Nissan LEAF Electric Car Reservations to Begin in the U.S. in Spring 2010

Nissan North America Targets 20,000 Reservations by Launch Near End of 2010; Will Expand Production to U.S. in 2012

FRANKLIN, Tenn., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In response to strong initial demand for the Nissan LEAF zero-emission electric car, Nissan North America, Inc. announced it will begin taking reservations for LEAF in spring 2010. Nearly 22,000 people in North America have contacted Nissan since the company unveiled the car in August.

"The groundswell of interest, especially from people in our initial launch markets, demonstrates to us the importance of a reservation system," said Carlos Tavares, head of Nissan's operations in North, Central and South America. "Our goal is to confirm at least 20,000 reservations for Nissan LEAF by the time we deliver the world's first mass-market zero-emission car in late 2010."

Nissan will invite people to "opt-in" and receive updates and information about LEAF through a reservation system that will tell them when the electric car is available - either for test drives or to take home. Participants will receive the latest news about the company's zero-emission activities as well as information about Nissan LEAF and how to become "plug-in ready."

"We'll continue to reach out to this enthusiastic and rapidly growing group as we approach launch," said Tavares.

About 70 percent of the people in North America who have contacted Nissan about LEAF reside in markets where the all-electric zero-emission car first will be brought to market.

Of those who have contacted Nissan, about half report that they want to obtain LEAF as soon as it's available, and another 45 percent indicate interest in owning an electric vehicle within the next two to three years. Metro areas with the strongest consumer responses are San Diego, Calif.; Tucson, Ariz.; Seattle; Portland, Ore.; and Los Angeles - all of which are among the first markets where LEAF will be available globally.

More than 90 percent of the people who have contacted Nissan indicate that they drive less than 100 miles daily, which is the range of LEAF when fully charged. Meanwhile, 75 percent indicate that they are members of two-car households - prime candidates for an efficient commuter car like the all-electric, zero-emission LEAF.

People interested in zero-emission mobility will have the opportunity to see Nissan LEAF starting in November, on the heels of its appearance at the Tokyo Motor Show, when it will be on tour throughout the major launch markets in the United States. The tour will kick off in Los Angeles at a dedicated event.

Nissan is the only automaker committed to making all-electric vehicles available to the mass market on a global scale. Beginning in late 2012, Nissan will manufacture LEAF and its advanced lithium-ion battery pack for the U.S. market at the company's plant in Smyrna, Tenn. Initially, LEAF will be manufactured in Japan.

Nissan LEAF will be available for private and fleet customers. People who wish to participate in the reservation program can visit www.nissanusa.com/leaf-electric-car. Details about the program and pricing are being finalized.

In the United States, Nissan - in conjunction with the Renault-Nissan Alliance - is exploring ways to promote zero-emission mobility and the development of an electric-vehicle infrastructure through partnerships in the State of Tennessee, the State of Oregon, Sonoma County and San Diego in California, Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz., Washington D.C., Seattle, and Raleigh, N.C. Additional partnerships will be announced in the near future.

Nissan Ushers in the "LEAF" - World's First Practical Electric

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has unveiled Nissan LEAF, the world’s first affordable, zero-emission car. Designed specifically for a lithium-ion battery-powered chassis, Nissan LEAF is a medium-size hatchback that comfortably seats five adults and has a range of more than 160km (100 miles) to satisfy real-world consumer requirements.
NISSAN LEAF
Slated for launch in late 2010 in Japan, the United States, and Europe, Nissan LEAF ushers in a new era of mobility – the zero-emission era. The car is the embodiment of Nissan’s radical, trans formative vision for the future and the culmination of decades of investment and research.

“Nissan LEAF is a tremendous accomplishment – one in which all Nissan employees can take great pride,” said Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn. “We have been working tirelessly to make this day a reality – the unveiling of a real-world car that has zero – not simply reduced – emissions. It’s the first step in what is sure to be an exciting journey – for people all over the world, for Nissan and for the industry.”

