Rides : 2014 Nissan GT-R squeaks in under $100k*, Murano CrossCabriolet priced, too

Another year, another price hike for the ridiculously awesome Nissan GT-R. When the GT-R was introduced for the 2008 model year, it had a starting price of $69,850, increasing steadily each year up to $96,820 for 2013, and now Nissan has announced that the 2014 GT-R will have a base sticker price of $99,590 (*not including the destination charge, which has not been announced yet).

More than just a simple price hike, the 2014 GT-R gets some upgrades, continuing the model's other longstanding tradition – continuous improvement. While there has been no increase in power, Nissan says the 545-horsepower, twin-turbo V6 now has better response in its mid- and upper-rpm ranges. Nissan has also improved the car's handling, giving it different shock absorbers, springs and a reworked front anti-roll bar, along with "increased body rigidity," though it doesn't specify how the latter is accomplished. The changes are said to lower the coupe's center of gravity and further improve its (already spectacular) handling. A few styling tweaks include the addition of a Premium Interior Package offering hand-stitched red leather seats, a color pattern for the steering wheel on the $109,300 GT-R Black Edition and an engraved aluminum plate showing the owner who built their car's engine.

Along with the announcement of the 2014 GT-R, Nissan also released details for the 2014 Murano CrossCabriolet. The big – but not surprising – news is that Nissan has lowered the price of its slow-selling crossover convertible to $41,995, representing a price drop of just over $2,500. Aside from price, model year changes include two new exterior colors and redesigned 20-inch wheels.

Scroll down for the press release for both the GT-R and the Murano CrossCab.

 

 

Press Release

• GT-R Premium $99,590 USD
• GT-R Black Edition $109,300 USD

The Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet, now in its fourth model year, features a unique combination of open-air motoring in an all-wheel drive crossover. For 2014, the MSRP has been lowered by $2,545 USD. Enhancements include a revised exterior color palette and a new 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheel design.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) for the 2014 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet include:

• Murano CrossCabriolet AWD $41,995 USD

About the 2014 Nissan GT-R
Following performance enhancement last year that upped the horsepower and torque of the GT-R's advanced VR38DETT 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 to 545 hp and 463 lb-ft of torque, the development and refinement of Nissan's legendry supercar continues for the 2014 model year.

Among the notable modifications are improved engine response in the mid- and upper-rpm ranges, increased body rigidity and specification changes to the shock absorbers, front anti-roll bar and springs that result in a lower center of gravity. The result is improved high-speed handling and more refined ride comfort. As in previous years the GT-R engine is hand-assembled in a special clean room – for 2014 an aluminum nameplate is added to each engine showing the name of the individual engine builder.

Other changes include the addition of a new Premium Interior Package, which features hand-stitched Amber Red semi-aniline leather appointments (front seats only). A new red-accented steering wheel is added to Black Edition models.

The interior again features sculpted performance bucket seats for an optimal driving position and a cockpit-style instrument panel with a large center-mounted tachometer and multi-function display – which includes mechanical and driving information, as well as an on-board driving recorder. A specially designed 11-speaker Bose® sound system – which provides sound quality suitable for a supercar, is standard – along with a RearView Monitor.

The 2014 Nissan GT-R is offered in two models – GT-R Premium and the GT-R Black Edition with special lightweight black aluminum forged RAYS® wheels, unique red and black interior, Recaro® leather-appointed seats and a unique dry carbon fiber rear spoiler.

About the 2014 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
The 2014 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet continues to provide a unique, all-season perspective on driving as the world's first all-wheel drive crossover convertible. The Murano CrossCabriolet's designers rethought the convertible experience by rethinking the trunk – giving it an extraordinarily engineered, fully automatic cloth convertible top that folds to about the size of a 2-seat roadster top. As a result, there's ample room for four adults and plenty of cargo space with the top up or down.

Two new exterior colors are offered: Midnight Garnet and Gun Metallic, along with carryover colors Super Black and Pearl White. The standard 20-inch split 5-spoke titanium finish aluminum-alloy wheels have also been redesigned.

Inside, the luxurious interior starts with the foundation of the top-of-the-line Murano LE AWD and takes it to the next level of standard features and convenience. Premium materials are used throughout, with standard leather-appointed seats, unique wood-tone trim tuned to match each of three available interior colors (Black, Cashmere and Camel), and available premium double-stitched pattern leather-appointed seating. Every CrossCabriolet also comes with standard Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, Bose® premium audio system, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately) and RearView Monitor. An advanced Nissan Navigation System with NavTraffic Real-Time Traffic Information (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), Bluetooth® Streaming Audio, Voice Recognition and 7-inch VGA touch screen is also available.

