Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the development of two advanced technologies designed to help drivers make smooth turns by synchronizing the vehicle’s navigation, engine, braking and steering systems. By linking the existing Distance Control Assist System to navigation map data, the Navigation-Cooperative Intelligent Pedal can help the driver decelerate or brake as the car enters a curve based on real-time navigation information. Active Stability Assist helps control vehicle yaw moment, deceleration and braking on curves depending on driver demand. Both are designed to make driving more comfortable.

Distance Control Assist/Navigation-Cooperative Intelligent Pedal

The new Distance Control Assist system combines the distance control feature first introduced on the Nissan Fuga in December 2007 with the car’s navigation system. Based on map information indicating a curve ahead, the system moves the accelerator pedal upward to assist the driver to release the accelerator pedal. Once the foot is lifted off the pedal, the system smoothly reduces vehicle speed by activating the brakes. This is the world’s first driving assist system focused on reducing the driver’s workload on curvy roads by integrating navigation, accelerator pedal, powertrain and brakes.

This system is scheduled for introduction on the new Fuga, which is set for release in Japan in fall 2009.

Active Stability Assist

The Active Stability Assist system supports the driver’s control of the vehicle by helping to synchronize braking, steering and engine response. The system helps smooth vehicle operation and enhances full driving enjoyment on winding mountain roads or freeways.

The system senses driving demands based on the driver’s steering and acceleration/braking patterns, and individually controls the braking and application of torque to each of the four wheels to help smooth vehicle response. During braking, the system optimizes the distribution of force to each of the four wheels depending on the radius of the curve. This system is designed to make the driver feel more in control.

This system is scheduled for use on the new Fuga which will be released later in Nissan’s current fiscal year.

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Nissan Develops Two New Driver-Assist Systems for Curvy Roads

In a similar trial in Japan, drivers reduced fuel usage by an average of 18 percent, with comparable reductions in CO2 emissions. It led to savings at the pump of an estimated €350 per year. If similar improvements can be realised in Europe, the results would make a significant contribution to the development of these features in next generation Information Technology (IT) & Telematics systems.

Along with real-time fuel economy updates displayed to the driver via the vehicle’s satellite navigation screen, data from every trip is transmitted daily to the Nissan Global Data Centre for analysis. This information is then published on a password-protected Web site that can be accessed by the drivers participating in the trial. The site allows drivers to compare their performance to other motorists driving similar vehicles, along with monitoring progress of their individual eco-driving techniques. Drivers are rewarded with Bronze, Silver or Gold status, with the most fuel-efficient drivers awarded the Platinum ranking.

The NIDP trial is the first conducted by Nissan involving Nissan vehicle owners outside Japan. The UK was chosen for the NIDP trial because fuel prices are among the highest in Europe and the country was one of the first to set lower CO2 targets for vehicle emissions. The UK is also Nissan’s largest market in Western Europe and home to a manufacturing plant in Sunderland, a design centre in London and a technical research and development facility in Cranfield.

In addition, Nissan already has in place a number of partnerships with UK organisations to promote zero emission mobility. These include One NorthEast, a Regional Development Agency for the northeast of England, and Green Tomato Cars, a low-emission chauffeur drive company.

Nissan has also briefed the UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) on the project and at the conclusion of the trial will demonstrate the benefits of telematics as a material contributor to CO2 reductions in real-world driving conditions.

More than 100 Nissan Qashqai and Nissan X-TRAIL owners have been invited to participate in the trial. Their vehicles will be fitted with the special telematics equipment for the eight-month trial. A diverse range of drivers has been selected for the field operational test to ensure that the results are as meaningful as possible.

Data collected will be used in two ways – on-board and off-board. On-board, fuel economy information is relayed to the driver. By analysing the way the car is being driven, advice can be sent to the driver to promote fuel-efficient driving techniques. Off-board analysis is available via the Internet site where the day’s mileage can be evaluated in greater detail and eco-training advice can be given. A driver’s performance can be measured against others driving identical cars, with competition helping encourage participants to improve their ratings – providing further benefits to the environment.

