Karl on Cars
Nissan
November 17, 2009
The buzz around electric cars reached a Norelco pitch last week after Nissan started showing off its new Leaf and Carlos Ghosn claimed 10 percent of global automotive sales will be electric by 2020.
That's 10 years from now, and when one considers the technological potential of the next decade it doesn't sound so far fetched, right?
Wrong! I think this prediction (like most automotive predictions involving more than 5 years) is more sound-bite than sound reasoning. And if you don't believe me, ask Bob Lutz. I did last week on the same day the Leaf made it's splash-down in Los Angeles.
Lutz was in Los Angeles as part of the 2011 Buick Regal reveal at the Hollywood Palladium, but several senior Edmunds.com folks spent some quality time with him at the Roosevelt Hotel. We discussed multiple topics, including the future of the electric car.
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- Karl Brauer November 17, 2009, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Future Vehicles, Hybrid Vehicles, MINI, Nissan, Talk Back Tuesday
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- Electric Car Nissan Leaf Chevrolet Volt Bob Lutz
September 24, 2008
Unlike the ever-expanding crossover category, which appears incapable of being over-burdened with too many variations (see Monday's post
), the brutal competition within the sedan category means each model must make a strong case for itself or risk being lost in the shuffle.
Case in point -- the 2009 Nissan Maxima. I've always kind of liked the Maxima's mojo as an upscale performance sedan (or "four-door sports car" for long-time fans). It's a history that began with the Datsun 810 back in 1977, and as recently as 1995 the Nissan Maxima represented a relatively unique offering. Horsepower, handling and styling made it a a strong enthusiast's choice, while pricing and seating for five made it a practical performance bargain.
Then came Chrysler's V8 300, Infiniti's very BMW-like G35 and even Nissan's own Altima (drastically upsized and improved in 2002). And if that wasn't enough, Hyundai just jumped into the "$30,000-something" luxury sedan segment with its all-new 2009 Genesis.
To say the Maxima's formerly-unique recipe has been co-opted would be like saying Obama's original campaign strategy has required a few tweaks in recent weeks.
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- Karl Brauer September 24, 2008, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Nissan
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- Nissan Maxima
August 8, 2008
I just saw an article
in USA Today about how Nissan is going to "help drivers become more fuel efficient behind the wheel."
No, we're not talking variable intake manifolds or cylinder deactivation or even extra transmission gears. This latest fuel-mileage breakthrough comes in the form of an argumentative throttle pedal.
Specifically, the throttle will "press upward when it senses motorists are speeding up to quickly." In other words, if you try to go "too fast" the pedal will resist your efforts by pushing back against your foot.
I'm not sure I can capture all the frightening aspects of this "technology breakthrough" in a single blog, but I'll try.
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- Karl Brauer August 8, 2008, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Driving, Fuel Efficiency, Nissan
- Technorati Tags:
- Gas Mileage, Throttle Pedal
May 20, 2008
You may have already heard this, but BMW's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter engine took home the International Engine of the Year award for 2008. If you've experienced this powertrain you know that title is well and properly earned, as the 3.0-liter's combination of horsepower, torque and even fuel efficiency make it one of the best engines in history.
But that got me thinking: What are the best engines in the history of the automobile? There are no internationally recognized test parameters to answer this question, so it's basically a judgement call. With that said, here are the 10 engines I would place in the annals of "Best Engines of All Time."
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- Karl Brauer May 20, 2008, 6:00 AM
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- Automotive News, BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Nissan, Porsche, Vehicle Awards
April 7, 2008
I remember back in 2002 when Porsche offered the first-ever incentives on the Boxster. The industry was in an uproar -- "Porsche is offering killer lease and purchase deals on the Boxster! Can you believe it???"
"Yes" was my answer. Followed up with,"Can you say Nissan 350Z?" After seeing the photos and hearing the specs on this car it was clear the Boxster's position as an "affordable Porsche" was about to be undercut by this even more affordable sport coupe (and convertible) from Nissan. And it was clear Porsche knew it, too.
Obviously the 350Z is no Porsche, and that first-year Z had its issues that we experienced first hand with our long-term car (interior quality, front tire wear, etc.), but from day one it was a helluva performance proposition. Driving the latest 2008 version was a good reminder of how much fun this car provides for a starting price under $30,000.
