Jack Daniels Racing Takes on the Altima

MELBOURNE, Australia - Jack Daniel's Racing has unveiled its new war paint for the 2014 V8 Supercar Championship, with Rick and Todd Kelly set to return to the wheel of their Nissan Altimas.

For Nissan Motorsport's second season in Australia's premiere motorsport category, the pair of distinctive black and white Altimas will sport a refined paint scheme, as well as a revised aerodynamics package, with changes made to the front bar and rear wing supports.

Outside of the aesthetic changes to the racecar, continuity is the key for the outfit, with a continuation of the same driver, chassis and sponsor package from 2013, which saw Rick Kelly claim a solid 14th in the final season standings.

Importantly for Jack Daniel's, this year marks its ninth successive season of major team sponsorship in the class, making the involvement one of the longest serving on the grid.

The first time the new-look Jack Daniel's Racing machines will be seen on track for 2014 will be this weekend at the Sydney.com Test Day at Sydney Motorsport Park, with the season proper commencing at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide from February 27 to March 2.

JACK DANIEL'S RACING QUOTEBOARD

TODD KELLY - #7 Jack Daniel's Nissan Altima

"I'm very excited to be at the beginning of our second year, as the whole thing's quite an unknown for us," said Todd Kelly.

"We've had a pretty good crack at our first year, and we achieved a lot, in my opinion, when you consider the work that has gone on behind the scenes to develop the VK56 engine, and our first attempt at turning the Nissan Altima into a race car.

"All in all, it wasn't too bad a year last year. The guys have all been working extremely hard through the second half of last year, and especially through the offseason to develop a new aero kit for the car, which we haven't used on a race track yet.

"Hopefully that has given us the gain that we are looking for."

RICK KELLY - #15 Jack Daniel's Nissan Altima

"We've sat down with the team and analyzed our strengths and weaknesses, and what we have to do to improve ourselves, and the results that we've got, and we're ready to implement that now," said Rick Kelly.

"It's really exciting; the team have worked really hard over the summer, and the last six months in fact to develop and aero package that's going to be a lot stronger for us in 2014 than what we saw in 2013.

"To match that and to get the most out of that, we've got to do a better job in all of the other areas that it takes to be successful on the track.

"That's everything from engineering, to driving, to the strategy. For us, we're very excited that we have a new opportunity in 2014 and to make the most out of it."

MICHAEL McSHANE - Managing Director, Brown-Forman Australia & New Zealand

"Jack Daniel's is excited to continue its association with Nissan Motorsport for the 2014 V8 Supercar Championship.  Last year was a learning season for the team, and with that experience taken on board, we are looking forward to strong results in 2014," said Michael McShane.

"Both Rick and Todd are great sportsmen, role models, and ambassadors of the Jack Daniel's brand, and through their efforts over the years, they have continued to build our responsible drinking message in this vital market.

"V8 Supercar remains the pinnacle of motorsport in Australia, and we look forward to an exhilarating season ahead."

CREDIT: http://nissannews.com/en-US/nissan/usa/releases/jack-daniel-s-racing-ups-the-ante-in?page=2

Nissan Returns Down Under with GT-R Godzilla

• Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 unveiled in pit lane at Mount Panorama ahead of this weekend's 2014 Bathurst 12 Hour race

• Australian driver Rick Kelly shows Alex Buncombe, Wolfgang Reip and Katsumasa Chiyo around the spectacular Bathurst circuit

BATHURST, Australia - The NISMO Athlete Global Team has arrived at Mount Panorama - and in doing so, has officially brought "Godzilla" back to Bathurst.

The last time a factory-entered Nissan GT-R raced at Bathurst was in 1992, when Jim Richards and Mark Skaife earned their second-consecutive Bathurst 1000 victory for Nissan.

This weekend at the 2014 Bathurst 12 Hour, Nissan will aim to repeat that success with a line-up of four drivers from across the globe.

The team's Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3, as well as drivers Rick Kelly (Australia), Alex Buncombe (England), Wolfgang Reip (Belgium) and Katsumasa Chiyo (Japan), were unveiled in pit lane at the Mount Panorama circuit today.

