Nissan on Track to Meet Sales Goals

Since designing their first electric car, Nissan and their French partner Renault revealed an absurd sales goal – they are striving to sell 1.5 million electric vehicles before 2020 – and they might actually do it. Between the two companies, they have sold around 150,000 vehicles year to date – they are well on their way to meet their goal. Tougher emissions standards around the world might work in their favor and assist by boosting sales. Nissan’s electric vehicles global vice president, Bill Hayes, says “It is getting contagious – and this means the company can hit the number faster.” If Nissan and Renault are correct, they are expected to see a rise in sales in the near future.

To read the full article, please click below:

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1090900_nissan-on-track-to-beat-2020-electric-car-sales-target

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Cardinale Nissan
1661 Del Monte Blvd
Seaside, California 93955
Phone: 
888-928-4118
Website: 
www.cardinalenissan.com

Rick Kelly in V8 Supercars Championship

At this years’ Supercars Championship, Rick Kelly  – driver of the #15 Jack Daniel’s Nissan Altima – took fifth place during a dramatic Race 3 in Australia. This race was not easy and he managed to place fifth even after a couple penalties and a delayed pit stop to fix some damaged parts. “There was so much going on out there, I must admit I was extremely surprised by a few things out there. After those two penalties, were right back, and we had to race really hard” Kelly said.

To read the full article, please click below:

http://nissannews.com/en-US/nissan/usa/releases/rick-kelly-in-v8-title-fight-after-stunning-clipsal-comeback

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Cardinale Nissan
1661 Del Monte Blvd
Seaside, California 93955
Phone: 
888-928-4118
Website: 
www.cardinalenissan.com

Nissan e-NV200 Rolls out in Europe

Nissan has created an all-electric powered small van – the NV200. This small van has a lot of the same drivetrain features that the Nissan Leaf electric car has so it is aimed to cut down on costs and emissions. Nissan says that it is intended to carry cargo or people without generating exhaust or noise pollution.

To read this full article or for more information on the e-NV200, click below:

http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2014/03/11/nissan-rolls-out-electric-van-but-not-in-the-u-s-yet/?mod=WSJ_LatestHeadlines

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Cardinale Nissan
1661 Del Monte Blvd
Seaside, California 93955
Phone: 
888-928-4118
Website: 
www.cardinalenissan.com

2014 Pathfinder Hybrid ACCESSORIES


Interior Accent Lighting

  • White LEDs illuminate the front footwells.
  • Easily control light intensity and on/off function with a single knob
  • Works with the vehicle’s interior lighting when the door is opened

Illuminated Kick Plates

  • Light up your entrance and protect your front sills.
  • Contoured to match door openings
  • Stainless steel inserts feature an illuminated Pathfinder logo

Roof Rail Crossbars [*]

  • Increase your utility options when you get Roof Rail Crossbars.
  • Crossbars give you the ability to carry roof rail attachments
  • Steel bars integrate into existing roof rails

 

Cardinale Nissan
1661 Del Monte Blvd
Seaside, California 93955
Phone: 888-928-4118
Website: www.cardinalenissan.com

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2014 MAXIMA ACCESSORIES

Rear Decklid Spoiler [*]

  • Heighten the style of your Maxima® with an aerodynamic spoiler.
  • Custom designed to help enhance vehicle aerodynamic appearance
  • Comes pre-painted in factory-matched colors

Trunk Protector

  • Keeps trunk area clean and helps protect it from scratches and damage.
  • Water-resistant heavy-duty trunk area protection
  • Made of durable material

Fog Lights [*]

  • They look great but, more important, they help increase your visibility in foggy conditions.
  • White lens adds wide-angle view, increasing visibility
  • Lens design creates low, wide projection for foggy conditions

Cardinale Nissan
1661 Del Monte Blvd
Seaside, California 93955
Phone: 888-928-4118
Website: www.cardinalenissan. com

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Nissan’s 40kg 400HP Engine

Nissan, ZEOD, car, design, auto, F-1, engine, HP,

 

 

In a recent announcement Nissan has shocked automotive world introducing a 400HP engine that weights a scant 40kg (88lbs).

Named the DIG-T R, the 3 cylinder 1.5 liter engine has a power to weight ratio of 10HP per kilo, besting even high performance Formula 1 engines. Carried aboard Nissan’s Zero Emmision ZEOD the 500mm tall, 400mm long, and 200mm wide (19.68 x 15.74 x 7.78 in) package is one of the most compact performance engines every built and follows Nissan’s new design goal of reducing size and weight to achieve greater performance.