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- Karl Brauer April 7, 2008, 6:00 AM
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- Nissan
January 11, 2008
Is the Nissan Cube weird? Yeah, but so were the xB and Element when they first hit showrooms, and both are selling well enough to justify Nissan's interest in the "$17,000 Box-on-Wheels" market.
The model I just briefly drove was a 2007, Japanese-market version, so it doesn't exactly represent the one we'll see at Nissan dealers in 2009 (unless they are going to make them all right-hand drive with no radio). Still, I got to experience the basic design philosophy behind the Cube, which like the xB and Element is essentially "maximum interior space packed into minimal exterior space." This meant the Cube was easy to park, but hard for my 6-foot-frame to get comfy in. The 1.4-liter, 80-horsepower engine moved the car with enough authority to please the target crowd, which should theoretically care more about fuel mileage anyway, right?
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- Karl Brauer January 11, 2008, 7:00 AM
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- Nissan
December 19, 2007
Nissan has "updated" the Armada for 2008 with a better interior, more high-tech features and a moderately restyled grille. I drove one home the other night and found those upgrades to be well-executed and highly appreciated. The soft-touch material covering the dash and door panels, not to mention the woodgrain inserts, finally put this SUV's cabin on par with the competition. The rear camera in our test vehicle was most helpful when manuevering this beast in the parking garage, as was the high-grade audio sysetm and clear navigation display while cruising around Los Angeles and up PCH.
But I have two major issues with this SUV. The first relates to its drivetrain, which like so many Nissan drivetrains is simply too "buzzy." The 5.6-liter V8 has plenty of horsepower (317 to be exact) and plenty of pulling grunt (385 lbs-ft), but there's a high-pitched engine screech when you floor it, and too much NVH at higher rpms. Not sure if this is just a matter of engine mounting design or fundamental engine design itself, but for this class and this price point I need a "calmer" experience -- even when I mash the gas pedal.
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- Karl Brauer December 19, 2007, 7:00 AM
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- Nissan
October 26, 2007
If you've driven a Nissan Altima sedan you already know how surprisingly sporty this "family sedan" is. Short of having an available V8 and rear-wheel drive this model is as close to a muscle car as you can get...except for the Charger/300 and G8, which do have V8s and rear-wheel drive.
Regardless, I still consider the Nissan Altima "the great upsetter" ever since the redesign in 2002. I remember the 2001 New York Auto Show when it debuted, and the level of concern on the Honda and Toyota execs faces was undeniable. Suddenly the Altima wasn't an oddly-sized, bottom tier Japanese sedan, it was a real player with more interior space, horsepower and handling potential than the two titans of the category. The car's first redesign since that paradigm-shifting 2002 model was last year, and for 2008 an all-new Altima coupe hits with all the tradiitional Nissan character traits.
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- Karl Brauer October 26, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Honda, Nissan
August 28, 2007
Just took a gander at Automotive News' future product plan for Japanese carmakers. Not too surprisingly, the coming years hold hybrids and crossovers from the Land of the Rising Sun (actually, many of them will come from right here in North America). Each automaker has a few interesting items in the pipeline.
Acura: No official confirmation of a V8 in Acura's future, which I continue to view as the division's greatest failing. The next RL is due in 2011, so they better make up their mind. But we do know a V10 engine will power the NSX replacement. I like that they have a full-tilt exotic in the works, but one vehicle does not a division make (as was proven with the last
NSX).
Honda: Honda will continue to push hybrids, with a smaller-than-Civic model. No more Accord hybrids, but the Odyssey will be Honda's first V6 diesel-powered vehicle in the U.S. in 2010 (also the year CR-V goes diesel with a 4 cyl.). I'm personally looking forward to the Remix, the spiritual successor to the CRX. And between the Pilot and CR-V? Yup, another crossover is coming.
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- Karl Brauer August 28, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Acura, Future Vehicles, Honda, Hybrid Vehicles, Infiniti, Lexus, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Scion, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota
August 3, 2007
With a 20-inch wheelbase stretch, and the availability of of a long-bed on crew cab models, this 2008 Nissan is truly a Titanic truck. It's been awhile since I drove something with its own zip code, but other than navigating the parking garage this Nissan was surprisingly manageable. And, between the top-line LE trim and options like nav and DVD rear entertainment, this truck feels more like a open-bed minivan with regard to luxury amenities.