Kelly, a two-time Bathurst 1000 winner, comes into his first-ever 12 Hour event fresh from a GT-R NISMO GT3 test at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia last month. With the valuable testing miles under his belt, coupled with his immense Bathurst experience, Kelly is looking forward to his GT sportscar debut.

International drivers Buncombe, Reip and Chiyo are more familiar with the Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 but are each making their Bathurst debut. The trio are already in awe of the 6.213km circuit after walking Mount Panorama with Kelly upon arrival. Along with Kelly, they are excited at the thought of driving the GT-R around the mountain in the first practice tomorrow (Friday) morning.

The Bathurst 12 Hour is Australia's premier GT sports car endurance race, with the Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 set to compete against 18 other GT3-specification cars in the outright class. Over 40 cars will race in the 'once around the clock' event beginning Sunday morning.

Rick Kelly (Australia), NISMO Athlete Global Team, #32 Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 Comments on event: "Even just standing here in pit lane the car looks incredible," said Rick Kelly.

"I had my first drive of it at Sepang a little over a week ago and it's quite an incredible car.

"For me it's an iconic weekend. It's the first time a GT-R in this sort of form has been here in 22 years since Jim Richards (and Mark Skaife) won the Bathurst 1000 in the GT-R in that famous race back in 1992.

"I am treating this race as seriously as I possibly can. I am putting my head down and backside up to try and get a result because it's obviously very different racing to what I'm used to (in V8 Supercars).

"The NISMO factory operation is really impressive. For me it has been a real eye opener to see how they go about their motorsport and you can see that in how well the car is presented. It's really impressive and for me this is a really big learning experience as well.

"I'm not quite sure exactly what to expect. I don't know the competition that well but there are a lot of really quick cars up and down pit lane and the GT-R is no exception to that. If we do a really good job on the weekend and stay out of trouble then we should be in for a really good shot to bring the GT-R home on top.

"I think the Nissan team has got a really good balance of drivers who have got a lot of experience in the GT-R NISMO GT3 and then myself having a lot of experience of this track. So we can really help each other out throughout the weekend and with the collective car and track knowledge that we have got, hopefully we can turn that into a really good result."

CREDIT: http://nissannews.com/en-US/nissan/usa/releases/nismo-athlete-global-team-arrive-at-bathurst-bringing-godzilla-back-to-mount-panorama

Rogue Named One of KBB.com's "10 Best SUVs Under $25,000"

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Noting its "refreshing new sense of style" among other attributes, the editors of Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com have named the all-new 2014 Nissan Rogue to their annual "10 Best SUVs Under $25,000" list.

This accolade confirms the attention that the 2014 Rogue has already received from customers - in its first full month of availability, sales of the 2014 Rogue were up 27.8 percent. This late-game sales charge capped a banner year for Nissan's second best-selling vehicle, with 162,751 units sold overall in 2013.

For mid-size SUV buyers, KBB.com notes that the "2014 Nissan Rogue is actually one of the most practical choices on this list. Case in point, the all-new Rogue returns best-in-class fuel economy on the highway* thanks to an enhanced CVT transmission, while a newly available third-row seat ups the Rogue's people-hauling capacity to seven."

From Nissan's perspective, practicality and affordability are essential pillars of the Rogue's appeal. "The all-new Nissan Rogue was designed to offer customers an excellent value, while still providing drivers with unparalleled style, technology, drivability and function," said Dan Mohnke, vice president, Nissan Chief Marketing Manager & Marketing Operations. "Earning a place on KBB.com's list of 10 Best SUVs under $25,000 helps to reaffirm our vision for this vehicle as well as its place in an extremely competitive segment."

The all-new, completely-redesigned 2014 Nissan Rogue, starting at $22,490 M.S.R.P.*, seats up to seven passengers with its optional third row and boasts best-in-class 33 miles per gallon (mpg) highway fuel economy in front-wheel drive models**.

