Nissan Kicks concept debuts in Sao Paulo [w/videos] | Nissan of Midland

The Sao Paulo Motor Show only comes around once every other year, and Nissan – an automaker deeply vested in the Latin American market – isn't missing out on the opportunity to showcase a new crossover concept.

Called the Kicks concept, the crossover seems to slot in size-wise in between the Juke and the Rogue. Nissan isn't saying much about it, though, aside from its having drawn its inspiration from Brazil with a "satin titanium" finish and bright orange trim – the former taking its cues from Sao Paulo and the latter from Rio.

While emphasizing its Brazilian character, Nissan also stresses that the concept's creation was "a product of global collaboration." So while it isn't saying anything about production feasibility, it is seemingly suggesting that if it were put into production – and as we stated previously, we think it just might – it could stand to be a global model and not confined strictly to South America.

By Noah JosephRSS feedGoogle+

Nissan named one of the Best Global Brands for 2014 | Nissan of Midland

Nissan has been named one of the world's most valuable brands for 2014, according to Interbrand, the world-leading brand consultancy. In the Best Global Brands Study, released today by Interbrand, Nissan ranked 56, up from 65 in 2013. The study cited the strength of Nissan’s financial performance, product portfolio and leadership position in electric vehicles among the drivers of the company’s brand health. The value of the Nissan brand was estimated at $7.623 billion, an increase from last year's estimated value of nearly $6.2 billion.



In June Nissan was named one of the world's greenest brands for 2014 in Interbrand's Best Global Green Brands report. Nissan moved up one spot to fourth overall powered by the Nissan LEAF, the world's best-selling 100% electric vehicle and making the company the global leader in Zero Emissions mobility.

“Brand power is a key indicator of the health of the Nissan business and a major driver of the company’s growth," said Roel de Vries, Nissan Corporate Vice President and global head of Marketing and Brand Strategy. “We are pleased to see a 23 percent increase in brand value from last year – nearly doubling Nissan’s brand value since its inaugural appearance on the list in 2011 – and recognition as a “top” riser in the study.”

The Best Global Brands study is Interbrand's annual report on the world's most valuable brands. Interbrand's method looks at the ongoing investment and management of the brand as a business asset, taking into account financial performance, the role of brand in the purchase decision process, and the strength of the brand.

The study noted Nissan’s recent launches for the Qashqai, Murano and Rogue as a demonstration of the brand’s “Innovation and Excitement for Everyone” positioning. The company’s leadership in electric vehicles and investment in future mobility, like autonomous vehicles and fuel cell technology, were recognized for addressing emerging customer needs in a rapidly changing automotive market.

For more information about Interbrand's 2014 Best Global Brand Study, please visit:http://www.bestglobalbrands.com/

2016 Nissan Maxima Spotted for First Time | Nissan of Midland | Midland TX

Nissan teased the look of the next-generation Maxima at the 2014 Detroit auto show with the Sport Sedan concept, and it was quite a looker with an aggressive front end and cool floating roof. Now, we're getting out very first glimpse at the production version in some new spy shots. Although, It's plastered with camouflage, underneath you can still see the concept's design inspiration.

Starting from the front, the biggest influence from the concept is the V-shaped grille with smaller inlets on each side and jagged headlights. Running back from there, on one side the Maxima mule has a black A-pillar, which at least suggests that the floating roof is making it to the production model too.

In profile, it's hard to make out, but the hard creases that run down the side of the Sport Sedan appear to be underneath this camouflage, and there's a ton of masking around the rear pillar seemingly to hide the shape. However in the close-up photo, you can get a better view, and it doesn't look quite as sharp and coupe-like as on the concept.

At this point, the back also lacks the concept's angular rear bumper in favor of something more conventional. All the cladding there makes it hard to tell what is hidden underneath, though.

The Sport Sedan concept has a version of Nissan's 3.5-liter V6 with over 300 horsepower and a CVT powering the front wheels. Though, our spies think it's possible the production version could offer a hybrid 2.5-liter supercharged four-cylinder to give V6-like power, like the Pathfinder Hybrid.

