Nissan reveals revamped GT-R in New York

The facelifted Nissan GT-R is making its debut at the New York International Auto Show.

A range of design tweaks, performance enhancements and new features are said to represent the most significant changes to the model since it was introduced in 2007.

 The latest GT-R’s front end makeover includes the new chrome matte finish “V-motion” grille – enlarged for improved engine cooling – with an updated mesh pattern, while the new bonnet has been reinforced to help improve stability during high-speed driving. A redesigned front spoiler lip and bumper with finishers situated immediately below the headlights are said to generate high levels of downforce.

The rear of the car has also been revamped with new bodywork to help improve air flow, as well as side air vents next to the quad exit exhaust pipes. The belt line that separates the lower black section from the body panel has been heightened to give the car a wider and more aggressive look from the rear.

The 3.8-litre 24-valve twin-turbocharged V6 engine now delivers 570 PS at 6,800 rpm and 637Nm of torque. The improved output, which is the result of individual ignition-timing control of the cylinders and extra boost from the turbochargers gives acceleration in the mid- to high-ranges (3,200 rpm and above). It comes mated to a thoroughly refined 6-speed dual-clutch transmission that features smoother shifts and less noise. That familiar GT-R tone also has been upgraded with an engine that has ‘never sounded better’ says Nissan. The resonance of the new titanium exhaust and Active Sound Enhancement (ASE) enhance the driving experience.

On the inside, the entire dashboard and instrument panel are new and covered with high-quality leather. The centre dashboard layout has also been improved and simplified - Integrated navigation and audio controls reduce the number of switches from 27 in the previous model to only 11 in the 2016 model. An enlarged 8-inch touchscreen monitor features large icons on the display screen to make it easy to operate. A new display command control on the carbon-fibre centre console allows easy operation.

The paddle shifts are now mounted to the new steering wheel, allowing drivers to change gears in mid-turn without having to take their hands off the wheel. The paddles themselves, along with the ventilation controls, have improved feel and better sound when engaged or adjusted.

Cornering abilities have become even better with a more rigid body structure and new suspension, resulting in better stability through quick lateral transitions and higher overall cornering speed. Providing the grip are sticky 20 inch tyres, wrapped around new “Y-spoke” machine-finished forged aluminium wheels.

The Recaro Edition will continue to be available but there are also new colours for 2016, inside and out, designed to complement the GT-R’s character. A “Katsura Orange” with multi layered painting has been added to the exterior paint palate, while the leather interior of the Prestige Edition offers customers four different options: the newly added Tan, as well as Red, Ivory and all over Black.

The revamped Nissan GT-R is set to go on sale in the Autumn.

Nissan celebrates 20 years of the curry hook

Nissan has been successfully delivering curry to its customers for 20 years.

Returning safely from the take-away without spilling a drop of Tikka Masala sauce on the seat, this month marks 20 years since the debut of one of its most simple of features – the ‘curry hook’.

The dashboard hook first appeared on the Nissan Almera compact family hatchback in March 1996, as a way of keeping hand bags or shopping bags upright. It was quickly dubbed the ‘curry hook’ by media who recognised it was the perfect way to stop takeaway food from spilling into the car’s foot well. Today, it remains a feature of the crossovers such as the Qashqai and X-Trail. All that’s changed is the location of the hook; it has moved from the dashboard to the boot.

Another simple solution Nissan has installed is the ‘Karakuri’ boot board – also known as the Flexi-Board – which is available on the Qashqai, Juke and Note. It allows owners to divide the cargo space according to their needs, and can be arranged in various configurations to support and protect items in transit. When not in use, it stores out of the way in the boot floor.

Interestingly, in September 1986 when the first Nissan Bluebird rolled off the new production line in Sunderland it had two analogue trip meters built into the instrument cluster behind the steering wheel - to allow business users to separately log their professional and private mileage. A unique feature at the time, this is now standard on the digital read-outs of almost every volume car brand.

David Moss, Vice President, Vehicle Design & Development, commented: “Whether its trip meters, power sockets, boot boards or the famous curry hook, Nissan engineers never forget that it’s often these clever ideas – which make life easier for drivers – that will keep our customers coming back time and time again.”

Nissan updates X-Trail and Pulsar

Nissan has confirmed a series of updates for its X-Trail and Pulsar range.

Until the end of March buyers of the X-Trail can upgrade from five to seven seats free of charge – a saving of £900. The deal is available to both Private and Business buyers and applies to all grades and engines of X-Trail, including 2WD and 4WD models.

Following the addition of N-Connecta to Juke and Qashqai, Nissan’s Pulsar is the latest model to carry the new trim grade. The N-Connecta grade on Pulsar will be a direct replacement for the existing n-tec model, which will close to ordering once supply runs out.

Nissan has also confirmed a new entry-level price for the Visia DIG-T 115 Manual of £13,995, representing a £2,000 customer saving over the previous price.

Both models are on sale now.

Nissan develops X-Trail bobsleigh

Nissan has drawn on the design and technology of its X-Trail SUV to transform a bobsleigh into a sleek seven-seater.