Exceptional passenger and cargo flexibility are provided by the EZ Flex® Seating System, along with the innovative, class-exclusive Divide-N-Hide® Cargo System (two-row models only) that can be configured 18 different ways for cargo storage and protection.

Driving confidence is bolstered by dynamic technologies such as Active Ride Control, Active Engine Braking and Active Trace Control. The 2014 Rogue can be purchased with a variety of available technological features, including NissanConnectTM Apps (smartphone integration for iOS and Android, including Google™, Pandora, iHeartRadio and Facebook), class-exclusive Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Warning.

The 2014 Nissan Rogue is assembled in Smyrna, Tenn.

credit:http://nissannews.com/en-US/nissan/usa/releases/nissan-rogue-named-one-of-kelley-blue-book-s-kbb-com-10-best-suvs-under-25k

Nissan IDx Concept Tour Drives Through SoCal

LOS ANGELES – After debuting in Tokyo and playing in Detroit, the acclaimed Nissan IDx Freeflow and IDx NISMO concepts held a three-date tour on the West Coast. It was a super-charged string of venues worthy of the world's biggest rock bands, at least in the auto-enthusiast world.

Along Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice, once described as the "coolest block in America" by GQ magazine, fans of the concepts were able to get up close and personal with the cars, including speaking with designers and providing Nissan with feedback about whether to bring the vehicles to market.

"Part of being here is to get more reception from the public and the people who we designed it for so we can figure out a way to make it," said Gio Arroba, Nissan Creative Design Manager.

After a night of partying in Venice, the IDx siblings had an early-morning call with legendary "Cars & Coffee" enthusiasts in Irvine. This is where thousands of car lovers get together every Saturday morning to ogle cars and talk motors in the heart of Orange County, Calif. Surrounded by some of the world's finest exotic machinery, the IDx Freeflow and NISMO clearly were the event's headliners with their own distinct style and presence.

There was a final appearance on Saturday for Nissan's hot concepts at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. It was part of the "Inside the MotoMan Studio" event. This time the concepts were sharing the stage with automotive journalist George Notaras and legendary racecar driver Peter Brock. Brock, the "B" of BRE racing, whose Datsun 510s won Trans-Am championships in 1971 and '72, had his own connection to the IDx NISMO concept.

"It is a beautiful design, the lines on it are so subtle and so well done. It has a very upscale feel to it. There is nothing really super bright or brashy about the car. This is a car that you can live with for a long time because it has a certain elegance that you would be proud to own," said Brock.

Before packing up, the last stop for the IDx concepts on Sunday was the "Supercar Sunday" enthusiast gathering in Woodland Hills, just about an hour north of Los Angeles. This tour of Southern California now has more car lovers dreaming of "what if?" … and hoping that "when so" comes sooner rather than later.

Credit: http://nissannews.com/en-US/nissan/usa/releases/video-report-nissan-idx-concept-tour-continued-in-sunny-socal-and-the-fan-base-grows?page=2

Lucas Ordonez to race Nissan ZEOD RC at Le Mans

• Inaugural Nissan PlayStation GT Academy winner first driver confirmed
• Spaniard graduates from test role to race driver
• Nissan ZEOD RC to become the first car to complete a racing lap of Le Mans on nothing but electric power

LONDON - Two-time Le Mans 24 Hours LM P2 podium finisher and inaugural Nissan PlayStation GT Academy winner Lucas Ordóñez has been confirmed as the first race driver for Nissan's revolutionary ZEOD RC prototype.

The Nissan ZEOD RC will become the first car to complete an entire 13.6-kilometer (8.5 mile) lap of Le Mans on nothing but electrical power when it competes in this year's Le Mans 24 hours.

The car will combine electric motors with an incredible 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder turbo engine that produces 400 horsepower yet weights only 40kg (88 pounds).
The car will occupy the Automobile Club de l'Ouest's "Garage 56" at this year's Le Mans - a spot reserved for new and innovative technologies not previously seen in the French endurance classic.

For each tank of fuel used at Le Mans, the ZEOD RC will complete an additional lap on pure electric power. While operating under gasoline power, the car's battery will be recharged by regenerative braking - recycling the heat generated by the carbon brakes to produce electricity.