Key characteristics of the LEAF include:

1. Zero-emission power train and platform
2. Affordable pricing
3. Distinctive design
4. Real-world range autonomy – 160km (100 miles)
5. Connected Mobility: Advanced intelligent transportation (IT) system

The “LEAF” name is a significant statement about the car itself. Just as leaves purify the air in nature, so Nissan LEAF purifies mobility by taking emissions out of the driving experience. Pricing details will be announced closer to start of sales in late 2010; however, the company expects the car to be competitively priced in the range of a well-equipped C-segment vehicle. Additionally, Nissan LEAF is expected to qualify for an array of significant local, regional and national tax breaks and incentives in markets around the world. As an added benefit, because the vehicle has less mechanical complexity than a traditional gasoline-powered car, Nissan LEAF is designed to be friendly to the wallet as well as to the environment.
ZERO-EMISSION MOBILITY
Nissan LEAF is powered by laminated compact lithium-ion batteries, which generate power output of over 90kW, while its electric motor delivers 80kW/280Nm. This ensures a highly responsive, fun-to-drive experience that is in keeping with what consumers have come to expect from traditional, gasoline-powered automobiles.

Unlike internal-combustion engine (ICE) equipped vehicles, Nissan LEAF’s power train has no tail pipe, and thus no emission of CO2 or other greenhouse gases. A combination of Nissan LEAF’s regenerative braking system and innovative lithium-ion battery packs enables the car to deliver a driving range of more than 160km (100 miles) on one full charge*. (*US LA4 mode)

Extensive consumer research demonstrates that this range satisfies the daily driving requirements of more than 70% of the world’s consumers who drive cars.

And, Nissan’s approach makes charging easy and convenient. Nissan LEAF can be charged up to 80% of its full capacity in just under 30 minutes with a quick charger. Charging at home through a 200V outlet is estimated to take approximately eight hours – ample time to enable an overnight refresh for consumer and car alike.

REAL-WORLD CAR
The engineers and designers behind Nissan LEAF worked to create a competitively priced real-world car that would enable Nissan to lead mobility into the zero-emission era. To ensure comfort, spaciousness and cargo capacity, Nissan LEAF employs a completely new chassis and body layout.

”Our car had to be the world’s first, medium-size, practical EV that motorists could afford and would want to use every day. And that’s what we’ve created. The styling will identify not only Nissan LEAF but also the owner as a participant in the new era of zero-emission mobility,” said Masato INOUE, Product Chief Designer.


DISTINCTIVE DESIGN
Even the smallest details can yield tremendous effect.

Nissan LEAF’s frontal styling is characterized by a sharp, upright V-shaped design featuring long, up-slanting light-emitting diode (LED) headlights that employ a blue internal reflective design that announces, “This car is special.” But the headlights do more than make a statement. They are also designed to cleverly split and redirect airflow away from the door mirrors, thus reducing wind noise and drag. And, the headlights provide yet one more benefit in that they consume about 50 percent of the electricity of conventional lamps, which helps Nissan LEAF to achieve its world-class range autonomy.

Through bright trim colors inside, Nissan LEAF creates a pleasing and stylish cabin environment. An environmentally friendly “blue earth” color theme originates from the Aqua Globe body color of Nissan LEAF’s introductory model. This theme is carried into the interior through blue dashboard highlights and instrument illumination.
CONNECTED MOBILITY IT SYSTEM
Nissan LEAF employs an exclusive advanced IT system. Connected to a global data center, the system can provide support, information, and entertainment for drivers 24 hours a day.

The dash-mounted monitor displays Nissan LEAF’s remaining power – or “reachable area” – in addition to showing a selection of nearby charging stations.

Another state-of-the-art feature is the ability to use mobile phones to turn on air-conditioning and set charging functions – even when Nissan LEAF is powered down. An on-board remote-controlled timer can also be pre-programmed to recharge batteries.

“The IT system is a critical advantage,” says Tooru ABE, Chief Product Specialist. “We wanted this vehicle to be a partner for the driver and an enhancement for the passengers. We also wanted this vehicle to help create a zero-emission community, and these IT features will help make that possible.”

HOLISTIC APPROACH TO ZERO-EMISSION MOBILITY AND ECO-FRIENDLY INNOVATION
Nissan LEAF is a critical first step in establishing the era of zero-emission mobility; however, Nissan recognizes that internal-combustion engine (ICE) technologies will play a vital role in global transportation for decades to come. Because of this, Nissan is implementing its zero-emission vision through a holistic approach, which provides consumers a comprehensive range of eco-friendly technologies from which to choose.

