is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan retailers nationwide in late summer.
"As expected, the 370Z Roadster delivers an exhilarating connection to the air, wind and environment on top of the new Z® Coupe's exceptional levels of performance," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA). "But perhaps unexpected for a car this sporty is its greatly enhanced refinement and quality - as seen in features such as its one-touch, auto-locking convertible top and beautifully crafted interior."
A Truly Authentic Roadster
The 370Z Roadster's most obvious departure from the 370Z Coupe is its convertible top. The soft-top roof was designed with an emphasis on three key areas: to provide a sleek silhouette matching the new Z®'s stunning styling with the top up or down, to offer easy single-action open-close operation, and to provide an enjoyable top-down experience with reduced wind turbulence and all-climate driver/passenger comfort.
With convertible top in the closed position, the design provides a sophisticated sloped-back appearance, the perfect balance between the soft top and the Z® body design. The shortened windshield and aerodynamically rounded rear deck enhance the Z®'s kinetic and dynamic character lines. When in the down position, the convertible top is concealed beneath a full body-color hard tonneau cover, which extends forward to help create the Z® Roadster's classic "double cockpit" style interior.
The standard black cloth convertible top features a fabric inner liner, which provides a quality appearance and helps reduce noise intrusion into the cabin, along with an enlarged (versus the previous generation Z® Roadster) glass rear window with an integrated electric rear window defroster. The top operation takes approximately 20 seconds start-to-finish and is controlled by either a center console-mounted switch or by a button located on the doors. The automatic latch system secures the top to - or releases it from - the windshield header without driver intervention. The shape and position of the glass wind deflector, located between the fixed headrest bars, has been optimized to reduce turbulence into the cabin.
Like the new 370Z Coupe, the Z® Roadster's new exterior is more aggressive in appearance and lighter and tighter in structure than the previous generation. The wheelbase is nearly four inches shorter (100.4 inches versus 104.3 inches) and overall length is reduced by 2.6 inches (167.2 inches versus 169.8 inches). The new Z® Roadster features an aluminum hood, door panels and trunk for reduced weight. At the same time, the body structure was extensively revised, improving rigidity and stability. The 370Z Roadster includes additional structural reinforcement (over the 370Z Coupe), including in the A-pillars and side sills.
The Z® Roadster's exterior design incorporates the look and feel of the new Z® Coupe, including its signature long nose/short cockpit proportions, vertical door handles and distinctive new headlight/taillight treatment, which features a fierce "boomerang" shape. High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon headlights with auto on/off feature are standard.
The 370Z Roadster is offered in seven exterior colors: Solid Red, Magnetic Black, Brilliant Silver, Platinum Graphite, Pearl White, Monterey Blue and a special premium color, Black Cherry.
Inside the stunning exterior, true to its sports car heritage, the Z® Roadster's interior is completely driver-centric, with its three-layer design grouping items by how a driver sees information, operates the controls and is held in place - so drivers feel completely connected and engaged whenever and wherever they drive, top up or down.
The Z® Roadster features high back black woven "Carbon" cloth seats with 8-way manual driver's/4-way manual passenger's seat adjustments. Touring models include unique leather-appointed "net" seats with 4-way power/4-way manual operation on the driver's seat (4-way power on the passenger's seat). These second-generation net seats are exclusive to the Z® Roadster and have integrated heating and cooling functions - ideal for open air driving no matter what the outside temperature. Adjustable front seat Active Head Restraints are also standard.
The Z® Roadster's 2-seat layout includes a deeply scooped instrument panel with a full-length center console separating the driver and passenger's seat. The instrument panel retains the traditional Z® 3-pod cluster with oil temperature, voltmeter and clock, while the speedometer and tachometer now include an "initial sweep" function, coming alive when the car is first started.
The sporty steering wheel is a new "oval" 3-spoke design, which offers baseball-style stitching, improved thumb grips and palm rest areas for improved feel on long drives. The surface of the leather-wrapped wheel is "shaved" to provide a more kidney-like shape to better fit in the hand. The manual transmission shifter is specially padded to improve the accuracy of diagonal shifts and to feel softer in the hand for forward and backward motions.
Standard interior comfort and convenience features include Nissan Intelligent Key? with Push Button Ignition, power windows with one-touch auto up/down feature, power door locks with auto-lock feature and a center console box with a non-intrusive cover design.
Other features include automatic climate control, two 12-volt power outlets, three cupholders (two in door panels, one in center console) and an AM/FM/CD/AUX 4-speaker audio system with illuminated steering wheel-mounted controls.
