Nissan Brazil Strikes Again with an Ad for a Family Minivan that You’re Never Going See in the U.S. [NSFW]

Back in March, Nissan do Brasil aired a commercial, which drew the wrath of Ford’s local arm for making claims that the Detroit automaker charges customers too much for its family models. But while Ford’s people only saw a Focus and a pair of rappers dressed as engineers chanting about the money they made by overpricing the hatchback, some viewers were also captivated by the curvalicious bikini-clad models…

Now, Nissan of Brazil returns with a new TV spot, this time for the Livina 7-seater compact minivan. While the Japanese carmaker avoids referring to a specific rival, the theme appears to be similar: scantily dressed female models dancing provocatively and a tagline aimed at the competition. And oh; towards the end of the clip you may notice the Livina and young family of four (not that we’re complaining about the appearance of the ladies…).

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2012 Nissan maxima

                                                       2012 Nissan maxima

When you think about high performance sedan Nissan maxima will always come to your mind as a brilliant option. No one can deny the fact that this Japanese vehicle stands out in comparison with other similar vehicles. But Accord will definitely come before Nissan Maxima. Talking about any radical change in 2012 Nissan Maxima then you won’t be able to find it. It is much similar to Maxima SE, Maxima GXE and Maxima GLE trims.
As far as the mechanical changes are concerned there aren’t any big mechanical changes in 2012 Nissan Maxima. It will be outfitted with 3.5L DOHC V6 engine which comprises of 24 valves with variable timings. This engine is expected to produce 255 hp and 246 foot pound torque. With four speed auto transmission 2012 Nissan Maxima will drive on front wheels. Though there is a likelihood of integration of six speed manual in SE model of 2012 Nissan Maxima. For smooth drive experience it uses the continuously variable transmission. The list of safety features includes improved air bags, Traction control system, anti-lock brakes and electronic Brake force Distribution. Probably 2012 Nissan Maxima will include sport tuned suspension.
Talking about interiors of 2012 Nissan Maxima it includes center armrest whose height is adjustable. In addition to this vehicle has 60/40 split-rear seat to increase cargo space, low fuel warning, tachometer, and trip computer, outside temperature measurement, auto-dimming rearview mirror and Bose audio system.
Just like previous versions 2012 Nissan Maxima has keyless access, power sunroof, leather wrapped steering wheels and power front seats. iPod interface, USB, Bluetooth Wireless connectivity etc. these added features are believed to be part of 3.5 SV model.

Nissan gets Creative with Smoking Billboard at New York Auto Show

It might not be an award winning campaign, but Nissan’s new outdoor board placed right outside the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center during the 2011 New York Auto Show (April 22 to May 1 for the public) is sure to grab attention and increase awareness for the firm’s all-electric Leaf family car.

The two-sided Smokeboard was created by the Japanese firm’s advertising partner TBWA\Chiat\Day, which is the American division of the advertising agency TBWA Worldwide.

On one side, the billboard features an actual working tailpipe that emits fumes into the air (with the agency stressing the fact that the exhaust is environmentally friendly…) and a headline that reads, “The auto show has over 1,000 of these”. On the other side, there’s a photo of the Leaf and a caption that says “But only one 100% electric, zero-tailpipe Nissan Leaf”. Check out the ad in action in the clip after the jump.

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Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf Receive Top IIHS Safety Ratings in Crash Tests

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) released the results of the first-ever U.S. crash test evaluations of plug-in electric cars, with the two EVs earning the highest safety ratings. The Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf were awarded the top rating of “good” for front, side, rear and rollover crash protection.

Since both cars are fitted as standard with electronic stability control systems, they also qualified as winners of Top Safety Pick, the Institute's award for state-of-the-art crash protection.

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Video Walkaround of Nissan’s New Versa Sedan

Even though American consumers still tend to prefer larger vehicles, both domestic and foreign automakers are convinced that soaring gas prices will eventually convince buyers to embrace more compact-sized and fuel efficient models. The 2011 New York Auto Show marked the debut of the latest crop of compact cars including the 2012 Nissan Versa sedan, which will try to lure buyers with a low staring price of $10,990 and a promise for affordable costs of ownership.

Hot on the heels of the 2012 Versa sedan’s North American premiere in New York, the Japanese brand released a new video that walks us around the four-door model that will go on sale in the U.S. this summer.

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Nissan Recalls 195,991 Pathfinder and Infiniti QX4 SUVs over Rust Danger

Nissan has issued a recall action for certain Pathfinder SUVs from the 1996-2004 model years and Infiniti QX4s from the 1997-2003 model years due to a possible corrosion problem that could lead to the loss of steering. Read more »

Nissan Leaf is the 2011 World Car of the Year

The Nissan Leaf was named 2011 World Car of the Year at the New York International Auto Show, taking the top spot ahead of the BMW 5-Series and the Audi A8. It is the second important award for the Japanese automaker’s all-electric car after being voted 2011 European Car of the Year. Read more »

Odd Spot: Nissan 370Z Challenges a Mexican Chicken in a Barn Race [Video]

Yes, you read that correctly. This is a video of a Nissan 370Z coupe challenging a chicken - a Mexican chicken with racing goggles and a helmet, to be precise- in a barn race, and it’s an official spot from Nissan Europe. The admittedly unusual commercial is the creative work of the folks over at the TBWA/G1 advertising agency. Take a look at the clio after the break and tell us what you think in the comments section below. Read more »

Nissan Leaf NISMO RC: Purpose Built Track Racer Debuts at New York Auto Show [Updated Gallery]

There has been a lot of conversation lately about electric cars and racing, with some even talking about introducing the technology into the F1 stage. Nissan, on its part, has a lot to gain in terms of awareness given the brands focus on the development of dedicated electric vehicles like the Leaf.