The Murano CrossCabriolet shares its drivetrain with the hardtop Murano – starting with the proven "D" platform and standard 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 producing 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a second-generation Xtronic CVT® with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) for sporty response and smoothness. All 2013 Murano CrossCabriolets include Nissan's intuitive all-wheel drive system.

Standard safety features include the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual stage supplemental front air bags, front seat side-impact supplemental air bags, door-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags, front seat Active Head Restraints, and Dual Pop-up Roll Bars for rear passengers.

About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, design, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010 and has been recognized as a 2010 and 2011 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information about Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.Infiniti.com.

With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of fuel-efficient and low-emissions vehicles under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades including the prestigious 2011 European Car of the Year award.

For more information on our products, services and commitment to Sustainable Mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.

About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 248,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4.8 million vehicles in 2011, generating revenue of 9.4 trillion yen ($118.95 billion US). With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of 64 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero-emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades, including the prestigious 2011-2012 Car of the Year Japan and 2011 World Car of the Year awards.

 

Credit : Autoblog

Rides : Check Out the 2013 Nissan 370Z Nismo

The Nissan 370Z Nismo Coupe is the second model in the series of Nismo hot vehicles and the version is getting some interesting upgrades.

According to the company, the Nissan 370Z Nismo is coming with a new body kit, which has been designed to be aerodynamic instead of being attractive and, with high speeds on their mind, engineers have managed to upgrade the model in order to produce as much downforce as the GT-R. Just like the Juke Nismo, the 370Z Nismo is coming with new front and rear bumpers, with lower side sills, a large rear spoiler, a diffuser and bigger exhaust pipes, amongst others.
The engine of the Nissan 370Z Nismo hasn’t been left aside either and this is now producing a total output of 339 BHP from the same 3.7 liter V6, which means an extra 16 BHP compared to the standard car. The 0 to 100 km/h is now done in 5.2 seconds, 0.1 seconds faster than the standard version. The interior design of the model has received an Alcantara wrapped steering wheel, the Nismo logos, sculpted sports seats and more. Additional details on the model remain limited for the moment.

Rides : Recall - 2012-2013 Nissan Altima

The Japanese based automaker Nissan has recently announced a recall for the 2012-2013 Altima models because of a problem with some bolts which could become loose and fall out.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 13,919 units of the 2012-2013 Nissan Altima models will be affected by this recall and their owners will have to drive them back to the dealers because of some bolts which could become loose and fall out. If this happens, a possible loss of vehicle control might “step in” increasing the risk of a crash.

“These vehicles may have been equipped with transverse link bolts and power steering rack bolts that were not torqued to proper specification. The affected bolts could become loose and fall out which may lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash”, said the NHTSA in its recalls summary of the problem.

The NHTSA is saying that the affected Nissan Altima models have been produced between the 10th of May, 2012 and the 26th of July, 2012. No other Nissan or Infiniti models are being affected by this recall, which is expected to begin on the 29th of October. Owners are being advised to contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Rides : 2013 Nissan Altima: The Ultimate Proposal Machine?

Paris, Hawaii, Las Vegas, a Mediterranean cruise, the scene of your first date and that heinously expensive restaurant – these are legendary places to propose. And now you can add Nissan's Proving Grounds in Stanfield, Arizona to that list.

Nissan has put five members of its Facebook fan club into the 2013 Altima for "upgraded" test drives as part of a series called "The Altima Experience." One of those fans, Paul, wrote in to say that his girlfriend, Jane, loves the way the Altima drives, and Paul pledged to propose to her at the track if he got the chance to be one of the first to drive the new model.

The confetti and the string quartet didn't go to waste. To see how they got to that point, check out the video below.

Credit : Autoblog

Rides : Recalls - 2012 Nissan Titan and 2012 Nissan Armada

The Japanese based automaker Nissan has officially announced a recall for the Titan pickup and Armada SUV, because of a problem with the tire placards.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the 2012 Nissan Titan pickup and the 2012 Nissan Armada SUV will have to be taken back to the dealers in order to get the problem with the tire placards fixed. The NHTSA is saying that the two models mentioned above are coming with missing or incorrect info on the rims and if the tires will be changed, this might lead to a crash. The NHTSA or Nissan didn’t say anything just yet about possible reports of injuries or crashes received from owners of the two models.
The 2012 Nissan Armada SUVs and the 2012 Nissan Titan pickups, made between the 12th of August 2011 and the 13th of March, 2012, will have to be taken back to the dealers by their owners. A total of 26,626 units of the two models will be affected by this recall and Nissan will start notifying owners by the 14th of March. In the meantime, if you have any questions on this recall, you can contact Nissan at 615-725-1000 or the NHTSA at 888-327-4236 (#12V143000).