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- Karl Brauer August 3, 2007, 6:00 AM
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- Nissan
July 26, 2007
Once upon a time I really liked the Nissan Pathfinder. It was actually our Most Wanted mid-sized SUV circa 2002 (after it got the much-needed power boost midway through 2001). Back then the Pathfinder had attractive looks, a surprisingly car-like ride quality on pavement, and even more surprisingly capable off-road prowess (considering its pleasant on-road demeanor and unibody design). Back then I considered the Toyota Land Cruiser the king of combining on-road refinement with off-road capabilities, but those qualities didn't come cheap in the Toyota. After driving the Nissan I decided the Pathfinder was a slightly smaller, far less pricey "Baby Land Cruiser" -- about as strong of praise a midsize SUV could hope for from me.
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- Karl Brauer July 26, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Ford, Nissan
June 28, 2007
Since everyone seemed to love (or hate) the Saturn Aura Hybrid comments from yesterday here's more hybrid blog fodder. I just ran two identical driving loops in the 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid. These loops were about 66 percent through the Santa Monica Mountains and 33 percent along PCH. We use this area because it offers relatively traffic-free driving (at least during mid-day) and a good mix of driving situations. Truth be told it's not the best loop for hybrid vehicles because it offers almost no stop-and-go driving and the average speed on this loop was about 46 mph (well above the speeds where an internal combustion engine can really be "helped" by the electric motor). That said, the route is easily controlled by the driver because of the lack of traffic, meaning I could essentially pick my speed and driving style versus having it dictated to me by other drivers and/or "road conditions." I actually didn't change my driving style much, but I did tend to leave a larger gap in front of me so I could coast down hills to recapture energy and/or have momentum when the road went from downhill to uphill (which is quite often on this loop). So how did they do?
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- Karl Brauer June 28, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Fuel Efficiency, Hybrid Vehicles, Nissan, Toyota
June 27, 2007
I finally got some seat time in Saturn's Aura Hybrid (yes, our test car was the exact same color as our long-term Aura). This hybrid is defined as a "weak hybrid" because it can't motivate itself on pure electricity. The engine always has to be running whenever the car is moving. It's basically similar to GM's full-size truck "hybrid" system, meaning it can shut off when stopped and provide a bit of boost when accelerating.
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- Karl Brauer June 27, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Fuel Efficiency, Hybrid Vehicles, Nissan, Saturn, Toyota
March 16, 2007
The rumors started a few weeks before the Tundra went on sale last month:
"Psst. Hey, Toyota is going to launch their brand new Tundra with incentives!"
It seemed ludicrous to think the most successful automaker on the planet, and one historically loathe to incentives, would be offering them on a brand new product even before the dust could settle on showroom models.
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- Karl Brauer March 16, 2007, 7:09 AM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Nissan, Toyota
January 18, 2007
Drove our newest long-term car home last night - a 2007 Radiant Silver Nissan Altima SE with the technology package. That package comes with just about everything you'd ever want (leather, upgraded audio, nav, Bluetooth, etc.), which is good -- because it costs $6,400!!! Silly me, I thought you had to buy a Lexus to encounter $5,000-plus option packages. But I give Nissan credit for creating two of the best CVTs I've ever driven (the one in the Versa kicks butt, too)...
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- Karl Brauer January 18, 2007, 7:05 AM
- Categories:
- Nissan
December 22, 2006
It appears the rise of the small car is a certified fact, with the market jumping 63 percent in 2006. Several factors have driven this growth, including higher fuel prices, increased product offerings and a creeping backlash against large SUVs. While some (myself included) have questioned the long-term effects of rising fuel prices and whether or not they'll create sustained
demand for small cars, the short-term results are in. "Small" is "the next big thing" in cars, with that segment's growth even surpassing crossovers this year...
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- Karl Brauer December 22, 2006, 10:01 AM
- Categories:
- Fuel Efficiency, Honda, Nissan
December 21, 2006
The picture has already appeared on the Straightline blog, but I feel it deserves mention here that Acura will be showing the next-generation NSX in Detroit this January. Between the inevitable Toyota/Lexus sports car that's coming, the new Nissan Skyline due next year and Acura's efforts to produce this V10 two-seater it's like 1994 all over again. Remember, that year Mitsubishi had the 3000GT VR4 and Dodge had the Stealth R/T Twin Turbo (the same basic car with different bodies), and both had just been upgraded from 300 to 320 horsepower. Acura's NSX was still on dealer waiting lists, Nissan's 300ZX was rocking along, the last-generation Mazda RX-7 was just a year old (I still love that car), as was Toyota's all-new Supra, a model that remains one of the best sports cars ever, even by today's standards...
