William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

August 21, 2013

"That's not a knife."

*Pulls out a bowie knife.*

"That's a knife."

Much like Crocodile Dundee, Nissan is using size to their advantage. Engine size that is. At the kickoff of Nissan 360, an industry showcase of Nissan's global product and technology portfolio, the company announced the next-generation Titan pickup would be packing a Cummins 5.0L turbodiesel V8. The V8 is expected to make more than 300 horsepower and well over 500 pound-feet of torque (550 pound-feet is what everybody is guessing).

“Truck owners told us there's a demand for the performance and torque of a diesel in a capable truck that doesn't require the jump up to a heavy-duty commercial pickup. There is no question that the new Titan will turn heads, and with the available Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel, we expect to win new fans and attract buyers looking for this unique configuration," said Fred Diaz, Nissan Sales & Marketing divisional vice president.

The new engine will be built at Cummins' Columbus Engine Plant, while the Titan will continue to be built at Nissan's Canton, Mississippi plant. No word of when the Titan will be shown or begin production. Our guess, expect a showing sometime next year.

Source: Nissan

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.comor you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

Nissan to Equip Next-Generation Titan with New Cummins Turbo Diesel Engine

IRVINE, Calif. – At the kickoff of Nissan 360, an industry showcase of Nissan's global product and technology portfolio, the company announced it will offer a newly-developed Cummins V8 turbo diesel in its next-generation full-size pickup.

Now in the latter stages of development and testing, the available Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel engine has been optimized for the next generation Titan as a result of the partnership between Cummins and Nissan. Cummins also is developing a version of the engine for its commercial vehicle customers.

"We have done our homework on the next-generation Titan. Truck owners told us there's a demand for the performance and torque of a diesel in a capable truck that doesn't require the jump up to a heavy-duty commercial pickup," said Fred Diaz, divisional vice president, Nissan Sales & Marketing, Service & Parts, Nissan North America. "There is no question that the new Titan will turn heads, and with the available Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel, we expect to win new fans and attract buyers looking for this unique configuration."

Nissan has previously announced the next-generation Titan will add powertrain options and cab-and-box configurations to broaden the appeal of the new truck when it comes to market.

"We are very excited to partner with Nissan on the introduction of the Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel to the North American pickup truck market," said Dave Crompton, vice president, Cummins Engine Business. "This new engine will offer the right balance of power, performance and fuel economy while delivering the dependability that customers expect of a Cummins engine. This will be a great package."

With a torque rating in the mid-500s (lb-ft) and more than 300 horsepower, the Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel will provide light truck customers the combination of towing capacity and mileage that is expected in the highly-competitive North American truck marketplace.

The Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel will be built in America's manufacturing heartland at the Columbus Engine Plant, in Columbus, Ind., Cummins headquarters. This plant has the latest technological innovations to continue the 90-plus year tradition of building the highest quality Cummins engines.

The Titan program is being led by teams in Nissan Americas' headquarters in Franklin, Tenn., while engineering and testing is performed by Nissan Technical Center North America in Farmington Hills, Mich. and Stanfield, Ariz. as well as Nissan's global engineering center. Design is being led by Nissan Design America in La Jolla, Calif.

Like the current model, the next-generation Titan will be built at Nissan's Canton, Miss. vehicle assembly plant and its gasoline engines cast, forged and assembled at Nissan's Decherd, Tenn. powertrain plant.

For competitive reasons, Nissan is not announcing launch dates at this stage in the truck's development, however engineering prototype trucks powered by the Cummins engine are currently undergoing extensive on-public-highway performance and durability testing.

Further information on the upcoming Titan truck and Cummins engine will be released at a later date.

By William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

April 15, 2013

Well this is a bit of surprise. Last Friday, Nissan announced that Ram Trucks CEO Fred Diaz will become its new divisional vice president for sales and marketing. Diaz’s role at Nissan will have him oversee all sales and marketing for the U.S. market, which includes Nissan’s Commerical and Fleet division.

Since 2009, Diaz was the head of the Chrysler Group’s Ram division (established in 2009 as well). During Diaz’s tenure, Ram saw it sales rise and and taking home the North American Truck of the Year this year.

"Fred Diaz is one of the most experienced, results-driven sales and marketing executives in our industry, and we are privileged to welcome him to Nissan. As Nissan Division continues to grow in the United States, we expect Fred to convey a fresh perspective to our dealers and the entire divisional operations team that he will now lead," said José Muñoz, senior vice president, sales & marketing for Nissan Americas in a press release.

Source: Nissan

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.comor you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

Fred M. Diaz Named Divisional Vice President, Nissan Sales & Marketing for Nissan Division in the U.S.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nissan today announced that Fred M. Diaz has been named to the newly formed position of divisional vice president, Nissan Sales & Marketing, Nissan U.S., reporting to José Muñoz, senior vice president, Sales & Marketing, Customer Quality and Dealer Network Development, Nissan Americas. Most recently, Diaz was president and chief executive officer - Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group, LLC as well as president and chief executive officer, Chrysler de Mexico.

In this new leadership role, Diaz will assume full responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the Nissan Division in the United States, including all sales, marketing, fixed operations, parts and service and administration functions. He will lead the Nissan Division team with the Marketing, Light Commercial Vehicle & Fleet, Parts & Service and Regional Operations functions reporting directly to him.

"Fred Diaz is one of the most experienced, results-driven sales and marketing executives in our industry, and we are privileged to welcome him to Nissan," said Muñoz. "As Nissan Division continues to grow in the United States, we expect Fred to convey a fresh perspective to our dealers and the entire divisional operations team that he will now lead."

Previously, Diaz was Chrysler's chief executive in charge of the Ram Truck Brand, a position to which he was named in October 2009. In 2011, Diaz was appointed as the chief executive of Chrysler's Mexican operations where he was the corporate representative responsible for all of the company's business brands in Mexico, including Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and Mitsubishi.

During his 24-year career at Chrysler, Diaz progressed through a series of sales company roles beginning as a trainee and zone manager through to the head of national sales and, ultimately, CEO of the Ram brand. He has extensive automotive experience across the sales, field operations, distribution, service and marketing arenas.

Diaz is a respected executive in the automotive industry who has overseen a period of tremendous growth at the Ram brand. In addition to the Ram brand's 17 percent sales increase in 2012, he was instrumental in leading the brand to win the 2013 'North American Truck of the Year' award for the new Ram 1500 pickup truck.