For some consumers, Nissan LEAF will be the perfect match, and the only car they will ever need. For others, Nissan LEAF will be a logical addition to the family fleet – the optimal choice for the daily commute, for example.

While zero-emission is the ultimate goal, the company is committed to ongoing innovation in eco-friendly technologies that increase efficiency and reduce emissions. As a result, Nissan offers a comprehensive suite of automotive technologies, including CVT, Idle Stop, HEV, Clean Diesel, and ongoing research and investment in FCV technology.

WORLDWIDE PARTNERS
Zero-emission mobility programs under the banner of the Renault-Nissan Alliance include partnerships with countries such as the UK and Portugal, local governments in the Japan and the USA, and other sectors, for a total of nearly 30 partnerships worldwide.

In these partnerships major efforts focus on three areas:

1. Development of a comprehensive charging infrastructure through public and private investment,
2. Incentives and subsidies from local, regional, and national governments, and
3. Public education on the individual and societal benefits of zero-emissions mobility.

ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLE PRODUCTION
Nissan LEAF is the first in the company’s forthcoming line of EVs and is a major milestone in the realization of the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s vision for zero-emission mobility. The first of Nissan’s EV’s will be manufactured at Oppama, Japan, with additional capacity planned for Smyrna, Tennessee, USA. Meanwhile, lithium-ion batteries are being produced in Zama, Japan, with additional capacity planned for the USA, the UK and Portugal, and other sites for investment are under study around the world.

For more information, please visit the Nissan Zero-Emission website:
http://www.nissan-zeroemission.com

Nissan Readies Its Electric Vehicle Platform

All-electric car goes to market in U.S. and Japan in 2010

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today previewed its electric vehicle (EV) platform on a Tiida-based prototype to demonstrate the superior driving pleasure of a pure zero-emission vehicle. It also showcased a sophisticated EV-IT system developed to support electric driving 24/7 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

EV prototype based on the newly developed EV platform

Newly developed EV platform
The dedicated EV platform is comprised of a highly rigid body, high-performance motor, compact lithium-ion battery with high power output and energy capacity, delivering outstanding driving performance and safety, while offering a quiet and peaceful driving experience – a unique feature of a fully-electric drivetrain.

The in-house developed electric motor delivers 80kW/280Nm for high response and powerful acceleration. Nissan’s unique motor control also contributes to the vehicle’s seamless acceleration.

The 24kWh laminated compact lithium-ion battery pack is placed under the vehicle floor for more efficient packaging, without compromising cabin or cargo space. The battery layout also allows smooth underfloor air-flow which helps reduce drag. Additionally, the regenerative brake system employed to recharge the battery during deceleration and braking extends the driving range to more than 160km*¹ under a full charge.

High durability is achieved by employing an additional frame for the battery pack to significantly improve the rigidity of the platform. The combination of a high rigidity platform and electric power train minimizes vibration and external sounds to produce a quiet and pleasing drive.

EV-IT support function
Nissan has developed an sophisticated IT system for its zero-emission EVs, connecting the vehicle’s on-board transmitting unit to a global data center*² to support EV driving 24 hours 7 days a week.

Usability and convenience for EV driving is achieved via the following:

Maximum range display

• With a simple touch of a button, the navigation map shows the driving radius within range under the current state of charge.
• The system can calculate if the vehicle is within range of a pre-set destination.
  

Update on charging stations

• The navigation system points out the latest information on available charging stations within the current driving range.
• Detailed information for each charging station will also be displayed.
  

Timer function

• The timer function enables the air-conditioner or battery charging to begin at a specified time. The air-conditioner can be pre-set while the vehicle is plugged-in to cool the cabin to a desirable temperature before driving begins, without taxing the vehicle’s battery. Meanwhile, the battery charging can be set to start at a specified time at night to benefit from more favorable electricity rates.

EV remote control and monitoring function

• The driver can monitor the state-of-charge of the EV via an online website and a cellular phone. For example, when the battery is fully charged, a message alert is sent to the cellular phone. Additional remote control functions range from switching the charging system ON/OFF or setting the air-conditioner timer.