The development project is being used by Nissan as part of its planned assault on the LM P1 class of the Le Mans 24 Hours and the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2015.

Ordóñez won the inaugural Nissan PlayStation GT Academy competition in 2008 and made his Le Mans 24 Hours debut in 2011. In three attempts at the famous French endure, he has twice finished on the LM P2 podium. He also took championship wins in the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup in LM P2 in 2011 and last year's Blancpain Endurance Series.

Most recently he took a class victory along with four new GT Academy graduates at the Dubai 24 Hours. Ordóñez was previously confirmed as the test driver for the ZEOD RC project but has now been promoted into a race seat

"Since becoming our first GT Academy winner, Lucas has demonstrated his speed and talent in a wide variety of Nissan machinery - LM P2, GT3, GT4, Super GT and even V8 Supercar. That versatility was a key part of the decision to place him as the inaugural race driver locked in for the Nissan ZEOD RC," said Nissan Global Motorsport Director Darren Cox. "The ZEOD RC is such a unique and different car. Anybody who drives the car is going to have to adapt to an entirely different experience. Our three drivers for Le Mans will have to be versatile and eager to learn. It will be very different but they will have the opportunity to be a part of something very special in what will not only be an extremely important project for Nissan, but for the automotive industry as a whole."

Read Driver Interview Here: http://nissannews.com/en-US/nissan/usa/releases/lucas-ord-ez-to-race-nissan-zeod-rc-at-le-mans?page=1

2014 NISSAN VERSA NOTE REVIEW

From MSN Autos Review Article

Rating: 9.4

Bottom Line

Nissan is pushing the limits of fuel efficiency in an attractive package offering features not often found at this price point. With the bevy of optional tech in its 2014 Versa Note, Nissan has raised the bar for the entry-level class.

The 2014 Versa Note is Nissan's all-new candidate in the ultracompetitive entry-level segment. Already a better value than the outgoing Versa hatchback, Nissan is hoping to lure buyers with class-leading fuel-efficiency, cool techno-bits, uniquely good looks and an impressive list of options not always found in this segment. Are these improvements enough to hand the 2014 entry-level crown to Nissan?

Model lineup

The 2014 Nissan Versa Note is available in three trim levels: S, with a base price of $13,990; S Plus, which offers more interior amenities for a base price of $15,240; and the feature-laden SV, with its base price of $15,990. All trims come standard with 15-inch wheels with 16-inch alloys as an option with the SV continuously variable transmission. While the S and S Plus trims are similarly equipped, the SV adds a ton of standard features, such as one-touch power windows, power door locks with speed-sensing autolock, remote keyless entry, a Bluetooth hands-free phone system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, chrome and silver interior accents and a whole lot more. Not bad for an additional $1,250.

Under the hood

The only offered source of motivation for all 2014 Nissan Versa Notes is a 1.6-liter double-overhead-cam inline 4-cylinder engine producing 109 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque, featuring twin continuously variable timing control on both the intake and exhaust and dual injectors per cylinder. The dual injectors are a neat technology infusion for the Note. Since the injectors are smaller, they are able to produce a finer spray of fuel particles over a wider area, leading to a more complete combustion in the cylinder. While the outgoing model had a slightly torquier 1.8-liter 4-cylinder, Nissan saw fit to downsize and go after the ever-important fuel-economy numbers. The Versa Note S comes standard with a 5-speed transmission, while the S Plus and SV trim levels are only available with Nissan's Xtronic CVT.

Inner space

With seating for five, the cabin is remarkably open and spacious. Rear-seat legroom comes in at 38.3 inches — 3.7 inches more than the Chevrolet Sonic. Even with the increased legroom, Nissan managed to increase cargo space from 17.8 to 21.4 cubic feet. An available option to increase the utility of the Versa Note is the Divide-N-Hide adjustable floor. When you lower the standard 60-40 split-folding rear seats, you end up with an expanded flat cargo area that also creates additional storage underneath, just in case you need to stash anything of value while hauling bigger things above.

