2014 Nissan 370Z Offers New External Look

The 2014 370Z NISMO, which is set to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide this summer, follows the new NISMO design theme with distinctive new exterior and interior accents.

Pierre Loing, Vice President, Product and Advanced Planning and Strategy, Nissan Americas said: "The 370Z NISMO, since its introduction as part of the original Nissan 350Z lineup, has embodied the spirit of NISMO – race-proven engineering that is attainable. With the enhancements for the 2014 model year and the addition of the new JUKE NISMO, we're unifying the look and feel of these distinctive NISMO models and paving the way for additional NISMO vehicles to follow."

The current 370Z NISMO sets the bar as a tuner-Z® enthusiast's dream straight from the factory, with the same Nissan New Vehicle Limited Warranty as other Nissan vehicles*. It offers 350 horsepower, racing-inspired exterior and interior styling, a specially tuned suspension and unique super-lightweight forged alloy wheels. The enhancements for 2014 are designed to up the car's already strong visual impact.

On the exterior, new dark gray coloring is added to the front and rear fascias, lower side sills, side mirrors and NISMO rear spoiler, with each element (except side sills) featuring NISMO-style red pinstripe accents. In addition, Solid Red replaces the previous Magma Red as one of four 370Z NISMO exterior color choices. Interior enhancements include the addition of a new steering wheel with Alcantara® appointments and red accents, and a red NISMO tachometer.

The 370Z NISMO's outstanding performance is anchored by an advanced Nissan FM (Front Midship) platform, refined 4-wheel independent suspension and 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL) rated at 350 hp @ 7,400 rpm and 276 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm. The VVEL system helps optimize intake valve open/close movements, allowing the needed air to be sent promptly to the combustion chamber at the precisely optimized time. The 370Z NISMO's enhanced engine power and acceleration (versus non-NISMO 370Zs) is provided through use of an exclusive H-configured exhaust system design and muffler tuning, along with optimized ECM (Engine Control Module) calibration.

Just one transmission is offered, a close-ratio 6-speed manual with Nissan's SynchroRev Match® synchronized downshift rev matching system. The SynchroRev Match® function automatically controls and adjusts engine speed when shifting to the speed of the next gear position, essentially "blipping" the throttle to smooth out any up/down shifts. This not only allows the driver to focus more on braking and steering, it improves the smoothness of gear shifts by reducing the typical "shock" when the clutch is engaged. The system can be deactivated with a button next to the shifter for drivers who prefer to shift on their own.

The 370Z NISMO also features a tight, rigid body structure with a strut tower bar brace and a pair of performance dampers, which quickly and efficiently react to help control body vibrations from road input via the tires, contributing to the 370Z NISMO's outstanding handling and performance feel. The 370Z NISMO's double-wishbone front/4-link rear suspension design suspension is specially tuned for exceptional handling, including higher spring and stabilizer bar rates and increased roll stiffness and front and rear damping factors (compared to non-NISMO models).

The 2014 370Z NISMO rides on unique 5-spoke Nissan-branded 19-inch RAYS forged aluminum-alloy wheels (19x9.5-inch front, 19x10.5-inch rear) with a Gun Metallic finish. The wheels are mounted with Bridgestone Potenza S001 Y-rated high-performance tires (245/40ZR19 front, 285/35ZR19 rear). Braking is provided by NISMO Sport Brakes with large diameter 14.0-inch front and 13.8-inch rear vented rotors with 4-piston front and 2-­piston rear aluminum calipers. The braking system includes a variable ratio brake pedal, high-rigidity brake hoses, R35 Special II fluid and red-finish calipers.

Along with the new color treatments, the 2014 370Z NISMO exterior includes an extended front nose design and a fully integrated chin spoiler – providing a sense of dynamic movement while enhancing airflow and downforce for enhanced aerodynamic performance. The 370Z NISMO is 6.2 inches longer than the standard 370Z Coupe. Special side sills and a unique rear bumper help control airflow under the vehicle, while the functional rear spoiler increases downforce. Four exterior colors are offered: Pearl White, Magnetic Black, Gun Metallic and Solid Red.

Inside, the 370Z NISMO's driver-centric interior includes NISMO logo seats with black and red fabric and red stitching, a NISMO tachometer, steering wheel with Alcantara® wrap and red parallel stitching, smooth leather-wrapped shift knob and aluminum-trimmed pedals. A special serialized plaque of authenticity, located on the vertical panel above the floor-mounted console, is matched to each 370Z NISMO identifying its unique serial and model year designation.

The sporty woven cloth seats feature standard 8-way driver's/4-way passenger manual adjustments and adjustable front seat Active Head Restraints. Standard interior comfort and convenience features include Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Start, power windows with one-touch auto up/down feature, power door locks with auto-lock feature and automatic climate control. An AM/FM/CD/AUX 4-speaker audio system is standard. Also available is a Bose® Package featuring an in-dash 6CD changer, two additional speakers (six total), two subwoofers, Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System, auto-dimming inside mirror and HomeLink® Universal Transceiver. There are no other options offered.

