1970 Nissan Skyline GT-R Microcar Replica

We know what you’re thinking but stop right there. What you are looking at here isn’t the result of some crafty photoshop business - it’s the real deal; an actual factual microcar replica of a 1970 Nissan Skyline GT-R coupe that was created by Japanese tuning firm Liberty Walk Performance. The scaled down, single-seater clone of Nissan’s first-generation Skyline GT-R is based on a quad-bike and it’s perfectly drivable.
This is not the first time we’ve shown you a microcar replica from Liberty Walk Performance as some of you may remember the…Lambormini Murcielago snapped by our own Phil Alex at last year’s Tokyo Auto Salon.
The Japanese company has not yet added pricing info on the Skyline GT-R buggy on its website, but just to get an idea, the Lambormini starts from 1.88 million Yen, which comes to about US$23,250 or €16,750 at today’s exchange rates. Feast your eyes on the photo gallery and a couple of videos after the jump. 

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Nissan Murano Cross Cabriolet 2011

Having been invited out to the seaside town of Del Mar in California for the presentation of the new Murano CrossCabriolet, we were intrigued at the chance to take Nissan's polarizing convertible out for a spin. That's right, the Murano convertible. How did things play out in California? Interesting, to say the least. 
With the Murano CC, Nissan has gone outside the box to create its own niche. Looks aside, the Murano CC has done what it set out to do: garner interest, spur conversation, expand the model range, and change (not necessarily raise) the bar for mid-size crossovers. For all the ups and downs, read on.

It's a crossover...convertible

Nissan's Murano CC is a two-door convertible crossover that sits at the top of the Murano heap, creating a unique halo vehicle for the brand's crossover segment. While the CC's design is a love-it or hate-it affair, there's no doubt that we can all agree on one aspect: it doesn't come off nearly as badly as those photoshops which alluded to an aftermarket convertible conversion.
This proper execution is thanks to a significant redesign of everything from the windscreen / A-pillar back, while keeping external dimensions similar to that of its hardtop counterpart. Nissan has also found a way to retain the Murano's "J-Motion" belt line that, with the top down, adds a sense of continuity when following the invisible roofline back from the A-pillar.
Revisions to the standard Murano include cutting out the rear doors while infusing the front units with a healthy dose of Enzyte to the tune of 7.9 inches. Surprisingly, ingress and egress weren't too hampered even with more than half a foot of metal added on (although that may have simply been due to this writer’s lankiness). Losing all that rigidity meant that Nissan had to reinforce the body architecture...a lot. Locations deemed essential bracing points were the area formerly known as B-pillar, the floor, and the sills.
The fully automatic top, available in black or beige, drops in approximately 25 seconds; however, unlike many modern drop-tops, it can only be operated when the vehicle is parked. That means no slow-rolling raising/lowering should rain decide to ruin your day while puttering in traffic.

The Murano CC on the road 

Under all the new fuss is Nissan's familiar 3.5-liter V6 - now rated at 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft - and an Xtronic CVT, both of which do their part to scuttle the all-wheel drive CC around with relative ease. It's no rocket, but then again it's not supposed to be.
Under normal driving conditions, the CVT works like a dream, still prompting a grin at mankind's technological advances; unless putting the pedal to the proverbial metal, acceleration is smooth and uninterrupted.
Ride quality may have been a tad fluttery when rolling over some of San Diego's not-so-well-paved roads in a convertible crossover on 20-inch alloys, but this is to be expected when lobbing off a vehicle's roof, B-, and C-pillars. On the boulevard, however, the ride was smooth and relaxing as expected.
Top-up motoring is fairly standard for a convertible, meaning there are compromises to be made in sound quality due to the soft top and lack of bulletproof glass. With the top down, all that has to be said is this: turbulence mitigation is lacking. One cohort expressed that she was "swimming in [her] hair", but the most noticeable issue was the lack of rear seat belt retainers, which led to an unsophisticated flapping at highway speeds. Other than a bit of buffeting, though, sky-filled driving was a pleasure.
Steering feedback is a different story. Even in the premium market, where ease of use and lack of effort are lauded incessantly, the electronically assisted steering of the CC was beyond feather-light. TOO beyond feather-light. When maneuvering around a parking lot, it was almost impossible to feel any communication between the driver and the tarmac. Not until reaching cruising speeds did it feel like anything was actually happening. Some would say that's the point, but what's steering without feedback?