From these early spy shots, it certainly looks like Nissan is trying to bring the major parts of the concept to the road. We can't wait to see the Maxima without so much being hidden. Until then, check out the gallery for a first look.

By Chris BruceRSS feed

2015 NIssan GT-R Adds Premium Upgrades to Performance Pedigree | Nissan of Midland | Midland TX

The entry-level 2015 Nissan GT-R Premium will better live up to its name during the new model year, as Nissan is introducing a number of fresh features that put their focus on a more refined ownership experience. Sure, the 2015 Nissan GT-R continues to offer a rambunctious 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-6 that makes 545 horsepower and 463 lb.-ft. of torque, but now that output is matched by a retuned suspension that delivers a more refined ride (while also enhancing the car’s road-holding capability, of course).

Further, while the GT-R’s engine will remain a key part of the soundtrack, the car’s cabin will introduce a standard Bose Active Noise Cancellation system for a more enjoyable listening experience that can be enjoyed in an environment that offers a new carbon-style instrument cluster and additional available interior color: Ivory.

Even the aerodynamic exterior of the 2015 Nissan GT-R has been enhanced, courtesy of LED headlights and freshened front and rear appearance details. Also, customers who jump up to the GT-R Track Edition benefit from a new carbon-fiber trunk lid.

It’s a win-win situation, too, with the brand noting that these changes come to the 2015 Nissan GT-R “without sacrificing one bit of its legendary performance.”

Pricing for the 2015 Nissan GT-R lineup begins at $101,770 for the Premium model, with the Black Edition, offering enhanced style, starting at $111,510, and the Track Edition, backed by enhanced performance, opening at $115,710. Timing-wise, the Premium and Black Edition variants are on sale now, and limited-run Track Edition is expected to debut this summer.

But for the new selling season, gearheads will be able to go one step further and order the 2015 Nissan GT-R prepped by the company’s NISMO motorsports division. That bad boy also is due this summer, when it will go on sale at a price that’s still TBD at this time.

Source: http://nissannews.com/en-US/nissan/usa/releases/nissan-announces-u-s-pricing-for-2015-gt-r

Written by Charles Krome.

Photo courtesy of Nissan North America.

2014 Nissan Juke Nismo RS | AutoBlog | Nissan of Midland

As a point of love-it or hate-it styling, the Nissan Juke is king. As a weird, samurai-bullfrog-looking compact crossover with handling chops and a gutsy powertrain, it also has one of the bravest inclusions of a manual transmission in recent memory. It's funky, unmistakable, polarizing and actually pretty neat. Okay, so even though the back seats have a surprising amount of legroom, it's like sitting in a cave, and the sightlines out the back are challenging – every frog needs a few warts. But those matter less when the amphibian gets a big wet kiss from the Nismo princess.

Enter the 2014 Juke Nismo RS. The Jukiest Juke, with many new bits to make looking at, driving, and being inside it a more exciting experience, is the top of the heap for the model line, positioned above the regular Juke Nismo. I put one through its paces in Nissan's American homeland of Tennessee and came away with a few quick impressions.

