Nissan announces new GT-R SpecV in Japan

Nissan GT-R Spec V

Nissan has announced a new limited-production GT-R SpecV model, which goes on sale at seven specially selected Nissan dealers throughout Japan on Feb 2. The GT-R SpecV is targeted specifically at enthusiast drivers who desire race car-level performance in a street-legal vehicle - the new SpecV model includes unique body, interior and performance equipment and modifications.

These include new exterior features include a carbon fibre rear spoiler, a carbon fibre grille, and carbon fibre brake ducts. The SpecV is available exclusively in an Ultimate Black Opal (RP) body colour.

Inside, the SpecV's unique two-seat interior (non-SpecV GT-R models also include a two-place rear seat) offers special Recaro carbon fibre bucket seats, while carbon fibre insets embellish the rear center storage box, instrument panel and other trim areas.

Performance is enhanced with a new high gear boost control device, which momentarily increases boost of the engine's twin turbochargers for greater torque in the intermediate-to-high speed ranges. Other modifications include a titanium-coated exhaust system and carbon-ceramic brakes.

The GT-R SpecV is also equipped with lightweight, racing-style forged aluminium wheels that were developed for this model and have been sold by Nissan Motorsports International (NISMO) since Sept last year.

Nissan GT-R Spec V

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Nissan GRAND LIVINA Get Tuned By IMPUL

Impul Grand Livina Nissan is spicing up the popular Nissan Grand Livina 7-seater MPV with this new edition that features accessories from Impul. Called the Nissan Grand Livina Tuned by Impul, it is fitted with a bodykit comprising of a new front grille, lips for the front and rear, side skirts, and an Impul rear wing spoiler.

The Impul Blast II exhaust muffler system is also available and this is made of high-quality stainless steel with a polished finish. It is said to improve engine response and emits a sporty note which should delight the driver.

Like the Impul Latio, the Impul Grand Livina can also be ordered with Impul alloy wheels (Aura SX-10) with locally-sourced Dunlop Formula D1 205/45R17 tyres. Mr Khoo, Operations Manager for the Impul business at ETCM, said that quite a number of Impul Latio buyers opt to take the wheels as the design is quite exclusive and appealing.

As with the Impul Latio, the accessories for the Impul Grand Livina can be ordered at the time of purchase of a new vehicle. This means that the entire cost – RM10,500 more than a standard Grand Livina – can be included in the H-P loan. That adds a bit more to the instalment each month, of course, but would be a lot easier than having to come out with that much money as a lump sum, which is what you would have to do if you bought from an accessories shop.

IMPUL GRAND LIVINA Photos

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Nissan Sylphy - Review

Nissan Sylphy

Nissan has been pretty active lately. With the latest being the Grand Livina and the Latio, Nissan recently launched the Sylphy. Seen as the successor of the Altima instead of the Cefiro, the 2.0 engine that comes with the new model boosts a new product line up for Edaran Tan Chong Motor, the Malaysian distributor of Nissan cars.

The name is known to have come from the workd ‘Sylph' and has not been exported much to many countries from Japan , which makes Malaysia the only country assembling the model here. one of the spokesman for Edaran Tan Chong announced that “Normally, a CKD model will have differences from the Japanese Domestic Model (JDM) to suit local requirements and also to cater for localization. With the Sylphy, this approach was not taken at the outset because of the limited volume. It also helps a lot that the Free Trade Agreement with Japan was signed in time for us to get the CKD parts much cheaper since the import duties have been virtually abolished. Nevertheless, we do intend to localize certain parts as time goes on since it can cut costs further,”

The engine power of the Sylphy is boosted by the CVT (Continously Variable Transmission) which comes with the XTRONIC which is an automatic transmission without gears. This computes to a very efficient fuel consumption which as rpoerted claims that the Sylphy drinks 16 kilometers per litre. Standard equipments include the ABS +EBD+Brake Assist, where ventilated brake discs are used at the front while in the read are drum breaks in within some 15 inch allow rims in a 195/65 tyres.