Diaz earned a bachelor's degree in management with an emphasis in psychology from Texas Lutheran University and a master's degree in business management from Central Michigan University.

By William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

February 26, 2013

Nissan is in the midst of expanding its NISMO brand. At the Chicago Auto Show, Nissan unveiled the new Juke NISMO and refreshed 370Z NISMO. Today at in Yokohama, Japan. CEO Carlos Ghosn made three key announcements for the future of NISMO.

The first was that NISMO was moving to a new facility that offers more engineering and development resources. NISMO's 180 employees will have access to a workshop, engine shop, fabrication room, and carbon composite processes at the new facility. Not moving is the production of NISMO vehicles; they will be built alongside their standard counterparts.

Second was that NISMO would be introducing a their version of the GT-R supercar sometime next year. No word on what the GT-R NISMO will be packing power wise.

"It would be unthinkable for us to develop a range of NISMO road cars without including the GT-R. The standard road car is a global supercar and the GT-R's performance on track reflects the passion and talents of the NISMO team. The GT-R NISMO will be special and I can't wait to drive it." said Ghosn.

Finally, Ghosn announced that at the 2014 Le Mans 24 Hours, Nissan would be racing with a “pioneering race car incorporating electric technology". The race car will be built by NISMO and will occupy a special section of the Le Mans grid reserved for innovative technologies, Garage 56.

“We will return to Le Mans with a vehicle that will act as a high-speed test bed in the harshest of environments for both our road car and race car electric vehicle technology,” said Ghosn.

Source: Nissan

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.comor you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

Nissan Launches New Era for NISMO as its Global Performance Car and Motorsports Brand

• Redeveloped global headquarters in Yokohama heralds new era for NISMO
  
• NISMO to create a range of affordable performance Nissan models from small cars to flagship sports cars
  
• Juke NISMO is the first, followed by new 2014 370Z NISMO
  
• New GT-R NISMO confirmed, the ultimate Nissan performance supercar
  
• Nissan’s global motorsports program to be managed by NISMO
  

YOKOHAMA, Japan – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today kicked off a new era for NISMO, confirming it as Nissan’s exclusive global performance car and motorsports brand and officially opening the new NISMO global headquarters and development center in Yokohama, Japan.

NISMO is already well-known to motorsports and performance car enthusiasts in Japan and to millions of global gaming enthusiasts. Now, NISMO is poised for accelerated global impact, enhancing Nissan’s reputation for innovation and excitement with a new line-up of sporty Nissan production vehicles.

In a special ceremony today, Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn declared the new headquarters open and explained how NISMO will play an even more prominent role for the company’s performance car and motorsports activities.

“NISMO will democratize performance and bring new excitement to the Nissan portfolio with a broader range of affordable and innovative performance models for more markets and more people,” said Mr. Ghosn. “Whether it’s a small car or a sports car, if it’s wearing the NISMO badge it offers something special – quality, functionality, and efficiency, with NISMO’s distinctive styling, sporty handling and dynamic performance capabilities.”

The first new Nissan production vehicle to get the NISMO treatment, the Juke NISMO, is already on sale in Europe and Japan and launches in the United States in the spring.

A new version of the 370Z NISMO for European markets is the next NISMO vehicle, which made its world debut earlier this month and builds on the platform of Nissan’s most popular and accessible sports car. The 370Z NISMO is now in its second generation in the U.S., with a revised 2014 370Z NISMO set for sale this summer.

Nissan is promising a rapid pace of introduction of even more NISMO models – at least one model every year during the Nissan Power88 period, encompassing the breadth of the Nissan model range. This will include the flagship of Nissan’s performance and technology efforts, the Nissan GT-R.

“It would be unthinkable for us to develop a range of NISMO road cars without including the GT-R,” said Mr. Ghosn. “The standard production model is a global supercar and the GT-R’s performance on track reflects the passion and talents of the NISMO team. The GT-R NISMO will be special and I can’t wait to drive it.”

A New Home for NISMO

Nissan has invested in an entirely new facility for NISMO’s operations, redeveloping a former production site to give it the resources for expanding beyond motorsports engineering to encompass performance car development alongside Nissan. The new headquarters facility allows the NISMO team to be co-located in one place, bringing together the functional areas for NISMO’s key activities and technical and competition expertise under one roof.

The 180-strong team is now located inside Nissan’s Powertrain Engineering complex. The workshop, engine shop, rooms for fabrication, grinding and carbon composite processes are consolidated into the same floor space along with the parts warehouse. A new larger showroom allows up to eight vehicles to be displayed, while the retail area is now almost twice the size of the previous store in the Omori factory.

“This is a great move for NISMO as we can now shift gears to operate more efficiently and expand the brand globally,” explained NISMO President Shoichi Miyatani.

“NISMO is a key element in Nissan’s future global vehicle and motorsports strategy and we will quickly establish it as Nissan’s exclusive performance brand,” he added. “This is the first time that all of our team has been located together, and the entire facility will become a hothouse of passion and performance.”

The NISMO Spirit

At the heart of each new NISMO model will be a consistent DNA focused on delivering quality, functionality, and efficiency in everyday driving with NISMO’s distinctive styling, sporty handling and dynamic performance capabilities.

Nissan’s new range of NISMO performance models will be built on the same production lines as their standard counterparts, which combined with inspiration taken from decades of racing and tuning expertise means that the NISMO brand ensures fully integrated performance enhancements.

Every modification NISMO makes to a production car will be functional and targeted to improve on-road performance and presence. The spirit of NISMO relies on its proud motorsports heritage and a maverick engineering philosophy. This spirit will be reflected in every new NISMO model with efficient performance, accessible and advanced technology, and bold, smart design, all of which embody Nissan’s philosophy of “innovation that excites.”

Connecting the Virtual with the Real

NISMO is known around the world by millions through the virtual world of driving simulation games. In fact, the first opportunity to drive a Nissan Juke NISMO was provided virtually through Gameloft’s Asphalt 7: Heat.

Now, at the same time as NISMO is moving from race track to road, it is also moving from the virtual world to the real world as, for the first time in many markets around the world, a range of affordable NISMO-badged cars will be available from Nissan dealers.