Driving Notes

• I don't care who knows it: I think this Nissan looks cool. The red highlights on the fascia, side skirts, mirrors and brakes pop. Styling changes advance the latent aggression already baked into the Juke. It looks meaner, more playful and confidently ridiculous. The bugeye headlights seem to work better with this front-end treatment and the always-on, low-mounted LED accents look great on the road. It goes without saying that this isn't a car for everyone.
• One of the great crimes of the turbo direct-injected era is an incomprehensible crusade against turbo whoosh. It's delightfully present in the Nismo RS. This is a breathed-upon version of the standard 1.6-liter direct-injected, turbocharged four-cylinder. Most of the grunt comes through ECU tweaks, but there are upgraded connecting rods and a dual-mass flywheel for smoother revs. At 215 horsepower, It makes 27 hp over the standard Juke, and comes packed with 210 pound-feet of torque, a useful 33 lb-ft bonus over stock. (Of course, that's only if you opt for front-wheel drive – AWD models reduce these numbers to 211 hp and 184 lb-ft). Strapped to it is an upgraded six-speed manual with a beefier clutch and housing, plus lower gear ratios for first through third.
• This is a powertrain that requires full driver engagement for maximum performance. Turbo lag is real here, so keep on the juice, pick the right gear, and this Juke RS will punch far above its weight. Fall short and you're stuck in no-boost-town, slowly pulling away from the stoplight. Do pay attention to drive mode though; Normal, Sport, and Eco have real effects on throttle response and steering effort. By the way, its EPA numbers are pegged at 25/31/27 miles per gallon, city/highway/combined.
• My example was a front-wheel-drive, manual transmission model. This means it retains the torsion-beam axle of the standard Juke (all-wheel drive goes multi-link) and doesn't get the inside-wheel-braking torque vectoring system of the AWD Nismo RS. There are a raft of other goodies though: chassis bracing, stiffer springs, more aggressive dampers, a lower ride height, recalibrated electric power steering, 0.9-inch bigger brakes up front and an upgrade to vented discs from drums at the back. Just-right 18-inch wheels wearing 225-width ContiSportContact5 summer tires round out the chassis goodies.
• On the road and around a corner, this little beasty is indistinguishable from a classic hot hatch. Expect gobs of torque steer if you're goofy with the throttle while twitching the steering wheel, but play it smart and the reward is prodigious cornering, snappy steering, predictable and progressive understeer limits and just a fun all-around character. The ride is much more our style too; the standard Juke can feel a touch too soft, this feels German – just enough road feel without punching you in the kidneys.
• Nissan shows once again that it knows what it's doing when designing a sporting manual transmission. Quick, notchy, great gear spread. We could row through those gates all day.
• For the Juke's interior, Nissan has given its Nismo team the good drugs. There is a stark difference when stepping from a base Juke into the Nismo RS. Rather than climbing into soft seats, you slide across rigid thigh bolsters and drop down into some of the most racecar-like Recaro chairs on the road right now. Nissan admits they eat up a healthy portion of the almost $7,000 premium over the base vehicle, but they're worth it. Along with the suede seats, the Nismo RS has faux suede on the wheel, gauge hood, rear seats and door panels. The gauges are red. It's neato.
• The real-time digital torque gauge (and drive info in screen general) is placed down low on the center stack, well below the safe line of sight. It would be fun to see them dance around. A bit disappointing.
• The most unfair part of our drive was being nowhere near a closed course or a racetrack. It feels like there's a lot more to learn here, but not on public streets.

A common practice on these kinds of drives is to play the pricing game. The Price is Right rules apply, he who gets closest without going over wins. With the 2014 Juke Nismo RS, almost everybody we spoke with went over. $30,000-32,000 was the price most pegged this little devil with, yet its base price is $26,120 and ours came in at $28,345 with options. That seems eye-watering when a basic Juke runs $19,170, but this is so different as to be barely recognizable. Against rivals like the Ford Fiesta ST (let alone larger, heavier cars like the Focus ST and Volkswagen Golf GTI), the Nismo RS costs a bit more. However, it has the higher seating position many customers prefer, plus a lot more visual chutzpah. The RS is by no means a perfectly behaved performer, but it's a ton of fun, and that's what really counts.


Source:  http://www.autoblog.com/2014/07/23/2014-nissan-juke-nismo-rs-review-quick-spin/

2014 Nissan 370Z NISMO Quick Spin | By Malcolm Hogan | Nissan of Midland

Nissan is making some major strides to bring the NISMO branding to new heights in recognizing its ultimate objective of the enthusiasm found within Nissan Motorsports, all as a higher performance variation of select vehicles. The Z car initialized that new step for NISMO and the latest iteration of the 370Z NISMO before the restyled 2015 model hits showrooms to keep the brand on the right pace for attracting true automotive enthusiasts.