“Nissan is taking a holistic approach towards sustainable mobility. Reducing CO2 by making our vehicles more efficient is just one element. Equally significant are the people behind the wheel,” said Minoru Shinohara, senior vice president, Technology Development Division Planning & Advanced Engineering Development Division. “The Nissan Intelligent Driver Project will help our customers develop eco-driving techniques with a vision toward using them on every journey as a matter of course. We expect the UK programme to show that this is a practical, affordable and highly effective way of reducing vehicle emissions.”

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Nissan Gets “Intelligent” Over Saving Fuel

At a glance

* Three different configurations of NV200
* Sliding side doors for ease of entry
* 4.1m3 of loading space in van version
* Economical petrol and diesel engines
* Low cost of ownership
* Family version is seven seat people carrier
* Global model for multiple regions

Designed from the outset as both a commercial and a passenger vehicle, the Nissan NV200 brings new levels of space, comfort and practicality to the small van market, both in Europe and other global markets.

NV200 will be available in three different versions: a van with the largest load space in its class and two seven seat variants – the functional Combi version for loads and passengers, and the more plush passenger car version, which will be shown at Geneva Motor Show next month.

“The Nissan LCV business is in a phase of expansion even in these challenging financial circumstances,” said Andy Palmer, Senior Vice President, Global Product Planning, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. “We aim to expand our business with smart new products and services that meet the needs of our customers, both in Europe and around the world.”

He added: “The NV200 is our proposal for a global small van. It offers outstanding utility and smart convenience with low cost of ownership, packaged in a highly functional design. With this vehicle, Nissan aims to meet the needs of customers looking for a functional, adaptable light van. We will launch the NV200 in Japan before summer, in Europe in autumn 2009 and then in China and other markets.”

Maximised cargo area
NV200 uses innovative packaging ideas to create the largest and most practical cargo area in its class. Although a little under 4.4m in overall length, the van version of the NV200 has a load bay that’s more than 2m long (2040mm).

With front-wheel drive and the adoption of a highly compact rear suspension system, the NV200 can house two standard Euro pallets in the cargo area at a time. At 1.84m high NV200 is no taller than its rivals, while at 520mm from ground level, the floor itself is the lowest in the class to ease loading, helping to boost the cargo volume to 4.1m3. Maximum payload is 771kg.

Spacious interior
A large cargo area is a vital attribute for a van, of course, but the generous interior dimensions of NV200 also translate into ample passenger space in the Combi version.

Unlike some other manufacturers that fit removable seats – which are invariably heavy to lift and need to be stored elsewhere when not in use – the seats in the Combi stay with the vehicle at all times. The middle row backrest has a 60/40 split to increase versatility and the entire assembly tumbles forward to fold flat against the front seats, while the rear pair fold individually to either side of the load area.

Throughout the creation of NV200, attention has been paid to ensuring the highest levels of quality with shut lines and panel gaps in line with the expectations of passenger car buyers.

While the van optionally is available with a side window it, differs from the passenger versions at the rear where it has twin side hinged “French” doors. Both seven-seaters have a fully glazed top hinged tailgate – though the Combi will be available with French doors – while the windows on both side doors have a sliding section for extra ventilation.

Road car platform
Built on a modified version of Nissan’s B Platform, NV200 has fully independent strut type front suspension mounted on a separate subframe and a compact and lightweight yet robust wide leaf spring rear axle.

Performance comes from a choice of two engines, one petrol and one diesel.

The petrol version will be powered by Nissan’s renowned all aluminium 1.6-litre HR16 engine, as found in Micra, Note and Qashqai. Displacing 1,598cc, the 16-valve unit develops 79kW (108PS) and 153Nm of torque and is mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

The diesel, also found on Note and Micra, is Alliance partner Renault’s acclaimed 8-valve 1.5 dCi (K9K) 1,461cc engine. Developing 200 Nm of torque and 63kW (86PS), it offers an ideal blend of performance, refinement and fuel economy. Power is transmitted through a five-speed gearbox.

To create more space in the cockpit, the gearlever extends not from the floor but from the two-tone wrap around centre console. Above the gearlever, the centre section houses the heating and ventilation controls and the double DIN radio slot. Heating and ventilation extends to all three rows of seats.