Said Loing: "The great thing about the 370Z NISMO, like the JUKE NISMO, is that there is solid functionality behind every element – race-inspired but ready for the street – and with pure NISMO style."

Via Nissan News

Motorist Monday: How to Change a Flat

Motorist Monday: Do you know how to properly change a tire? If not, brush up on your knowledge with this handy infographic!

Mexican Red Cross Incorporates the Nissan NV2500 into Ambulance Fleet

See how the all new Nissan NV2500 exemplifies stability, efficiency, and reliability as an ambulance for the Mexican Red Cross in this week's video: http://youtu.be/dengS1lOv84

Nissan Leafs to be used as taxis in NYC

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg drove up to the news conference in Rockefeller Center that introduced the first-ever all-electric NYC taxi in the back seat of - you guessed it – an EV taxi. Nissan and NYC chose Earth Day, today, to launch a zero-emission taxi fleet.

The six donated vehicles begin a year-long pilot program as soon as next week, after installation of recharging units is completed. That includes charging units in the homes or garages of participating owner-operated taxis and fleets, and several fast-chargers in strategic spots around Manhattan, which can provide 80-percent battery power in around 30 minutes.

Taxis average 70-100 miles a day in NYC. The 2013 Nissan Leaf has an official EPA range of 75 miles (aka 84 miles), and probably more in the stop-and-go of urban traffic, thanks to regenerative braking, so drivers might not have to recharge at all during their shift. "We want to demonstrate that drivers can integrate the technology without losing business," said David Yassky, the city's taxi and limousine commissioner.

The first Nissan Leaf taxi driver, London-born Uppkar Thind, told me his 12-year-old son thinks the EV taxi is "cool," and that the vehicle is stable and sturdy. Thind was one of more than 100 owner-drivers and fleets who applied for one of six pilot program Leaf vehicles, which requires drivers to provide feedback to Nissan, the city and other governmental agencies and utilities. But that's a small price in return for avoiding the time and expense of gas pumps.

All participating drivers received training from Nissan on adapting their driving style for electric, including feathering both gas and brake to get full advantage from EV torque. All the pilot Leaf taxis are production models, to which meters and the taxi TV screens have been added.

Via Autoblog

Nissan GT-R Breaks 232 MPH!

Experience the true power of the Nissan GT-R in this video as they break speeds of 232 MPH! Talk about a white-knuckled ride!

New Inventory Specials at Sheehy Nissan Glen Burnie

Looking to trade in your old car? Stop by Sheehy Nissan Glen Burnie and check out what we have to offer! View our inventory here: http://bit.ly/YWK9ns

Nissan Pathfinder Makes Ward's Auto's List of 10 Best Interiors

Ward's Auto has announced that the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder has made their list for 10 Best Interiors! This is what they had to say:

"Nissan really did its homework in developing the all-new interior for the Pathfinder CUV, which is far more comfortable and generously equipped than the truck-based SUV version it replaces.

"Capable of seating seven people comfortably, the Pathfinder is warm, inviting, spacious and ready for anything, thanks to the “Latch and Glide” second-row seats that offer easy back-row access. From the thick Berber carpet floor mats to the dual panorama sunroof, the new Pathfinder is a fine example of graceful utility."

Via WardsAuto

Another Member of the Sheehy Family!

"I bought a 2013 Altima in at the end of last year and will be getting a 2013 Frontier in May. GREAT place to be part of the family." Thank you for your review, Rob! Glad to have you as part of the Sheehy family!

Read what others are saying here: http://bit.ly/16YjiYY

Nissan GT-R Goes 183 MPH on Ice in Russia for New Record! [Video]

Here is the video we mentioned earlier in the week of the Nissan GT-R that broke the Russian record for top speed on ice with a whopping 183 MPH! Check out the video here and let us know what you think below!

Nissan GT-R Breaks Russian Record for Top Speed on Ice

Russian  race driver Roman Rusinov and auto journalist Andrey Leontjev pushed the Nissan GT-R across a frozen Lake Baikal, setting a new national speed ice driving record of 294.8 kph (183 mph).

The speed record on ice was a joint project of Nissan in Russia and LAV Productions company, taking place at Small Sea Strait – part of the Baikal water area between western coast and Ol’khon isle. The Nissan GT-R 2012 model year used winter non-studded Bridgestone tires.

The length of the track was divided into an acceleration part – 3.5 km, timekeeping part – 1 km, and breaking area – 3.5 km. The driving attempts were fixed and evaluated by a specially-created committee of the Russian Automotive Federation, and also a group of four judges from Yaroslavl, Omsk, Yekaterinburg and Moscow. The car starts from standing position and develops maximum speed on the distance of 1000 meters (1 km). RAF fixes average speed on this route.

