Production of the first Nissan electric car will start at the end of 2010, as revealed by Nissan president Carlos Ghosn. In the initial phase, 50,000 vehicles are expected to be manufactured in the first year, and only from 2012 will that number significantly increase.

The Nissan electric car will be seen next year, to be revealed at the inauguration of the new Nissan Centre in Yokohama at the beginning of August. The car should be a development on the Nuvu Concept presented at the Paris motor show in 2008.

Fundamental characteristics will be its city car dimensions (with a length of about 300 cm), and a range of 120 km. It will be similar to the Renault Twingo ZE in both style and market position. In the gallery is the Nissan Nuvu concept.

Continue reading: First Nissan electric car to appear in 2010

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Drive magazine has taken a look at some of the best vehicles for the snow, but which have enough city and off-road features to keep people happy, and looking good in both urban and and off-road settings.

Some of the usual “lifestyle” vehicles and faux off-road models such as the Audi Q5, Renault Koleos, Land Rover Freelander or Volvo XC60 may suit for snow and ice driving condictions. Audi and Volvo often come across with some of the best AWD options, having sedans, hatchbacks, wagons and offroads throughout the range which can give you all the four wheel effect you want.

But which are the cars that really stand out? There are a few surprises in the list, which includes: the Mazda3 (for its stability control), the Nissan Dualis, Volkswagen Tiguan and the Subaru Liberty/Outback. In fact, given Subaru has all wheel drive across its range, any old one will do. The Audi A6 allroad wagon gets itself on the list, as does the Volvo XC60 and the Lexus RX350.

For full details, see Drive.com.au.

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Renault and Nissan have signed an agreement with Europcar to begin renting electric cars in 2010. Europe, Australia, and New Zealand will be the first to take advantage of this new service, but it is not yet clear if the rentals will be like classic car rentals, more long term rentals, or a type of car sharing system.

There are also no details about the cars; they could be the new electric series anticipated by the recent Renault BeBop Z.E., or an application of Project Better Place of Shai Agassi, which, though, would require the creation of infrastructure in a very short period of time. It could end up being that a new initiative will be created to launch the new “anti-Smart” city car of Renault, the awaited concept car for the next Frankfurt Motor Show.

Source | Automocionblog.com

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The New York show will have the spectacle of both the Nissan Roadster and Nissan Nismo being presented, one all elegance, and the other all substance. Above is a reconstruction of what the open top will look like.

It’s a bit gaudy for our looking, with the floating stars, and the rear wheels don’t even touch the ground. But criticism aside, this render generally reflects the new Roadster style, while for the Nismo we’ll have to wait for details from the show.

Source | Autoblog.com

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A significant downturn in the Japanese auto market has been registered for the month of February, with a 50 percent drop in the number of cars manufactured for Sol Levante. This comes after the 41 percent drop experienced in January.

Nissan saw the greatest decline with a drop of 68.8 percent in vehicles destined for the local market, and a 37.8 percent drop in those headed for export. Mitsubishi and Toyota also followed with a 65 and 64 percent decline in the Japanese market.

Dramatic figures also come from Mazda and Honda with a drop of 54.6 and 48.4 percent respectively, while Suzuki is the only manufacturer managing to maintain decline at 19.6 percent.

Source | LeBlog Auto

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Here we give you a full range of pics of the Nissan Qazana Concept presented at the Geneva show. The concept is not lacking in originality, although it might have a hard road gaining acceptance. This crossover is the next step on the road of the Qashqai, and provides an unusual raised platform designed in Europe. The compact form and SUV-style combination means Nissan could be developing a practical city car, but with an SUV market.

Continue reading: Nissan Qazana concept

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While the Nissan stand at the Geneva show might not be quite as sexy as the Ferrari, Audi or Maserati galleries, the 370Z still holds its own in terms of sports car fascination.

Nissan appeared with its Qazana concept, Cube and 370Z models, the latter making its first appearance in Europe. It is equipped with a V6 3.7 litre engine at 331hp with a new seven-speed automatic transmission.

Continue reading: Nissan 370Z makes European appearance at Geneva motor show

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To see the fastest hybrid car in the world, you would need to go the Geneva motor show for a look at this vehicle from the Giugaro family. Father Giorgietto and son Fabrizio, have designed this concept car that will be presented at the show under the name of Frazer Nash.

The new Giugiaro concept is similar to the Quaranta concept car seen at the Geneva show a year ago. Concepts of power and emotion have not previously been considered in the sector of hybrid cars, but this particular example will have a 3.3 V6 engine, with two electric engines.

An overall power of 272hp can be reached, with torque at 288Nm. It is all wheel drive and capable of reaching 100 km/hr in just 4.05 seconds. Maximum speed is 300 km/hr.

Source | Motorauthority

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After the Nissan GT-R SpecV pics, here is the official video of the Japanese supercar presented on January 8.

If you weren’t convinced about oriental sportscars, the images of the SpecV screaming down the track might do the trick.

Continue reading: Nissan GT-R SpecV: first video

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The Nissan GT-R SpecV is finally ready for its debut and here we give you the official shots of this high powered Nissan performance vehicle and its carbon fibre exhaust. The aerodynamic aspects give the SpecV a different look to the standard version, along with carbon finishings and new air intakes for the brakes. Other elements include 20-inch Nismo alloy wheels and a specific “Ultimate Black Opal” colour in addition to other colour options.

Mechanically speaking, work has been carried out on the turbine pressure and overboost to improve torque, together with a titanium exhuast system with twin outlets. While no official news has been released on the power, it is expected to be about 480hp.

A new wheel base and carbon ceramic brakes complete the package, while weight has been reduced on the standard model, with rear seats eliminated and extensive use of carbon fibre for internal finishings. The seats are an ergonomic, racing, shell shape from Recaro.

Continue reading: Official pics of the Nissan GT-R SpecV

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