The Touring model adds a 6CD Bose® audio system with eight speakers (includes dual subwoofer) and MP3/WMA playback, XM? Satellite Radio (XM? subscription required, sold separately), Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, HomeLink? Universal Transceiver and aluminum-trimmed pedals. This is the first time Bluetooth® and XM? satellite radio have been available on a Z® Convertible.
The optional Navigation Package includes the touch-screen Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with XM NavTraffic??real-time traffic information (XM? subscription required, sold separately), 9.3GB Music Box hard drive for digital music storage and playback and a USB fort for iPod® connectivity. The new navigation system offers a number of enhancements (versus previous Nissan Navigation System designs), including four times higher screen resolution, wireless music player audio streaming capability (via Bluetooth®), on-board Zagat restaurant ratings database, an in-dash DVD player and XM NavWeather? weather information display (XM? subscription required, sold separately).
The 370Z Roadster interior is available in Black cloth or for 370Z Touring Roadster models, a choice of Gray, Black or Wine leather-appointed net seating.
Open Air, Open Roads - An Unbeatable Combination
Roadster or Coupe, the new Z®s share one of the most advanced drivetrains available for affordable sports cars today. The Z® Roadster's long list of cutting edge performance-focused technologies includes a standard 332-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL), choice of 7-speed automatic transmission or close-ratio 6-speed manual with available "SynchroRev Match" (the world's first synchronized downshift rev matching manual transmission), refined 4-wheel independent suspension and 4-wheel vented disc brakes (with available Nissan Sport Brakes).
"The new 370Z Roadster lives in the same sweet spot of performance, style and value that the Z® Coupe does," said Castignetti. "Open air driving just begs for open roads and the new 370Z Convertible is the perfect companion."
Compared to the previous generation 350Z Roadster, the new Z® convertible picks up 26 horsepower and 2 lb-ft of torque (332 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm, compared with the previous 3.5-liter V6's 306 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm and 268 lb-ft of toque @ 4,800 rpm).
Along with its larger displacement, the 3.7-liter engine gives better power delivery all the way to the 7,500 rpm redline, improved low-end power and more high-end torque, creating an entirely new driving experience. Key to the enhanced performance is the VVEL system, which is able to optimize intake valve open/close movements, allowing the needed air to be sent promptly to the combustion chamber at the precisely optimized time. Since the VVEL system can adjust to open the valves slightly, it improves fuel efficiency by reducing camshaft friction and fuel waste. It also provides cleaner emissions by allowing for quicker warm-up of the catalyst and by stabilizing combustion when the engine is cool.
The 2010 Z® Roadster is offered with a choice of two new advanced transmissions - a close-ratio 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic. The 6-speed manual is available with SynchroRev Match? (included in the optional Sport Package), which allows drivers of any skill level to experience professional-like gear shift performance. The SynchroRev Match? function automatically controls and adjusts engine speed when shifting to the exact speed of the next gear position, essentially "blipping" the throttle to smooth out any up/down shifts. This not only allows the driver to focus more on braking and steering, it improves vehicle balance and smoothness by reducing the typical "shock" when the clutch is engaged. The system can be deactivated with a button next to the shifter for drivers who prefer less vehicle intervention.
The available 7-speed automatic includes Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) and Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and is designed to offer quick, manual-like shifting when operated in manual mode.
Drivers can use the standard paddle shifters or the shift lever. The 7-speed's wide gear ratios offer improved fuel efficiency, while the Adaptive Shift Control is designed to adjust to the driver's driving style.
Estimated fuel economy for the 370Z Roadster is 18 mpg City/25 mpg Highway for both the 7-speed automatic and 6-speed manual transmissions - increases of 1 mpg City/2 mpg Highway for the automatic and 1 mpg City/1 mpg Highway for the manual transmission versus the 2009 350Z Roadster.
The Z® Roadster also utilizes the Z® Coupe's advanced 4-wheel independent suspension. The double-wishbone front suspension (which replaces the lower multi-link setup in the 350Z) uses lighter forged aluminum arms and a lightweight rigid aluminum-alloy cradle, along with a lighter stabilizer bar with a 35 percent improved lever ratio. The 4-link rear suspension is also stiffer and lighter, with the rear cradle entirely integrated into a single part. "High response" shock absorbers are utilized on each corner for improved ride comfort.
The standard 370Z Roadster wheel and tire package features 18x8.0-inch front/18x9.0-inch lightweight aluminum-alloy wheels with P225/50R18 front/P245/45R18 rear Bridgestone Potenza RE050A summer tires. Available as part of the optional Sport Package are 19-inch RAYS forged lightweight aluminum-alloy wheels with Bridgestone Potenza RE050A P245/40R19 front/P275/35R19 tires.