The 2014 Nissan 370Z NISMO keeps on the pace of when the NISMO edition of the 370Z was first introduced in 2009. That formula, only slightly refreshed, keeps enthusiasts at bay and well pleased with the subtle performance improvements of the Z that can’t be found in other normal trims outside of the NISMO branding. The 370Z NISMO retains its retuned 3.7-liter V6 engine with its higher output of 350 horsepower and 276 lb-ft of torque. This power comes on through the drivetrain and its 6-speed manual transmission to the rear wheels in somewhat of a coarse manor, which may be welcomed by some to reinforce its eagerness to rev to redline at 7,500 rpm. The coarseness of 370Z NISMO is retained within the shifter, gas pedal and somewhat through the steering wheel and driver’s seat, which has been a trait from the beginning of its inception. Though, the power is ample enough even with torque found at higher bands to get the 370Z NISMO to 60 in about 5.1 seconds.

Performance is the 370Z NISMO’s forte and it isn’t shy about being the daring Z car designated for track duties and some spirited road-driving. The suspension, slightly tweaked over the years with NISMO-tuned shocks, is stiff but pays off well to keep the Z balanced through turns and always giving the driver confidence of a well-planted vehicle. The meaty rear 285/35/19 tires wrapping a set of Ray’s Forged wheels really bite down on the pavement to keep the Z moving along right where you point it. The nicely weighted steering and 9 and 3 o’clock positioned Alcantara-appointed areas of the steering wheel are all nice touches to add to the performance character of the 2014 Z NIMSO. Topping things off with the mechanical and somewhat notchy-shifting 6-speed manual transmission with Nissan’s long-touted SynchroRev Match technology (automated matched engine rpm to down-shifts (and up-shifts) depending on gearing selections), attributes to a well-thought package for the two-seater sports car.

The Z heritage remains well intact for the latest 2014 370Z NISMO where Nissan retains the historic over-all appeal of the 370Z to pay tribute to its predecessors in a nice way. Having driven Senior Editor Chris Brewer’s 1971 Datsun 240Z back-to-back with the 370Z NISMO, it is fascinating to find many of those traits still striving, such as the dashboard outline or slopped-back seating position following the forward-raking roof line, which all carry into the modern representation of the Z.

Leading up to the all-new 2015 370Z NISMO, my 2014 370Z NISMO test vehicle reiterates why Nissan decided to keep virtually the same drivetrain, as it is a proven feat within the brand that satisfies the desires of enthusiasts. Not only that, but the 3.7-liter V6 engine uniquely tuned to have 18 more horsepower, 7 ft-lbs of additional torque over the normal 370Z, and the exterior styling to be unmistakable with its aggressive body accents in the front and rear bumpers and topping things off with the large rear spoiler, all make the Z NISMO a one-of-a-kind.

At the full scope of things, the 2014 Nissan 370Z NISMO is not just a done-up Japanese tuner vehicle, instead, it attributes to the engineering of what a performance variation of an already-capable sports coupe is, only restated with its extra dash of sport-styling. The collective parts and variations of the 370Z NISMO that set it apart from a normal 370Z are functional and adds to its minimal performance edge in an eccentric way, even if it is mostly found within the form of its wheels/tires, and slightly higher-output engine by means of a unique NISMO exhaust and engine tuning.

The pricing factor for the 2014 Nissan 370Z NISMO starting at $43,020 doesn’t really come off as a hard sale for enthusiasts who want something to stand out in the crowd. Yet, you would expect a bit more out of the performance arena for such a price. Even still, my 2014 370Z NISMO’s as-tested price landing at $46,370, it still retains a value perception in the likeness of Nissan’s unique one-off Z car being a prized possession that has a bit more in terms of performance than any other Z in the line. Though, missing the delectable luxury options found on other 370Z trims aside from the NISMO variant is the GPS navigation system, heated/cooled power leather seating and an automatic transmission option, may sway some from the basic principles of the raw aspirations of the 370Z NISMO, which feels and sounds more race-car than any other Nissan vehicle in the lineup – except the GT-R in some instances of course. Fundamentally, none of those features are really missed when you are a die-hard automotive enthusiasts and love driving nearly as much as I do. The 370Z NISMO has just enough, even if you do travel or commute – the basic Bose 8-speaker audio system will suffice if the tune of the 3.7-liter V6 engine’s power output and larger NISMO-tuned exhaust does not do it for you.