To be a leader in zero-emission mobility, Nissan is progressing its development for electric vehicles and the key components. The all-electric vehicle slated for launch in 2010 will have a unique design and body. Nissan plans to unveil the design of the production EV at its new Global Headquarters Opening in Yokohama on August 2nd. A Nissan Zero-emission Website (www.nissan-zeroemission.com) will also go live on Aug. 2nd.

Nissan has been addressing a wide range of actions under "Blue Citizenship" which represents the company's desire to protect the blue planet and to be a corporate citizen that can live symbiotically with people and society. These efforts range from such global issues as the environmental protection to contribution to communities, promoting diversity and making personal mobility available to as many people as possible. Nissan continues promoting the development of zero-emission vehicles based on the "Blue Citizenship" spirit by introducing effective technologies, products and services into the market.

*1: US LA4 mode. Actual range may vary depending on driving style and conditions.
*2: Global data center: A globally common platform to provide identical telematics services via mobile network by connecting internet and vehicle IT system.

Article provided by Nissan News.com; http://www.nissannews.com/newsrelease.do?id=788&mid=1

New Specials!

GT-R & 370z Take Edmunds' "Readers Most Wanted" Awards

Two all-new Nissan sports cars, the Nissan GT-R and Nissan 370Z, have been named to “Edmunds’ Inside Line 2009 Readers’ Most WantedSM Awards” list. The GT-R and 370Z were the only double winners, taking two categories each in the poll of readers’ favorites in 15 vehicle categories designated by vehicle type and price range. The GT-R was previously named an “Instant Classic” in the “Edmunds’ Inside Line Editors’ Most WantedSM Awards” in November 2008 (the 2009 Nissan 370Z was not available at that time). Edmunds’ Inside Line is an online magazine for automotive enthusiasts produced and hosted by Edmunds.com. Results of the poll were announced earlier this week.

The Nissan GT-R supercar was named “most wanted” in the categories “Speed over $30,000” and “Instant Classic Over $30,000.” Reader comments included praise such as:
– One word: GODZILLA.
– Hands down the most performance you can get for the money.
– King of all cars.
– Engineering at its best.

The Nissan GT-R, first introduced in the United States in July 2008, has earned near universal acclaim, including being named Motor Trend “2009 Car of the Year,” Automobile magazine’s 2009 “Automobile of the Year” and winning a “2009 Best Resale Value Award” from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. It features a 485-horsepower 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, an advanced paddle-shifted, dual clutch rear transmission and a world’s first independent rear transaxle ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system. The 2010 Nissan GT-R has a starting MSRP* of $80,790.

The Nissan 370Z was the top vote getter in the “Speed Under $30,000” and “Instant Classic Under $30,000” categories. Comments included:
– Beautiful car with incredible performance and low price = instant classic.
– Still a TRUE sports car. Nothing comes close.
– Best Z ever produced…period.
– Killer looks, super strong engine, and the rev-matching system makes any regular Joe seem like a seasoned track vet.

The 2009 Nissan 370Z Coupe went on sale in December 2008 with a starting MSRP* of $29,930. The dramatically styled new Z® offers a standard 332-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL), available 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission with SynchroRev Match™ (the world’s first synchronized downshift rev matching manual transmission), a refined 4-wheel independent suspension and a long list of available technology features. An all-new 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in late summer.

For more information on the Inside Line awards, please see: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=150446

Nissan EV provides glimpse into future

It didn't take 100 miles to know cars like the Nissan EV are the future.

With its silent idle, instant acceleration and missing tailpipe, this car demonstrates all of the benefits to electric cars. These are just a few reasons that the electrification of cars and trucks is inevitable.

I believe it will take a decade before electric vehicles have any significant impact on our highways, but the future starts with little steps.

Call me optimistic. Yes, I know there are still people who think electric vehicles will never play any significant role. They see the electric car's impact on the auto industry like many saw the Internet's impact on newspapers 15 years ago: It's a neat novelty that's never going to make a dent.

The Nissan EV will be one of a handful of electric vehicles to arrive in the U.S. next year -- though the Nissan will have a limited engagement of sorts.