What's the point? 

As Nissan puts it, the Murano is a car for empty-nesters. With the Murano CrossCabriolet, the brand hopes to appeal to higher income ($125,000+ / year) Murano-esque consumers who are slightly younger, "savvy" and adventurous, but with kids in high school.
The CC is a crossover convertible, meaning this Murano looks to kill two birds with one stone: owning a convertible and maintaining utility, meaning offering a usable convertible as a second household car instead of a third. Whether or not that is truly the case, only time will tell.
Either way, with over 900 pre-orders and significant interest, the response is there. As for whether or not we'll see another generation, well, that depends on if there are enough Beetle convertible owners and middle-age moms out there who want to keep their car, possibly get some sun, and increase utility.
At $46,390 (plus $810 D&H) is it the car for me? No, but it could be for some people. The bottom line is this: nit-pickery and little flubs aside, kudos to Nissan for being brave enough to break the mold and then put the result into production. 


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Nissan Updates 2011 370Z in Europe

With all the attention (rightfully) focused on the new Esflow pure-electric sports coupe concept at the Geneva Motor Show, Nissan’s announcement on the presentation of the updated for European market 370Z Coupe slipped by almost unnoticed. For the new model year, Nissan introduces a number of suspension, transmission and equipment improvements for the entire 370Z Coupe range while also adding a new trim level to the range called the GT Edition. 

Starting with the performance upgrades, the 370Z Coupe benefits from retuned dampers which promise to provide a better balance between ride comfort and high-speed handling. Nissan said that due to the higher average speeds regularly enjoyed in Europe, technicians from Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE) engineered these changes.
For 2011, refinement is also enhanced through revisions to underbody insulation to reduce road noise.
The optionally available seven-speed automatic transmission gains a snow mode which, when applied, starts the car off in second gear and controls engine revs to prevent wheel spin on ice or snow.
Equipment upgrades come in the form of a new rear view-parking camera as part of the Nissan Premium Connect satellite navigation option and the standard fitment of a tire pressure monitoring system.
Wrapping up the changes for 2011, is the introduction of a GT Edition for the Coupe model. Buyers can choose from three different body colors - metallic black, pearl white and Black Rose, the latter shade being exclusive to the GT Edition, with each featuring contrasting stripes running along the flanks of the car. The exterior is set off by the standard 19inch RAYS forged alloy wheels, which are finished in a dramatic anthracite color and replace the standard 18-inch rims. 

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Nissan Pathfinder, 2010

Nissan Pathfinder, 2010

 

 

Europe's best selling pick-up and its SUV sibling since its launch - the Nissan Navara and Nissan Pathfinder - have been given a mid-term boost with a number of significant enhancements designed to keep them at the top.

New V6 diesel engine
The new direct injection V6 turbodiesel has been developed by the Renault Nissan Alliance to deliver high levels of performance with strong economy, competitive emissions and class-leading refinement.

The key element of the new V6 - with an unusual vee angle of 65 degrees - is the material chosen for the engine block. Alliance development engineers chose Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI), a material that offers all the benefits of cast iron, including high levels of stiffness and noise absorption, without the weight penalty. And while CGI is heavier than a pure alloy block there is no need to add stiffening ribs or extra sound deadening material so the weight gain is comparatively modest.

The compression ratio has been lowered to 16:1 to benefit not just economy and emissions but also noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), while internal engine friction is reduced by the use of ultra smooth components such as the micro-finished forged steel used for the crankshaft.