The inaugural run of the world’s first seven-seater bobsleigh was held at the historic Olympic track in Innsbruck, Austria - piloted by British Olympic medallist Sean Olsson.

Nissan worked with bobsleigh experts to transform a traditional four-man sled into the seven-seater, capable of reaching speeds of over 60mph pulling a G-force of 4.5G. The bobsleigh mimics the Nissan X-Trail’s design, with a ‘distinctive front aspect, headlamps and seven-seater option’. It gives passengers a 360-degree, bird’s-eye view to capture all of the action - identical to the X-Trail’s Around View Monitor system.

Darryl Scriven, Design Manager Nissan Design Europe (NDE), teamed up with expert bobsled manufacturer Diego Menardi and sport expert Ian Richardson to morph car design with Olympic aerodynamics. Scriven said: “We wanted to give the opportunity to experience first-hand the adventurous nature of our crossover segment through the thrill and excitement of Olympic bobsleighing.

Nissan Design Europe took inspiration from the shape and character of our X-Trail to create the X-Trail Bobsleigh, which was handcrafted by Diego Menardi at his workshop in Cortina. The outcome mimics the fresh ideas and technologies from the brand's ground-breaking crossover models.”

The seven-seater was developed using sketches and computer-aided design (CAD). The detail on the bobsleigh nose was crafted to express the X-Trail’s V-motion grille and capture the sculpture of the hood character lines. This work was complemented by Diego Menardi’s structural lengthening of the cabin to accommodate seven passengers.

Nissan commits to UK for production of new EV battery

Nissan has confirmed production of a future generation of electric vehicle (EV) batteries at its flagship manufacturing base in Sunderland.

Representing a £26.5m investment in the UK, this commitment will safeguard 300 highly-skilled jobs in manufacturing, maintenance and engineering at Nissan's advanced lithium-ion battery plant, the largest of its type in Europe. 

Since EV production began in Sunderland in 2013, a £420m investment, the Battery Plant and Nissan LEAF production have supported more than 2,000 jobs at Nissan and in its UK supply chain. 

Paul Willcox, Chairman, Nissan Europe, said: "Today's announcement reflects Nissan's intention to remain EV leaders for many years to come, with our UK operations at the heart of our future innovations."

Paving the way for future generation batteries will be a new £19.4m project that will team Nissan with new academic and technology partners in the UK, supported with a £9.7m grant from the UK's Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC).

The other consortium members are Hyperdrive Innovation, Warwick Manufacturing Group, University of Warwick, Newcastle University and Zero Carbon Futures, who will work together on key areas of battery development covering pilot projects, product diversification and process improvement.

UK Business Secretary Sajid Javid said: "This investment from Nissan is a further vote of confidence in our thriving automotive sector. The UK is fast becoming a world leader in low carbon automotive technology and the government is backing the industry. We committed an extra £225million funding to the Advanced Propulsion Centre in the Autumn Statement. This Nissan project, which is benefiting from that funding, shows what can be achieved."

The UK battery plant is one of three Nissan battery production sites globally, also providing battery modules for the all-electric e-NV200 van, which is manufactured in Barcelona.

Nissan confirms upgrades to 2016 Qashqai range

Nissan has confirmed a series of changes to the Qashqai line-up for 2016. 

To further enhance the model within the crossover segment and align the grade line-up with other vehicles in the Nissan range, trim changes, new option packs and equipment upgrades have been added.

The introduction of the N-Connecta grade will be a direct replacement for the existing n-tec and n-tec+ model versions, with both grades closed to ordering as supply runs out. Pricing and model specification remain unchanged. To simplify the range further, Acenta Premium will be closed to ordering once supply runs out. The Visa, Acenta and Tekna trim levels remain unchanged.

All DiG-T 163 versions (N-Connecta and Tekna trims) will gain multi-link rear suspension as standard with no price increase. This upgrade brings greater levels of ride comfort and refinement to the DiG-T 163 powertrain. DiG-T 163 variants will also benefit from an increased fuel tank capacity from 55 to 65 litres, offering a longer range between fill-ups. Pricing, fuel consumption and performance figures remain unchanged.

In addition to the N-Connecta grade change, an increased number of option packs will be offered across the Qashqai range which add a 'greater level of customer choice and premium personalisation'. These include a Smart Vision Pack (£495) which features Traffic Sign Recognition, High Beam Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Emergency Braking, Front and Rear Parking Sensors and Anti Dazzle Rear View Mirror. A Premium Pack can also be specified (£500) which features 18” Alloy Wheels, Electric Folding Mirrors & Privacy Glass while the Comfort Pack (£550) features Panoramic Glass Roof with one-touch shade and Roof Rails.

The Tech Pack (£750) includes NissanConnect 7” touch-screen Navigation system, CD, Aux-in, Bluetooth music streaming, USB and DAB Radio, Smartphone Apps, Colour Rear View Camera. Further options range from the addition of a Panoramic Glass Roof with one-touch shade at £400 to Sports Alcantara and grey leather interior with dark headlining at £495.