2010 Nissan Patrol Scooped During Presentation

A bevy of images featuring the production version of the new Nissan Patrol have made their way into the internet. From what we can tell, the pictures seem to have been shot during an official presentation of the vehicle. The new Patrol will be Nissan's largest 4X4 model competing head on with the Toyota Land Cruiser. The vehicle's exterior styling has been thoroughly refined adopting several design cues from the Nissan Terranaut Concept that was revealed at the 2006 Geneva Show.

Technical information for the time being is scarce but it is expected that the 2010 Patrol will retain the no-nonsense off-roader character of the current generation model. As for the engine line-up, your guess is as good as ours but logically, it will comprise of V6 and V8 petrol units as well as a V6 turbo diesel.

2009 Nissan GT-R Introduced with More Power, Better Handling and New Colors

Only a year after the GT-R's market launch in Japan and less than six months after its U.S. introduction and Nissan has proceeded to the sportscar's first major round of changes which include a power increase, suspension upgrades and a new exterior color. The most significant improvement concerns the GT-R's hand-built 3.8-litre V6 twin-turbo engine which has gained 5PS thanks to some fine tuning of its electronics, taking power output to 485PS, while torque remains unchanged at 588Nm.

The engine upgrades have also led to slightly better fuel economy figures with Nissan announcing an average fuel consumption in the Japanese driving cycle of 8.3 km/l (19.5 mpg U.S.) instead of 8.2 km/l (19.3 mpg US). In addition, Nissan has increased the GT-R's fuel tank capacity from 71 liters to to 74 liters.

Another update sees the improvement of the sportscar's ride performance with modifications to the suspension spring rate settings while the 2009 model will also benefit from a set of Dunlop SP Sport 600 DSST tires. Nissan claims that the tire was developed specifically for the GT-R and it "combines grip and durability, as demonstrated during its 'time-attack' lap of the Nurburgring", which yielded a time of 7 minutes 29 seconds.

Less significant improvements for the 2009 GT-R concern the introduction of the Gun Metal grey colored Rays seven-spoke alloy wheel design for the standard and Premium Edition GT-Rs, while the Black Edition will be fitted with the same design but, appropriately, in black. Additionally, customers can now choose a new deep white pearl color called 'Storm' which replaces the original pearl white which had a slightly darker shade.

Last but not least Nissan has also hiked the prices for its subtly updated GT-R. In the U.K. for example, customers ordering now will have to pay £56,795 on the road for the basic version with an increase of £1300 for the Premium Edition (£58,095) and another £1300 for the Black Edition (£59,395). This represents an increase of 3.8 percent.

In Europe, the first GT-Rs are scheduled to hit dealerships in April 2009. To date, Nissan has taken in excess of 2500 customer orders in Europe with 1200 coming from the UK. Any new customer orders should expect delivery in mid 2010.

Nissan Murano

This is the second-generation Murano, one of the most important show debuts at LA. The first-generation was a critically and commercially successful design for Nissan, and a one of the first crossovers.

Source: cardesignnews

Nissan Forum concept

Nissan has released a sketch of the Forum, a concept vehicle the firm will unveil at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

Created at Nissan Design America, the Forum concept offers innovations such as trackless sliding doors and no B-pillars. It is said to 'explore the next generation of family transportation'. While we're not exactly sure what that entails, it's probably safe to assume that the concept will feature some of the styling cues seen on the company's concept cars unveiled in Tokyo. We'll keep you updated in our Detroit Auto Show Highlights once we've seen it in the metal.

UPDATE: December 5 2007

An interior sketch, depicting the flowing instrument panel of the new Forum concept, has just been released by Nissan. The minivan's cabin, Nissan claims, will host an array of communications systems including an advanced Bose Media System with proximity sensor-based information controller and a one-button audio muting system. The technology laden interior will also feature monitoring cameras for the second and third rows, while individual seat-mounted speakers will be integrated into every row.

Nissan GT-R

Nissan has just unveiled the highly anticipated GT-R, a model we fist saw as a (disguised) prototype at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in June. The aerodynamic supercar sports aggressive styling cues, combining strong character lines with smooth and solid areas.

The GT-R's body is created with a combination of steel, carbon-fiber and aluminum, to provide a unique combination of stiffness and lightness. The powerful GT-R also features a low coefficient of drag of 0.27 to enhance fuel efficiency, which is balanced with high levels of front and rear down-force, providing the new model with enhanced grip in all weather situations.