Although the DIG-T R’s performance numbers are compelling the car also features a custom crafted lubricant blend which reduces engine friction and maximizes the machine’s performance.

While the DIG-T R powered ZEOD will be on the track at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans it’ll only be acting as a new technology demonstrator. Nissan expects it ZEOD to join in on the competition during the 2015 FIA World Endurance Championship season where it will become the only racer to sport a 3 cylinder engine.

 

With performance numbers that’ll make a race fan’s heart palpitate I wouldn’t be surprised in the DIG-T R become the first 3 cylinder to win a World Endurance Championship race.

Cardinale Nissan

1661 Del Monte Blvd

Seaside, California 93955

Phone: 888-928-4118

Website: www.cardinalenissan.com

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2015 Mazda 3 Spy Photos

What It Is: The next-generation Mazda 3 being tested. Although this mule is cloaked in a fairly complex vinyl wrap of camo, we can clearly see the A-pillar, the hood, and the roofline are right in line withan image of the next-gen 3 we discovered last fall. The fascia has been blacked out and taped up, but the signature of Mazda’s Kodo design language, the grille, is instantly recognizable—gone is the smiley grille of the current car. The language extends to the wheel arches and the shelf-like haunches.

Why It Matters: The new 3 will be built in Mexico, allowing Mazda to sidestep some of the currency imbalances that affect the profit margins of the rest of Mazda’s Japanese-built North American lineup. The 3 is Mazda’s bestselling model, and draws an audience from several different demographics: first-time buyers, coupon-clipping young families, boy racers who don’t mind trading a little acceleration for a tight chassis, and those who want a practical car that doesn’t fall into the stereotypes of a Civic or a Focus or a Corolla. Whatever the reason, Mazda needs to provide these customers with a satisfying owner experience to ensure return business, and keep the profits flowing.

Platform: What the next 3 uses as a platform is up for some discussion. Initially, it was believed that Mazda’s new compact entry would make use of the CX-5’s lightweight architecture, but there’s speculation that the new car may utilize a heavily redesigned version of the current 3’s aging C1 platform. Based partially on Mazda’s cost-based decision to use a massaged version of a previous platform in place of an entirely new one in the recent redesign of the 2014 Mazda 6, the theory makes sense financially; the question is whether or not Mazda can achieve its goals in terms of weight savings and chassis stiffness with the C1.

 

Powertrain: The 155-hp, naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinderSkyactiv-G engine currently was added to the 3 lineup late in the current car’s life, and it will carry over. However, the 167-hp, 2.5-liter four-banger likely is too thirsty and too lethargic to continue on, even in a volume capacity—don’t expect to see it in the new 3. It’s possible that Mazda could add its new 184-hp, 2.5-liter, which sees duty in the CX-5 and the 6, to the 3 lineup, too. Dropping the brand’s 2.2-liter turbo-diesel into the engine bay would make an oil-burning 3 one of the more-exciting options in the compact segment, and we hear it’s under consideration, but we’re not holding out breath for such a thing. It would be unthinkable for the zoom-zoom brand to pull its manual option, so six-speed transmissions of both manual and automatic varieties are likely to continue. Word on the next-generation Mazdaspeed 3 is quiet at the moment, but with a growing marketplace, we’d expect one to be in the plans.

Cardinale Nissan

1661 Del Monte Blvd

Seaside, California 93955

Phone: 888-928-4118

Website: www.cardinalenissan.com

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2014 Nissan Juke

2014 Nissan JUKE: Starting price $18,990The 2014 Nissan Juke have gone on sale starting at a price of $18,990.

The car is offered with either a front-wheel drive 6-speed manual transmission or all-wheel drive with CVT transmission.

The Nismo motorsports version will start at $22,990. Two extra trim packages available above the standard version: the Midnight Edition and Sport Package.

The Midnight Edition adds 17in black wheels, a black rear roof spoiler, tinted glass and black mirror caps. The Sport version includes a body-colour spoiler, 17in alloy wheels and stainless steel exhaust outlet.