The Japanese carmaker has already announced it will run a number of programs in test cities around the country. By 2012, the automaker hopes to make the Nissan EV available to the public -- most likely with all of its kinks ironed out.

On Monday, Nissan allowed me two laps around the parking lot of the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi to see how the vehicle is progressing.

It's hard to draw an impression after just 10 minutes in the vehicle, especially since it was a mule -- something that has the real drive train under the body of a different car; in this case, a Japanese Nissan Cube.

Hitting the gas, however, there's a certain "Matrix" kind of "whoa" as the hum of the motor quickly takes off and the words "hot rod golf cart" race through your head.
Limited range may be drawback

If the company is telling the truth (and car companies always tell the truth), then this electric vehicle is a lot more than something that putters around green fields chasing little white balls. This is the real deal and a car with the potential to help turn the automotive scene on its collective roofs.

Here are a few key numbers that Nissan executives like to point out when they discuss their electric vehicle:

" 0: The amount of gasoline it burns.

" 5: The number of people it can carry.

" 100: The number of miles it goes on a single charge. (This is a key number to Nissan because its executives say that 98 percent of Americans drive fewer than 100 miles on any given day.)

" 7,500: The dollar amount of the federal tax credit approved by the U.S. government.

" 220: The voltage needed to charge the car or run a typical dryer.

" 6: The number of hours it takes to fully recharge the car's lithium ion batteries.

" 0: The tonnage of carbon dioxide the car emits while driving down the road.

" 90: The number of pennies it takes to "fill the tank" with electricity.

Few of those numbers mean much behind the wheel -- which in this case is on the right-hand side of the vehicle. It purrs through the orange cones as I zigzag through the course, approaching the back straightaway.

One sticking point for EVs is its limited range. People expect to get in their cars and just go. If they run low on gas, they'll stop and fill up in minutes. Electric cars require thinking ahead. A commuter could easily take this car to work and back, but not if the trip is more than 100 miles. Some simple planning makes this car feasible, however. Making it inexpensive will also play a role in winning future consumers. The price of the Nissan EV will be "affordable," though no one wanted to put a dollar figure on it.
Model features flat battery pack

Rounding another corner on the cone-laid track, I hit the accelerator on the straightaway and felt the motor surge. There is no transmission, so there's no lurch of ch-changing gears; the car just keeps speeding up. It feels like a CVT with power, and the torque in the motor (Nissan has not released any stats on the powertrain's performance) causes that belly pinching sensation.

The vehicle jumps and keeps accelerating. Through the corner the high body of the Cube leans awkwardly. But when this model becomes a coupe or sedan, it will wobble less, especially since the car's extra battery weight is placed low on the car.

Nissan, with a partnership with NEC, a battery company, has developed a laminated flat battery pack instead of a more traditional cylindrical battery cell. This system allows for better cooling of the batteries and helped Nissan double the batteries' capacity while adding 1.5 times more power. This, in turn, means Nissan has doubled the driving distance for an electric vehicle without increasing the number of batteries.

Unlike the fictional Energizer Bunny that just keeps going and going, electric cars must deal with real physics. The more batteries a car carries, the more weight it must haul and the more expensive a car becomes. However, reducing batteries in a vehicle limits how far it can go. It's a simple curve that Nissan has rewritten with more powerful batteries. I expect this curve to improve as the magical battery breakthrough that so many expect will come from the culmination of countless hours of research and testing. The harder people work, the bigger the breakthroughs.

At the end of the straightaway, I hit the regenerative brakes. No lag or funny push to them. The EV responds like any other car. I just go through the corner, trying to note the electric power steering -- nicely weighted -- and made a few more mental notes like, "Hey, this is really fun."
Carmaker develops quick recharge

The 100 mile limit, Nissan says, is not a problem because it has developed a way to fast charge the battery packs to 80 percent in 26 minutes with a high voltage system. This idea, however, remains untested in the real world and would be less practical on a 101-mile or longer trip.

But it's not an Achilles' heel; it's just a matter of thinking how to use an electric car in conjunction with other modes of transportation. The electric car may not get you to Chicago on one go, but it can get you to a train station easy enough.