Class leading levels of torque and highly competitive specific power outputs are delivered thanks to the adoption of a comparatively large single turbocharger, which is mounted within the vee of the engine, an intercooler, and the use of the latest generation of Bosch common-rail fuel injection. This system incorporates piezo injectors and operates at 1800 bar.

Power output is 170 kW (231PS) while the torque output of 550 Nm leads the class. Better still, peak torque is achieved from as low as 1,700 rpm and is available all the way to 2,500 rpm, while as much as 500 Nm is available from a mere 1,500 rpm. Idle speed is an exceptionally low 650 rpm with none of the vibrations and noise usually associated with a diesel.

The result is strong low-end performance with comfortably refined delivery and exemplary throttle response. In addition, the engine helps provide strong towing performance, the Nissan Pathfinder capable of towing a 3500 kg braked trailer with Nissan Navara having a 3000 kg limit.

Emissions and fuel efficiency targets included achieving Euro 5 compliance. In addition to the gains made by the changes to the combustion chamber, the V9X engine also incorporates a number of innovative features.

Among these is the adoption of an overcooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system which reduces NOx emissions. The system incorporates an integrated exhaust gas bypass in the EGR cooler which quickly helps to achieve the optimum temperature after start up so that the full cooling capacity can be used. This features a low temperature water circuit for the EGR cooler to reduce still further the temperature of the exhaust gas and lower carbon monoxide and hydro carbon emissions.

Equally significant is the treatment of the tailpipe emissions. The system comprises a metallic oxidation catalytic converter offering lower pressure loss compared to a ceramic system and an exothermic catalyst and a catalytic diesel particulate filter (DPF) in the same container. The latter arrangement works in conjunction with a seventh fuel injector which is positioned in the exhaust.

This is activated while the particulate filter is being regenerated - a process of which the driver is completely unaware - but significantly means the opportunity for unburnt fuel to pollute the engine oil is removed. It also allows the filter to be regenerated in low-load conditions, such as idling, and therefore achieves a high efficiency level under all driving conditions. It also helps stretch oil change intervals to 20,000 kms.

Improved 2.5 four-cylinder dCi
The existing 2.5 dCi four cylinder engine hasn't been forgotten, however, and significant improvements will cement its position as the most popular engine in the range with improvements to both overall refinement and all aspects of its performance.

Exterior changes
The revised models have been given a new look front and rear to differentiate them from their predecessors. Changes at the front include a new bonnet, revised grille and a new bumper assembly. Adding 80mm to the length of both models, the bumper is more rounded and lends a more sporting touch to the cars.

There's a new headlamp design with distinctive projector styling where Xenon lamps are fitted (Nissan Pathfinder only). Headlamps washers now pop-up from beneath body colour moulding in the bumpers. There's a new 18 inch alloy wheel to complement the existing range of 16 inch (steel and alloy) and 17 inch (alloy) designs. V6 models, meanwhile, are given a discreet V6 badge at the leading edge of both front doors while V6 Nissan Pathfinder also gain a new side moulding across the doors.

Changes at the rear of Nissan Pathfinder include a new bumper design with squared off edges to give a larger and lower mass for a more stable, tougher appearance.

The existing colour palette is changed to include two new metallic shades for Nissan Navara - Electric Blue and Blue Grey - while Blue Grey is added to Nissan Pathfinder's portfolio.

Interior changes
Most of the changes inside the cabin of both Nissan Navara and Pathfinder have been designed to boost quality and include new switchgear, revised door trims, new seat fabric, the addition of chrome highlights, revised dials and, depending on the model, the availability of Nissan Connect Premium with a new high resolution touch screen.

Typical of the attention to detail that has helped enhance quality are the door trims which have been changed to improve both the look and feel of the interior and its practicality. The armrests and door pads are more tactile to the touch and their shape has also been altered to make them more comfortable in use.