Cardinale Nissan

1661 Del Monte Blvd

Seaside, California 93955

Phone: 888-928-4118

Website: www.cardinalenissan.com

2014 Nissan Cube

2014 Nissan Cube Photos

It’s hard to place just one label on the 2014 Nissan Cube, even if there are more and more segments coming to market each year. It’s not quite a wagon or a crossover, but …almost? It’s not quite a van, either. It’s certainly quirky to its core, and within those quirky limitations, it’s unrivaled in style and packaging.

The devil’s in the details–or in this case, the charm is–and while the Cube can just as easily be mistaken for a washer or fridge on wheels, we’d encourage you to take a closer look at the asymmetry of the windows, the beveled window frames, and flared sheetmetal, and it’s anything but simple. Pair all of that with Cube’s low-hanging aero work, and you’re looking at a car with a little more style than the Scion xB ever really developed. Inside, the Cube may look a little overdone with its rippled roof, shag dash accessory, and “Casual Lounge” theme. But, it’s functional, and it’s fun.

The Cube’s biggest shortcoming is found in its driving dynamics. Despite its low center of gravity and car-based platform, it’s not as sporty as you’d expect–in fact, it really doesn’t have much of a personality at all. A 1.8-liter four-cylinder produces 122 horsepower and drives the front wheels. With either the six-speed manual gearbox or the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), the Cube can move along rapidly enough, but it’s not at all a sports car, or the type of vehicle you’d fling into corners.

On the positive side, the Cube’s ride comfort is better even than some of the nicer sedans and crossovers in the economy market. What there is—and this probably comes as no surprise—is quite a bit of wind noise at highway speeds. Otherwise interior materials betray the Cube’s sub-$20,000 price tag, although all the styling touches will probably distract you from that for a while.

Seating is one of the Cube’s strengths, but cargo space may leave you wanting for more. The 2014 Nissan Cube has more space for people than you might guess from the outside, but if you need versatility, and to maximize space sometimes for larger items, you can do a lot better. The seats up front are much better than what you get in the Versa or Sentra–and of course a little higher–provided you aren’t cornering that hard, as there’s no significant side bolstering. The rear seat has enough space for two adults (possibly three, squeezed in), and it slides back and forth and also reclines–

though not all the way. Where you get into trouble is with larger cargo, as the seatback doesn’t simply flip forward or flat.

And the Cube is a good value for the money—especially considering the value of having something that’s genuinely different and quirky, yet also well-equipped. Prices are a bit higher for 2014, however; with the discontinuation of the base model, there are now just S and SL trims of the Cube–and if you want a manual transmission you’re stuck with the S, as the top SL is only offered with a CVT. The S includes a lot of popular features, but step up to the SL and you get automatic climate control, alloy wheels, an Intelligent Key system, Bluetooth connectivity, and an upgraded sound system that includes iPod connectivity.

Beyond that, a Preferred Package that adds an SD-based navigation system with XM NavTraffic capability, plus Rockford Fosgate audio with a subwoofer, XM satellite radio, and front fog lamps. And if you want appearance extras, though, you’re in luck. There are more than 40 different accessories available at the dealership, and they range from practical items like cargo organizers to custom wheels, decals, and other appearance options.

Cardinale Nissan

1661 Del Monte Blvd

Seaside, California 93955

Phone: 888-928-4118

Website: www.cardinalenissan.com

Why Did Nissan Develop an EV Battery?

Why did Nissan develop a battery? Nissan’s EV Energy Development Department project leader Takeshi Miyamoto has the answer: “Even if we bought batteries from suppliers, there just weren’t batteries on the market that we were satisfied with.” And the biggest reason? Ambition: “A battery needs total balance. If we don’t make it ourselves to our precise level, then we won’t be able to make a reality the new mobility we are aiming for.” Developing a battery appropriate to the unique characteristics of the car enhances the energy efficiency of the EV. Likewise, this logic also applies to the motor and inverter: For an EV, parts must be developed that are organic to the overall EV concept.

There’s another reason why Nissan developed its own battery – cost. Nissan Leaf is intended as a production vehicle for the general consumer, so it needs to be sold at a price affordable for most drivers. Cutting the cost of the battery is key to reducing the overall costs of the car.

Miyamoto joined Nissan in 1981. Following involvement with development of batteries for one of Nissan’s earlier EV efforts, the Nissan Altra, Miyamoto then became the engineer responsible for creating Nissan Leaf’s battery.

(EV) Experience makes a difference

Nissan already has an established history with electric vehicles. The experiences, findings and know-how accumulated from the Altra EV that went into production in 1998, and the Hypermini from 1999, were all vital to the development of the new Leaf. For example, data on how an EV is actually used by drivers or a battery’s thermal performance all contributed immensely to Leaf’s R&D.