Well equipped
The NV200 is availble with an optional rear view parking camera, a first for a van in this segment, while the cabin is full of storage spaces, pockets and cup/bottle holders. There is also a secret storage space large enough to hide camera, mobile phones or vital documents within the upper portion of the glovebox.

Joining the parking camera, other car-like items of standard or optional equipment include features such as Nissan’s Intelligent Key, power windows and ESP. Safety equipment includes anti-lock brakes with brake assist (BA) and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) as standard. Driver and passenger airbags are also standard with side bags available as an option.

Pedestrian safety has also been considered with extra crash absorbing material in the bonnet and the adoption of an energy-absorbing bonnet.

Low cost of ownership
Cost of ownership is projected to be among the lowest in the class thanks in part to the low running costs and high efficiency of the engines and drivetrains, but also thanks to the safety structure which helps to minimise crash damage to vulnerable under bonnet parts such as the radiator.

“With its intelligent layout and packaging helping to give it the largest cargo area in its class, NV200 delivers the right combination of functionality and efficiency. That same practicality can be found in both the Combi and passenger version, but with the added benefit of car-like comfort and features”, said Dominique Correze, Vice President, Nissan’s European LCV Business Unit.

The passenger version of NV200 will be on the Nissan stand (Hall 4, Stand 4150) at the 79th International Geneva Motor Show.

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NV200: NISSAN’S NEW SMALL VERSATILE PEOPLE CARRIER AND VAN

The Nissan GT-R was developed with a new understanding and appreciation of the Earth’s natural forces – gravity, inertial force and aerodynamics – and translates those forces into a completely new design, maximizing tire grip and airflow.

Basic vehicle dynamics and integration with the driver have also been examined, resulting in new componentry and creating a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) never seen before in the marketplace. All of these theories have been integrated to balance “speed and efficiency,” “high-output with environmental consideration” and “high performance and safety.”

Taking these factors into account, Nissan created the all-new Nissan GT-R, which offers advanced high performance for secure and enjoyable driving by minimizing the effects of climatic, road condition or driving technique limitations. The Nissan GT-R offers ultimate performance for virtually every driving situation – whether it be the Nurburgring circuit, to snow, rain or urban areas – all manageable by the GT-R driver through advanced technology and driving dynamics.

The Nissan GT-R’s unique characteristics are instilled not just in the vehicle’s design, but also through a specialized production process. Carbon fiber, aluminum and steel components are assembled with a special high-precision process, which includes a series of vibration tests. Engines and transmissions are assembled by a single craftsman in a “clean room” environment and upon completion, every GT-R undergoes a battery of comprehensive tests to ensure the proper operation of all vehicle components.

To properly support the all-new GT-R, Nissan has established special Nissan High Performance Centers, where all certified advisors and technicians have received extensive training. Total support for the GT-R owner is offered for the first three years of ownership, including measurement and adjustment of the engine, transmission and wheel alignment after the first 1000 km, and again every 12 months, free of charge.

Packaging and Driveline Suited for a Supercar
The all-new Nissan GT-R uses a Premium Midship package, an all-new, more advanced version Front Midship (FM) package utilized on other Nissan vehicles. This new package enables the use of the world’s first application of an independent transaxle 4WD system. The transaxle’s layout places the dual-clutch transmission, transfer case and final drive at the rear of the vehicle (instead of the usual front location), which enables vehicle weight to be evenly distributed throughout the car. This gives the Nissan GT-R a superb front-to-rear weight balance, while enhancing leg and foot space and allowing for an optimal pedal layout.

Under the hood, the Nissan GT-R features an all-new 3.8-litre twin turbo V6 “VR38” engine, featuring plasma-sprayed bores and a special twin-turbo exhaust manifold system. A secondary air management system enables the newly designed powerplant to provide approximately 40kg/m of torque during ordinary low-rev driving, which gives an optimum air-fuel ratio for around-town efficiency and helps the Nissan GT-R meet ultra-low emission vehicle (U-LEV) standards in Japan.

The Nissan GT-R’s new engine produces 480PS (353kW) at 6400rpm and maximum torque of 60kgm (588Nm) from 3200 to 5200rpm. Putting the power to the ground is an all-new GR6-type dual clutch transmission, with paddle shifting and a Borg Warner six-plate dual clutch for direct control.

