Nissan’s Project 370Z – Stage One

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Announced earlier this year, Nissan’s social-media based Project 370Z has completed stage one of the build process.  The world’s first crowd-sourced Z track car, Project 370Z gives control of the build and design of a unique Nissan 370Z to Facebook fans.  Voting for the project took place on Nissan Performance’s Facebook Page, with fans choosing the powertrain, turbo kit, exhaust, suspension and brake setup during stage one. 

Fans can continue to follow the build on Facebook as the project moves into Stage Two: Design.  The final design will then be revealed in late May at the annual “ZDayZ” event, a Z car enthusiast gathering and car show. 

To learn more about the Nissan 370Z, contact Smolich Nissan!

2012 Nissan LEAF a KBB 10 Best Green Car

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The 100% electric Nissan LEAF has been honored with a coveted spot on Kelley Blue Book’s 2012 list of 10 Best Green Cars.  According to KBB, “Fuel economy is up, fuel consumption is down, and the road keeps getting a little bit greener each new model year. But world-class fuel efficiency alone is not enough to win a spot on our annual 10 Best Green Cars list.”

Coming in second, the 2012 Nissan LEAF impressed KBB with its EPA rated range of 73 all-electric miles.  “That turns on our inner tech geek, while its starting price of around $35,000 reaches out to our pragmatic side. And above all else, it’s made from recycled materials from old cars, home appliances and plastic bottles, which quite frankly, awakens our inner tree hugger.”

But just because it is “green” doesn’t mean the LEAF can’t provide a luxury driving experience as well.  Its 80kW AC synchronous electric motor and 24 kWh lithium-ion battery produces 107 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque providing a gas-only car-like driving experience.  The LEAF’s seamless regenerative braking, which captures brake friction to recharge the battery, is also noteworthy and much smoother than most hybrid cars. 

The Nissan LEAF’s interior also impresses with futuristic styling and numerous high-tech features, including push-button start, a Navigation System with 7.0″ color display and XM NavTraffic, Bluetooth, front and rear heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and automatic temperature control.  The LEAF also comes with Nissan Connection powered by CARWINGS, which connects smartphones to the cars systems and helps drivers monitor battery status, regulate charging, and turn on and off the cars heating and air conditioning systems. 

The 2012 LEAF was also named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety receiving the highest score in front, side, rollover, and rear strength tests.  Standard safety features include Nissan’s Advanced Air Bag System, vehicle dynamic control, traction control, brake assist, and a vehicle security system. 

For more information on the 2012 Nissan LEAF, contact Smolich Nissan!

2012 Nissan Juke Makes KBB’s List of 10 Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs

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The 2012 Nissan JUKE has been named one of the 10 Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs and Crossovers by Kelley Blue Book.   Taking into consideration the most fuel-efficient utility vehicles in overall combined fuel economy, according to the EPA, the JUKE provides an impressive combined 29 mpg or 27/32 mpg city/highway. 

With its unique and bold design, the 2012 Nissan JUKE is a standout in the compact SUV class providing a powerful turbocharged driving experience without sacrificing fuel economy.  The 1.6-liter Direct Injection Gasoline DOHC 16-valve turbocharged 4-cylinder engine produces 188 horsepower and comes with an Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission) or an optional 6-speed manual. 

Sporty dynamics and agility highlight the JUKE’s fun-to-drive personality while numerous standard features and a comfortable interior enhance its appeal.  Features include remote keyless entry, Bluetooth®, available leather heated front seats, speed-sensitive volume control, and an optional Nissan Navigation System with 5.0” color touch-screen monitor. 

The Nissan JUKE was also named a 2012 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety receiving the highest score in front, side, rollover, and rear strength tests.  Standard safety features include Nissan’s advanced air bag system, Vehicle Dynamic Control with Traction Control, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist. 

To learn more about the 2012 Nissan JUKE, or to take a test drive, stop by Smolich Nissan in Bend, OR!

Nissan Unveils Next Generation Automotive Technologies

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Nissan has unveiled three new pioneering automotive technologies at the New York Auto Show, aiming to increase a driver’s connectivity to their vehicle. “It’s clear that consumers expect to be connected wherever they are, and that includes the time spent in their automobiles,” said Carlos Ghosn, Nissan Motor Company’s chief executive officer.  “To meet those needs, Nissan is developing a series of innovative breakthroughs in communication devices that will be safe to use while driving.”

The first of these new technologies is NissanConnectSM, Nissan’s eighth generation connected car system.  Set to debut in the all-new Nissan Altima, this breakthrough technology will provide drivers with access to Google Maps, Google Search, and Pandora Radio through the driver’s Bluetooth® connected phone. 