“For many would-be NISMO customers, the only way to experience a NISMO performance car has been through a game like Sony’s Gran Turismo® series,” said Simon Sproule, Nissan’s corporate vice president for Marketing and Communications. “Now we can bring them into the family of Nissan owners with exciting, real NISMO cars created by a dedicated and experienced team that is fully linked to the digital world and well aware of what these new customers are looking for in a performance road car.”

Performance for the Road and Track

The spirit and inspiration for NISMO started with a group of maverick Nissan engineers almost 50 years ago.

In their efforts to boost car sales through racing success, they shoehorned a powerful engine into an ordinary Nissan sedan to create the first of a legendary line of sporty road cars with the Nissan Skyline 2000GT. What came next was a run of highly successful competition and performance vehicles in Japan, culminating in the birth of NISMO itself in 1984.

With the digital generation, Nissan realized the power of the NISMO legend by working with game creators to create both real and virtual stars and expose a whole generation to the potential for tuning and winning in these cars. Last year alone, over 500 million virtual miles were driven in Nissan vehicles on Gran Turismo®5 for PlayStation®3.

Now, as NISMO accelerates to become a global performance car brand specializing in delivering affordable, exciting and innovative performance versions of Nissan cars, the lessons learned from almost half a century of racing can be applied consistently to give drivers a surprising and rewarding ownership experience.

NISMO Expands Role in Motorsports

NISMO’s new charter will also impact Nissan’s future motorsports activities, where it is expected to boldly enhance Nissan’s reputation for excitement and innovation. NISMO is taking on global responsibility for managing Nissan’s motorsports program, which includes top level competition in every region of the world.

“Nissan’s commitment to a variety of motorsports programs around the world from the Altima in the Australian V8 Supercars to Super GT in Japan continues, but we also intend to surprise people by exploring advanced forms of motorsports,” explained Miyatani. “Our spirit of pushing the boundaries even further helps us to raise awareness of NISMO around the world but, more importantly, it means we can transfer the lessons we learn into tangible benefits for our customers, whether for NISMO production cars, race cars or tuning parts.”

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

August 31, 2012

Around the same time the New York Auto Show was going on, Nissan released a commercial which had five new vehicles under white sheets.That commerical revealed the new Altima and said five new vehicles would be coming in next year or so. The second vehicle was the new Pathfinder which was revealed earlier this month. Now, Nissan has revealed a third model, the new Sentra.

The 2013 Sentra follows in the footsteps of the larger Altima, not in terms of design alone. The two share a similar profile and design cues which include a trapezoidal grille large wraparound headlights with LED accents, and LED taillamps out back. The two models also share a weight loss; the new Sentra drops about 150 lbs from the outgoing model.

Under the hood of the new Sentra is a new 1.8L DOHC four-cylinder engine producing 130 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque. The base Sentra has the option of a six-speed manual while the whole lineup come with the next generation Xtronic CVT. Nissan says this combination will get the Sentra fuel economy ratings of 30 City/39 Highway/34 combined. The highway number can go up to 40 when the Sentra is equipped with the FE package.

Inside, the Sentra makes some great strides from the outgoing model. There is a lot more soft-touch materials used throughout the interior and electroluminescent gauges are standard. Nissan has also increased the amount usable space in the vehicle. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, power windows and locks and a six-way manual driver’s seat. Higher-spec Sentras add dual-zone automatic climate control system, a 4.3-inch color display, and a Bose sound system.

The new Sentra arrives at Nissan dealers later in the fall.

Source: Nissan

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

All-New 2013 Nissan Sentra Moves Up in Style, Sophistication, Refinement and Range with Up to 40 MPG Highway and 34 MPG Combined Fuel Economy

Offers "Class-Above" Style, Premium Design Qualities and Best-in-Class* Combined Fuel Economy

• All-new lightweight design saves up to 150 pounds

• New 1.8-liter engine and next-generation Xtronic CVT® with sub-planetary gear for optimal performance and efficiency

• Best-in-class combined fuel economy of 34 MPG*

• Sophisticated new design with high-end details such as LED accented headlamps and taillamps

• Upscale interior craftsmanship and user-friendly technology

• Available NissanConnectSM with Navigation with Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant, POIs powered by Google™ and Google™ Send-to-Car functions

• On sale at Nissan dealers nationwide this fall

DALLAS (Aug. 31, 2012) – Nissan's all-new 2013 Sentra, unveiled here today, continues the brand's product onslaught as the third of five all-new vehicles being introduced in a 15-month period.

Like the recently unveiled Nissan Altima and Pathfinder, the redesign of Sentra focuses on class-above design standards inside and out, as well as efficiency in engineering. The new Sentra is 150 pounds – or five percent – lighter than the outgoing model, yet has slightly larger overall dimensions and more interior room. The lighter and more aerodynamic new Sentra allows Nissan to use a more fuel-efficient 1.8-liter engine, which along with the next generation Xtronic CVT® with sub-planetary gear helps deliver a 13 percent improvement in EPA combined fuel economy.

With the FE+ models, Sentra achieves up to 40 mpg on the highway. Other CVT-equipped models are rated at 39 mpg on the highway. All CVT models achieve a best-in-class* EPA rated 34 mpg combined (City and Highway).

"The 2013 Nissan Sentra is the most revolutionary design in the nameplate's 30-year history, a worthy addition to what is without question the most innovative, highest quality, highest value sedan lineup in Nissan history," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "With the complete redesign for 2013, Sentra is closer in look and feel to Altima than a typical compact sedan. Like Altima, the new Sentra offers best-in-segment attributes, such as high fuel economy and easy-to-use connectivity, that offer real customer value and convenience."

The new Sentra has a strong family resemblance to the recently introduced 2013 Nissan Altima, both in exterior and interior styling cues and its "class-above style" against competitive vehicles in the compact sedan segment.

Modern, Premium Design

Sentra's all-new design is elegant, modern and refined, reflecting a "professional" character targeted at upwardly bound buyers who aspire to drive something more premium than some of the other designs in the segment. It adopts Nissan's bold new signature trapezoid-shaped grille and large wraparound headlights with LED accents – the only sedan in the compact segment to offer them as standard equipment. In the rear, LED taillights are also standard, which complements the sophisticated styling.

Compared to the previous design, Sentra's beltline has been lowered and a new character line has been added that runs from the front fenders, along the sides, and finishes at the sculpted taillights and trunklid, giving the new Sentra a more aggressive stance and enhanced outward visibility for passengers. Other exterior features include chrome door handles and accents, available heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals, and available sport front and rear fascias and rear spoiler.

