Friday, August 31, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Thursday, August 23, 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
Back To School Car Care Checklist
It’s that back-to-school time of year again! And we know you’ve got lots on your list of To-Do’s. But before you’re off shopping for spirals or get swept away with bouquets of freshly sharpened pencils and the smell of Scotch tape, don’t forget to add car care onto that list too!
Wondering what you should list on your care care checklist before heading off for school? Not to worry – our experts have you covered. Check out our car care guide below for the 5 auto essentials you should get crossed off your list before leaving for school this fall.
- Tune-Up. This one tops our list. Not only is this essential every 12 months/12,000 miles (or at your car’s specified intervals) for optimum engine performance, longevity and gas mileage, but it includes several services your car could probably use before you hit campus. Service items included: visual inspection of engine components (a great way to detect any old, worn or torn parts as well as prevent any additional problems or complications), spark plug replacement, timing and idle set (if applicable), three-step fuel system cleaning (which includes your fuel injectors and improves your fuel system performance too) as well as air and fuel filter replacements (both of which have a six-month/6,000-mile warranty).
- Oil Change. This one’s also important. Depending on the type of oil change and your manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, it may already be about that time. But no matter how many miles before you’re due in for your next oil change, here’s why this one made number two on our list: Not only are regular oil changes just as important as tune-ups when it comes to prolonging performance and increasing longevity, but they’re also one of the easiest ways to help your car hit the 150,000-mile milestone. Plus, when you come see us, we’ll recommend the right motor oil for your car (which could help you save some big bucks if you’ve been running on the wrong one)! And another plus, we’ll also perform a 30-point maintenance inspection with any oil change, FREE (And we know nothing beats that)!
- Tire Pressure & Tread. This one’s also pretty important, especially if you’ll be travelling long distances this fall. When it comes to your tire pressure, it’s got to measure up. Driving with over- or under-inflated tires could add years of wear and tear to them, or worse – it could lead to a blowout or an accident. And if your tires’ tread is already old and worn, you could wind up hydroplaning on slick, slippery streets. So, to sum it up, it’s an important to have your tires checked before you’re off at school.
- Emergency Car Care Kit. You never know when a0 car problem could pop up, which is why our auto experts think this one’s essential. Of course it’s always a good idea to be prepared for any problems you may come across, but especially when you’re new on campus. Items we suggest you carry in your kit include: bungee cord (good for holding down a broken trunk, keeping a door closed, etc.), cable ties, cones and road flares (in case of a serious accident or late night breakdown), duct tape, extra fluids (coolant, engine oil, transmission and washer fluids), fire extinguisher, first aid kit, flashlight and/or small lantern, jumper cables, paper and/or shop towels, screwdriver (we suggest a two-in-one), spare tire and tire jack, tire gauge and water bottles.
- Update Your Address. This one may be last, but it’s definitely not least. Whenever you move or change your contact info, it’s important to update your car manufacturer and insurance company with your new info. This way, they can keep you up-to-date with any news and important info as well as notify you if any safety alerts or recalls come up.
So, before you finish gearing up for Back to School, be sure you’ve got these 5 items crossed off your car care checklist.
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
13 Things a Man Should Keep in His Car...You Too Ladies!
When I was growing up, I noticed that my dad kept the trunk of his car well-stocked with supplies. A lot of the equipment in his car was for his job busting poachers as a game warden, but most of the things he packed in his trunk were for emergency situations.
And there were plenty of times when my dad was able to put his trunk equipment to work.
For example, about 20 years ago my dad was driving home to Oklahoma from New Mexico in his old burgundy Caprice. Just outside of Groom, TX, near the famous leaning water tower along I-40, a hellacious snow storm hit. It was a complete white out, so my dad had to pull over until things settled down.
But things didn’t settle down until a day later.
My dad had to spend the night in his car in the middle of nowhere while a blizzard roared outside. But because he had the forethought to prepare for situations like this, he was able to keep warm with some blankets and avoid ravaging hunger with some MREs
Many of you will be hitting the road this holiday season to visit family, so I consulted my dad, Tom McKay, and asked him what supplies he thinks every man should keep in his car. Here’s his suggested list.
1. Fully charged cell phone. Cell phones have significantly cut down on your chances of being stranded on the side of the road, but don’t count on it as your only line of defense. I’ve been in plenty of rural areas where my cell phone was only worthwhile for playing pong. In addition to you main phone, have a backup one that you can use to call 911. Any old cell phone will do, even if it’s not activated. Cellular carriers are required by law to complete 911 calls from any cell phone. Just throw that old Nokia cell phone from 1999 into your glove compartment and keep it there.