With this in mind, the Japanese carmaker developed a purpose-built prototype racer loosely based on the production Leaf that will receive its first public outing at the 2011 New York International Auto Show . Compared to the production model, the Lead NISMO RC (for Racing Competition), does away with the rear doors, rear seat, trunk, audio system, navigation, carpeting and other amenities, while gaining a mid-ship location for the battery pack, electric motor and inverter.

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2012 Nissan Versa Sedan Unveiled, Priced from a Low $10,990

It looks like our first reaction to link the Chinese market Nissan Sunny, revealed in December 2010, to the North American 2012 Versa, was spot on, as these photos clearly prove. Nissan’s new entry in the affordable small sedan segment is a very awkward looking proposal (to say the least…), which probably stems from the fact the Versa / Sunny is based on the Micra’s V-platform architecture, hence the odd proportions of the body.

“The new Versa Sedan stands out as the only expensive looking car in the segment – with a lot of eye power,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America.

“Its sculpted, dynamic proportions are modern without being gimmicky, projecting a much higher sense of design value than you might expect in a vehicle with a $10,990 starting M.S.R.P."

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Shanghai Auto Show: Nissan's 190HP Compact Sport Concept

Nissan unveiled a new design study called Compact Sport Concept at the Shanghai Auto Show. The prototype three-door hatchback is the work of Nissan's global design center in Japan and the brand's Beijing design studio in China. According to the Japanese automaker, the Compact Sport Concept is designed “for young customers in emerging countries”.

Despite the lack of information, it appears that the aggressively styled concept is loosely based on the Micra, as it borrows several elements from Nissan's supermini including the headlight and the two-part grille designs. The hot hatch sports a heavily-sculpted bodywork, with bulged wheel arches, massive bumpers and a windshield that wraps around the center part of the roof.

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All-New Nissan Tiida Unveiled at Shanghai Auto Show, Previews 2012 Versa in the U.S.

It won’t be long before Nissan takes the wraps of the North American market 2012 Versa, but the Japanese company offered us our first glimpse of the sub-compact model with the reveal of the new Tiida hatchback at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show today. As some of you may already know, the Versa is sold in numerous markets around the world under the Tiida nameplate.

The new generation of Nissan’s best selling model sports a swoopier exterior design with some styling references to the pure-electric Leaf. The fluid theme is carried over to the interior with a floating center cluster. The Japanese company also promises improved passenger space thanks to the 100mm (3.9-in.) longer wheelbase.

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Torque-tastic: R/C Toy Truck Towing Nissan SUV [Video]

Remote control cars have come a long way. From the little electric fun-buggies that never held a charge long enough, R/C vehicles have evolved into tools and toys - some that even run on fuel and go fast enough to take your legs out from under you (long story) - serving a variety of purposes. After all, aren't those little bomb cars in Black Ops controlled by remote?

Now, it appears, we've found a new use / time waster: towing stuff. In the video below you can see a larger-than-normal R/C hauler actually hauling a Nissan SUV along someone's driveway.

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Nissan Titan - a lot of truck

Pickups are a way of life for many people, whether it is for recreation, work, farm & ranch, or simply because a driver likes them. Pickups have improved in recent years, from merely utilitarian into near-luxury vehicles. Earlier this summer, my wife Judy and I had a 2010 Nissan Titan for our weekly test evaluation and I really enjoyed it. It was a top-of-the-line model LE 4x2.The Titan is

Nissan Leaf - Charged up again

It was about this time fourteen years ago when my college roommate – an electrical engineering student – and I departed our fraternity in Flint, MI to drive the 45 minutes to a non-descript facility in Troy, MI. I arranged for us to get a preview of the upcoming GM EV1 electric car for the school newspaper. It was exciting to drive the car of the future. Despite all of the nonsense you’ve heard

Nissan Leaf Battery Electric Vehicle Named Ward's "10 Best Engines"

100% electric drive system is first zero-emission winner in award’s historyWard’s today announced that Nissan LEAF’s 100-percent electric, zero-emission drive system is included on its prestigious ‘10 Best Engines’ list for 2011. It is the first time in the 17-year history of the magazine’s ‘10 Best Engines’ that the selection committee has chosen a power system which doesn’t have an engine and

Nissan NV - New commercial van pricing

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced that the 2012 Nissan NV, the company’s first entry into the commercial vehicle market in the United States will start at $24,590. The NV is the culmination of 75 years of Nissan commercial vehicle experience in the global marketplace.The 2012 NV, which has been designed and conceived as a solution to the needs of today’s commercial van customers,

Nissan Rogue - goes Rogue

As gas prices and fuel economy standards rise during this decade, there can be no doubt that the compact crossover market is going to take off like a rocket. Vehicles like the Chevy Equinox, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Toyota RAV4 dominate the market. But, let’s not forget the Nissan Rogue.Nissan designers were wise to give their Rogue styling based on the popular mid-size Murano crossover. The

Nissan Juke - mini ute, major cool

This crazy bug-looking mini-crossover pulled up in front of the United terminal at the airport, looking like a vision with its California plates and West Coast style. Its design draws from motorcycles and rally cars, but is most remembered by the big yellow mantis eyes that are visible from the helm. Four doors, Beetle shell, and a bit of Z DNA throw us to a future where utes are mini and Jukes

Nissan Rogue SL - gone for a second time

Nissan’s gone Rogue for the second time!There, now that I have your attention, let’s look into the second-generation of the vehicle that launched Nissan into the car-based compact crossover sports utility vehicle market in 2008, joining a lineup that had until then only had the midsize Murano crossover.Nissan has had a good run with its small trucks and truck-based SUVs. But when the compact