The 2013 Sentra is built on a new platform that is lighter than the previous design, contributing to the new model's more than 150-pound weight reduction. It also helps Sentra provide one of the largest interior volumes in class, along with ample rear seat legroom and enhanced trunk capacity.

Compared with the previous generation Sentra, the 2013 model offers a 0.6-inch longer wheelbase (106.3 inches) and a 2.3-inch longer overall length (182.1 inches). The front overhang is shorter and the rear overhang extended. It is slightly lower in height (-0.6 inches) and narrower in width (-1.2 inches) for enhanced aerodynamics, yet offers nearly identical total interior volume (111.0 cubic feet versus the previous 110.. The coefficient of drag has been significantly reduced to 0.29 from the previous 0.34.

"Sentra has long been known as one of the roomiest sedans in class and the latest iteration is no exception. The fine-tuning of its dimensions has created not only extremely well-balanced exterior proportions but enhanced rear seat legroom and created a larger, more usable trunk space," said Castignetti.

A Premium, Class-Above Interior

Sentra's sophisticated new look continues inside with a high-quality interior design with materials not usually found in compact vehicles, including soft-touch instrument panel and driver's door armrest, available leather-appointed seating and available Maple wood-tone trim. Along with offering mid-size roominess in a compact-size exterior, the intuitive interior layout emphasizes driver control and class-leading seat comfort for all occupants. The instrument panel curves out towards the doors and features Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges that are backlit even in daylight, providing a high-quality look that is also easy to read.

Rear seat legroom of 37.4 inches is among the largest in class and immediately apparent to occupants, even with the front seats in the rear-most position. The rear seat is a standard 60/40 split folding design, offering versatile access to the 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space (2.0 cubic feet larger than the 2012 Sentra trunk).

Standard interior features include 6-way manual driver's seat, 4-way manual front passenger's seat, front and rear door pockets, front center console with padded armrest and cupholders, rear seat armrest with cupholders, air conditioning with in-cabin microfilter, tilt and telescopic steering column, power windows with driver's one-touch auto up/down with auto reverse, power door locks with auto-locking feature, two auxiliary 12-volt power outlets, remote keyless entry and remote trunk and fuel-filler door releases.

A new Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) system is offered for the first time with Sentra, allowing the driver or front passengers to set their own individual temperature settings.

The standard audio system is an AM/FM/CD system with four speakers. Other available systems include a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD system with 4.3-inch color display, USB connection for iPod® and other compatible devices; and a Bose® Premium audio system with eight speakers and an amplifier that has been specially tuned to either the cloth or leather interior for best performance.

Also available is SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately) and Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System.

"Nowhere is the new Sentra's 'class-above' style more evident than in the interior. You notice it the minute you sit in the roomy, comfortable seats and when you touch the high quality materials. And when driving you notice the extra attention paid to isolating noise, vibration and harshness from entering the cabin," said Castignetti. "And that's before you even get into the various advanced technology features that you usually don't expect in a compact sedan segment vehicle."

NissanConnectSM with Navigation and Other Clever Technology

Like the new Altima, the 2013 Sentra offers a major step forward in technology that helps owners stay connected. An all-new version of the Nissan Navigation system is available. NissanConnectSM with Navigation includes a Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant that reads incoming text messages and allows drivers to reply without taking their hands off of the steering wheel.

The system also offers Pandora® radio capability, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth® and a large 5.8-inch touch-screen display. The Navigation System includes NavTraffic and NavWeather functions (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), along with POIs powered by Google™ and Google™ Send-to-Car functions. The Navigation's map views now features warnings for curves and speed limit information.

Other available technology ranges from the RearView Monitor and Nissan Intelligent Key® with illuminated push-button ignition switch to the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with Easy Fill Tire Alert feature. If air is being added or removed from a tire, the system signals the user when the recommended tire pressure has been reached by sounding the horn.

New 1.8-liter Engine and Advanced CVT

As expected from a ground-up redesign, the new Sentra features an all-new engine and CVT transmission. Now displacing 1.8-liters, Sentra's advanced DOHC 4-cyinder engine offers a longer stroke than typical engines in its class, resulting in improved combustion speed and efficiency. The engine is equipped with a twin Continuously Variable Timing Control (CVTC) system which modulates both the intake and exhaust valve opening time (similar to that used on the flagship Nissan Maxima).

The engine's internal friction has been reduced, improving efficiency. The DLC creates about half the friction of previous coatings. In addition, the valve springs are shaped similar to a beehive, with a smaller diameter towards the top – reducing inertia weight, improving valvetrain efficiency and smoothing engine operation. The engine is rated at 130 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque.

The new engine is matched with a new-generation Xtronic CVT® (a 6-speed manual is available in the base Sentra S model). The new CVT features a host of enhancements (versus the previous CVT) that contribute to an improvement in fuel efficiency and lower vehicle weight. It also offers a wider gear ratio of 7.3:1 through use of a sub-planetary gear and smaller pulleys, resulting in high-speed fuel efficiency at low rpm and responsive acceleration. Fuel economy is rated at 30 miles per gallon City, 39 miles per gallon Highway and a class-leading 34 miles per gallon combined with the CVT*.

"In the race for fuel economy bragging rights sometimes what gets lost in the mix is drivability. Sentra's new engine and advanced CVT design are perfectly matched to provide the best of both mpg and driving enjoyment – smooth, quiet and efficient operation around town or highway cruising, responsive acceleration and excellent mpg and driving range," said Castignetti.

The new Sentra also features an independent strut front suspension with stabilizer bar, torsion beam rear axle with integrated stabilizer bar, power-assisted vented front disc/rear drum braking system (4-wheel disc brakes are available), and vehicle-speed-sensitive electric power steering. Available wheels and tires include 16-inch steel wheels with full covers with 205/55R16 size all-season tires or 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 205/50R17 all-season tires.

In addition to the Sentra S model's long list of standard features, Sentra SV models add cruise control, two additional speakers, illuminated steering wheel audio controls, vehicle security system and premium cloth seating and door trim.

The Sentra SR adds a sportier appearance, starting with 17-inch forked 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels, sport front and rear fascias, sport front grille, lower body side sill extensions, rear spoiler with integrated LED brake light, fog lights and chrome exhaust tip finisher. Inside, the Sentra SR includes sport silver interior trim, premium sport cloth seats and driver's seatback pocket.