Suspension duties are handled through a special Bilstein DampTronic*1 system, which utilizes all pertinent vehicle information to provide appropriate damping forces for all situations and helps maintain a high level of control for straight-line driving, cornering, and braking.

Braking is essential for a daily-driven supercar and the GT-R features large Brembo full-floating drilled rotors, low steel high stiffness brake pads and Brembo mono block six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers, which in combination minimize fade and provide stable braking. Run-flat tires, exclusively designed for use on the Nissan GT-R, balance high grip and all-weather capabilities and a comfortable ride in all driving situations. The tires are designed to maintain structure for 80km of travel at 80 km/h, while still providing an acceptable level of performance.

High-Performance Safety and Environmental Technologies
The Nissan GT-R offers a long list of safety and environmental features, including, for enhanced visibility inside and out of the vehicle, high-mounted LED stoplamps, bright LED rear combination taillights, “super wide beam” headlights, heated door mirrors and flat-blade wipers.

Standard safety equipment includes a pop-up engine hood system for enhanced pedestrian safety, driver and front passenger SRS Air Bag System, ELR front seat belts with tension reducer, front seat belts with load limiter, and three-point ELR rear seat belts. Driver and front passenger SRS Side Air Bag System and SRS Curtain Air Bag System are offered as options.

Environmental technologies include extensive work to create an U-LEV certification in Japan for the 3.8-liter twin turbo engine and reduced levels of volatile organic compound for materials used in the car.

Functional Design – High Performance Aerodynamics and Style
The Nissan GT-R’s styling follows the function over form theory. Every styling aspect, from the overall design to the smallest details, is created to maximize the vehicle’s driving experience – as well as suggesting GT-R’s “supercar” level of performance. Utilizing advanced aerodynamics, the Nissan GT-R’s aggressive styling evokes the lines of a well-trained athlete, combining strong character lines with smooth and solid areas.

The all-new GT-R’s body is created with a combination of steel, carbon fiber and aluminum, providing a unique combination of stiffness and lightness. The Nissan GT-R features a low coefficient of drag of 0.27, with high front and rear downforce, which provides the GT-R with enhanced grip in all weather situations, while also enhancing fuel efficiency.

The front fenders express power and stability, while the “aero-blades” on the fenders’ leading edges provide optimum airflow around the tires and along the body. The scoop in the fenders’ trailing edges assists in providing front downforce and optimization of side airflow. The aggressive front end, with a large hood budge and single air intake, provides a sophisticated style as well as undisturbed airflow for power and cooling. New “super wide beam” headlights feature three additional sub-reflectors (compared to conventional lights) to give a wider spread to the illumination area.

The Nissan GT-R’s large, four-passenger cabin features a sloping “aero blade canopy” roofline and curved C-pillar “sword edge,” which expresses the distinctive GT-R identity, as well as facilitating air flow around the rear of the vehicle. The GT-R’s hallmark four-ring taillights, efficient rear spoiler and large, integrated φ120 exhaust tips, provides the signature rear view of the GT-R, as well as optimizing airflow along the top and under the vehicle.

The high level of advanced technology is evident even in the Nissan GT-R’s paint – which utilizes a “double clear coat” and “anti-chipping” process. The Nissan GT-R features Ultimate Silver as a special new color, which is painstakingly hand-polished by craftsman.

An Interior Suitable for Daily Driving or Supercar Duties
Key to the Nissan GT-R’s usability as a both daily driver and a high-performance supercar is its interior, which is designed to balance functionality, a sense of ease, and comfort.

Sculpted performance bucket seats give the driver and passenger a comfortable driving experience, and soft pads are utilized on the dash in front of the passenger and doors to give an extra level of comfort and safety.

The instrument panel surrounds the driver, with all meters and multi-function meter at a uniform height to minimize the driver’s head movement when traveling at high speeds. A large center-mounted tachometer, with gear display on its upper right, as well as the easy-to-read graphics of the display, gives the driver instant detailed information, essential for the performance nature of the GT-R.