Source:  http://www.automotiveaddicts.com/44753/2014-nissan-370z-nismo-quick-spin

Nissan receives highest ranking in two vehicle segments in J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study | Nissan of Midland

The 2014 Nissan Rogue is the most appealing new Compact SUV to own and drive, according to a study of more than 86,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2014 model-year cars and light trucks. As part of the J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM, Rogue achieved a segment-best score of 786, with the Nissan Quest ranking highest in the minivan segment with 790 points.

The industry benchmark for new-vehicle appeal, the APEAL Study gives owners a platform to evaluate their vehicles across 77 attributes. These combine into an overall APEAL score measured on a 1,000-point scale.  

"The all-new 2014 Rogue has received numerous accolades in the automotive industry, but the most important test comes when owners evaluate the vehicle for themselves," said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Nissan Sales & Marketing and Operations. "Driven by owner feedback, the J.D. Power APEAL Study serves as an important benchmark indicating where our products stand with consumers. It's both an honor and a demonstration to the quality of our vehicles for Rogue and Quest to rank highest their segments."

The Nissan Rogue, which was completely redesigned for the 2014 model year, challenges convention once again with bold emotive styling. Its premium interior was created with comfort and multi-tasking in mind, and an array of available affordable and convenient technologies. Rogue offers optional 3-row/7-passenger seating, along with exceptional passenger and cargo flexibility with its innovative EZ Flex™ seating System and innovative Divide-N-Hide™ Cargo System. Every 2014 Nissan Rogue is equipped with a responsive 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. The engine is matched with an advanced Xtronic transmission. Rogue comes in three well-equipped models, S, SV and SL, each in a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

The Nissan Quest minivan offers an extensive list of family-friendly features – from its bold styling with full surround glass that provides an airy, open interior environment to one-touch power sliding doors, quick release fold-flat 2nd and 3rd row seats, Advanced Climate Control System, and an always-available rear storage well. All Quest models feature a standard 260-horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC V6 and an advanced Xtronic transmission. Quest also incorporates a number of advanced safety technologies, including Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system. Quest is offered in four well-equipped models: S, SV, SL and LE.

To view the complete results of the J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM, visit http://www.jdpower.com/press-releases/2014-us-automotive-performance-execution-and-layout-apeal-study.

Source: http://nissannews.com/en-US/nissan/usa/channels/corporate-us-news/releases/nissan-receives-highest-ranking-in-two-vehicle-segments-in-j-d-power-2014-u-s-automotive-performance-execution-and-layout-apeal-study

Nissan announces two-year partnership with Americana Music Association | Nissan of Midland

Nissan today announced that it has become the Exclusive Automotive Partner of the Americana Music Association for 2014 and 2015, tapping into the longstanding relationship between great music and great vehicles. The partnership, viewed as an extension of Nissan's Nashville Proud initiative, boosts the company's efforts to support Nashville organizations that maintain a local, national and international presence. As the Official Vehicle of Americana, Nissan will be fully engaged in the support of American Roots Music around the world.

"Nissan and Americana have a history of making big impacts in their respective communities, music and the automotive industry, in innovative and unique ways," said Erich Marx, director, Interactive Marketing and Social Media, Nissan North America, Inc. "With the announcement of the two-year partnership, Americana and Nissan will work together to create a more involved experience for Americana consumers and artists."

"The Americana Music Association is committed to authenticity, integrity and artistic qualities," said Americana Music Association Executive Director Jed Hilly. "Nissan echoes similar sentiments and is committed to having a positive effect on Nashville and beyond. We are thrilled to enter in to this partnership and cannot wait to see the sound waves and miles of impact we'll make together."