The top-of-the-line Sentra SL adds 17-inch split 7-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels, Smart Auto headlights, fog lights, heated outside mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, Nissan Intelligent Key®, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, 6-speaker audio system with 4.3-inch display, and Sirius XM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately).

Additional Sentra SL equipment includes leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever knob, Maple wood-tone trim, Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control (ATC), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with Easy Fill Tire Alert and more.

A Range of Well-Equipped Models

The 2013 Nissan Sentra is offered in a selection of well-equipped S, FE+ S, SV, FE+ SV, SR and SL trim levels. All models come with standard Xtronic CVT®, except the base Sentra S that is available with a choice of 6-speed manual or CVT.

The NissanConnectSM with Navigation system, leather-appointed seats, heated front seats, rear disc brakes, power sliding glass moonroof and RearView Monitor are among the additional features available with the various equipment packages.

"From front LED accents to rear LED taillights and every inch in between, the all-new 2013 Sentra serves notice to compact sedan buyers that the Sentra is stepping up in style and stepping up in desirability," said Castignetti. "In what has become one of the most competitive segments in the industry, Sentra is ready to take on all comers."

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

August 3, 2012

Nissan has finally revealed the new Pathfinder, which will be arriving at Nissan dealers later in the fall.

The new Pathfinder says goodbye to its truck-based platform and uses a unibody platform. The new platform, shared with the Infiniti JX crossover, helps the new Pathfinder drop 500 lbs and deliver a better ride. Some will cry and moan at the loss of the go anywhere attitude of the previous Pathfinder, but Nissan is ok with this.

"The majority of our customers just don't go off road," says Tom Smith, director of SUV marketing at Nissan. "They're concerned with gas mileage, all-weather capabilities and having enough space for their families."

Powering the new Pathfinder is a 3.5-liter DOHC V6 producing 260 HP and hooked up to Nissan's Xtronic CVT. The powertrain delivers fuel economy numbers of 20 City/26 Highway/22 Combined for the FWD model, and 19 City/25 Highway/21 Combined for the AWD model. Also, the Pathfinder is rated to tow 5,000 lbs.

Inside, the Pathfinder will still seat seven people. Also, the Pathfinder will come with a a flexible seating system that allows you to move the second-row seat forward while a child-safety seat is installed. Other features for the new Pathfinder include a dual-panel moonroof that extends to the third row, Around View Monitor camera system, and much more.

Nissan isn't saying the base price for the Pathfinder, but says it should start around $28,000.

Press Release is on Page 2

2013 Nissan Pathfinder Gallery:

NISSAN LAUNCHES REINVENTED 2013 PATHFINDER –MORE STYLE, COMFORT, ROOM, INNOVATION AND

BEST-IN-CLASS FUEL ECONOMY

• 500-pound weight reduction from 2012 Pathfinder, aerodynamic design, new powertrain delivers 30 percent fuel economy improvement over last generation
  
• Best-in-class city, highway and combined fuel economy of 20/26//22 MPG*
  
• Most interior passenger volume, front headroom and legroom in class**
  
• Highest standard towing capacity in class**
  
• On sale at Nissan dealers nationwide this fall
  

NEW YORK/DETROIT (Aug. 3, 2012) – Nissan today unleashed the all-new 2013 Pathfinder SUV, a complete makeover featuring a sleek, aerodynamically styled exterior, a premium interior, class-exclusive user-friendly technology and a new unibody platform and advanced drivetrain that helps it achieve best-in-class fuel economy while maintaining class-lead towing and off-pavement capabilities.

The all-new vehicle design sheds 500 pounds of mass compared to the outgoing model yet maintains the Pathfinder’s SUV-ruggedness while delivering up to 26 miles per gallon on the highway. With its blend of capability, including class-leading standard towing capacity of 5000 pounds, and modern amenities, such as a class-exclusive Around View™ Monitor, the 2013 Pathfinder is the next-generation SUV.

“Unveiling our next-generation Pathfinder is a major follow-up to the introduction of the all-new Altima sedan,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. “With its bold new design, best-in-class fuel economy and family adventure capabilities, our dealers can’t wait to share this new model with customers in their showrooms.”

The 2013 Pathfinder’s fuel economy has improved more than 30 percent over that of the 2012 Pathfinder. Both the FWD and 4WD 2013 Pathfinder models lead their segments in fuel economy across the board.

City, highway and combined average fuel economy numbers are 20 (City), 26 (Highway) and 22 (Combined) mpg for the FWD version and 19 (City), 25 (Highway) and 21 (Combined) mpg for the 4WD version. This significant increase over both the outgoing model’s fuel economy as well as that of the competition was achieved primarily through a new, aerodynamic vehicle design, 500 pounds of weight reduction, reduced engine friction and the application of a class-exclusive, next generation Xtronic CVT^®.

Also playing a significant role in the Pathfinder’s excellent fuel economy is the fact that it is now one of the lightest vehicles in its segment, with the FWD model tipping the scales at a mere 4149 pounds. Even the 4WD Pathfinder weighs only 4290 pounds.

Nissan teased the new Pathfinder earlier this year, showing a concept exterior design model in January. Today marks the first official look at the production model, which goes on sale nationwide this fall.

New Chassis Meets Consumer Shift

Truck-based SUV sales peaked in the mid-2000s and have declined steadily as consumer demands shifted to more refined, fuel efficient crossover SUVs. The 2013 Pathfinder is built with unibody construction, vastly reducing its weight by eliminating the fuel-penalizing mass of a traditional SUV’s truck-based frame. In addition to making the Pathfinder a lighter vehicle, the new unibody chassis design increases Pathfinder’s structural rigidity over the previous model. This improves ride and handling, while reducing overall noise, vibration and harshness, delivering an outstanding mix of responsiveness, refinement and ride comfort. The Pathfinder’s rigid platform is also key to maintaining the trailer-towing capability expected from an SUV – the vehicle has a standard towing capacity of 5000 pounds, which is the best standard towing capacity in the segment.**

“It’s no secret that the industry has shifted as gas prices have increased,” says Al Castignetti. “But while traditional SUV customers are looking for improved fuel economy, they still demand a vehicle that can do all the things they need, like carrying seven people, towing, and providing the surefootedness in all conditions of a four-wheel drive.”