The list of standard features is pretty common: AM/FM/CD/aux-in audio system with four speakers, 12-volt power outlet, front door pockets with bottle holders, dual front and rear cupholders, front seatback pockets and so on. The cloth seats are standard fare with 4-way adjustability in the S and S Plus trims, and 6-way adjustment in the SV. Available upgrades include heated seats, navigation with real-time updates, USB input with iPod control, and steering-wheel-mounted audio and Bluetooth controls.

One interior option that really stands out is in the SL Tech package. Nissan is bringing technology normally found in much more expensive cars to the Versa Note with its around-view monitor. In a nutshell, it's a system of wide-angle cameras that provide a virtual 360-degree view around the car, assisting with parking in tight spots. You can even select close-ups from a specific camera — front, rear, curb — for a perfect park every time.

On the road

The Versa Note is an enjoyable drive. The steering is direct with great turn-in. The little 1.6-liter engine is very responsive to throttle input, although it feels overly sensitive in some situations. Braking feels confident and comes from power-assisted front disc/rear drums with anti-lock braking standard, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.

But you're not buying a Versa Note for high-performance driving. It's very economical, delivering an Environmental Protection Agency-estimated 31 mpg city/40 mpg highway/35 mpg combined. Even with hybridlike fuel economy, the car doesn't feel horribly slow. Of note (no pun intended): You can only get these mileage numbers with the CVT-equipped trims. While the CVT performed well in the road test, it was a bit indecisive with how much power to apply in a few cases, and there's an unmistakable whine at speed. Things are a little loud in the cabin at highway speeds, which, compounded with the whine from the CVT, serves to remind you that you're driving an economy car after all.

In order to achieve the class-leading fuel economy, Nissan added a few tricks to the Versa Note. First, it put the car on a diet to lose 300 pounds, with over 200 pounds realized through structure optimization and an additional 50 pounds shed with the new engine, CVT and driveshafts. Nissan also added an active grille shutter to the trims equipped with a CVT that limits airflow into the engine bay — a first for the company. At speeds over 20 miles per hour, the front grille shuts, which results in a reduction of air resistance by 0.01 coefficient of drag. Nissan even went so far as to vent the taillights in the name of improved aerodynamics. Their efforts paid off, though, with a 9 percent coefficient of drag improvement over the outgoing Versa hatchback.

Right for you?

If you're looking for an affordable, economical new car to take you from point A to point B with some special features, this is probably the car for you. It looks good and it's not a total bore to drive, either. The active aerodynamics and weight reduction will please your inner hypermiler (it's in there somewhere), while the around-view monitor will keep your techno-geek side satiated. Bottom line: We'd buy it, although we wish we could get the manual transmission in the higher trim levels.

Want to get your hands on your own Versa Note? Check out how you can Drive Better for Less now.

CREDIT: http://autos.msn.com/

Nissan Rogue Takes to the Track - the Ice Track!

MONTREAL, Canada - Winter has been unrelenting throughout the U.S. and Canada this year. There certainly was no exception to be found in Montreal, a southwest city in the Canadian province of Quebec.

The very low temperatures and snowy conditions made it perfect timing for Nissan to invite Canadian journalists to Quebec's Laurentian mountains. Once there, the company's guests got to take the all-new Rogue for a spin on the ice-covered Mecaglisse circuit, which is part of a purpose-built, 700-acre all-season motorsports facility located in Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci.

"There is no better place, even in Canada," said Christian Meunier, president, Nissan Canada. "We were looking for a special location to show the journalists what it is like to drive the Rogue in the true Canadian winter."

The Mecaglisse circuit represents the most extreme situation that a driver could encounter from a traction point of view.  It is a great place to highlight the advantages of Rogue's advanced all-wheel drive (AWD) system.

"It is not only just about AWD, the wheels powering down. It is also about the steering, the braking and how all of Rogue's systems come together to deliver a confident ride and driving experience," said Tim Franklin, Product Planning, Nissan Canada.