Through its partnership, Nissan will feature the 2014 Rogue and LEAF models at Americana's signature events, including Americana Cross County Lines and the Americana Music Festival and Conference. Additionally, Nissan will create an engaging experience for car and Americana music fans alike. The partnership was developed through Americana's sponsorship agency, MMA Creative.

Source: http://nissannews.com/en-US/nissan/usa/channels/corporate-us-news/releases/nissan-announces-two-year-partnership-with-americana-music-association

Nissan bringing 'New Sedan Concept' to Beijing Motor Show

• March 11th, 2014
• By  Brandon Turkus RSS feed Google+

  Posted Mar 10th 2014 2:00PM

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, China, Nissan, Beijing Motor Show



During the 2014 Detroit Auto Show, Nissan showed off its Sport Sedan Concept (pictured above), an orange creation meant to foreshadow the next generation of the brand’s “Four-Door Sports Car,” the Maxima. For the 2014 Beijing Motor Show, though, Nissan is going to deliver a Chinese take on a future four-door, with the New Sedan Concept (imaginative name, we know).
Like the Nissan Friend-Me Concept from the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show, the NSC has been designed by Nissan Design China in Beijing. Outside of that, information is in short supply. Nissan claims this latest concept is targeted at the Chinese digital lifestyle. Whether it serves as an evolution of the Friend-Me’s swoopy design or a regional take on Nissan’s Detroit concept, though, remains to be seen.
We’ll have the full slate of info on the Nissan New Sedan Concept, along with everything else that happens at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show, when the floor opens on April 23. Take a look below for the official press release from Nissan, which also includes a recap of previously debuted models that will be shown at Beijing.
Continue reading Nissan bringing ‘New Sedan Concept’ to Beijing Motor Show
Nissan bringing ‘New Sedan Concept’ to Beijing Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Mar 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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37K miles in a 1967 Datsun Roadster

By  Brandon Turkus    Autoblog

Posted Mar 11th 2014 7:58PM

When we think of comfy, long-distance road cars, there are a few obvious choices. A Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Bentley Continental GT or, assuming fuel efficiency isn’t paramount, a Range Rover are all good options for a road trip. But what if that road trip was 37,000 miles? Maybe something more reliable but still comfortable, then, like a Honda Accord. What about a 1967 Datsun Roadster?
As insane as it sounds, Scott Fisher is doing just that, running a Datsun 1600 Roadster across North America and racking up 13,500 miles in his first three months on the road. His total journey will see him pile over 37,000 miles on his red convertible. The car is lightly modified, but most of the work is for the sake of reliability and comfort, with a five-speed manual ‘box, an upgraded radiator and electronic ignition.
Fisher’s trip hasn’t been all smooth, with a few typical bits of trouble. He also ran into some deer in Utah, quite literally, clipping one of the animals, which delivered quite a bit of damage to the passenger’s front fender (hence the rear three-quarter view in our lead shot). Still, the car seems to be holding up well, as shown in this latest video from Petrolicious.
Scroll down for the full video on Fisher and his Datsun.
Continue reading 37K miles in a 1967 Datsun Roadster
37K miles in a 1967 Datsun Roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Mar 2014 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Nissan Rogue Detour uses Google Maps to go create virtual test drive from your doorstep

Nissan Rogue Detour uses Google Maps to go create virtual test drive from your doorstep

• February 11th, 2014
• Write comment

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Crossover, Nissan

The best way to evaluate a new car before you buy it is to test drive it. All of the specs and reviews in the world cannot communicate how a car suits you as well as a few minutes behind the wheel. Interesting, then, that according to Nissan, the average buyer spends twice as much time researching new cars online than they do at dealers.

To market its new 2014 Rogue, Nissan has launched an online marketing experience aimed at bridging that gap. Called The Detour, it combines Google Street View and Google Maps to give you a custom-tailored virtual test drive. The neat, uniquely interactive part about Detour is that it allows you to specify a starting and ending location. Thus, you can use the microsite to ‘show’ the Rogue on your commute, or your favorite stretch of tarmac. To spice things up, Nissan has added some digital effects and set the experience to a song by British rapper M.I.A.