The real revolution from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles will not take place with the machines companies build, but the way people use them.

And the Nissan EV will help bring about that revolution. Though I drove the Nissan electric vehicle only a mile (at best), even I could tell that. The trip emitted zero carbon dioxide and cost less than 4 cents. That's not a bad start to our future.

Article provided By Scott Burgess / The Detroit News May 2nd 2009

All-New 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster

– Nissan Z® Roadster Joins 370Z Coupe in Nissan Showrooms In Late Summer 2009


04.07.2009 , 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.

2010 GT-R RECEIVES HP BOOST TO 485HP

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (March 16, 2009) – March may be the month known for madness, lions and lambs, but at Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA), the biggest roar is coming from the early introduction of the new 2010 Nissan GT-R supercar, including a number of important enhancements. Specifically, five additional horsepower, a revised suspension, updated wheel finishes and standard front seat- and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags.

First introduced in the United States in July 2008, the Nissan GT-R earned near universal acclaim, including being named Motor Trend “2009 Car of the Year,” Automobile magazine’s 2009 “Automobile of the Year”, and winning Kelly Blue Book’s “2009 Best Resale Value Award.”

For 2010, the horsepower rating of the GT-R’s 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 engine has increased to 485 hp (from 480 hp) and the car’s high-performance, 6-speed, dual-clutch transmission receives new Transmission Control Module (TCM) programming designed to optimize clutch engagement for improved drivability, and improve vehicle acceleration with the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) on (activated). In addition, the braking system has been updated with more rigid brake lines for improved durability, and the brake calipers now carry both the Brembo and Nissan logos. Finally, the GT-R’s state-of-the-art suspension has been retuned with redesigned Bilsteinâ shocks with a new valve body design and revised spring and damper rates.

The base GT-R model is now equipped with slightly darker, high-luster, smoke finish for the 20-inch RAYS forged aluminum-alloy wheels, while a new “near-black” metallic wheel finish is standard on the Premium model. For 2010, one new color – Pearl White – is offered, while the Super Silver exterior color has been enhanced to include a polished front bumper.


For 2010, the Nissan GT-R will again be offered in two models – GT-R and GT-R Premium. All 2010 Nissan GT-Rs are equipped with a standard 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 backed by an advanced paddle-shifted, dual clutch rear transmission and a world’s first independent rear transaxle ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* is $80,790 for the GT-R, and $83,040 for the GT-R Premium model. Destination & Handling (D&H) is $1,000.

Two options and two accessories are available for the 2010 GT-R: The Cold Weather Package (no charge); Special Super Silver Paint ($3,000); iPodâ Converter ($400); and carpeted GT-R floor mats ($280). Complete pricing information is available on the attached sheet.

The 2010 GT-R will be available only through officially certified Nissan retailers that have met a number of strict sales, service and facility commitments, including dedicating a master technician to GT-R service, on March 21, 2009. A complete listing of the nearly 700 GT-R Certified Nissan dealers is available to consumers on NissanUSA.com.

NISSAN ANNOUNCES 2009 CUBE® Kr?m, CUBE® STARTING PRICE OF $13,990 AND ACCESSORIES PROGRAM

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced that the all-new 2009 Nissan cube® 1.8 will feature a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* of $13,990 when it goes on sale in early May. Nissan also debuted a specialty vehicle model – the cube® 1.8 Kr?m. The new cube® Kr?m, developed by NNA’s new Specialty Vehicles Group, features exclusive exterior and interior treatments, elevating cube®’s unique styling to a sportier, more aggressive dimension. The 2009 Nissan cube® will now be offered in four versions, cube® 1.8, cube® 1.8 S, cube® 1.8 SL and cube® 1.8 Kr?m.

In addition, Nissan announced that the cube will be available with more than 40 individual accessories, ranging from a unique 20-color interior illumination kit and “shag carpeting” instrument panel inserts to aerodynamic body kits and custom 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels – allowing cube owners to personalize their vehicles to reflect their own tastes and personalities.

A new “Reserve Your cube” program, which allows consumers to research and reserve the cube of their choice, will begin later in the month, following the release of complete cube model and option package pricing.