The Rogue impressed even the most experienced winter drivers, including the co-owner of the track and facility, Franck Kirchhoff.  "I drove this car yesterday, and even if you drive without studs, only on regular winter tires, you really feel the car, and the handling is really good. I drive many cars during the winter, and I feel the Rogue is one of the best SUVs that you can get."

If the winter of 2013 and 2014 persists in dumping snow, at least there is a new hero to help navigate the roads - the all-new 2014 Nissan Rogue.

Credit: http://nissannews.com/en-US/nissan/usa/releases/video-report-nissan-rogue-takes-to-the-track-the-ice-track-with-ease?page=2

2015 Nissan Versa Note SR Debuts!

One of two new trim levels, along with Versa Note SL, designed to expand equipment and feature choices for buyers of Nissan's popular sub-compact hatchback

• Versa Note lineup grows to five trim levels for 2015, set to go on sale this spring in San Diego.
• New models retain 40 miles per gallon highway fuel economy with standard 1.6-liter engine and Xtronic® transmission
• New Versa Note SR adds sporty front and rear fascias and grille, unique rear spoiler, 16-inch sport aluminum-alloy wheels and exclusive interior enhancements
• Versa Note SL includes standard NissanConnect™ smartphone integration for iOS and Android including Google™, Pandora, iHeartRadio and Facebook; NissanConnect™ Apps; Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant; and Divide–N-Hide® Adjustable Floor

CHICAGO - Nissan today provided an early preview of the 2015 Versa Note hatchback with the debut of the sporty new Versa Note SR. The new grade level is one of two new trims being added to the Versa Note lineup for its second year of production, along with the Versa Note SL. Both new grade levels go on sale this spring at Nissan dealers nationwide, joining the Versa Note S MT, S Plus CVT and SV CVT.

Also for the 2015 model year, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System with steering wheel-mounted controls becomes standard across all trims of Versa Note. One new option package is also being introduced for 2015, the SR Convenience Package, and new content is added to the SV Convenience Package and SL Tech Package.

Introduced in June 2013, the second-generation of the popular sub-compact 5-door Versa Note offers an exceptional combination of versatility, technology and value. It is designed to satisfy both the owners' emotional and rational needs with sleek styling and features like the first- in-class Around View® Monitor – all at an affordable price.

"The new Versa Note SR and SL grades retain all of the favorite consumer attributes of the Versa Note S, S Plus and SV trim levels – while adding a sportier look and feel in the case of the SR, and more standard technology and convenience items with the SL," said Pierre Loing, vice president, Product Planning, Nissan North America, Inc. "Now it's as easy to find the right combination of equipment in the showroom as it is to enjoy the Versa Note when you take it home."

About the 2015 Versa Note SR

The new Versa Note SR's standout styling starts with the modern, sculpted look of the second-generation Versa Note and adds a wide range of exclusive features. In front, a unique fascia and grille combine with a dark headlight treatment and standard fog lights with black and chrome accents to provide an aggressive, sporty character.

Body-color side spoilers and redesigned side mirrors with integrated turn signals complement Versa Note's distinctive "squash line" side profile. The dynamic exterior look is capped off by a unique rear spoiler, SR badging and high-contrast machine-finished 16-inch sport aluminum-alloy wheels with dark paint mounted with 195/55R16 all-season tires.

Versa Note SR interior enhancements include an exclusive 370Z-inspired leather-wrapped steering wheel, suede-like fabric seats with sporty orange accents and double stitching, a redesigned piano black center instrument panel with silver accents and chrome knobs, and Euro-inspired Fine Vision triple-dial gauge cluster with floating trip computer.

"The new Versa Note SR offers an even more powerful appearance than the other grade levels, blending a sporty, European-style energy with a distinctive, driver-focused cockpit," said Loing. "It's a great demonstration that vehicles in this segment can offer sporty style along with attributes such as high utility and fuel economy."

Under the skin, the Versa Note SR builds on the foundation of the second-generation Versa Note, including an advanced 1.6-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine with dual fuel injection and Twin CVTC (Continuously Variable Timing Control) mated to a standard next-generation Nissan Xtronic® transmission. The engine is rated at 109 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 107 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm. EPA fuel economy for the front-wheel drive Versa Note SR is estimated at 40 mpg highway, 31 mpg city and 35 mpg combined.

