Nissan Leaf

The Leaf, an all-new design, has a range of 100 miles on a single charge of its lithiume-ion batteries. Nissan is unique among carmakers in also partnering with charging companies and municipalities to make sure the Leaf will have public places to plug in. Even though the car hasn't been priced yet (it could be $23,000, plus batteries), 25,000 "handraisers" have said they're willing to buy one. I drove a "mule" version of the Leaf, and found it great fun — the electric motor gives it great performance right off the line. Available at the end of the year at a Nissan dealership near you.

Driving Electric
Nissan hasn't exactly been handing out Leaf test drives. In fact, when Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn drove the car to the podium for the big unveiling, it was his first time behind the wheel of this diminutive vehicle. We were, however, invited to Yokohama, Japan, to test a car equipped with the same drivetrain as the Leaf. While developing the Leaf's complex technology, Nissan modified several of its European-market Tino hatchbacks as "mules" for just this test drive. We were assured that driving these test cars mirrors the experience of the final product. Consequently, we jumped at the chance to pilot this significant vehicle.

Taking the all-electric car around Nissan's Yokohama test track was a beautiful feeling. The car accelerates with smooth strength, and though there is no engine roar — just the swoosh of air and hum of the road passing underneath — it is satisfying, especially when launching from a standstill. Once cruising, the car doesn't offer much in additional punch, which is a disappointment after the initial power spike; however, the overall handling is responsive and fun.

Granted, this mule is no high-torquing EV sports car such as the Tesla Roadster or Fisker Karma, so you won't need to visit your chiropractor after snapping your neck back. Thank goodness, because this is an EV that some of us might actually be able to afford. All in all, the performance is great, but in a modest sort of way.

Under the Hood (and Floor)
The Leaf's small but spunky AC motor is what gives the vehicle its spring — the electric power plant offers 80 kW of power (107 horsepower) and 280 Nm (206 lb-ft) of torque. But the secret sauce is not the motor — it's in the battery. Only recently have advances in lithium technology made batteries sufficiently light, cheap and energy-dense that companies such as Nissan are willing to take the mass-market plunge. Nissan has been developing electric cars for about 17 years, but only now thinks it can satisfy American drivers, who have some of the longest average daily commutes in the world.

The car's battery is made up of 48 individual laminated modules, each about the size of a TV dinner tray. Together, they carry a capacity of 24 kilowatt hours and a total power output of 90 kW. These manganese-based lithium-ion packs are stacked at different heights under the car's seats and floor so they don't encroach on cabin space.

2010 Nissan GTR

The GT-R is a 2-door, 4-passenger sports car, available in two trims, the Coupe and the Premium Coupe.

Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 3.8-liter, V6, 480-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 21-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard.

The 2010 Nissan GT-R gets a number of improvements and upgrades for the new model year. Power from the GT-R’s 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 engine gets bumped up to 485 horses, and new programming for the Transmission Control Module (TCM) improves drivability and vehicle acceleration when the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) is active. Brakes have also been updated with more rigid brake lines for improved durability and the brake calipers now feature both the Brembo and Nissan logos. Base GT-Rs are now equipped with a slightly darker high-luster smoke finish for the standard 20-inch RAYS forged aluminum-alloy wheels, while a new near-black metallic wheel finish is standard on the Premium model. A new Pearl White color is added to the GTR’s palate and the exclusive Super Silver exterior color has been enhanced and now includes a polished front bumper.

Nissan Nismo 370Z

For those who feel the 370Z doesn't have enough performance, Nissan has created the Nismo 370Z. You can liken the car, which bears the name of Nissan's Motorsports arm (Nismo), to a tuner version of the popular sports coupe, but all the tweaks were made in-house. The car was developed by Nismo and the company's conversion specialist, Autech, in Japan.

Under the hood, Nismo breathed an extra 18 bhp into the 3.7-liter V-6, so now it pumps out 350 at 7400 rpm and 276 lb.-ft. of torque at 5200. With the added power, and no weight gain, the Nismo 370Z will be quicker than the stock car in a straight line. We expect 0 to 60 mph times of 4.5 seconds.

The car's handling has been improved, too, via stiffer suspension. Compared to the standard setup, front spring rates have been dialed up 15 percent, and rear spring rates increased 10 percent. There are also fatter anti-roll bars at both ends. Overall, roll stiffness has been increased by 15 percent, says Nissan, and the front and rear damping factors have been increased by 40 percent and 140 percent respectively. Although the ride quality will be harsher, the Nismo Z will undoubtedly take corners better and be faster around a racetrack.

2009 Nissan Titan

The Titan in Nissan’s full-size pickup that was first unveiled at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and went on sale as a 2004 model. Conceived, developed and engineered primarily in North America, the Titan is produced at Nissan’s new facility in Canton, Mississippi.