Detour seems to work better on shorter journeys, because it snips out some portions of the route in order to keep the experience from running too long. If you’re going to try it out, we suggest using a crosstown journey rather than going cross country. Scroll down to get all of the details on the Rogue’s latest marketing campaign, or click here to try it out for yourself.

Continue reading Nissan Rogue Detour uses Google Maps to go create virtual test drive from your doorstep

Nissan Rogue Detour uses Google Maps to go create virtual test drive from your doorstep originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Feb 2014 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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February 10, 2014

Nissan Q3 Results Video Archive

Feb. 10 – Yokohama – Nissan Motor announced results for the first nine months of the the fiscal year Monday showing operating profit of 370.8 billion yen (US$ 3.73 billion) and net revenue of  7.9356 trillion yen (US$ 79.8 billion).

From April 1 to December 31, 2013, Nissan sold 3,673,000 vehicles globally, a 1.0% increase year-on-year, while the company has released a raft of new models, including the Nissan Qashqai in Europe, the Datsun GO in India, the X-Trail and Skyline in Japan, and the Rogue in the U.S. in recent months.

For further details of the results briefing, please click on this link.

Below is an archived video of the earnings presentation by Corporate Vice President Joji Tagawa to media at Nissan’s Global Headquarters in Yokohama.

Video streaming by Ustream

 Brand, BRICs, CEO, China, Currency rates, Datsun, Europe, Financial results, India, Japan, Nissan, Nissan Motor Company, Nissan Motor Corporation, Product Launch, Renault-Nissan Alliance

 3Q Financial Results CVP Joji Tagawa Datsun foreign exchange forex Infiniti Japan Nissan Global Media Center Nissan Motor Company profit yen Yokohama

Article originally on Limited Slip Blog
limitedslipblog.com

Then and Now: 2014 Nissan 370Z Roadster

BY LSB CHRIS on OCTOBER 28, 2013 • ( 1 )

There are a few cars that every enthusiast remembers in a rather special way.  Your first car, for example, is unforgettable.  But you also remember the car driven by the person that inspired your enthusiasm.  I’ve wanted to drive the Nissan 370Z for a long time just for that reason.  For me, the man responsible for who I am today is my father, and the car was his 1985 Nissan 300ZX.  If my mother is to be believed, it was his baby before I was.  I grew up from rear-facing car seat to toddler booster seat in the 300ZX, spending most of the time with the t-top open.  Driving the 2014 Nissan 370Z Roadster is the closest thing I have to coming full-circle.  It’s been almost 25 years since my first ride in a Nissan Z and now I’m in the driver’s seat.

The 370Z got a minor refresh for 2013.  It was defanged and given a set of LED running lights up front.  A bit of conservatism never hurt anyone, and it hasn’t done anything to diminish the 370Z’s identity.  Our tester, in Pearl White with gray seats, continued that conservative theme.  The red brake calipers peeking out behind the amazing 19″ RAYS wheels, both part of the Sport Package, are subtle hints of the 370Z’s performance.  Without the coupe’s striking roof line, the Roadster looks a bit odd with its top up.  Despite the car arriving in the middle of October, I was adamant about recreating my original Z experience by driving with the roof down as much as possible. Sans roof, the Roadster’s wide hips swoop up to the high rear deck.  As one comment put it, there’s no way to ignore the 370Z’s big butt.

It takes 21 seconds to retract the roof, which feels remarkably quick in the driveway but an eternity at a stop light.  Those precious seconds are more than enough time to turn up the heat and switch on the heated seats, standard equipment on the 307Z Touring.  The side windows and fixed wind deflector keep most of the turbulence out of the cabin up to highway speeds.  Above that, those committed to the topless lifestyle will need a hat or scarf to keep warm during the Autumn drives.  Besides the heated seats, the rest of the equipment in the Touring Package went largely unused.  In a good roadster, you don’t really need them.  With the top down, the intoxicating V6 soundtrack takes precedence over the upgraded sound system and renders the Bluetooth completely useless.  You’ll also completely ignore the optional touchscreen navigation system.  The longest and most indirect routes are the best option in the 370Z.