Next is the all-new dual-display concept, built in collaboration with Intel – the world leader in computing innovation.  First introduced in the Infiniti LE Concept, the dual-display concept will be available on Infiniti production vehicles starting in 2013. The dual-display will keep Nissan drivers informed and entertained while allowing them to keep their eyes on the road. 

Nissan also announced updates to their award-winning CARWINGS® system, already available on the Nissan LEAF.  CARWINGS® provides electric vehicle drivers with vital information related to driving range, and with these improvements the system’s calculations will be more precise.  CARWINGS® will also soon be able to inform the driver of available EV chargers in their area.

For more information on Nissan’s automotive technologies, contact Smolich Nissan!

Innovative 2013 Nissan Altima and NV200 NYC Taxi Take New York by Storm

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Nissan has had a very big week at the 2012 New York Auto Show with the unveiling of the all-new next-generation 2013 Altima Sedan, a preview of the Nissan Pathfinder Concept, and the public reveal of the Nissan NV200 “Taxi of Tomorrow.”

On display at the Jacob Javits Convention Center from April 6th through the 15th, the Altima and Pathfinder mark the first of five all-new models to be launched in the next 15 months.    The Altima, ranked second best-selling car in the U.S., will go on sale nationwide this July while the Pathfinder will be released later in the fall. 

The NC200 was selected by the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) as the exclusive taxi of New York City after a highly competitive, rigorous two year bid selection process.  The new taxi will be released in late 2013.  Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn, who hosted a special event for the reveal, remarked, “The Taxi of Tomorrow draws on Nissan’s global experience in commercial vehicles, as well as insight from New York City taxi drivers and passengers, who helped identify important improvements over today’s cabs. The Nissan taxi will deliver unprecedented levels of innovation and comfort to New York’s 600,000 daily taxi riders.” 

Ghosn also commented on the redesigned Altima, advising, “The new Altima hits the consumer bulls-eye dead center by delivering a balance of style, performance and value that will continue to make it one of the most popular cars in America.”  Key features of the new Altima include a 182 hp (est.) 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine or a 270 hp (est.) 3.5-liter V6, both with standard Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission).  The Altima also includes best-in-class fuel economy of 38 mpg highway, an updated aerodynamic exterior, and premium interior materials.  Nissan’s “Innovation for All” philosophy will also be highlighted in the Altima’s numerous standard and optional high-tech features and safety systems.

For more information on Nissan’s brand new lineup, including the 2013 Nissan Altima, contact Smolich Nissan or stop by their Bend dealership.

2013 Nissan Altima Teased

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Prior to its introduction at the New York Auto Show next week, Nissan has released five separate teaser videos of the brand new 2013 Nissan Altima.  Little has been released about the new Altima, but the videos have given consumers a view of almost every angle of the midsize sedan including its redesigned grille, boomerang-style taillights, and finally a 360-degree shot.  The fifth and final video also reveals Nissan’s Advanced Drive Assist Display which provides trip, temperature, and navigation information, as well as lane departure warning and blind spot safety features. 

As the second best-selling vehicle in the country, the Nissan Altima is already a top choice for many consumers. With the reveal of the new 2013 model just days away, the Altima is sure to continue to please.

Win Big with Smolich Nissan’s Smolich Madness Contest

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Visit Smolich Nissan online, http://smolichmotors.com/Smolich-Madness.aspx, and sign up to participate in the Smolich Motors’ March Madness bracket for your chance to win a 40” Sharp Quattron TV. The grand prize winner will be announced after the NCAA championship game April 1.

During the tournament, Smolich Nissan will also be giving away smaller prizes, including gift certificates for Smolich Service & Parts or Erickson’s Thriftaway.

In order to see if you’re a small prize winner check Smolich Motors on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/SmolichMotors.  Winners will be randomly drawn and announced until April 1.

 

 

On Anniversary of Japanese Tragedy, Nissan Celebrates Brand Strength

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One year after the tragic earthquake and resulting tsunami that crippled Japan, Nissan Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn calls their recovery “miraculous.” Nissan celebrated a record sales year of 4.67 million vehicles in 2011, up 14% from 2010.

Nissan lost production of 55,000 units in Japan in March after closing its plants until March 23, while its engine factory was shut down until April 17 after being damaged by the quake. Vehicle production was also halted periodically in Mexico, the US, the UK and China due to parts supply issues. Of the countless ready-to-ship cars lost or destroyed by the earthquake and flooding, 2,300 were Nissan and Infiniti models.

Nissan posted solid sales performance in China and Europe throughout the year, and their strength across multiple product lines and markets helped the company survive, and put other Japanese automakers on notice. Even in Japan’s own damaged market, Nissan, in percentage terms (-13.7 percent through November), fared better than Toyota (-30.6 percent) and Honda (-25.3 percent) through November 2011.