The 2009 Nissan Titan continues essentially unchanged after exterior and interior updated for 2008. New equipment packages are added, including the Max Utility Package that combines some of the most popular towing and bed utility features. The Titan XE receives a matte black finish for the grille and a body-color front bumper.

he 2009 Titan Crew Cab is a 4-door, up to 6-passenger full size pickup, available in 14 trims,

Upon introduction, the XE 4X2 SWB is equipped with a standard 5.6-liter, V8, 317-horsepower engine that achieves 13-mpg in the city and 17-mpg on the highway. The LE 4X4 LWB is equipped with a standard 5.6-liter, V8, 317-horsepower engine that achieves 12-mpg in the city and 17-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims.

Nissan may sell electric power van in us

Nissan will be entering in the light commercial vehicle market in the U.S. by 2010 with its new NV2500 and maybe the NV200. The NV200 is a compact van. It can be set up as a seven passenger van or a cargo van with 145 cubic feet of space. In Europe it is powered by a gas 1.5L or diesel 1.6L engine.

Joe Castelli, Nissan’s vice president of light commercial vehicles has said, there is a chance the NV200 could come with an electric drive or dA hybrid drive options.

Nissan Murano

The Murano is Nissan’s midsize crossover that receives its first redesign as an early 2009 model after skipping the 2008 model year. The Murano was first introduced as a 2003 model is named after the elegant sculpted glass art that comes from the islands near Venice, a tribute to the dramatic exterior and interior styling of the Murano. Nissan's first crossover SUV, the Murano combines the desirable attributes of a truck-based SUV, such as cargo capacity, ride height and available all-wheel drive, with the refinement, handling, and ride comfort of a sedan.

The all-new 2009 Nissan Murano receives new exterior and interior styling while retaining its distinctive look. Powered by a 265-horsepower version of Nissan’s VQ-Series 3.5-liter V6 engine, Murano receives the second-generation Xtronic CVT with Adaptive Shift Control. The Murano is based on the same D platform as the 2007 Altima which provides a solid foundation and new lighter suspension components with increased stiffness. Available features include a dual-panel power sliding moonroof and second-row skylight, a new foldaway cargo organizer, heated front and rear seats, power liftgate, power return rear seat and RearView Monitor.

Technical Specs

Standard Engine 3.5L V6

Standard Transmission VAR Speed Automatic

Cylinders 6

Horsepower @ RPM 265@6000

Torque @ RPM 248@4400 (foot-lbs)

Nissan Versa

Technical Specs

Standard Engine 1.8L I4

Standard Transmission 6 Speed Manual

Cylinders 4

Horsepower @ RPM 122@5200

Torque @ RPM 127@4800 (foot-lbs)

The Versa is an entry-level subcompact hatchback that replaced the Sentra as the most affordable vehicle in the Nissan lineup. Built on Nissan’s “B” platform, the Versa name reflects the “versatile space” provided by the roomy interior and cargo area. Introduced as a 2007 model in 2006 as a 5-door hatchback, a sedan version was added to the lineup late 2006.

The 2009 Nissan Versa remains primarily unchanged from the previous model year. With some slight adjustments to content and packaging, the Versa is available as a 4-door sedan or 5-door hatchback, each available as an ‘S’ or ‘SL’. The Versa continues to be powered by an economical 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine teamed with a 6-speed manual, 4-speed automatic or CVT (continuously variable transmission).

Nissan GT-R

The 2009 Nissan GT-R is powered by a 480-horsepower 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 430 lb-ft of torque from 3,200 to 5,200 rpm while meeting ultra-low emission vehicle (ULEV) standards. The VR38 engine is mated with a new paddle-shift GR6 sequential 6-speed dual clutch rear transaxle combined with an electronically-controlled ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system that is rear biased but can vary the torque split from 100 percent rear to 50/50 front/rear depending on speed, lateral acceleration, steering angle, tire slip, road surface and yaw rate. A sophisticated 4-wheel independent suspension system includes a Bilstein DampTronic driver-adjustable shock system with three settings: Normal, Comfort and R. Racing-style Brembo mono-block six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers are combined with 15-inch full-floating cross-drilled two-piece rotors. Lightweight forged 20-inch wheels are shod with either nitrogen-filled Bridgestone high-performance summer run-flat tires or high-performance Dunlop all-season tires.

The GT-R is Nissan’s legendary high-performance all-wheel-drive coupe and the all-new fifth-generation 2009 model is the first GT-R ever offered for sale to the U.S. market. Achieving near cult status as the unattainable star of numerous video games, the Nissan GT-R delivers supercar performance with the latest in high-tech features including the new Premium Midship platform, a hand-built VR38 engine and a world-first use of the independent rear transaxle ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system for optimized weight distribution and handling characteristics.

