Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Man of Gold: Usain Bolt


JAMAICA – Nissan has delivered a special GT-R, bathed in exclusive gold paint, to Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt in appreciation for his contributions as a Nissan brand ambassador for GT-R. Bolt, known as "the world's fastest man," has been promoting the company's brand awareness in association with the Nissan Global Brand Campaign, which kicked off in April 2012 and has been running in markets around the world ever since.
It was love at first sight for Bolt, already a GT-R owner, when the one-of-a-kind "Bolt Gold" GT-R was unveiled as the top prize in an online global charity auction held in late 2012. The proceeds of the auction went to the Usain Bolt Foundation.
The special Gold GT-R that Nissan presented to Bolt is based on the 2014 model year Nissan GT-R. It has been customized to suit Bolt's driving style, based on the data Nissan engineers recorded during his test drive of the GT-R line-up when he visited the company headquarters in October 2012.
The uniquely gold-painted Nissan GT-R features a flamboyant white interior, BOSE® audio system and 10-spoke RAYS® aluminum-alloy forged wheels. These specially fitted, hyper-titanium color-coated wheels add extra flair to an already bold exterior that is highlighted by an exclusive "Spec Bolt" emblem. The visual specs of the car, including exterior color, interior color and wheels, were selected by Bolt himself.
The handover event took place on May 5, 2013, at Bolt's home training facility in Jamaica that overlooks the mountains of his home country. Jose Román, vice president of Nissan Latin America and the Caribbean, who attended on behalf of Nissan, handed over the keys to the Gold GT-R to Bolt. Bolt then become the owner of one of only two Gold GT-Rs in existence, the other belonging to the charity auction winner who will take delivery of his special car before the summer of 2013.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

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

Monday, April 29, 2013

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!

Thursday, April 25, 2013

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

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

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

Thursday, April 18, 2013

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!

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

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