Inside the GT-R's four-passenger cabin are sculpted performance bucket seats and an instrument panel that surrounds the driver, with all meters at a uniform height to minimize the driver's head movement when traveling at high speeds. A large center-mounted tachometer, with a simple graphics gear display on its upper right, gives the driver detailed information instantly.

Related Stories:
Show Review: Goodwood Festival of Speed
Nissan GT-R - Tokyo 2007
cardesignnews

Nissan NV200 concept

Back in July we brought you a preview of the Nissan NV200 van concept kitted out with underwater photography gear. Now, Nissan has just revealed new images and further details of its clever van.

Billed as a 'smart business tool for a new generation of active professionals', the concept combines a dramatic front cab with a traditional box-like storage space to create an emotional looking body form never before seen in the LCV class. The interior has been created to combine both efficiency and tactility. The customizable cargo area houses a unique pod that can accommodate a variety of business needs. The pod is divided into customizable trays and boxes for efficient storage of profession-specific equipment, materials, work gear and apparel.

As we reported previously, the NV200 is outfitted specifically for use by a professional ocean photographer, with the work area equipped with a remote control panel for a spider camera as well as equipment for organizing and editing photographs and images while on assignment.

Related Stories:
Nissan NV200 concept
cardesignnews

Nissan Round Box concept

Though the name may seem like a contradiction in terms, Nissan's Round Box (RD-BX) concept is a youth-oriented compact convertible, offering a new take on open-air motoring. The concept is said to provide exhilaration for all passengers through its uniquely shared experience of fresh air stimulation, a sensation of speed and easy-to-use high-spec features.

The RD-BX features an innovative, interactive "play catch" system that allows the driver and passengers - including those in the rear seat - to share entertainment and driving information. It also features what Nissan claims to be a "right sized" space to facilitate communication between the four passengers. The company states that the concept creates 'never-before-experienced value created by combinations of heterogeneous elements'.

Contributing to the shared sensation of speed are unique "road surface windows," small glass panels placed close to the ground on both sides of the car (as featured on the Urge concept of 2006), providing passengers with a view of the rapidly passing road surface, without the risk of road contact. We're looking forward to seeing it in the metal.

Related Stories:
Design Review: Nissan Urge concept
Nissan Round Box concept - Tokyo 2007
cardesignnews

Nissan Intima concept

This is Nissan's take on the coupe/sedan pioneered by Mercedes-Benz with the CLS. Nissan calls it the Intima and bills it as a 'new-generation saloon for people with a sophisticated, discerning eye for beauty'.

There is no doubt that the target consumer is someone who enjoys refined elegance and comfort, taking Nissan's Modern Living Concept into a new dimension. The Intima's exterior styling combines sharp-edged lines with organic panel surfaces and the elegance factor is conveyed though the concept's arching side character line. The crystal-like appearance of the front and rear lamps, grille and wheels project an image of superior quality and refinement reminiscent of jewelry.

The interior is an inviting space where passengers step into a world of artistic forms, materials and illumination. Soft blue lighting along the center tunnel, door panels and grab handles lend an air of sophistication, while the instrument panel features a 3D element illuminated from beneath. But that's not all, to improve ingress and egress the front passenger's seat swivels nearly 80-degrees to the outside through barn-style doors, as if to welcome and escort a passenger into the car.

Related Stories:
Mercedes-Benz CLS - Geneva 2004
cardesignnews

Nissan Mixim concept

The Nissan Mixim concept car is a compact vehicle for young drivers who are mostly engaged by their computer and the world via the internet - and it's a new step toward the Japanese company becoming greener.

The design incorporates styling features not often seen in electric vehicles, including gullwing doors in a svelte coupe shape. Its wraparound windscreen, inspired by the visor of a crash helmet, dominates the profile while the swept back windscreen, flowing roofline and sharply truncated rear hints at sporting performance. Diamond-shaped styling cues feature inside and out, notably on the twin air intakes to the rear of the doors and the front LED driving lights, while an upper triangular side window links the gentle slope of the roof with the dramatic angular slash that runs through the center of the doors.

Inside, the driver sits centrally, with two seats either side, while the steering wheel and controls are inspired by the interfaces so familiar to computer gamers. The rear hatch opens to reveal a large trunk area behind the three seats. An occasional fourth seat is also housed behind the front seat module.

Mixim is powered by Nissan's 'Super Motor' electric motor/generator and uses compact lithium-ion batteries. One Super Motor powers the front axle and a second drives the rear axle, giving Mixim all-wheel drive. The Mixim is 3700mm long, 1800mm wide and 1400mm high. It sits on a 2530mm wheelbase and weighs just 950kg.