Although the disaster had lasting effects on Japan’s economy, including astronomical clean-up and reconstruction costs and management of the damaged nuclear plant, the auto industry proved to be a bright spot. An optimistically recovering US economy, accompanied by rising gas prices, supported demand for fuel-efficient Japanese brands.

One unexpected positive result of the tragedy was the weaknesses it helped to identify in the industry’s parts supply chain. Automakers are studying ways to spread out risks among suppliers, working on plans to get production back to normal in two weeks in case of future disasters.

On the anniversary of the devastation that ground Japanese auto production to a halt, left giant cracks at a key factory, and killed five employees and 17 family members, Nissan is back. Smolich Nissan is proud to support the brand, and invite you to experience Nissan for yourself.

Nissan Launches “Project 370Z” at Chicago Auto Show

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Nissan North American announced its new social-media based “Project 370Z” at the Chicago Auto Show, along with a preview of the 2013 Nissan 370Z, last week.  Utilizing the passion and knowledge of Nissan Z® fans, Nissan will build a unique 370Z with modifications voted on by Facebook fans and readily available aftermarket parts and accessories.  Voting will take place on facebook.com/nissanperformance where fans can follow along with the progress. 

“Car companies build project vehicles all the time, but we thought it’d be interesting to harness the power of social media to reach out to Z® enthusiasts – the people who are doing this to their own cars every day,” said Jon Brancheau, vice president, Nissan Marketing, NNA. “Together we’ll create a vehicle that expands on the already outstanding performance and style of the Nissan 370Z with a balance of street and track ready modifications. Then we’ll share the finished project at upcoming Z® car enthusiast gatherings around the country.”

The project will entail several phases including power, handling/brakes, interior and exterior.  Each phase will be voted on through fan likes, comments and wall posts and the part or accessory with the most support will be chosen for the build.  Fans will vote and share in every aspect of the build.  The final design will then be revealed in late May at the annual “ZDayZ” event. 

ZDayZ is an annual Z® car enthusiast gathering that takes place in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. Each year the event draws hundreds of Nissan Z®, GT-R and other Nissan performance car enthusiasts from all over North America. This year’s ZDayZ will be held on May 17-20. Attendees will participate in a car show, exhaust sound-off, dyno competition, group dinners and multiple group drives – including runs on ”The Tail of the Dragon,” which has 318 curves over an 11-mile stretch of scenic Tennessee mountain highway.

“We’re excited to see how this group-sourced Z® will come out and how it will perform on both the street and track,” said Brancheau. “Social media has become a powerful communications tool and a great way for us to stay connected with our tremendous fan base. Immediacy, like social media itself, is another benefit of Project 370Z – which will be built from start to finish in less than four months.”

The Project 370Z will also be shown at other enthusiast events including ZCON 2012 and the 2012 SEMA show.  Leading enthusiast publications, forums and blogs will also have the opportunity to test the finished 370Z. 

Make sure to visit facebook.com/nissanperformance to vote on “Project 370Z”!  For more information on the 2013 Nissan 370Z, contact Smolich Nissan.

Extreme Weather No Match for the Nissan LEAF

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Many have questioned how all-electric vehicles like the Nissan LEAF will perform in extreme weather conditions.  So to examine its driving performance and handling, particularly battery performance, auto journalists recently tested the LEAF on three snow covered, freezing test courses in northern Japan.

With temperatures reaching 15.8 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 9 degrees Celsius), the LEAF battery remained between 41 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit (5 to 10 degrees Celsius), eliminating any concern that cold weather would reduce battery performance.  Plus, battery-warming systems are available for extremely cold areas like Canada and Norway which can keep the battery primed to charge at normal capacity. 

As far as driving performance, the journalists found the LEAF to have some unique advantages, including a more balanced weight distribution due to its centrally-positioned battery and light front-forward motor compared to conventional gas-powered cars.

 “The footwork of the LEAF is smooth and nimble because the heavy components, such as batteries, are mounted under the floor, and the center of gravity is low and in the middle. Such vehicle motion is emphasized on snow. As you may have seen, a car can easily slip or drift on snow or ice,” advised Hiroyoshi Kato, Nissan Technical Meister. “As for the LEAF, the changing attitude of the car — the start of slipping, etc. — is very smooth and easy to control compared to conventional FR (front engine/rear drive) or FF (front engine/front drive) vehicles. I believe those may be some of the positive surprises for participants.”

Journalist and race car driver Takayuki Kinoshita says LEAF proved it’s the one for the road. “I think EVs, like the LEAF, will expand in the future. If EVs can only be usable in certain limited conditions, they will not grow. But I was highly impressed by the key message here, that the LEAF can drive normally in hot or cold weather throughout the world.”