Excellent everyday drivability is provided by an independent strut front suspension with stabilizer bar, torsion beam rear axle with integrated stabilizer bar; electric power steering; and power-assisted front disc/rear drum brakes with standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.

Like every 2015 Versa Note, the SR grade takes full advantage of Nissan's global "V" platform. It features a long 102.4-inch wheelbase helping maximize interior roominess, while short front and rear overhangs help provide parking maneuverability.

The roomy five-passenger Versa Note SR interior provides 112.9 cubic feet of interior volume and 18.8 cubic feet of cargo space. Standard interior features include 6-way adjustable front bucket seats, Fine Vision instrumentation, AM/FM/CD/Aux-in audio system with 4 speakers, 12-volt power outlet, front door pockets with bottle holders, dual front and rear cupholders and front seatback pockets.

Interior versatility is further enhanced through use of the innovative Divide-N-Hide® Adjustable Floor, which is offered as part of the SR Convenience Package. Also available as part of the SR Convenience Package is the advanced NissanConnect™ system with a 5.0-inch color display, RearView Monitor, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®, Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant, USB connection port for iPod® interface and other compatible devices, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately) and NissanConnect™ Apps (offering smartphone integration for Facebook, Twitter, Pandora, iHeartRadio and TuneIn Radio).
The 2015 Versa Note SR is offered in eight exterior colors: Metallic Blue, Red Brick, Brilliant Silver, Magnetic Gray, Super Black, Aspen White, Metallic Peacock and MorningSky Blue – each matched with an interior with exclusive, sporty suede-like fabric interior.

Credit: http://nissannews.com/en-US/nissan/usa/releases/2015-nissan-versa-note-sr-debuts-at-chicago-auto-show-offers-unique-sporty-styling-and-interior-treatments

Datsun Gives Hints of their redi-GO Concept

http://nissannews.com/en-US/nissan/usa/releases/datsun-gives-hints-of-possible-way-ahead-with-datsun-redi-go-concept

Nissan celebrates 80 years of success!

Nissan Unveils Customized Chicago NV200 Taxi Cab

http://nissannews.com/en-US/nissan/usa/releases/nissan-unveils-customized-chicago-nv200-taxi-at-chicago-auto-show

Nissan IDx Freeflow and IDx NISMO Concepts Storm the West Coast!

Cars displayed throughout Southern California; Keep up with hashtag #IDxinSoCal

LOS ANGELES - The acclaimed Nissan IDx Freeflow and IDx NISMO concepts will be on display in Southern California in a whirlwind, three-day tour starting on Friday, Jan. 31 through Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014.  The revolutionary concept vehicles, stars of the recent auto shows in Tokyo and Detroit, will be showcased in a variety of classic California locales, from the streets of Venice to Irvine's Cars & Coffee, and a special event at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.

Fans will be able to track the vehicles' whereabouts and exact locations using the hashtag #IDxinSoCal.

Following a series of media and industry sneak previews, the IDx Freeflow and NISMO will be on display on Fri., Jan. 31 from 4 to 10 p.m. on Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice, once described as the "coolest block in America" by GQ magazine.  There, fans of the IDx concepts will be able to get up close and personal with the cars, including speaking with designers and providing Nissan with feedback about whether to bring the vehicles to market.

The tour continues early in the morning on Sat., Feb. 1 at the legendary "Cars & Coffee" enthusiast gathering in Irvine.  Surrounded by some of the world's finest exotic machinery, the IDx Freeflow and NISMO should stand out with their own distinct style and presence.

At approximately 10 a.m. the cars will make an appearance at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles as part of the "Inside the MotoMan Studio" event, starring automotive journalist George Notaras and featuring Peter Brock.

Superbowl Sunday, Feb. 2, will be the last event scheduled for the IDx concepts, at the "Supercar Sunday" enthusiast gathering in Woodland Hills, from 7 to 10 a.m.

