2011 Nissan 370Z GT Edition in Britain

Nissan UK has announced the introduction of new 2011 370Z GT Edition, after the presentation of Europe in March. The new GT model is based on the European market 2011 370Z adding bespoke styling and equipment features to the mix.

Nissan updated the European market version of the 370Z for 2011 with changes to the suspension, the underbody insulation and to the optional seven-speed automatic transmission.

The 370Z GT Edition comes with special side stripes in a nod to the 1970s and the original Z model, and standard 19inch RAYS forged alloy wheels finished in a dark anthracite color. It is available in three body hues, Pearl White, Kuro (metallic) black and Black Rose, with the latter shade being exclusive to the 370Z GT Edition.

The Nissan 370Z GT Edition also benefits from added features such as the rear view parking camera, which comes as part of the Premium Connect satellite navigation system, and the fitment of a tire pressure monitoring system.

2012 Nissan Versa Sedan with dynamic proportions

2012 Nissan Versa Sedan with dynamic proportions are modern without being gimmicky, projecting a much higher sense of design value than you might expect in a vehicle with a $10,990 starting M.S.R.P.

“The new Versa Sedan stands out as the only expensive looking car in the segment – with a lot of eye power,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America.

The interior, the Versa’s dashboard appears to be lifted straight off the Micra supermini with only some minor changes to the instrument panel layout and the switchgear. According to Nissan, the Versa has more legroom than some mid and large size sedans such as the Lexus LS460, BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class., while offering a trunk volume of 14.8 cubic feet.

While retaining the same 102.4-inch wheelbase and 66.7-inch width as the previous generation Versa Sedan, Nissan’s newcomer is 1.2 inches lower in height (59.6 inches) and 0.6 inches shorter in overall length (175.4 inches).

2012 Nissan Versa Sedan powered by 1.6-liter HR16DE 4-cylinder engine rated at 109 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 107 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. Buyers can choose between a 5-speed manual transmission (1.6 S model only) and a next-generation Xtronic CVT transmission.

Fuel economy for the 2012 Versa Sedan is estimated at 30 mpg City, 37 mpg Highway and 33 mpg combined with the CVT transmission, and 27/36/30 mpg with the 5-speed manual gearbox.

2012 Versa Sedan will be priced from $10,990 (about €7,700 at the current exchange rates), with sales set to start in the summer.

2011 Nissan Leaf NISMO RC Concept

Nissan has a lot to gain in terms of awareness given the brands focus on the development of dedicated electric vehicles like the Leaf introducing the technology into the F1 stage. The Japanese carmaker developed a purpose-built prototype racer loosely based on the production Leaf that will receive its first public outing at the 2011 New York International Auto Show.

The Nissan Leaf NISMO RC (for Racing Competition), does away with the rear doors, rear seat, trunk, audio system, navigation, carpeting and other amenities, while gaining a mid-ship location for the battery pack, electric motor and inverter. The car also gets a full carbon fiber monocoque bodywork with removable front and rear sections, fixed windows, LED headlights and taillights and driver-adjustable rear wing.
The racer car concept comes with features a 3.9-inch shorter wheelbase, and is 0.8 inches longer and 6.7 inches wider than the production Leaf, with the most dramatic change concerning height as the RC sits more than a foot (13.8 inches) lower than the road-going model, and ground clearance is limited to 2.4 inches. More importantly, at 2,068 pounds (938 kg), the race version of the Leaf weighs in at about 40 percent less than the production vehicle.

The NISMO RC isn’t just a pure study as Nissan said it will likely make a series of special demonstration appearances at various motorsports venues throughout the year, with the company exploring EV competition spec series in future years.

“Combining the talents of NISMO, Nissan’s world renowned motorsports group, and engineers behind some of the company’s Super GT and FIA GT1 race teams, the Nissan LEAF NISMO RC will serve as a rolling laboratory for the accelerated development of EV and aerodynamic systems, as well as a platform for the development of new green motorsports series,” said Carlos Tavares, chairman, Nissan Americas.

2011 Nissan Leaf NISMO RC Concept support by a mid-mounted lithium-ion battery and a 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 107 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, both sourced directly from the production model. However, power is transferred to the rear-wheels versus the production Leaf’s front-wheel drive.

It also makes us of a double-wishbone suspension design front and rear and driver-adjustable brake balance, while it rides on 18-inch 6-spoke wheels and P225/40R18 Bridgestone racing tires.

At the preliminary testing, the NISMO RC returned 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration time of 6.85 seconds and a top speed of 93 miles per hour, adding that it is projected to have a running time of around 20 minutes under racing conditions.

2012 Nissan Tiida

Nissan Tiida unveiled at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show yesterday. As some of you may already know, the Versa is sold in numerous markets around the world under the Tiida nameplate. Nissan said that following its introduction in China, the Tiida will be launched in approximately 130 countries around the world by 2014.

The Chinese-market version of the new sub-compact model will be produced in the Dongfeng Nissan Huadu Plant in Guangzhou, with domestic sales to start in May 2011.

2012 Nissan Tiida gets exterior design with some styling references to the pure-electric Leaf. The fluid theme is carried over to the interior with a floating center cluster. The Japanese company also promises improved passenger space thanks to the 100mm (3.9-in.) longer wheelbase.

Automaker said the Tiida will be offered with a turbocharged four-cylinder unit while transmission options will include a CVT.