And before Leaf went on sale, experiments were conducted for over a year with a prototype vehicle in Arizona, California, New York, Detroit, and other places, in order to test if the data acquired from the previous EVs actually worked as expected in reality.

A battery without a cooling system?

When Leaf was released, possibly one aspect of its technology surprised other carmakers’ engineers the most: Nissan Leaf’s battery has no cooling system. To achieve this, the temperature is controlled by adjustment of the battery’s internal resistance, keeping the increase in battery temperature down. Based on findings from past EV technology, engineers performed simulations examining temperature increase alongside the Leaf concept, the amount of electricity used, and the frequency of charging.

When a battery has a cooling system, then more space and cost are also needed to install the system, and that can also mean a vehicle that costs more and a battery that deteriorates faster. In a nutshell, a battery without a cooling system has more merits for the customer.

A battery that can control its heating temperature without a cooling mechanism is also longer lasting, since the biggest cause of a battery’s lifespan being shortened is overheating. In other words, having a cooling system to lower the temperature of a battery in case of overheating has adverse effects on the battery’s durability – it’s better to engineer a battery system that works to avoid overheating to begin with.

A laminated structure for layout flexibility

Nissan Leaf’s battery uses a special laminated battery cell. Each battery module features a set of four laminated battery cells, for a total of 192 cells and 48 modules in the battery pack mounted below the floor of the vehicle.
battery
Upper left: A laminated battery cell. Upper right: A battery module set of four laminated battery cells. Bottom: A battery pack made up of 48 modules.
The thin laminated cells are unusual in that they can be installed both vertically and horizontally, and their layout flexibility is indispensable in maximizing passenger and cargo space in the vehicle. The thin shape of the cells helps keep them stacked closely underneath the floor of the cabin.

The structure is thin but with a wide surface area, making for superior heat release qualities, and a major reason why the Leaf battery system does not need a special cooling mechanism.

The biggest challenge for the battery development was whether such a slim laminated battery cell design could actually work as part of an automobile in reality. Developed in partnership with a laminated film manufacturer, the lamination material was selected after looking at different varieties of plastic and thickness, and eventually a special lamination was developed just for Nissan Leaf. In the years leading up to Leaf going on sale, the reliability of the lamination was checked on test cars, before the right material was found for the final model.

A battery working with the whole car body

It’s not only the battery design that determines the performance of the battery. For Nissan Leaf, the design areas outside the battery cell also contribute to the battery’s capabilities.

Take the safety performance in case of collision. Of course, this means possessing sufficient durability if the battery itself suffers an impact. In addition, body structure also plays an important role. By carefully designing the vehicle and battery structures, it becomes possible to provide a larger battery mounting space and maintain safety performance.

battery_graph.jpg
The lightweight and low-drag nature of the vehicle also has a hand in extending the EV’s electricity consumption, or in other words, its cruising distance range. Achieving both safety for collisions and simultaneously a lighter car body and reduction in air drag is no easy matter. Precisely because of its specialized EV chassis and car body engineering, the Nissan Leaf battery delivers on performance: Nissan total car body design technology is boosting its range capabilities.

An EV battery that only a carmaker could create

“It can be a tradeoff between the battery’s capacity, output, resistance, safety, and reliability. Balancing all of them is the most important,” says Miyamoto.

To give an extreme example, if we take out the back seats of the car and load more batteries it is, of course, possible to further extend the cruising distance range of the vehicle. However, Nissan Leaf is a five-seater, and is setting the standard for the post-gasoline car era’s EV vehicles for the general consumer. Due to the spread of EVs, now you can sometimes hear people talk about how, if you just have a motor and battery then anyone can build a car these days – not just carmakers. “Well, yes, you can ‘build’ a car,” explains Miyamoto. “But I always want to say to them that they should try making one to the level of Leaf! With an EV, you also need to ensure the safety of your passengers.”

A safe and secure EV could only be created since its makers thought holistically, creating a car design that considers the entire vehicle: Not the battery technology by itself, but also a car body, motor and controls that work in tandem with the battery. That is why Nissan is pouring its energies into developing fully intuitive and integrated EV batteries.

Cardinale Nissan

1661 Del Monte Blvd

Seaside, California 93955

Phone: 888-928-4118

Website: www.cardinalenissan.com