I spent the better portion of my Saturday lost amongst the mountain roads of Catskill Park.  This time of year, the park’s campgrounds and hiking trails are filled with tourists, which means heavy traffic.  Normally this would be frustrating in a sports car, but the automatic transmission and abundant foliage make for a carefree drive in the 370Z.  When the road gains a passing lane, the column-mounted paddles wake the engine from its slumber. Unleashing all 332hp and 270lb-ft of torque result in a 3.7L V6 echo though the valley, drawing the attention of leaf-peepers.  With the top down, the soundtrack is accentuated by the line of campers and RVs shrinking into the rearview mirror.

Our tester came equipped with the 7-speed automatic transmission.  Left to its own devices, it keeps engine RPM low and its response to a jab of throttle is too slow.  Pulling the gear level to the left into manual mode lets the driver take care of those problems.  The transmission has a rev-matching downshift feature that works well most of the time.  For a regular automatic, the throttle blip and gear change occur quickly enough.  The problem comes in slow traffic around town.  Sometimes the system gets confused as you slow to a stop.  Rather than a quiet transition into 2nd or 1st, the Nissan sees fit to disturb the peace with a race-inspired downshift.  Sorry everyone. I would rather order mine with the rev-matching manual gearbox, as I rarely left the transmission in automatic.

With the road now clear, it’s time to enjoy the 370Z Roadster a bit more spiritedly.  The ride is firm, a feeling which is magnified by the stiff padding in the seats.  It’s not as jarring as the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution or as uncomfortable as Mazdaspeed 3, which means I was able to spend the better part of the morning driving without a break.  The Nissan strikes a comfortable balance between touring and sport feel.  Poor handling is always a concern when the roof is removed, but the Nissan is almost fault-free here.  The 370Z feels solid and without any flex right up until the limit.  When the car does lose grip, it happens unpredictably.  It’s not linear or as controllable like the Scion FR-S or Mazda Miata.  Tail-out fun can be had with help of the sport package’s limited slip differential, but you have to stay on top of it.  Should things go awry, perhaps some unexpected wildlife occupying your apex, the upgraded brakes, another part of the sport package, are ready to act.  The firm pedal and increased bite of the larger pads and red-painted rotors are top rate.

The combination of encouraging ride and solid brakes make the Nissan 370Z Roadster perfect for the task at hand.  If you’re going to opt for the Roadster, chances are you aren’t overly concerned with its handling characteristics at the limit.  You’re in it like I am, out to enjoy the road and the Autumn views.  For that, you can leave the traction control on.  That leaves only a minor disappointment in the steering.  Perhaps we were spoiled by the feeling of directness in the wheel of the Scion FR-S, but turning the wheel in the 370Z feels rubbery. It isn’t for lack of accuracy or responsiveness because there were no second guesses for the steering angle.  I asked my colleagues for their opinion, and their experience was similar.  Turn in felt slow and feedback was muted.  The system felt better suited for a grand tourer than a sport roadster.

As was my experience in my Father’s 300ZX, the top stayed down as much as possible.  It remained in place only twice, once during a brief rain storm and once on a 32 degree morning.  Suffice to say the 530 miles we put on the 370Z were nearly a 100% roadster experience.  As with all convertibles, the fun goes up as the top goes down, which means it’s difficult to fault the experience of the 370Z Roadster.  Nostalgia withstanding, the minor issues are apparent when comparing the Nissan to its other topless competitors.  And with an as-tested price above $50,000, there are many competitors.  But the Nissan 370Z stands out to me, and the number of compliments I received during the week shows it resonates with others as well.  Just remember, whatever car you choose, someone else might always remember it.

-Christopher Little

2014 Nissan 370Z Roadster Touring	$44,170
Sport Package	$2,830
Navigation System	$2,150
Carpeted floor mats	$125
Destination Charges	$780
As Tested MSRP	$50,055