2012 Nissan Sport Cars Nissan Leaf Nismo RC Concept

2012 Nissan Sport Cars Nissan Leaf Nismo RC Concept

Nissan will unveil a racing variant of the Leaf electric car at the 2011 New York Auto Show, but the Nissan Leaf NISMO RC has little in common with its more pedestrian "sibling." NISMO started with a lithium ion battery pack and badging from a stock Leaf, then built a completely new vehicle around it.

2012 Nissan Sport Cars Nissan Leaf Nismo RC Concept

Despite featuring the same electric underpinnings as the production LEAF which went on sale in the US, Europe and Japan in December, the 2012 Nissan Sport Cars Nissan Leaf Nismo RC Concept – for ‘Racing Competition’ – is a genuine performance hatch. According to Nissan engineers, the 2012 Nissan Sport Cars Nissan Leaf Nismo RC Concept has achieved 0-100km/h sprint times of 6.85 seconds in preliminary testing, making it faster than a Volkswagen Golf GTI. Its top speed is a less spritely but still impressive 150km/h.

2012 Nissan Sport Cars Nissan Leaf Nismo RC Concept, the name that is written on its back panel just under the huge rear-wing. Its powertrain is 100% zero-emission Lithium-ion battery design, just like the one on the world’s first affordable mass market electric vehicle. Despite the lack of rear doors, rear seat, audio system, navigation, and other amenities, there is obvious family resemblance. But that’s where the similarities of the production Nissan Leaf and the Nissan Leaf Nismo RC end.

2012 Nissan Sport Cars Nissan Leaf Nismo RC Concept

There are no rear doors; the carpeting, navigation and stereo system are gone; and the battery pack has been relocated to the middle of the vehicle for better weight distribution. Speaking of weight, the 2012 Nissan Sport Cars Nissan Leaf Nismo RC Concept is about 40 percent lighter than the production Leaf, as a carbon fibre monocoque platform and more compact dimensions cut total weight to just 2,068 pounds. The race-ready Leaf is also a foot shorter and 6.7 inches wider, and with a scant 2.4 inches of ground clearance.

The 2012 Nissan Sport Cars Nissan Leaf Nismo RC Concept was created at the Nissan Global Design Centre in Japan and features removable front and rear sections, driver-adjustable rear wing, fixed windows, LED headlights, four-coat Pearl White paint, 18-inch six-spoke alloy wheels and Bridgestone racing tyres.

2012 Nissan Sport Cars Nissan Leaf Nismo RC Concept designed as a true racing machine car, starting with its full carbon fiber. The three body parts includes removable front and rear, fixed windows, LED headlights and taillights and rear wing adjustable. Special paint pearl white coat with 4-blue Nismo / Zero Emission graphics complete the exterior. 2012 Nissan Sport Cars Nissan Leaf Nismo RC Concept, which the “RC” stands for Racing Competition – makes its world debut at the 2011 New York International Auto Show, built to deliver a new meaning to the term “Racing Green.”

2012 Nissan Sport Cars Nissan Leaf Nismo RC Concept

Nissan says the NISMO RC will be used for demonstration purposes, so don't expect this Leaf to compete any time soon. The automaker does say, however, that it's considering a zero-emission spec series for the future. With an estimated run time of 20 minutes under racing conditions, the 30 minute quick-charge time (to achieve 80 percent capacity) would make for some leisurely pit stops. When the 2012 Nissan Sport Cars Nissan Leaf Nismo RC Concept is in motion, its 80kW AC motor generates 107 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque; good enough for a 0-60 time of 6.85 seconds and a 150-kph top speed of 93 miles per hour. It is projected to have a running time of around 20 minutes under racing conditions.