2. Jumper cables. You walk out to your car after a long day of work, stick the key into the ignition, give it a turn, and…. click, click. Crap! You’re going to be late to your kid’s football game! You then look up and notice you left the dome light on all day. It happens to the best of us. Car batteries die, so be ready with a set of jumper cables. And even if you never suffer a dead battery, it’s always good to have a set of jumper cables so you can help a damsel (or dude) in distress who needs their car jumped.
3. Flashlight. Good for providing light at nighttime when 1) putting on a spare tire, 2) jump starting another car, or 3) exchanging insurance information with the clueless driver that rear ended you at a stop light. Get a Maglite and you can also thump would-be car jackers in the head with it.
4. Roadside flares/reflective triangle. When pulled over on the side of the road, you’re basically a sitting duck, hoping that other drivers don’t turn the situation into a clip for one of those extreme video shows. It’s especially dangerous to be hanging out on the side of the road at night. Ensure that you and those around you are visible when you pull over to the side of the road by using road flares or at least a reflective triangle. The old school flaming flares seem to be harder to find these days as people switch to LED “flares.”
5. MREs. You never know when you’ll be stranded for long periods of times in your car. If you’ve ever driven out West, you’ll know that it can be hundreds of miles until the closest source of help. Unless you’ve built up a tolerance for extended periods of fasting, keep some MREs or granola/power bars in the back of your car to munch on while you wait for the tow truck to come.
6. Warm blankets. Tom can tell you firsthand why warm blankets are a must. It got pretty dang cold in his Caprice that night. But blankets have uses that go beyond emergency situations. It’s always good to have a blanket in the car for snuggling with your gal while you cheer for your team on a cold fall night or for laying it on the ground for a picnic.
7. Ice scraper. Don’t be the chump that’s out there scrapping their windshield with a credit card at 5AM in the morning. A good ice scraper will set you back just a few bucks, and it will make clearing your windshield much easier and much faster.
8. First aid kit. Whether you’re cleaning up a head wound filled with glass shards or fixing a boo boo on your two year old, it’s good to have a first aid kit. You can always buy one, but putting together your own in an Altoids tin is more fun.
9. Water bottles. For when you’re stranded in Death Valley in the middle of the hottest heat wave on record… or for any other time your car decides to break down on you. Or, for after you’ve left a concert and you’re so dang parched!
10. Tow strap. I don’t know how many times my dad saved my butt with this thing back in high school. Towards the end of my blue ’92 Chevy Cavalier’s (aka, “The Smurf”) life, it would just stop running and no amount of cable jumping would help get it started. For moments like these, my dad busted out the tow strap. You just attach one end of the tow strap to the front of the car that you want to pull and the other to the hitch on the back of your car. The stranded driver stays in the dead car, puts it in neutral, and steers and brakes while it gets towed to its destination.
11. Folding shovel. There are a couple of instances where a folding shovel might come in handy. The first is when you get stuck in the snow or ice. You can use the shovel to dig some snow out and place some dirt under the tire to get more traction. The second situation is when a car tire gets stuck in a hole or something. You can use the shovel to dig about and create some ramps to help get your car unstuck. Also, it can be used as an improvised weapon, Green Beret-style.
12. LifeHammer. When you’re trying to escape from a sinking car, this little piece of plastic and metal can be the difference between life and death. Use it to break your window, cut your seatbelt and make your escape.
13. Portable air compressor. My dad feels like this was the best purchase he made for the car. When your tire is leaking but hasn’t totally blown out, instead of putting on a spare, you can use a portable air compressor to get back on the road. The compressor fills your tire up enough to allow you to drive to a repair shop to get it fixed. It plugs right into your cigarette lighter. Bonus use: no more paying 75 cents to fill up your tires at stingy gas stations.
There are kits you can buy that have a lot of this stuff in them, but I personally think it’s satisfying to assemble your own cache of supplies. And you can put together a better choice of things.
artofmanliness.com
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Nissan Launches Reinvented 2013 Pathfinder – More Style, Comfort, Room, Innovation and Best-in-Class Fuel Economy
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- 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
Monday, August 6, 2012
Friday, August 3, 2012
Thursday, August 2, 2012
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