Friday, August 31, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Nissan Takes on the World on British Soil
SILVERSTONE, UK – Silverstone is where it is all happening this week for Nissan's motorsport activities. At the weekend Martin Brundle makes his return to the Greaves Motorsport squad where he will race with his son Alex and Nissan's first GT Academy winner, Lucas Ordonez in the British round of the FIA World Endurance Championship. The second GT Academy winner Jordan Tresson is back on track with Signatech Nissan and the third, Jann Mardenborough will have a special role to play too.
Race Camp, the final level of the 2012 European GT Academy competition, is now fully underway at Silverstone. The 830,000 people who entered the fourth season of GT Academy have been whittled down to 36. Over the course of this week the 36 will be tested to the limits of their ability under the watchful eyes of the judges and mentors and the winner will be crowned after a special race that takes place as part of the FIA World Endurance Championship program on Saturday.
Jann Mardenborough knows what awaits the winner and as part of his own rapid learning curve the 2011 winner will be spending time with the Greaves team this weekend to experience life in a world-class sportscar team, just as soon as he has finished instructing the 2012 GT Academy finalists. Jann has developed into such an exceptional racer over the past year that he has just been awarded Rising Star status by the British Racing Driver's Club.
"I feel very flattered to be chosen as a BRDC Rising Star," he said. "I get a lot of praise from the team, from Nissan and Sony, but it's really cool that a program outside of GT Academy has taken notice of me. It's really boosted my confidence. I must be doing something right! It's going to be very interesting to spend time with Greaves Motorsport and Martin Brundle at the weekend. Lucas (Ordonez) has told me he is very good on giving feedback to the engineers and team after a session in the car. I'm fortunate enough to be given a headset to listen in on the conversations he will have with the team. I'm sure I'm going to learn lots from him."
After making a successful comeback to sportscar racing at Le Mans, Martin Brundle can't wait to get back behind the wheel of the Greaves Motorsport Zytek-Nissan. Just as at Le Mans the competition will be fierce as he will be up against at least 15 other LMP2 cars, 12 of which are powered by Nissan.
"I'm very much looking forward to Silverstone," said Martin. "I had some great races there in sportscars and I was twice a winner of the Silverstone 1000kms. The last sportscar race for me there in 1991 was one of my best ever races, driving solo, and finishing third having lost many minutes in the pits. That performance got me the Benetton F1 drive for 1992.
"Just as at Le Mans the LMP2 class looks extremely competitive and we will have to be perfect with car set up, reliability, strategy, and driving performance to win the class," he continued. "I will be very disappointed if we are not on the class podium. Personally I'm in good shape and I learned much about driving the car at Le Mans. I've not raced on the new Arena GP circuit but I know the layout well and I fully expect to be on the pace. We have a strong team and Alex has shown particularly well around there in F3, F2 and GP3. With such a big gap in the F1 schedule I'm itching to get some adrenalin rushing around again.
Lucas Ordonez and Jordan Tresson also have itchy feet and are keen to get back into their respective racing cars at Silverstone. This is an extra race for Lucas as he has been competing in the European Le Mans Series this year.
"This is a great opportunity to compete in the highest level endurance championship,' said Lucas, who lines up with Martin and Alex Brundle in the No.42 Greaves car. "With the European Le Mans Series being shortened it is good to be in WEC with Martin and Alex. It's a great opportunity to get a strong result after a tough first part of the season with good pace but not getting the results we wanted in the races. LMP2 is extremely competitive so it won't be easy but I think we have everything in place for a top result."
"Our goal is always to win," said Jordan, who competes in the No.23 Signatech Nissan with Franck Mailleux and Olivier Lombard. "On a personal level I am working hard to get closer to Franck's lap times and it would be great to do that at Silverstone with all of its fast corners. It will be good to race against Lucas too. He beat me at Le Mans so I want revenge!"
One thing is for sure, seeing the past GT Academy winners competing at Silverstone this weekend is going to be an exciting prospect for the brand new GT Academy winner as he sets out on the journey of a lifetime.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Hard Core Nissan GT-R, 370Z Nismo RS Models Hinted by Exec
At least year’s Tokyo Motor Show, Nismo teased things to come with a Juke Nismo Concept model, and an electric Leaf Nismo model. It appears the performance division of Nissan is going full speed ahead with new Nismo performance models, including more extreme RS versions.
First to arrive on the scene is the previously mentioned and seen Juke Nismo model. While it’s certainly not as cool as the Juke R, it gives the funky crossover some flavor at a much more affordable price. According to Andy Palmer, executive vice president of Nissan, the Nismo variant models will get a 15-percent increase in power with a focus on distinct styling featuring red accents. And of course, suspension and steering will also be fine tuned so drivers can take advantage of the additional horsepower.