Exclusive Nissan cube® Kr?m Model
While every 2009 Nissan cube makes a bold statement against the backdrop of look-alike entry-level vehicles, the cube Kr?m is a standout with exclusive exterior and interior treatments designed to add character without overwhelming the innovative cube design. The cube Kr?m starts with the extensive list of cube 1.8 S model standard features, then adds a 3-bar chrome grille, 2-bar chrome front bumper grille, fully integrated front and rear fascias, body side sills, unique rear roof spoiler, exclusive 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and Kr?m rear emblem.


Inside, the cube Kr?m offers Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, leather-wrapped steering wheel, woven black and gray seat cloth, an upgraded audio system with six speakers and Rockford Fosgate subwoofer, Interface System for iPod®, Titanium interior trim accents, sporty aluminum trimmed pedals, Automatic Temperature Control, interior illumination system and more.

Like every cube model, the cube Kr?m offers unexpected power and ease of driving provided by an advanced 122-horsepower 1.8-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder with a projected fuel economy of 30 mpg Highway. The cube Kr?m comes with a standard new-generation Nissan Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) for good acceleration response, smooth operation and fuel efficiency.

“The cube Kr?m is unmistakable, with its unique exterior treatments and interior enhancements, it takes the already standout cube and raises the “cool” factor even more,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, NNA. “For those consumers that love the cube but are looking for a little something extra, the cube Kr?m offers that and then some.”

The cube Kr?m was developed by Nissan North America’s Specialty Vehicles Group, which also developed the sporty Nissan NISMO 350Z. Kr?m models are converted in a unique area of the cube assembly facility.

A “Personalized” Approach to Accessories
Inside and out, the new Nissan cube offers an inspiring canvas for personalization. A centerpiece of the new cube’s appeal is its “social space” interior that offers room for five in a lounge-like comfort. Along with its open occupant space, “floating meter pod” driver’s area and “lounge sofa” style sliding and reclining rear bench seat, the cube interior is available with a long list of innovative accessories.

Among the items designed to accentuate cube’s unique design approach are “shag dash topper” instrument panel inserts, which fit into the top center of the instrument panel; “Front Door Bungees,” which are colorful elastic straps that slip into cutouts on the door armrests to secure items such as maps and photos; and an Interior Illumination Kit, which provides a changeable 20-color palette of accent lighting under the instrument panel and in the center console cup holder.


Other interior accessories include illuminated stainless kick plates, drilled stainless pedal covers, rear cargo area organizer and interior trim appliques available in four body-matching colors and a sleek, carbon fiber look. Exterior accessories include a front chin spoiler, rear under spoiler, side body sills, rear roof spoiler, 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, nose mask, side window deflectors, vehicle cover and fog lights.

For added convenience, a number of accessories have been grouped into special packages – the Interior Designer Package, the Interior Illumination Package and the Ginormous Package, featuring a range of items including the aero body kit, interior accent lighting and interior appliques.

“Enthusiasm is building for cube – it’s unique, it’s fun, it’s functional, and it makes being “square” hip again,” said Castignetti. “Consumers in the market are excited about a product like this. If you take the cube’s distinctive styling, utility, and efficiency and add a starting MSRP of $13,990, it’s easy to see why.”

NISSAN STARTS VEHICLE TESTING OF NEW FUEL-CELL TECHNOLOGY

TOKYO (February 25, 2009) -- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced today that it has started testing a vehicle with a next-generation fuel-cell stack.
Announced in August, the new fuel cell unit is 25% smaller than the previous model and provides 1.4 times the power output, 130Kw against 90kw before. With half the amount of platinum in its electrodes and a more durable catalyzer, it will also last longer and be less expensive to build.

Working toward commercial introduction of the fuel-cell stack, Nissan began onboard testing in late 2008, and in February this year started cold-weather testing at its Hokkaido Proving Ground. Nissan will show the technology at FC Expo 2009*, one of the world's largest fuel-cell exhibitions, scheduled for Tokyo Big Sight February 25-27.

The next-generation fuel-cell stack is part of a range of eco-friendly technologies that Nissan is pursuing under Nissan Green Program 2010, a plan focused on developing new technologies, products and services leading to real-world reductions in CO2 emissions, cleaner emissions, and expanded recycling of resources.