Source: cardesignnews

Nissan NV200 concept

Nissan has given a preview of an innovative small van concept at the Nissan Design Europe studio in London. The NV200 concept, which will have its worldwide debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in October, turns conventional light commercial design inside out, with a storage pod which extends from the van's load area when the vehicle is parked. As the pod is withdrawn from the van, the area left behind is transformed into a mobile office.

The NV200 design team, led by Martin Uhlarik, brainstormed a range of possible customers for a new van, deciding finally to focus on one of the potential users. The NV200 answers the specific needs of a professional underwater photographer with 'wet' and 'dry' storage zones in the pod for diving and camera equipment. The basic concept could be tailored to suit a wide range of customers, with pods custom-developed by suppliers to plug-in to the vehicle.
Source: cardesignnews

Nissan Skyline

Nissan Motor Company has introduced the 12th generation Skyline to the Japanese market, developed under the ethos 'attraction, sophistication and high-performance driving'. The exterior aims to express 'dynamic rhythm', achieved by giving a low-drag aerodynamic look with longer hood and greater acceleration in the upper window line. At the front, the sculpted grille is better integrated with the surrounding surfaces while the rear will seem familiar to Infiniti drivers.

Inside the designers have given the IP a cockpit feel biased towards the driver. The top molding is quite deep, giving a feeling of protection, and lightened by a metallic strip. This aluminum trim takes its inspiration from 'washi', Japanese rice paper, with bubinga wood as an option. Compared to the car it replaces, the new Nissan Skyline sits 20mm wider and 20mm lower, while the front seats have also been dropped 27mm. Engine options are the 2.5-liter V6 producing 225PS and a 3.5l version with 315PS.

Source: cardesignnews

Nissan Qashqai

Nissan has unveiled their entry into the competitive small SUV market, the Qashqai. First seen in 2003 as a show car, the production version bears the same name in Europe and will rival the recently revealed Honda CR-V and Land Rover Freelander 2. Competing in the C-segment, they all offer an alternative to typical hatchback buyers, aiming to follow the pattern set by the Nissan X-Trail SUV, which outsells the Primera in the European D-segment. Like the Opel Antara, styling is divided into dynamic body and rugged base, the belt-line also resembling the larger Nissan Murano.

Two diesel and two petrol engines will be offered, ranging from the 106PS of the 1.5l diesel to a 2.0l petrol producing 140PS. Sales are expected to reach 100,000 units across Europe -with 80% going to first-time Nissan buyers. Key dimensions of the Nissan Qashqai (Dualis in Japan) are: length 4.31m, width 1.78m, height 1.61m.

Related Stories:
Design Review: Nissan Qashqai concept
Design Development: Land Rover Freelander
First Sight: Honda CR-V
New Cars: Opel Antara
cardesignnews

Nissan Livina Geniss

Nissan has announced it will release a new family of global cars over the next two years with sales of the first variant to start in China in 2006. The Livina Geniss, the name of the Chinese variant, will be the first Nissan car to be released in China ahead of other global markets, and will make its world premier at the Guangzhou International Motor Show later this month.

Based on the concept of a luxurious, yet practical vehicle, the model seats up to seven people and accommodates a wide variety of customer needs. The bold exterior design is complemented by a highly flexible interior that provides multiple seating arrangements. The Livina Geniss was designed at the Nissan Technical Center in Atsugi, Japan and will be built on a Renault-Nissan Alliance common platform. It will be powered by a 1.8-liter engine and will be manufactured at Dongfeng Motor plant in Guangdong Province.

Source: cardesignnews

Nissan Forum concept

After Nissan teased us with the sketches of the Forum concept in November and December, the firm has finally released official images of the 'exploratory design concept' developed by Nissan Design America in La Jolla, CA. It will be unveiled at the NAIAS in January.

The exterior design of the MPV is a basic one-box form, but adds a wide stance, high beltline and slightly aggressive front end appearance. LED lights feature front and rear, with a subtle LED light bar accenting the grille and hood designs. Design innovations include 90-degree opening front doors devoid of B-pillars - to facilitate access to the 2nd and 3rd row seats.

Inside, the Forum is fitted with leather-appointed pedestal-style front seats and a cockpit area surrounded by wood and aluminum. A 'floating' IP design blends communications technology with simple controls and includes mood lighting under the upper and lower console areas. A built-in console-mounted microwave, sized to fit a bag of microwave popcorn, is accessible from the front and center seats. The 'turntable' 2nd row motorized bucket seats rotate 90 degrees or 180 degrees and include individual wireless monitors in the seat console for watching DVDs or playing games.

Related Stories:
New Car: Nissan Forum concept sketches
cardesignnews