Rides : Nissan suffers major cyber attack

Cyber crime is big business these days, and everyone from organized crime rings to governments are participating. The latest publicized attack was announced by Nissan, after the automaker detected malicious malware on its computer network.

Nissan Vice President Andy Palmer issued a statement that the attack has been detected, adding that neither customer nor employee data was accessed. Palmer says that the incident "initially involved the malicious placement of malware within our IS network, which then allowed transfer from a data store, housing employee user account credentials."

Palmer did say that employee user IDs and hashed passwords were transmitted. That certainly sounds bad, but Palmer claims that Nissan has no indication that personal information was compromised.

Palmer also added that the attack occurred on April 13, but the automaker apparently chose not to disclose the issue until the extent of the damage was known. Nissan has also reportedly taken the time to ensure that their system data was properly secured. 

 

Car Porn : Nissan releases final teaser for all-new Altima

Nissan has released the fifth and final teaser of its all-new 2013 Altima sedan ahead of the car's official debut at the 2012 New York Auto Show. It's a good thing this is the last one, because Nissan has seen fit to show off almost the entire car, albeit very quickly and never stationary.

It's plain to see that this new Altima will be much swoopier than before, with a highly stylized front fascia and a steep D-pillar arc. We also note a rising body line that starts below the side mirrors before heading over the rear haunches to the taillamps. At the rear, there appears to be a bulging rump on the trunk lid that reminds us of the infamous Bangle Butt made popular by past BMW models.

It seems Nissan is most interested in promoting its latest interior technology, pointing out that the 2013 Altima will feature a "new Advanced Drive-Assist Display" in the instrument cluster that "is designed to keep the driver focused on the road." Available will be lane departure warning, rear moving object detection and blind spot warning. We're pretty sure we see steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, too.

 

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

Nissan has released a fifth and final video clip and image offering a look into the future of the all-new 2013 Altima sedan in advance of its world premiere at the New York Auto Show next week. Altima's focus is on the driver and its new Advanced Drive-AssistTM Display is designed to keep the driver focused on the road. The 2013 Altima is available with advanced features including lane departure warning, rear moving object detection and blind spot warning, all of which operate through use of an innovative single rear camera.

Car Porn : Nissan teases Altima ahead of New York debut

With the New York Auto Show one month away, 'tis the season to tease the next big thing. For Nissan, that "big thing" is the 2013 Altima. The Altima is by far Nissan's best selling vehicle here in the U.S., and the long-running sedan is in dire need for a fresh new face.

To tease the Altima, the creative types at Nissan decided to eschew the darkened or obscured photograph in favor of, well, a darkened and obscured video. Oh, and the video last all of eight seconds, and four of those ticks are reserved for the Nissan logo. The brief glimpse reveals a sky shot of the Altima that shows off some elegant curves and pronounced headlight fixtures.

The YouTube description adds that the new sedan boasts "a low, wide stance and sculpted profile that makes for quite a dynamic appearance."

 

 

That's it???

Car Porn : Chris Harris + M5 + GT-R. You'll want to watch this

Pitting the Nissan GT-R against the all-new BMW M5 is ridiculous. They're two different beasts in two different classes with two different purposes. It's a cynical, SEO-optimized comparison. And even worse, it's already been done. But...

We can't help but post on it. Not because it's clicky or that a few of us have man-crushes on Chris Harris. No. It's because watching the two cars being flogged back-to-back on a damp circuit demonstrates how technologically sophisticated each one is and how they go about putting the power down so differently. You can actually see the GT-R – traction control switched off – trying to right itself as Harris flings it sideways, while the M5 slackens and goes neutral while the turbocharged eight responds like a naturally aspirated mill.

 

Rides : Check Out The All New 2013 Nissan 370Z

The Japanese based automaker Nissan has recently unveiled the 2013 370Z facelift during the 2012 Chicago Auto Show.

As you can see from the images below, the facelifted version of the 2013 Nissan 370Z is modestly revised, coming with a new front bumper, restyled rear fascia, LED daytime running lights and that’s about it. The refreshed Nissan 370Z is available in two new color choices, the Midnight Blue and the Magma Red and it’s now sitting on 18 inch alloy wheels, but when the model is equipped with the Sport Package, 19 inch wheels are added, along with red brake calipers and euro-tuned shock absorbers.
Under the hood, the 2013 Nissan 370Z facelift is powered by a 3.7 liter V6 engine, which is developing a total output of 332 horsepower. The engine can be mated to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic transmission. The NISMO 370Z is coming with the same 3.7 liter V6 unit, but thanks to an optimized ECU and a sports exhaust system, the power has increased to 350 HP and 276 lb-ft (374 Nm of torque). The NISMO 370Z is coming with a high-performance braking system, 19 inch alloy wheels and a Bose audio system. Both models will go on sale in the United States in June.