Weight reduction is one of the key components in Nissan’s drive to improving vehicle performance across the board. The just-introduced all-new Nissan Altima also is the lightest vehicle in its class.

Bold Design

Pathfinder’s design conveys modernity while paying homage to the three generations of Pathfinders before it. The new unibody platform provided the designers an opportunity to create a more aerodynamic exterior without compromising headroom or cargo capacity. In fact, the new Pathfinder has more interior space than the previous model thanks to more efficient packaging.

Moving upscale in appearance, the new exterior styling presents a smart fusion of signature Nissan styling cues and dynamic strength. The look is adventure-ready with wheel-oriented muscular fenders and a strong, stable stance.

The upper body features an open cabin with a low beltline and thin A- and D-pillars, which flow smoothly into the rugged, durable-looking lower body. Pathfinder’s design incorporates front and rear spoilers, rear tire deflectors and rear suspension fairings to help achieve what is expected to be among the best aerodynamic performances in the segment. Other exterior details include a wide chrome grille and large aerodynamic headlights, recessed front windshield wipers, chrome door handles and large rear combination lights.

A panoramic dual-panel moonroof, with sliding opening front panel and fixed rear glass panel which extends over the 2^nd and 3^rd rows, combines with the large windows to create an open, airy interior environment.

“With its new aerodynamic shape, the styling is a major step forward in the evolution of the SUV – retaining its people and cargo hauling utility without looking quite so utilitarian,” said Castignetti. “It’s fitting that a vehicle that tackles adventures in a whole new way also now looks the part.”

Interior

Pathfinder’s all-new interior design features versatile and comfortable seating as well as premium materials and advanced technology. The vehicle seats seven passengers comfortably, and is best-in-class in terms of front headroom, front leg room and overall passenger volume. Additionally, Pathfinder is now the only vehicle in the segment with a 3^rd row seat recline.

The new Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display, located in the center of the instrument display between the tachometer and speedometer, features a 4-inch color display that is customizable, easy-to-use and integrates key information right in front of the driver. A separate touch-screen monitor, mounted in the middle of the instrument panel, provides intuitive interaction and control of the available navigation system and other vehicle systems and settings.

Technology and Innovation

The all-new Pathfinder also features EZ Flex Seating System™ with LATCH AND GLIDE™. LATCH AND GLIDE™ is an industry first 2^nd row tip-up seat for use with a child safety seat, which also provides easy access to the 3^rd row while keeping the child seat securely fastened. The 2^nd row also features a 60/40 split-fold seating with a segment best 5.5 inches of seat travel. Class-exclusive features include Easy Fill Tire Alert and the segment-first availability of an Around View™ Monitor.

Other available amenities include leather-appointed seating, heated steering wheel, heated and cooled front seats, programmable Nissan Intelligent Key^®, Nissan Navigation System, Bluetooth^® Hands-free Phone System, 13-speaker Bose^® Premium Audio system, Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), Dual-Zone Climate Control, RearView Monitor, remote engine start and tri-zone entertainment system.

New Powertrain

All 2013 Pathfinders come equipped with an advanced 260-horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine matched with a next-generation Xtronic CVT^® (Continuously Variable Transmission). It is also the only vehicle in class with selectable 2WD, Auto or 4WD modes for the available intuitive ALL-MODE 4x4-i system. The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder will be offered in 4x4 and 4x2 drive configurations and in four models – S, SV, SL and Platinum.

Pricing and Additional Details

Pricing on all models will be announced closer to the fall on-sale date. Additional information is available at https://www.facebook...issanpathfinder and https://twitter.com/nissanpathfindr.

Manufacturing

Pathfinder is assembled at Nissan’s Smyrna assembly plant in Smyrna, Tennessee. The 3.5-liter V-6 engine is assembled at the company’s Decherd, Tennessee powertrain plant.

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

April 23, 2012

Starting with the new 2013 Altima, Nissan will be launching five all-new products in the U.S. over the next 15 months. Product #3 is the all new Sentra which will be released later this year.

Nissan released a teaser picture and video of the new Sentra today. What we can see on the picture and video is the new Sentra will share a lot in common with the new Altima. The front will get Nissan's new grill seen on the Altima and Versa, new fog lights, and LED-accented headlights. The back end sees a new more prominent deck lid and LED-accented taillights.

Press Release is on Page 2

Nissan North America Product Blitz Continues With All-New Sentra Sedan Coming Later This Year

On the heels of the Beijing Motor Show, at which Nissan Motor Company unveiled an all-new global sedan, Nissan North America (NNA) announced that this new model will be the basis for an all-new 2013 Nissan Sentra. In conjunction with the announcement, Nissan released teaser video clips and images of the North American market's uniquely styled 2013 Sentra SR. The all-new Sentra will be unveiled in the United States later this summer and go on sale in the fall.

"Sentra is the third of five all-new core models we'll be introducing in a 15-month product onslaught," said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, NNA. "The all-new Altima goes on sale this summer and will be followed closely by the all-new Pathfinder and Sentra. And when the next two new models launch in 2013, we will have refreshed 75 percent of our volume, rewarding our loyal owners and attracting new customers into Nissan showrooms."

The all-new 2013 Sentra will be launched as the nameplate celebrates its 30th anniversary in the U.S., promising to bring a new level of refinement and innovation to the segment. Nissan will unveil the Sentra and release more details about it this summer

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

March 20, 2012

Earlier this month, The Nikkei reported that Nissan would bring back the Datsun brand. The brand would be made up of entry-level and low-cost vehicles for the emerging markets. At the time, Nissan declined to comment on The Nikkei's report.

Now, Nissan is confirming the return of Datsun. Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn told the media yesterday that Datsun would be returning as Nissan's third brand. Datsun vehicles will offer buyers inexpensive, fuel-efficient vehicles with loads of content.

Nissan also confirmed that Datsun will be for emerging markets, with India, Indonesia, and Russia being the first to get Datsun vehicles in 2014.

Press Release in on Page 2

- Carlos Ghosn details Indonesian investment and the launch of Datsun -

• Production capacity to grow to 250,000 by 2014
  
• 33 billion Japanese yen investment
  
• Nissan strongly supports Indonesia's green car program
  
• Return of the Datsun brand
  

JAKARTA (20 March 2012) -- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced measures to strengthen its production base and sales presence in Indonesia. Total capacity will increase to 250,000 annually by 2014, with the workforce expanding to 3,300, and sales outlets are planned to increase to 150 by 2015.

