Reviews 4 Cars

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd today unveiled all-electric and original hybrid electric prototype vehicles, both powered by advanced lithium-ion batteries. Under the NISSAN GT 2012 business plan, the company has committed to zero-emission vehicle leadership, and has announced plans to introduce an all-electric vehicle in 2010 and mass market globally in 2012.

Electric Vehicle (EV)
Powered by advanced lithium-ion batteries, the EV prototype is part of Nissan’s substantial research and development programme on zero emission vehicles. This latest generation vehicle features a front-wheel drive layout and uses a newly developed 80kW motor and inverter. The advanced laminated compact lithium-ion batteries are installed under the floor, without sacrificing either cabin or cargo space.

The production vehicle to be introduced in 2010 will have a unique bodystyle and is not based on any existing Nissan model.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
The Nissan original HEV delivers two breakthrough technologies – a high-performance rear-wheel drive hybrid system and parallel-powertrain hybrid system. The hybrid employs Nissan’s own originally developed hybrid technology and its first rear-wheel drive hybrid powertrain.

The parallel-powertrain system comprises an energy-optimising system with two clutches, where one motor is directly connected to an engine and transmission via two separate clutches. Under changing driving conditions, the motor switches between the two clutches to optimise and conserve energy utilisation as well as improve fuel-efficiency.

The parallel-powertrain hybrid system eliminates the need for conventional torque converters, contributing to higher responsiveness and linear acceleration for improved driving feel.

The dynamic characteristics of the clutches are as follows:

Idle-stop: The battery is used to power the motor to save on fuel.
Regular driving: The engine is used to power the motor as well as regenerate the battery.
Acceleration: Both the engine and battery (power assist) is used to power the motor to achieve smooth acceleration.
Deceleration: Energy from braking is conserved and re-routed back to regenerate the battery.
Lithium-ion Battery
The advanced lithium-ion batteries used in both prototypes are sourced from the Nissan-NEC joint-venture, AESC (Automotive Energy Supply Corporation). These advanced batteries offer superior performance, reliability, safety, versatility and cost competitiveness, compared to the conventional nickel metal-hydride batteries. Its compact laminated configuration delivers twice the electric power compared to conventional nickel-metal hydride batteries with a cylindrical configuration. The compact batteries also allow for improved vehicle packaging and a wide range of applications.

Nissan has long experience in electric-powered vehicle development, commencing from the first EV “Tama Electric Vehicle” back in 1947. The company introduced the world’s first application of lithium-ion batteries to the Prarie Joy EV in 1996, followed by the ultra-compact electric vehicle, Hypermini, released in 2000. Nissan also introduced its first original hybrid vehicle Tino Hybrid back in 1999 in Japan. In 2006, the Altima Hybrid was introduced in North America using licensed technology.

Under the Nissan Green Program 2010 environmental plan, the company aims to develop new technologies, products and services that can lead to real-world reductions in vehicle CO2 emissions, cleaner emissions, and recycling of resources. Nissan continues to invest substantially in a wide range of technologies including CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift), clean diesels, biofuels and fuel cell vehicles.

Following the Nissan 350Z review, a video has been complied to share the trill of the 350Z. Bearing in mind this is our first video and we were extremely limited for time, what do you think, can you feel the volume?

Big thanks to Gaj-It.com for the helping hand. 

The budding Nissan Skyline GT-R (R35) is creating a massive hype for super car enthusiasts. The Skyline R35 has already hit the Japanese market; however the UK market has been delayed until March 2009.

Currently various reviews are lurking around the Internet, and no surprise, they all salute Nissan for their achievement. Why? You may ask, allow me to explain in car terms.

Nissan have created a super car with Ferrari performance, Mercedes (cutting edge) technology and added a Japanese (undersized) price tag.

I have been advised from an authorised Nissan high performance centre, all of some what 800 Skyline R35’s for 2009 have been allocated with the primarily in model being the GT-R Black Edition. If you’re looking to order now, you should expected to wait for a delivery by at least early 2010. Also The Sat Nav will only be available from late 2009.

Nissan have gone the extra mile, as now, for the first time you can reserve a legend online by simply flowing 3 steps:
Step 1: Configure your GT-R
Step 2: Select your preferred Nissan High Performance Centre
Step 3: Complete the online checkout process (a deposit of £3,500 will be required)
For more details visit  GTR Online. 

Could this be the answer to tomorrow’s super car? You’ll have to wait until I get my hands on this star for a full review. 

To inspire you, a video from the official Nissan GTR website.

Dating back to the 1970’s Nissan was under the name Datsun, which presented the UK market with the 240Z sports coupe providing driving pleasure, glossy looks and enticing prices to coupe buyers, but now quite frankly the 240Z holds not value to the ordinary car buyer, so now what’s next for Nissan?