The 540-horsepower GT-R production car had no modifications, running the 3.8-liter, V6 engine on the frozen surface of the world’s deepest lake in southern Siberia, with a result for the history books. Enjoy this video of their record ice escapade.

Via Nissan Newsroom

Buy 3 tires, get the 4th free!

Maintain the health of your car, improve your gas mileage, and be proactive about the safety of all of your passengers with this coupon for 4 new tires for the price of 3! Print off this coupon and hurry in, this offer ends on the 30th! http://on.fb.me/15sCQSL

Nissan NV200's to serve as ambulances, taxis, and more!

Vehicles like the new Nissan NV200 are making inroads into the service, livery and emergency vehicle markets, and we've got a couple cases in point to share.

The first one is a fleet of 30 new ambulances based on the heavier-duty NV2500 chassis. They are entering the Mexican Red Cross fleet of emergency vehicles this year after performing well in pilot tests last year. The Mexican Red Cross says it receives 1,200,000 ambulance service requests per year, so the mettle of these new machines will be tested in a hurry.

The second example is less useful for life-saving, but may save a guitar from going to the scrap heap. Called the Gibson NV200 Mobile Repair & Restoration Van, it can take the services of an authorized Gibson rep anywhere they're needed to repair or restore an axe in need. The van features a whole aesthetic designed to evoke the classic Gibson look, with wood veneer and shades of brown and black used throughout. There's a guitar rack that holds four instruments, a sliding 56-inch long repair table, toolbox, genuine Gibson stools and a sound system by Gibson Pro Audio.

The Gibson van will debut this week at the New York Auto Show, and we wouldn't be surprised to see more collaborations like this between these two companies in the future, as they're both local to Tennessee.

Via Autoblog

10 April Fool Car Pranks

1. Morning Joe

Duct-tape an empty coffee mug or Starbucks cup to the roof of your car, and enjoy the reactions of other drivers. To make the most of the joke, you need to act completely oblivious to the honks and hand signals that are sure to come your way – sing along with the radio with great gusto, smile and wave at well-meaning travelers, etc.

2. Baby Maker

Similar to "Morning Joe", only with a car seat and a  baby doll bought from your local toy store. This prank works best if you appear as if you are in a hurry. You can choose to duck tape the car seat to the car, but for the best effect just sit it on the roof of your car at a gas station or Starbucks  and drive off.

3. Moving the Car

You'll need access to the car keys for this prank. You can move the car just a few parking spaces over so the driver feels just a little out of sorts and forgetful, or you can move it to a completely different level of the parking garage to send the car owner on a scavenger hunt. If you move the car a long distance, make sure you keep an eye on the one being pranked and stop him before he calls the police to report a stolen car.

4. Small Changes

This is another prank requiring the car keys. The idea is to change one small thing in a person's car each day. For instance, reprogram a radio station, change the height of the driver's seat, or clean up a pile of leftover napkins. The longer you can keep this going, the better the overall effect. Just try to keep a straight face when your friend or co-worker complains about all the little things he or she doesn't remember doing to the car. This prank works best for your ocd friends and neat freaks.

5. Wrapping

Wrapping someone's car is a classic safe car prank. You can use plastic wrap or toilet paper, and the more complete the covering, the better the effect. If you really don't the person, shrink wrap their car on your lunch break. When its time for everyone to go they'll be stuck there for a while. For those of your friends who are into glitz and glamor try wrapping their car in aluminum foil.

6. Fiesta!

Fill the car's air vents with confetti. The driver will enjoy a fun shower the next time she turns up the air conditioner or heat.

7. Car for Sale

Make a "Car for Sale" sign and tape it to the window of someone else's car with his or her phone number on the paper. Make sure the car is parked in a highly visible area, and that the driver won't notice the sign long enough for a good deal of people to see it. The price should also be low, so the owner is sure to receive many calls.

8. Fill the Car

Fill the interior of the car with something that will pour out when the door is opened or just take up a lot of space making it impossible to get inside the car. A few ideas include:

• Styrofoam packing peanuts
• Shredded or crumpled up paper
• Ping-pong balls
• Balloons

9. Coke and a Smile

Tie a couple coke cans to your best friend's front axle or exhaust pipe. This prank doesn't usually last that long but its definitely good for the "gotcha" factor.

10. Post It!

Cover their car in post it notes. If the person is lazy or in a rush, they will only take off the post it notes on the windshield and drive the car to class. If you want to get fancy, start spelling words or making patterns with different color post it notes. For a longer effect only cover the passenger side of the car as they just might not even notice that their car has post-it notes on it.

Source: Love to Know and The College Driver