On March 19, CEO Carlos Ghosn met Indonesia president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and reiterated Nissan's commitment to the nation's motorization.

"Nissan is bringing new jobs and new vehicles to Indonesia," said Ghosn. "We are going to expand our production capability and offer a new and exciting product line here."

The new plan announced today will make Nissan's Cikampek site, located 80 kilometers outside of Jakarta, one of the largest production facilities in the ASEAN region for Nissan.

In 2011, 890,000 vehicles were sold in Indonesia, for the first time making the nation ASEAN's largest car market. Nissan is in line to achieve its sales objectives of 60,000 units for fiscal year 2011. Indonesia total industry volume is estimated to increase nearly double by 2017 compared to 2010, largely driven by the introduction of the Green Car program now being drafted by the Indonesian government. Nissan strongly supports the program and looks forward to its speedy ratification.

While talking to the media, Ghosn announced the return of the Datsun brand, Nissan's third global brand, alongside Nissan and Infiniti. Datsun will provide sustainable motoring experience to optimistic up-and-coming customers in high-growth markets. Datsun represents 80 years of accumulated Japanese carmaking expertise and is a important part of Nissa

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

March 1, 2012

Nissan is taking a page out of the Volkswagen playbook with their announcement of a new modular platform.

Called the Common Module Family (CMF) architecture, Nissan says the platform will allow the company to share up to 80 percent of parts between all new Nissan vehicles. CMF is comprised of four distinct components to each vehicle: the engine compartment, front chassis/sub frame, the cabin, and the rear chassis. Each has its own options to build minivans, SUVs, sedans, or hatchbacks.

Besides helping Nissan reduce costs and manufacturing complexities, the move will allow the company to launch new vehicles more quickly, and spread new technologies throughout its product line.

Nissan says the platform will premiere in 2013.

Press Release is on Page 2

Nissan Unveils ‘Nissan CMF’ Next-generation Vehicle Engineering

- 4+1 Big Module Concept -

YOKOHAMA, Japan -

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the introduction of its next-generation vehicle engineering concept, named Nissan Common Module Family (CMF). Nissan vehicles developed under the CMF strategy are slated to enter the marketplace from 2013.

In vehicle development, cost reductions are fundamental to maintaining product competitiveness amid the increasing calls for environmental and safety improvements that often increase costs. In response to the corresponding challenges, Nissan created CMF, which combines modular engineering with Nissan's own engineering technologies, in areas such as simulation and variation engineering (a way to enhance commonization) and the pursuit of simplicity. Through the introduction of CMF, Nissan expects to dramatically raise the appeal of its products and thereby significantly expand sales volume.

Nissan has long been promoting vehicle platform commonization, with several vehicle variations derived from a single platform. This has become critical to achieving the rapid improvements in products demanded by today's competitive global marketplace. Each new vehicle that is developed requires distinctive characteristics, improved fuel economy, passenger safety and IT features, and the rapid application of the latest technologies into the development process. At the same time, volume efficiencies need to be achieved through the extensive use of common vehicle structures, components and parts. Up to now, these contrasting elements have been difficult to balance. To contend with these challenges, Nissan is implementing its next-generation "Nissan CMF" vehicle engineering strategy.

The application of Nissan CMF entails the use of four modules - engine compartment, cockpit, front underbody and rear underbody - as well as the architecture for electronic components, with each module having appropriate variations. Vehicles are designed by combining these modules in different ways. Depending on the module configuration, a variety of vehicles - compacts, large-sized vehicles through to tall SUVs - can be efficiently designed.

Nissan has committed to introducing 90 new technologies by 2016. The launch of Nissan CMF will enable commonization that transcends vehicle segments, lower costs, and facilitate the simultaneous application of attractive new technologies across several models that up to now had been clustered in higher-end segments. Nissan CMF will bring new technologies to a wider range of Nissan owners around the world faster than ever before.

Nissan will introduce 51 new models over the course of its mid-term business plan, Nissan Power 88, to offer more attractive and competitive products to potential customers all over the world.

Nissan rolled out another Juke concept in time for the Tokyo Motor Show. Though not as crazy as the Juke GT-R, the Juke Nismo does come with some goodies. Nissan's performance division has added a stiffer suspension, new 19-inch alloy wheels, tuned the 1.6L DI turbocharged four-cylinder, new body parts, new seats, and a pearl white exterior paint job with red highlights.

But the Juke Nismo concept also signals a change at Nismo. Nissan announced today that it will expand its lineup of Nismo models, parts and accessories and move to a new global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan in 2013.

"We aim to bring Nismo's passion and focus on driving excitement to mainstream models and the Juke Nismo Concept shows what we can do," said Nissan president and CEO, Carlos Ghosn.

Currently, Nismo activities have "been restricted to halo performance cars like the Z series in a small number of markets," the automaker said in a statement. "That is about to change."

Press Releases are on Page 2

NISSAN REVEALS JUKE NISMO CONCEPT IN TOKYO

Lower, faster and visually even more dramatic, Nismo know-how redefines the Nissan Juke

TOKYO, Japan -

• Nissan Juke Nismo Concept gives first glimpse of Nismo's future
  
• Purpose-designed body kit enhances looks and aerodynamic efficiency
  
• More power from tuned engine
  
• Stiffer chassis and larger tyres for even better handling
  
• Distinctive sporting interior treatment
  
• Finished in Nismo signature colours
  

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd will reveal a bold new future for its Nismo performance arm. One of the undoubted stars of the Tokyo Motor Show will be the Nissan Juke Nismo, an idea of how a premium sports version of the hugely successful compact crossover could look.

With its distinctive styling Nissan Juke has redefined the highly competitive B-segment, but the Juke Nismo Concept is even more dramatic. It's lower, wider and has a tougher stance. Even standing still, it's clearly a performance car.

Aimed at a car-loving audience looking for a car that reflects an edgy personality, Juke Nismo Concept magnifies the standard car's unique mix of compact car agility, coupé-like responses and SUV strength.

"The global sales success of Nissan Juke has proved beyond doubt that customers are looking for something different," said Andy Palmer, Executive Vice President, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. "The Juke Nismo Concept takes that idea to the next level. It's energetic, distinctive and highly desirable."