Functional style is also evident in the Nissan GT-R – each meter features a dial plate design that evokes the idea of engaged gears, as well as a three-dimensional metal-like ring, suggesting the multi-dimensional performance of the GT-R. A large, metallic-framed center console features the ergonomically designed shift lever and a red “engine start” button.

Adjustability is central to the daily-driver nature of the Nissan GT-R, with a special “set-up switch” located in the center of the instrument panel. This switch enables the driver to adjust transmission shifts, shock absorbers and the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC-R) in three settings – Normal, Comfort or R, the high-performance setting designed for the Nissan GT-R “supercar” application.

A high-speed, high-capacity CARWINGS (Japan market) navigation system, with a powerful 30GB hard disk drive, features an easy-to-use touch pad, as well as traditional navigation switches. The screen interface features not only the navigation system, but also an enriched entertainment system with a Music Box hard drive, DVD and CD player, and Bluetooth® *2 audio function.

For special use in the GT-R application, the multi-function meter also includes mechanical and driving information for safe high performance driving, including acceleration opening, brake pedal pressure, and steering angle. It also includes an “optimal gearshift map,” to emphasize economical vehicle operation.

A specially designed BOSE sound system includes two forward-facing woofers in the rear center armrest area combined with traditional door speakers. All speakers are mounted in rigid aluminum die cast panels, which combined with the design of the system itself, provide sound quality suitable for a supercar.

Pricing and Sales Target
<Sales target> 200 units / month
Drivetrain Engine Grade Transmission Price (yen, Consumption tax included)
4WD VR38DETT GT-R GR6-type dual clutch transmission 7,770,000
GT-R Black edition 7,927,500
GT-R Premium edition 8,347,500

*1: Bilstein DampTronic is the registered trademark of ThyssenKrupp Bilstein Suspension GmbH
*2: Bluetooth® and the Bluetooth logo are trademarks of Bluetooth SIG Inc. of the U.S.

Source: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

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Nissan Announces New Nissan GT-R

The most popular among these four concept vehicles is the Pivo 2. The first Pivo was unveiled two years ago and has captured the attention of the auto industry and motor show attendees. Due to the concept car’s ability to rotate the cabin completely, a reverse gear is not needed. The new Pivo is set to once again wow the auto industry with its cutting edge technology. Aside from its ability to turn around in place, the new Pivo boasts of a new feature – a Robotic Agent which has the ability to connect the car to the driver.

The Pivo 2 is also an eco-friendly vehicle. It is powered by a compact Li-ion battery pack. Earlier this year, Nissan has announced that they will be developing Li-ion batteries for automotive application and the development of the Pivo 2 is a clear indication that Nissan is making progress in that endeavor.

Another concept car that the Japanese automaker is slated to unveil at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show is the Round Box. The said vehicle is designed by Nissan for the youth. Theautochannel.com describes the Round Box as something that “represents a new take on open-air motoring, providing exhilaration for all passengers – not just the driver – through its uniquely shared experience of fresh air stimulation, a sensation of speed and easy-to-use high-spec features”.

One unique feature of the Round Box is its “road surface windows”. These are essentially small glass panels installed close to the ground on both sides of the car. Through these “windows”, passengers are given a view of the passing road surface.

Another concept car that Nissan will showcase at the Tokyo Motor Show is the Nissan Intima. This show car shows the way ahead for the Japanese automaker just like Dodge Altezza lights. According to the automaker, the vehicle is designed for “people with a sophisticated, discerning eye for beauty – who enjoy spending time in refined elegance and comfort”. The description makes the concept car more related to the Infiniti division of the automaker.

The luxurious car has a front seat that swivels about 80 degrees to the outside. This makes boarding the vehicle easier. Both on the outside and the cabin of the concept car, one can see that the automaker has designed wit with luxury in mind. Clean lines on the outside and artistic rendering on the inside of the car are what make the car an attention-grabber.

The fourth concept car to be unveiled by Nissan at the upcoming event is the NV200. This concept car is designed as a “smart business tool of new generation – for active professionals”. The NV200 combines a front cab with a traditional box-like storage space. The storage space is customizable making it easy for traveling professionals to efficiently store their equipments.

About the Author: Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.

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Nissan Set To Thrill