Additional stopovers and events are possible between January 30 and February 2, all to be announced via Nissan's Facebook page and on Twitter with the hashtag#IDxinSoCal.

About the IDx Freeflow and IDx NISMO concept vehicles

The way people are buying cars is changing. A choice of colors and matching wheels is no longer enough. In a society where cars are purchased as a reflection - and enabler - of a driver's lifestyle, the way future models are designed needs to be revolutionized. This was the thinking behind the visionary "co-creation" of the Nissan IDx Freeflow and IDx NISMO concept cars.

The co-creation product development approach, designed to appeal to "digital natives" - the generation born after 1990 - integrates their feedback early in the creation process. Nissan thinks this approach could have real applications in the near future.

IDx Freeflow 

The IDx Freeflow reflects the sensibilities of the co-creators - the outlook of people who seek natural and tasteful things in every aspect of their daily lives. They seek to employ a simple and clean attitude, using the authentic items that they favor to artfully combine various things and give substance to their self-expression.

The interior details of the four-passenger IDx Freeflow are a carefully selected mix of fashionable functionality and comfort in a design brimming with creative originality. It is meant to feel like a living room inside, where the owner and his or her friends can relax.

Though compact in size - about 13.5 feet in length, 5.6 feet in width, and 4.3 feet in overall height - the IDx Freeflow impresses with its daring yet dignified exterior.

The IDx Freeflow's exterior color is a sophisticated combination of white and flax (a pale yellow shade), invoking a casual feeling like that produced by the pairing of the venerable white T-shirt with khaki chinos, and highlighted with silver accessories or a belt. The overall visual effect is completed by the addition of stylish 18-inch chrome wheels wrapped in 195/50-18 tires.

IDx NISMO 

Many digital natives grew up playing racing simulation games that feature cars of the past and from all corners of the globe. They have a natural desire to realize that virtual driving experience in real cars of their own, and that is the basis of the IDx NISMO concept.

Not limited to being inspired just by racing cars, IDx NISMO was born from a refined combination of the freedom to borrow liberally from memorable vehicles of yesteryear and the present, in addition to whatever was felt exudes "cool."

Though IDx NISMO shares the overall length and height of its Freeflow cousin, the 5.9-foot width (versus 5.6-foot for the IDx Freeflow) of the car is testament to its low, wide stance that emphasizes its sporty proportions.

One of the hallmarks of box-type racecars is speediness conveyed by a reverse-slanted nose. On IDx NISMO, this frontal design element is embellished by an aura of seriousness communicated by the use of carbon panels. Side mufflers provide a pleasing exhaust note. The car also has contemporary touches such as front/rear and right/left aerodynamic spoilers and a lightweight 19-inch wheel and 225/40 tire package.

Scanning the IDx NISMO interior reveals racing-inspired crimson Alcantara® seat covers that entice the eyes, complemented by Spartan-looking meters and gauges that animate the racecar ambience. The lustrous metal surfaces contrast with the bright red suede trim that is augmented by blue stitching.

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Credit: http://nissannews.com/en-US/nissan/usa/releases/nissan-idx-freeflow-and-idx-nismo-concepts-to-storm-west-coast-this-weekend

Two Nissan-Powered prototypes grab top 10 finishes at rolex 24 at Daytona

DAYTONA, Fla. – Lucas Luhr, driver for Muscle Milk Racing, knows well that winning championships is a year-long marathon. Given that the toughest test of the year is the Rolex Daytona 24 at Daytona, he is happy with a hard-earned fifth place for his Nissan-powered Oreca team of Luhr, Klaus Graf and Alex Brundle. The Muscle Milk ORECA-Nissan car was first among the P2-type cars entered.

"I have to say that I'm proud of our guys. It's a brand new package, brand new car, it was the first 24-hour race for this team, and to finish it, it was a good thing," said the four-time ALMS champion. "The car ran mostly trouble free and we finished only three laps down after 24 hours, and that's impressive."

The Ideal Car of the Future

The following is an Op-Ed piece written by Renault-Nissan Alliance Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn at the 2014 World Economic Forum in Davos.

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