Finished in signature Nismo colours of pearl white with red highlights, the Juke Nismo Concept wears a body kit created by Nismo's aerodynamic specialists whose skill has been honed perfecting racecar bodywork.

And as on a racecar, the Juke Nismo Concept body kit is designed not just to look good, but also to be dynamically highly efficient. New parts include revised lower bumpers front and rear, wider fenders and sill side skirts.

The grille pattern has been changed while the tailgate spoiler has been modified by the addition of side elements to control airflow more efficiently. Even the shape of the door mirrors has been altered to enhance the car's aerodynamic performance and reduce front and rear lift without increasing drag.

This reduction in lift means the contact patch of the tyres has been increased to improve grip, which is further enhanced by the arrival of stylish new 19-inch alloy wheels.

Naturally the Nismo treatment extends to the chassis which has been lowered and stiffened using proprietary parts of the sort that will be available from the expanded Nismo's parts catalogue, while the 1.6-litre direct injection turbo gasoline engine has been uprated to deliver more power and performance.

And Nismo touches can also be found in the interior of the Concept, where parts that interact with the driver's sense of sight, sound, look and feel -­ such as the steering wheel, pedals, gauges, shifter knob and door trims - have been redesigned to provide greater involvement when driving. Further underlining the performance aspects of the car, special leather-trimmed bucket seats have been added while the importance of the tachometer means the dial and needle are illuminated in red.

A feeling of enhanced sporting quality in the cockpit can be attributed to a matt effect applied to previously reflective surfaces, while the dramatic centre console - shaped to resemble a motorcycle fuel tank - has been given a metallic coating to enhance the purposeful feeling of the Concept.

"As the Concept shows, Nismo brings new levels of individuality to mainstream Nissan cars like Juke. The future for Nismo is to develop premium sports designs for an ever-widening range of customers," said Nismo President, Shoichi Miyatani.

"Our forthcoming range of cars will be just as accessible and innovative as every Nissan product, but with added Nismo energy they will be even more fun to own and drive," he added.

NISMO PERFORMANCE ROAD CAR STRATEGY REVEALED

Legendary international motorsport division Nismo to apply its performance expertise to Nissan product range

TOKYO, Japan -

• Major growth planned for Nissan's performance arm
  
• Nismo-tuned examples of mainstream models promised
  
• Nissan Juke Nismo Concept shows what the future might bring
  
• Wider range of after sales performance parts to be developed
  
• New global HQ due to open in 2013
  
• Highly successful motorsport campaign in 2011
  

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd has announced a major expansion programme that will see Nismo, the company's legendary performance arm, applying tuning and performance expertise learned on the racetrack to Nissan road cars.

This ambitious expansion programme will see the Nismo name become synonymous with performance and premium sports variants of mainstream Nissan models.

"Nismo adds even more excitement and innovation to Nissan products. We now plan to inject that style and excitement into other models in the Nissan range," says Shoichi Miyatani, President of Nismo.

As an indication of what the future might hold, one of the highlights of the Nissan stand at the show is the Juke Nismo Concept, a high performance version of Nissan's genre-creating compact crossover. Finished in Nismo's signature colour scheme of pearl white with subtle red highlights, the Concept boasts performance tuning for the suspension, more power from the 1.6-litre direct injection turbo engine and a stylish yet functional aerodynamic body kit.

Nismo - the name is derived from Nissan Motorsports International Co., Ltd - has long been a highly respected performer on the race tracks of the world.

In 2011, Nismo-developed Nissan GT-R racecars won the Drivers' and Team titles in Japan's SUPER GT championship and also took the Drivers' title in the FIA GT1 World Championship. Nismo-developed engines won their class in the Le Mans 24 Hours and the company has also developed the remarkable trail-blazing LEAF Nismo RC, the world's first all-electric racing car. Its arrival heralds a new era of eco-friendly motor sport.

But the company's road car activities have, until now, been restricted to halo performance cars like the Z series in a small number of markets. That is about to change.

"Nismo has carved out an enviable reputation in motor racing," said Carlos Ghosn, Nissan President and CEO. In fact, in 2011, Nismo cars and engines won in every category they competed in... the first time we have achieved this milestone.

"The time is now right to let ordinary drivers experience what our racing drivers enjoy every time they head out onto the track. We aim to bring Nismo's passion and focus on driving excitement to mainstream models, and the Juke Nismo Concept shows what we can do," said Mr Ghosn.

As well as producing complete performance versions of Nissan models, the company plans to expand its range of performance parts and accessories while another element of the expansion programme will see Nismo relocate to an all-new purpose designed global headquarters in Tsurumi, Yokohama at the start of 2013.

By bringing all Nismo's activities under one roof, the move will create a global centre of excellence for race and performance road car development. As well as a race shop, the centre will have a large maintenance area for service work, a heritage area where famous Nismo race and road cars will be displayed and a specialist store - the Omori Factory, named after Nismo's current base - where customers can buy performance parts and items from the Nismo Collection.

The larger site will also have ample space to hold more of the popular Nismo events for fans. The annual Nismo Festival, for example, attracts more than 30,000 fans ready to celebrate the company's racing heritage and achievements.

About Nismo

Nissan Motorsports International Co., Ltd (Nismo) was established in 1984 primarily to look after Nissan's motor sport activities. Nismo currently operates at the highest levels of GT and sports car racing, including Japan's domestic SUPER GT series as well as global campaigns in the FIA GT1 World Championship, the Le Mans 24 Hours, the Le Mans series and the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup (ILMC).

In 2011, Nismo-developed Nissan GT-R racecars won the driver's and team titles in SUPER GT and the drivers' title in the FIA GT1 World Championship, while Nismo-developed engines won LMP2 class at the Le Mans 24 Hours, and took LMP2 class titles in the ILMC and Le Mans Series. Nismo also won the driver and the team titles in the National class of the All-Japan Formula 3 championship.

Nismo connects with its supporters through the hugely-popular Nismo Festival, drawing upwards of 30,000 fans to its annual year-end extravaganza. The festival represents "Nissan Racing DNA" and features the cars and stars from Nissan's sporting past, as well as examples of its current racecars.

NISSAN ANNOUNCES NEW NV PASSENGER VAN WITH ENHANCED USABILITY, SAFETY AND COMFORT; SET TO DEBUT IN SPRING 2012