It appears Nissan are driving down the route of re-branding, leading to the revival of the sports coupe under the name 350Z. Is Nissan’s 350Z really on an unambiguous route?

Style
 

Exterior
All credit to Nissan for the accomplishment of an exterior which certainly gives the 350Z presence on the road. The 350Z lays presenting its attractive features;  bulging wide arches where 18″ 6-spoke alloy wheels lounge, silver door handles inline with the door lining providing a sleek feel every time you enter, and xenon headlamps dazzle you while two dimples in the bumper hold a smile.

Interior
As the door opens; insight is black interior, with silver trim blending agreeably.  Nissan have added some pleasant touches, the digital read-out display which displays information such as the rev limit, and the column-mounted instruments which move in harmony with the steering wheel to ensure the perfect driving position. Like the exterior, Nissan have also gone to the effort of implementing sporty door handles, which I feel resemble a Porsche GT3. 

Comparing the Audi TT’s interior the finish with the 350Z, its evident the 350Z doesn’t quite offer material worthy for a £25,000 car.

Comfort & Practicality

Comfort
Like a true sports car, well reinforced seats provide plenty of support under hard cornering. A fair bit of road noise trembles into the car, Nissan’s solution seems to be the seven-speaker sound system from Bose, where no distortion in noticeable when you pump up the volume. My Solution - turn the stereo off and instead enjoy the hardcore grunt of a perfect V6 tone.

Practicality
The driver and front passenger have plenty of head and leg space. As the 350Z lacks back seats Nissan have tried to recompensate with 235 litres of boot space which unpracticality is split into two by a huge strut brace marked with Nissan’s Z symbol. Plenty of equipment is provided as standard, electronic adjustable heated leather seats, bi-xenon headlights, LED rear lights, lightweight alloys and Bluetooth capability. 

Performance & Handling
 

Performance
The exhaust note eggs you on from the moment the car starts right up to the rev limiter. A 3.5-litre V6 producing 280bhp lies under the hood capable of acccelerating from 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds and a top speed limited to 155mph. It’s proving difficult to get the prodigious V6 grunt out of my mind.

Handling
The 350Z is not for the faint hearted, like a true sports car, through the flat corners the electronic stability control system allows the rear tyres to slide slightly before intervening and regaing control in the eager enjoyment. The 350Z isn’t as agile as expected when diving into a series of fast bends.  The suspension setup allows a firm ride and the steering is compliant, providing feedback when pushed. The stiff body, low centre of gravity and near perfect 53/47% front to rear weight distribution feels responsive.

Safety & Reliability
 

Safety
The 350Z arrives with all the essentials; ABS, electronic stability control, front & side airbags and Brilliant Brembo brakes proving immense braking power. Hand the task of deterring thieves to the Japanese, and security is taken car of, with alarmed remote central locking and an immobiliser. 

Reliability
Nissan are one of the top ten most reliable car manufacturers, so long as you keep the 350Z to the service schedule, there’s no reason to expect the 350Z to dishearten.

Costs
 

Running Cost
The main turn off for the 350z is the group 20 Insurance and 25mpg. However, overall as you would expect from Nissan the running costs are relatively low and high demand pushes residual values up.

Servicing: 9000 miles
Warranty - Three years/60,000 miles
Estimated fuel cost for 12,000 miles per annum: £1,969
Road tax for 12 months: Between £210 to £400

Depreciation
Below a vague depreciation guide based on 10,000 miles per annum.

Buying & Selling Used
Demand for coupes in the UK is fairly high, and after all there is a lot of car here for the money, so getting a decent deal may prove to be difficult for a new model, however for a used model it’s possible as low volume and high demand for the 350Z is fading. I wouldn’t recommend imports as these are not the same as the UK models offered from the official UK Nissan dealers.

Verdict
 

Love - Value for money sports, Packed with fun, V6 Engine Grunt

Hate - Insurance & Economy Costs, Interior

I knew a time would come where I would approve of a Japanese sports car, and the 350Z cuts it. Like the predecessor Datsun 240Z, the 350Z combins driving pleasure, sleek looks and an accessible price to appeal to coupe buyers. If you’re considering an Audi TT or a Porsche Boxster, add the Nissan 350Z to your test-drive list.  The Nissan 350Zs are proving to be popular sport coupe choice, but what will the future bring.

Rivals:
Audi TT Coupe - Build Quality, Style, Driving Behaviour
BMW Z4 Coupe - Good looks and drive
Chrysler Crossfire Coupe - Appealing looks, Mercedes-Benz foundations

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