The Z®'s standard 4-wheel vented disc brake system includes Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). The optional Sport Package includes Nissan Sport Brakes with large diameter 14.0-inch front and 13.8-inch rear rotors (versus 12.6-inch front/rear standard rotors) with 4-piston front and 2-piston rear aluminum calipers.
Steering is provided by a vehicle-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion design. Unwanted steering kickback and vibrations are reduced with the addition of a solenoid valve that acts like a damper when there is a harsh impact load. A Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system is standard.
The Nissan 370Z Roadster's list of standard safety features includes the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors; front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; door-mounted curtain air bags; and seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Other standard equipment includes Active Head Restraints, Zone Body Construction with front and rear crumple zones, Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System, Vehicle Security System and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Two Well-Equipped Models
The new Z® Roaster is offered in two well-equipped models - 370Z Roadster and the 370Z Touring Roadster. The Touring model includes the heated and cooling leather-appointed power net seats, HomeLink? Universal Transceiver, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, 8-speaker Bose® audio system, XM? Satellite Radio (XM? subscription, sold separately) and aluminum-trimmed pedals.
Only two option packages are offered (Touring model only): the Sport Package, with 19-inch RAYS forged wheels and Bridgestone Potenza tires, Nissan Sport Brakes, SynchroRev Match (6-speed manual transmission only) and Viscous Limited Slip Differential; and the Navigation Package, with Hard Drive-based Nissan Navigation System, 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive and USB connectivity.
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NEW YORK COPPERS GO GREEN, GET NISSAN ALTIMA HYBRID SQUAD CARS
The Nissan Altima hybrid is the first hybrid squad car to be used by the NYPD.
Here in sunny San Francisco and in many other major cities, hybrid taxis and buses are pretty commonplace. But New Yorkers might want to get used to seeing hybrid police cars, as well, because the largest police department in the U.S., the New York Police Department (NYPD), is replacing 40 of its squad cars with Nissan Altima hybrids.
The 40 hybrid squad cars (18 marked, 22 unmarked) will be the first gas-electric hybrids to be used as regular patrol cars by the NYPD.
There is a premium for this new technology and the new Altima hybrids are about $1,500 more than the old standard Chevrolet Impala currently used by the NYPD, but according to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, "Through savings in fuel, these Altimas can quickly cover their additional cost, from then they will save taxpayers money - another example of how going green is good for our environment and our pocketbooks."
Nissan 350Z police car, yeah it does doughnuts.
Hey New York, if you're going to pick a Nissan for a squad car, at least do it right!
(Credit: Nissan)
The vehicles will be used primarily for city driving, where the Altima averages 35 mpg versus the Impala's 16 mpg. I'll let you do the math to figure out how long it will take for the the new hybrids to start paying back.
The Altima hybrid squad cars will be monitored for a year, after which New York officials will evaluate whether or not to expand the hybrid program.
What strikes me as odd is that I've never seen an imported squad car in use on an American police force, although I know they exist, which makes me wonder if there was a reason (besides perhaps size constraints) that the Altima was chosen over the domestic Fusion hybrid.
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Here in sunny San Francisco and in many other major cities, hybrid taxis and buses are pretty commonplace. But New Yorkers might want to get used to seeing hybrid police cars, as well, because the largest police department in the U.S., the New York Police Department (NYPD), is replacing 40 of its squad cars with Nissan Altima hybrids.
The 40 hybrid squad cars (18 marked, 22 unmarked) will be the first gas-electric hybrids to be used as regular patrol cars by the NYPD.
There is a premium for this new technology and the new Altima hybrids are about $1,500 more than the old standard Chevrolet Impala currently used by the NYPD, but according to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, "Through savings in fuel, these Altimas can quickly cover their additional cost, from then they will save taxpayers money - another example of how going green is good for our environment and our pocketbooks."
Nissan 350Z police car, yeah it does doughnuts.
Hey New York, if you're going to pick a Nissan for a squad car, at least do it right!
(Credit: Nissan)
The vehicles will be used primarily for city driving, where the Altima averages 35 mpg versus the Impala's 16 mpg. I'll let you do the math to figure out how long it will take for the the new hybrids to start paying back.
The Altima hybrid squad cars will be monitored for a year, after which New York officials will evaluate whether or not to expand the hybrid program.
What strikes me as odd is that I've never seen an imported squad car in use on an American police force, although I know they exist, which makes me wonder if there was a reason (besides perhaps size constraints) that the Altima was chosen over the domestic Fusion hybrid.
CarTech Blog - Click here for complete article