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- Karl Brauer December 21, 2006, 7:45 AM
- Categories:
- Auto Shows, Nissan
October 23, 2006
Had the 2007 Nissan Maxima for the weekend, and thinking back it occurred to me that I haven't spent much quality time with Nissan's "four door sports car" in recent years. This year the Maxima lost 10 horsepower do to new SAE standards for defining horsepower. It also gained a CVT transmission and a new front end design. My first impression after sliding behind the wheel and escaping L.A...
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- Karl Brauer October 23, 2006, 8:47 AM
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- Nissan
October 20, 2006
With 100 miles in the new Nissan Versa
I now have a solid sense of where it lands in the (now highly active) "B Segment." First, as expected considering its Renault origins, it feels far more European than Japanese to me. Generally speaking, that's a very good thing. Items like steering feel and suspension tuning possess not only a sporty feel (the Japanese makers are good at these elements), but also a passionate, "humanistic" feel that effectively connects driver to road. That latter element is sometimes not as strong in Japanese cars, though they've gotten much better in this respect over the past decade...
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- Karl Brauer October 20, 2006, 4:16 AM
- Categories:
- Nissan
June 28, 2006
I thought I was over my Nissan Skyline crush. I've been into these cars ever since I worked at Super Street and discovered exactly what they are. The thought of a Japanese-market, largely-unknown (by U.S. drivers, at least) hot-rod Nissan with all-wheel drive always appealed to me...
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- Karl Brauer June 28, 2006, 3:30 PM
- Categories:
- Nissan
May 3, 2006
We recently got some seat time in Nissan's refreshed 2007 Quest minivan. It's clear Nissan wanted to dial back the 'tude on this people mover, a decision we wholeheartedly endorse. Now the gauges are where they belong (in front of the driver) and the third-row seat folds into the floor with ease vs the somewhat convoluted system on the current model. Material quality has risen as well, and the van effectively balances comfort and performance in its driving dynamics (we already liked the Quest in that last area). We also liked the longitudinal "Skyview" sunroofs and crisp exterior lines, both of which remain on the new one.
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- Karl Brauer May 3, 2006, 1:29 PM
- Categories:
- Nissan
April 18, 2006
I couldn't comment on it after first driving the car back on March 7th
, because of an embargo, but we posted my First Drive of the 2007 Nissan Altima
yesterday afternoon. We're still waiting on final SAE horsepower figures, with current ones showing the 2.5-liter down by 10hp compared to last year. We'll see if that number holds when final figures arrive, but early numbers indicate a 15hp bump (to 265) for the 3.5-liter V6. Yet the two big gains for this car are far more interesting. First, it has a vastly improved interior that can finally shrug off the "cheap" description this car has been saddled with since 2002...
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- Karl Brauer April 18, 2006, 3:23 PM
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- Nissan
March 7, 2006
I will be driving the 2007 Nissan Altima and Versa
tomorrow morning, though there are embargoes on driving impressions until mid-April (when the Altima debuts at the New York Auto Show). I'm very curious about the Versa because its horsepower ratings look quite strong. The Altima is a curious case, as it is due for a full redesign -- at least by Honda/Toyota standards -- but I don't know if it's getting one. I'd like to say I'll let you know how they drive tomorrow...but I probably can't...
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- Karl Brauer March 7, 2006, 9:29 PM
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- Nissan
November 29, 2005
There's a small, but significant, story in Automotive News
about Nissan leaving Los Angeles. It says Nissan is one of 80 corporations to leave Los Angeles since 2002 -- corporations that took 13,000 jobs with them, BTW. Apparently the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp. has asked California legislators to study ways to make California more business friendly...
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- Karl Brauer November 29, 2005, 6:21 PM
- Categories:
- Domestic Manufacturers Problems/Challenges, Nissan
November 10, 2005
Wow, Nissan is leaving Tokyo West (Or is that Tokyo East? I guess it depends on how you look at it) to take up residence in Tennessee. I must admit that, while the rumors had been flying for some time, I seriously didn't think it would happen. Every major Asian car maker is based in SoCal, so this represents a drastic change for them (not that I particularly disagree with it)...
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- Karl Brauer November 10, 2005, 7:18 PM
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- Domestic Manufacturers Problems/Challenges, Nissan