Interior wise, the Sylphy provides an ambience alike the ‘living room'. It is larger than Teana and definitely impress those who are impressed with the Latio. There are two main packages provided for by Tan Chong Motors, namely the Comfort and Luxury Packages respectively which costs RM112,800 and RM116,800 respectively, with the latter coming with leather upholstery, MP3 and a 6-CD audio changer.

Nissan Sylphy

Source : auto.com.my [Read more!]

Third Generation Nissan CUBE

Nissan CUBE

In a period of just ten years, nearly one million copies of the Nissan Cube have been sold (mainly in Japan), the iconic “cubic” styling having been one of the reasons for its popularity. Now the third generation has arrived, destined for a more global market (deliveries start in Japan next week and other markets will have their launch from early 2009).

The latest version maintains the distinctive exterior styling that is instantly recognizable as the Cube, such as the asymmetric rear end, while pursuing a simpler, more universal design for its debut on the world stage. It is said to offer greater comfort, a larger cabin and a host of innovative interior details. Despite its increased roominess, the new Cube remains less than four metres long, providing big utility within a small physical footprint.

"The new Cube is designed for people who imagine a life less ordinary, who have grown tired of the never-ending pursuit of faster, more powerful, more outrageously styled cars," said Yosuke Iwasa, Segment Chief Product Specialist. "The quieter, more harmonious qualities of the Cube have attracted interest not only from young people, but for those in every walk of life. While carrying forward the concept of the original Cube, this latest edition has advanced significantly, including offering far greater comfort."

"The new Cube is a refined car of universal quality and appeal, that can compete without 'makeup' or excessive decoration," added Seiji Watanabe, Associate Product Chief Designer. "The development concept took the approach of 'purifying' the Cube design, rather than "evolving' it. A jagged rock, for instance, loses its edges and takes on a polish as it travels down a river. This is the sort of refinement we wanted for the new Cube. We worked to simplify its exterior, using fewer lines and widening certain areas. We allowed the Cube design to refine itself, moving closer to nature and suggesting human warmth. The resulting 'purer, more peaceful' design is just what we wanted. It is a vehicle for people who are not being influenced by others, who go their own way, and enjoy interactions with friends in a welcoming atmosphere."

Some of the interesting features in the new Cube include a "skylight"-style glass panel roof that keeps the sky always visible from the driver's seat, and a shoji-style shade to diffuse sunlight, when desired, and fill the cabin with gentle light. Comfortable, secure seating with thick seat cushions and matching door armrests give a sofa-like effect while a "water drop" ripple design motif is used for the cupholders and other cabin details.

The platform design minimizes mechanical space, including for the engine, transmission and suspension, and creates a roomy cabin and easy handling in an attractive, compact package. A wide stance, resulting from moving the wheels to the corners, allows for sharp cornering and a turning radius of just 4.6 metres. A more rigid body (than the previous generation) allows for more stable operation and a comfortable ride with the strut front suspension and torsion I-beam rear suspension.

The new Cube has an all-aluminium 1.5-litre HR15DE petrol engine and all Cubes come with the e-4WD system that has a standard XTRONIC CVT with Adaptive Shift Control. The new model is said to have better aerodynamics that improve fuel-efficiency by 2% in the high-speed range (compared with the previous Cube).

Prices in Japan range from 1,449,000 yen (about RM53,900) to 1,928,850 yen (RM71,753). While it would be nice to see the new Cube in Nissan showrooms in Malaysia, its high price after Malaysian import and excise duties are paid would make it less appealing, just as what has happened with the March. Unfortunately, the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Japan only provides for reduced import duties for models with engines larger than 2.5 litres so the Cube doesn’t qualify. But don’t worry, before long, you’ll see ‘used’ units being privately imported and having more ‘appealing’ prices.