Technical Specs

Standard Engine 3.8L V6

Standard Transmission 6 Speed Manual

Cylinders 6Horse

power @ RPM 480@6400

Torque @ RPM 430@3200 (foot-lbs)

Nissan Pathfinder

Technical Specs

Standard Engine 4.0L V6

Standard Transmission 5 Speed Automatic

Cylinders 6Horse

power @ RPM 266@5600

Torque @ RPM 288@4000 (foot-lbs)

The 2009 Nissan Pathfinder is primarily unchanged from the previous model year, but does feature new safety equipment and updated package contents. Side airbags and side curtain airbags are now standard on all Pathfinders as is a new auto door lock function. Two new exterior colors are available for 2009 and V6 LE models now come standard with 18-inch machined aluminum alloy wheels. The Pathfinder continues to feature three rows of seating as well as two engine choices, including a 310-horsepower V8.



Inner SpaceThe Pathfinder is a seven-passenger SUV with three rows of seats, although the third row is difficult to reach and is best suited for a pair of kids. Large outside and interior door handles and hefty interior grips on windshield posts help entry and exit, but the running boards are too narrow for those with larger shoe sizes. Occupants sit high with good visibility, but there's no surplus of legroom for second-row occupants.
The quiet, businesslike interior has been thoroughly upgraded from early Pathfinders. The front seats provide good support, and second- and third-row seats have a split-folding feature. Gauges can be read quickly, while climate controls are large and smaller sound system controls are fairly easy to use. I had no difficulty seeing dashboard items at night. The optional navigation system doesn't absorb climate or audio controls, which is a plus. Cupholders and storage areas are plentiful, but the front power windows can be annoying because they move up and down so quickly they're hard to stop anywhere in between.

Standard for the S are air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, an AM/FM/CD player and power mirrors, windows and door locks with remote keyless entry. The SE adds rear air conditioning, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power driver seat, power-adjustable pedals, a CD/MP3 changer, running boards and a newly standard color information dashboard screen with a rearview camera for safer backing up.

Heated front seats, leather upholstery, a power front passenger seat, a power sunroof, a Bose sound system and satellite radio are added to the uptown LE. It's doubtful that many thought the Pathfinder would come this far when it was first introduced.
Safety features for all trim levels include a stability-control system, rear traction control and anti-lock all-disc brakes. The LE also adds front-seat side and side-curtain airbags with rollover deployment. They're in a $700 option package for other Pathfinders.
Major options include an $1,850 package for the SE with the power sunroof and Bose sound system. The same-cost Leather Package for the SE and SE Off-Road has leather upholstery and heated front seats and a power front passenger seat. The $2,400 Navigation Package for the LE has the "nav" system and keyless access and starting.

There's little cargo space with the third-row seatbacks in their upright position. But the split second-and third-row seatbacks fold flat to provide a spacious cargo area, and there's no need to remove headrests. Moreover, the SE has a fold-flat front passenger seatback for extra-long objects, and there's a handy in-floor compartment under the second-row seats.

Nissan Frontier

The Frontier is Nissan’s midsize truck, available as either King Cab or Crew Cab with 2WD or 4WD. Nissan became the first automaker to sell a compact pickup truck in the U.S. in 1959 under the Datsun name. The 1998 Frontier was Nissan’s first pickup redesign in ten years and the first pickup to have a Nissan name. A 4-door Crew Cab was added in 2000 and in 2001, it was redesigned with bold exterior styling and an available supercharged engine. For 2005 Nissan introduced the current-generation Frontier, which is bigger and more powerful, moving up to the midsize truck category.

The 2008 Nissan Frontier receives a number of updates including new packages. The Technology Package offers an upgraded sound system with an auxiliary jack, steering-wheel audio controls, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, XM Satellite Radio, Nissan Immobilizer and Vehicle Security System. Also newly available are the XE Preferred Package, a standard Appearance Package for King Cab SE 4-cylinder models, a standard Utility Bed Package on NISMO models and a new finish for the 16-inch NISMO wheels. Other updates include a power cloth driver’s seat for the LE trims and a new Beige interior color

Nissan Altima Hybrid

Technical Specs

Standard Engine 2.5L I4

Standard Transmission VAR Speed

AutomaticCylinders 4Horse

power @ RPM 158@5200

Torque @ RPM 162@2800 (foot-lbs)

The 2008 Altima Hybrid is a 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan, available in one trim only, the HEV. Upon introduction, the Altima Hybrid is equipped with a standard 2.5-liter, I4, 158-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 35-mpg in the city and 33-mpg on the highway. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

The Nissan Altima Hybrid is a 5-passenger midsize sedan that offers all the style, convenience, and technology features as the gasoline version but with benefits of enhanced fuel economy and reduced emissions. In September 2002, Nissan and Toyota signed a basic agreement in which Toyota will supply Nissan with the hybrid system components (transaxle, inverter, battery, and control unit) allowing Nissan to produce 100,000 hybrid vehicles within a five-year period. Nissan will be supplying the gasoline engine and electric motor which means that the Altima Hybrid will drive quite differently than the Toyota Prius.