As well as improving fit and finish, the material used has also been enhanced. Practical touches mean the storage bins can now happily hold an A3 map book as well as a one-litre bottle. The rear door storage bins are now large enough to hold a standard Nissan First Aid kit.

Equipment improvements include a new Speed Limiter, which is incorporated into the existing cruise control system.
Active safety is improved with the availability of Nissan's Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) on Nissan Navara (already available on Pathfinder) which uses sensors to monitor the engine's ECU, wheel speed, steering angle, plus longitudinal and lateral G and yaw rates to anticipate and control wheel slippage.

Nissan NV200, 2010

Nissan NV200, 2010

 

The designed from the outset as both a commercial and a passenger vehicle, the Nissan NV200 brings new levels of space, comfort and practicality to the small van market.

Maximised cargo area
Nissan NV200 uses innovative packaging ideas to create the largest and most practical cargo area in its class. Although a little under 4.4m in overall length, the van version of the Nissan NV200 has a load bay that's more than 2m long (2040mm).

With front-wheel drive and the adoption of a highly compact rear suspension system, the Nissan NV200 can house two standard Euro pallets in the cargo area at a time. At 1.84m high NV200 is no taller than its rivals, while at 520mm from ground level, the floor itself is the lowest in the class to ease loading, helping to boost the cargo volume to 4.1m3. Maximum payload is 771kg.

A spacious interior
A large cargo area is a vital attribute for a van, of course, but the generous interior dimensions of Nissan NV200 also translate into ample passenger space in the Combi version.

Unlike some other manufacturers that fit removable seats - which are invariably heavy to lift and need to be stored elsewhere when not in use - the seats in the Combi stay with the vehicle at all times. The middle row backrest has a 60/40 split to increase versatility and the entire assembly tumbles forward to fold flat against the front seats, while the rear pair fold individually to either side of the load area.
Throughout the creation of Nissan NV200, attention has been paid to ensuring the highest levels of quality with shut lines and panel gaps in line with the expectations of passenger car buyers.

Road car platform
Built on a modified version of Nissan's B Platform, NV200 has fully independent strut type front suspension mounted on a separate subframe and a compact and lightweight yet robust wide leaf spring rear axle.
The performance comes from a choice of two engines, one petrol and one diesel.
The petrol version will be powered by Nissan's renowned all aluminium 1.6-litre HR16 engine, as found in Micra, Note and Qashqai. Displacing 1,598cc, the 16-valve unit develops 79kW (108PS) and 153Nm of torque and is mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

The diesel, found on Note and Micra, is Alliance partner Renault's acclaimed 8-valve 1.5 dCi (K9K) 1,461cc engine. Developing 200 Nm of torque and 63kW (86PS), it offers an ideal blend of performance, refinement and fuel economy. Power is transmitted through a five-speed gearbox.
To create more space in the cockpit, the gearlever extends not from the floor but from the two-tone wrap around centre console. Above the gearlever, the centre section houses the heating and ventilation controls and the double DIN radio slot. Heating and ventilation extends to all three rows of seats.

Well equipped
The Nissan NV200 is availble with an optional rear view parking camera, a first for a van in this segment, while the cabin is full of storage spaces, pockets and cup/bottle holders. There is also a secret storage space large enough to hide camera, mobile phones or vital documents within the upper portion of the glovebox.

Joining the parking camera, other car-like items of standard or optional equipment include features such as Nissan's Intelligent Key, power windows and ESP. Safety equipment includes anti-lock brakes with brake assist (BA) and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) as standard. Driver and passenger airbags are also standard with side bags available as an option.

Low cost of ownership
Cost of ownership is projected to be among the lowest in the class thanks in part to the low running costs and high efficiency of the engines and drivetrains, but also thanks to the safety structure which helps to minimise crash damage to vulnerable under bonnet parts such as the radiator.
nit.