Source : Motor Trader

Nissan CUBE

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Nissan GRAND LIVINA - Review The Performance

Nissan GRAND LIVINAThe Grand Livina is a mid-size 7-seater MPV, designed and engineered in the Nissan Technical Center in Atsugi, Japan, first introduced in China in 2006 followed by Indonesia, Taiwan & South Africa this year.

Aside from its elegant and modern design coupled with its luxurious and versatile interior, the Grand Livina provides a sedan-like ride, comfort and handling that is unparalleled in this class of mid-size MPVs - hence it’s communication tagline, “Drive’s Like A Sedan, Fits Like A MPV”. The Grand Livina also comes with new generation Nissan engines that offer brisk performance coupled with exceptional fuel economy to meet the needs of Malaysian drivers.

Using a monocoque body structure, the Grand Livina is powered by either a 1.8L MR engine or 1.6L HR engine with CVTC (continuously variable valve timing control) for improved performance and fuel efficiency. The 1.8L model comes with the choice of a four-speed automatic transmission while the 1.6L version is equipped with either a four-speed automatic transmission or five-speed manual transmission.

Price range : On-the-road prices (inclusive of insurance, road tax, registration fee and ownership claim fee) valid for Peninsular Malaysia will be from RM82,800 to RM95,300 (from USD 24,800 to USD 28,600).

In Malaysia, the Grand Livina is assembled at the Serendah plant of Tan Chong Motor Assemblies Sdn. Bhd.(TCMA). This new facility started production from August, 2007. TCMA invested 67 million US dollars for the new plant and has fully implemented the Nissan Production Way (NPW) which is Nissan’s international standard for global quality manufacturing and vehicle assembly.

“Today, we are very excited to introduce the 1st non-national CKD medium-size MPV in the 1.6 Liter & 1.8 Liter segment. We aim to capture 15% of the total MPV market with the Grand Livina and, in all, the Grand Livina is expected to contribute to as much as 30% of ETCM’s total sales,” said Dato’ Dr Ang Bon Beng, Executive Director of Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd. “Grand Livina provides sedan-intenders an alternative choice for a high-quality and modern design with spacious and flexible seating.”

With momentum in new markets, Nissan plans to introduce this new family of global vehicles to more countries. During 2008, the Grand Livina will be introduced in the Philippines and the Livina into Indonesia. For each of those markets, the vehicles will be manufactured locally.

Nissan GRAND LIVINA

Source : Nissan

Grand Livina Sport Facelift

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The Second Generation Nissan MURANO

2009 Nissan MURANO
The second generation of the Nissan Murano crossover SUV goes on sale in Japan this week and the fact that it looks rather like the first generation is said to be because the designers wanted to carry over a strong sense of "Murano-ness" from the previous design as part of a "super evolution".

Like the previous generation, the new Murano has a dynamic body design that is highlighted by elegant flowing surfaces and curves. The silhouette stretches like one seamless motion from the aggressive front bumper to the rear bumper. In front, quad-cylinder style High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional headlights are integrated with the wide front signature Murano grille. 3D concave surface body sides provide a beautiful contrast with the sculpted fenders, while the unique window silhouette - with the rear edge heading upward - provides another example of the new generation design's "Murano-ness."

Like the original, the heart of the new Murano is its advanced powetrain and chassis combination which is anchored by Nissan's proven QR25DE 4-cylinder and VQ35DE V6 engines paired with Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) and rigid D-platform. The QR25DE engine achieves improved output and fuel-efficiency through reduced friction. Torque and output are also enhanced throughout a wide speed range by enlarging the radius of intake and exhaust ports and an increased compression ratio.

The Xtronic CVT includes a new Adaptive Shift Control which controls the shift timing according to the driver's personal driving style and the driving environment in order to optimize both performance and fuel economy. With the advanced ALL MODE 4×4-i all-wheel drive system, superior grip is provided on slippery roads by monitoring wheel spin and adjusting front/rear torque split accordingly.

2009 Nissan MURANO

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