So according to Palmer, the Juke Nismo model should have around 215-hp from its 1.6-liter turbocharged power plant. But after the Juke model hits the market, up next will be the Leaf that could see around 125-hp. And instead of red accents, the Leaf will sport blue ones.
What’s most important to us is the fact that the GT-R will be getting a Nismo variant to accompany the already popular Nismo 370Z. What’s even better though is that more extreme RS models will be made for those really wanting extreme performance.
“The RS cars will be much more track-focused. You’ve seen the Juke R, so maybe that would be a good place to start,” Palmer said.
Of course Palmer wouldn’t confirm that a GT-R RS and 370Z RS would be hitting the streets anytime soon, but we would be very surprised if Nissan’s flagship sports cars didn’t receive the treatment. The next-generation 370Z in 2014 could see the Nismo 370Z RS model.
autoguide.com
Monday, August 13, 2012
How To Change A Flat Tire
There’s no sound as disheartening to a driver than the flop flop of a flat tire. They always seem to come at inconvenient times, too. But to a man who knows how to change a flat, that flopping noise is a chance to display his self-sufficiency.
Just like knowing how to jumpstart a car, knowing how to change a flat tire is a skill every man should possess. It will save your own butt when you’re out on some lonely stretch of highway and come in handy when helping a damsel in distress or a hapless traveler on the side of the road. Follow these steps and you’ll back on the road in no time.
Tools needed: Spare tire, jack, lug wrench.
1. Park your car on a flat surface. If you get a flat while on the road, pull your car as far away from traffic as possible . Make sure to put on the emergency brake. It’s also recommended to put a block on the tire opposite of the flat tire. Put to use that fruitcake from Aunt Gertie you’ve been toting around in the trunk. Here’s a blocking example: if your right rear tire is flat, put the block on the front left tire.
2. Remove the hubcap. If your car has a hubcap, remove it so you can get to the lug nuts. Use the hubcap to hold the nuts, just like the dad in A Christmas Story. Just don’t let your kid hold the hubcap or he’ll lose them and drop the F-bomb.
3. Loosen the nuts. Grab your lug wrench and place it on the flat tire’s lug nuts. Loosen them up by turning them counterclockwise. The nuts are probably on there really tight, so you’ll have to use all your man strength to unscrew them. Loosen the nuts a few turns, but don’t take any of them off yet!
4. Place the jack underneath your car. Check your owner’s manual for the correct placement of the jack. Turn the hand crank at the end of the jack to raise the jack until it comes into contact with your car’s frame. Make sure it’s touching a sturdy spot.
5. Jack it up! Start cranking the jack until the wheel is high enough above the ground to remove the tire.
6. Remove the flat. Remove the lug nuts from the wheel. You should be able to do it by hand because you’ve already loosened them. Remove the flat tire and lay it flat. You don’t want the wheel to roll into traffic during rush hour and cause a thirty car pile-up.
7. Slap on your spare. Take your spare tire and line up the lugs, or bolts, with the holes in the wheel and slide the wheel on. Once the wheel is on, take your lug nuts and tighten them by hand until you meet firm resistance.
8. Lower the car. Lower the jack until the wheel is firmly on the ground.
9. Finish tightening your lug nuts. These babies must be on super tight so the wheel doesn’t come flying off while driving to the tire shop to get the flat fixed. So you need to unleash the super power of the star pattern to get those lugs tighter than a deer tick. Use this tightening pattern if you have five bolts on your wheel. Start with any lug nut and then follow this pattern:
If your car has four, use this pattern:
artofmanliness.com
Friday, August 10, 2012
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Nissan Launches Reinvented 2013 Pathfinder – More Style, Comfort, Room, Innovation and Best-in-Class Fuel Economy
Normal 0 false false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE
- 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 – 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.
Getting into the second and third row has never been easier. This short video shows Pathfinder's EZ Flex Seating System with LATCH AND GLIDE technology in action. This innovative system lets you tilt and slide the 2nd-row seat even with a child seat still installed. (But not with the child in it, of course.) The second row slides over five inches, which means you can also create more leg room where you need it.
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 2nd and 3rd 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 3rd 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 2nd row tip-up seat for use with a child safety seat, which also provides easy access to the 3rd row while keeping the child seat securely fastened. The 2nd 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 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine matched with a next-generation Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission). The engine is rated at 260-horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 240 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. 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.
nissannews.com
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Friday, August 3, 2012
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)