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VIDEO: Nissan 370Z doing its thang
Filed under: Coupes, Videos, Nissan 
The new 2009 Nissan 370Z touts improved power, efficiency, handling and updated sheet metal for under $30,000. That makes the 370Z a bit of a performance bargain, and when you consider improved fit and finish, lighter weight and impressive new technology upgrades, Z fans should be plenty happy. While it's nice to see high resolution pics of the new car, we like to see how it looks out on the road, as well. Follow the jump to check out Nissan's rolling stock footage, which contains plenty of shots of the 370Z out on twisting paths. There are also several diagrams that spell out how upgrades like Nissan's variable valve and SynchroRev Match tech works.
[Source: Road2Road]Continue reading VIDEO: Nissan 370Z doing its thang VIDEO: Nissan 370Z doing its thang originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Nissan drops Launch Control from 2010 GT-R
Filed under: Tech, Supercars, Nissan 
It appears that GT-R owners won't have to worry about voiding their warranties if they use Launch Control -- for the 2010 model year, the car won't come with the feature. Inside Line is quoting a Nissan exec as saying "It's gone. We just don't want to deal with the warranty nightmare anymore. It'll make the 2009 GT-R really special. It'll be the only R35 with launch control."
We've previously reported cases where Nissan GT-R owners have brought their cars to the dealership with transmission trouble only to be told their warranties won't cover it. It turns out that disabling the car's VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) too often, in order to use the Launch Control function, meant Nissan wasn't covering the repairs. The cost to fix/replace the transmission is only $20,000, so you can imagine owners weren't too upset. Apparently the GT-R owner's manual states that damage to the transmission is not covered if it is proven to be the result of using Launch Control with the VDC turned off. In fact, the manual states that the only reason you should turn off VDC is to "rock" the vehicle when stuck in mud or snow. We await Nissan's revised performance numbers.
Thanks for the tip, Mike!
[Source: Inside Line]Nissan drops Launch Control from 2010 GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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LA 2008: Nissan debuts all-new 370Z [w/VIDEO]
Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Nissan 
Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2009 Nissan 370Z
Nissan dropped the final cover off its all-new 2009 370Z at the LA Auto Show today. While we've been looking at pics of the two-place coupe since last month, today Nissan gave us pricing (base MSRP of $29,930) and a slew of technical info at the roll-out (follow the jump for the details). Regardless of how you feel about the new styling, it will be hard to dismiss the significant improvements Nissan made to the interior of the new car. The materials, fit, and finish are all excellent... especially if you compare the new car to the old side-by-side. Addressing poundage (another significant complaint about the previous-gen 350Z), Nissan put the new car on a serious diet. Paying close attention to the little things, engineers dropped several hundred pounds off the curb weight compared to the outgoing 350Z. The svelte standard model with a 6-speed manual now tips the scales at just 3,232 pounds (the 2008 350Z Enthusiast Model was about 3,350 pounds). More power, a stronger chassis and a much improved interior. Enthusiasts will find a lot to like with the new model. Photos Copyright (C)2008 Frank Fillipponio, Michael Harley / Weblogs, Inc. Continue reading LA 2008: Nissan debuts all-new 370Z [w/VIDEO] LA 2008: Nissan debuts all-new 370Z [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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LA 2008: Nissan unleashes the slightly less cube-y Cube [w/VIDEO]
Filed under: LA Auto Show, Economy, Sedans/Saloons, Hatchbacks, Nissan 
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Nissan Cube
The Cube is ready for America, and it's coming in three flavors just to make sure it has all... sides... covered. Each of them gets the 1.8-liter engine good for 122 hp and 127 lb-ft., with trim levels being just 1.8, 1.8 S, and 1.8 SL. The little box with the slightly droopy rear end is packed with goodies including ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, VDC, TCS, TMPS, and six airbags, and you can get it with Nissan's CVT or a six-speed manual. Opt for the CVT, and it will return something beyond 30 mpg. When it comes to accessorizing, there are 20 colors on offer, illuminated kick plates, a rear cargo organizer, and, um, pet blankets. Follow the jump to watch the video and read all about it, and check out the high-res photos of the "bulldog in sunglasses" below.
Photos Copyright (C)2008 Chris Shunk, Jonathon Ramsey, Frank Fillipponio / Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading LA 2008: Nissan unleashes the slightly less cube-y Cube [w/VIDEO] LA 2008: Nissan unleashes the slightly less cube-y Cube [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Officially Official: The new Nissan Cube! (JDM, with U.S. tease)
Filed under: LA Auto Show, Economy, Japan, Hatchbacks, Nissan 
Click above for high-res gallery of the US-market Cube. Click here for the JDM car.
Here it is. It's "tomorrow" in Japan, and Nissan has unleashed the motherlode of new Nissan Cube photos - including three showing the U.S.-Spec version that'll be rolled out at the LA Auto Show tomorrow. There's no accompanying press release at the moment, but the Japanese media is running their stories as we speak. JDM Cubes are equipped with a 107-hp/109 lb-ft 1.5L four-cylinder mated to a CVT transmission. Front- and four-wheel-drive versions are available. We'll get a different engine with more power that should deliver fuel economy in the Versa neighborhood. More on that tomorrow from our team in LA.
The three shots of the U.S.-market bodywork show, as expected, the reverse of the JDM car. Kudos to Nissan for doing a second body for left-hand drive markets. Inside, the simple appointments of the current Cube are updated with better shapes and, hopefully, a bigger, more upscale mix of materials. The bench seat returns in the JDM car, and there's no reason to believe we won't see it here as well. A water-droplet theme introduced in that silly teaser video we showed you last week is present in the cupholders and also available as ceiling trim inside the passenger compartment. Check out the galleries below for photos of just about everything, including the Japan-specific Lifecare (disabled access) and Autech Rider versions.
Come back tomorrow, when the gang in LA will deliver live coverage of the U.S. car's debut. We liked the JDM version, and we're really looking forward to trying out the Cube again now that it's been engineered for our market's needs.
[Source: Nissan]Officially Official: The new Nissan Cube! (JDM, with U.S. tease) originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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