2012 Nissan Sport Cars Nissan Leaf Nismo RC Concept

“Combining the talents of Nismo, Nissan’s world renowned motorsports group, and engineers behind some of the company’s Super GT and FIA GT1 race teams, the Nissan Leaf Nismo RC will serve as a rolling laboratory for the accelerated development of EV and aerodynamic systems, as well as a platform for the development of new green motorsports series,” said Carlos Tavares, chairman, Nissan Americas in a statement. “Nissan LEAF owners are fully embracing this new world of zero emission technology. We believe the same potential exists in the motorsports world as well, with Nissan proud to be first on the starting grid.”

2011 Nissan Electric Sports Cars ESFLOW Concept

2011 Nissan Electric Sports Cars ESFLOW Concept

The ESFLOW concept cars will be unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show (3-13 March) where it will share the Nissan stand with a number of other innovative and exciting newcomers - but with one major difference: these are production ready.

The 2011 Nissan Electric Sports Cars ESFLOW Concept isn’t scheduled to be unveiled until the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in just a couple of weeks. Nissan plans to reveal its new electric concept, called Esflow, at the Chicago Auto Show this year. The car will make its world debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show from March.

2011 Nissan Electric Sports Cars ESFLOW Concept

Nissan has a reputation for creating some of the most exhilarating sports cars on the market. Nissan has also developed the world's first practical Zero Emission family car, the Nissan LEAF. Now Nissan has put that expertise together. It has captured the excitement of a sports car and the environmental benefits of an electric vehicle and blended them into one dramatic two-seater concept: ESFLOW.

It may be a concept, but the Nissan ESFLOW electric sports cars proves it's possible to remain environmentally sympathetic without having to give up the joy of driving. It looks like a sports car, handles like a sports car and performs like one too. But Nissan ESFLOW Concept cars is different to every other sports car yet built: it's electric. Using technology pioneered in the award-winning Nissan LEAF, the EV concept shows that driving can still be as much fun tomorrow as it is today.

2011 Nissan Electric Sports Cars ESFLOW Concept

Ecological minimalism need not come at the expense of luxury. The cabin of the 2011 Nissan Electric Sports Cars ESFLOW Concept is clean and open and weight saving has been a priority throughout its design, but it is still a comfortable and pleasant place to sit. By far the heaviest components in modern cars' interiors are the steel framed, thickly upholstered and increasingly motorized seats. In 2011 Nissan Electric Sports Cars ESFLOW Concept the seats are sculpted into the rear bulkhead of the car, negating the need for a heavy frame. This of course means that they are immobile, but this is of no consequence as the fly-by-wire steering and pedals adjust electrically to the best spot to suit each individual driver's size and preferred driving position.

Nissan ESFLOW Concept is rear-wheel drive and it runs on two motors. The car's graceful proportions allow the twin electric motors to be placed above the axis of the rear wheels, in a mid-ship position,. These motors independently control the left and right wheels, and so the torque is optimized to ensure outstanding vehicle stability and control as well as efficient power regeneration. The motors produce enough torque in an instant for it to reach a 100kph in under 5 seconds.

2011 Nissan Electric Sports Cars ESFLOW Concept

Power for the motors comes from the same laminated lithium-ion battery packs used in the Nissan LEAF, but in ESFLOW the packs are located along the axis of the front and rear wheels. This centralizes the mass of the car, and thus its rotation point, close to the driver's hips. These cleverly positioned batteries enable the car to travel over 240km on one charge.

2011 Nissan Electric Sports Cars ESFLOW Concept

The colors of this Esflow are inspired from glaciers, with highly reflective blue-tinted solidified liquid shapes. Even if this concept will not hit the production line too soon, it could be a great source of inspiration for Nissan’s future sports cars.

2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R by Tommy Kaira

2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R by Tommy Kaira

They have been teasing this car 2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R by Tommy Kaira for a long time, but now just in time for 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon it is ready to be unveiled. This is one of the finest body kits we’ve seen for the mighty GT-R so far. We know that Japanese tuner’s Tommy Kaira finished the early stage of their Nissan GT-R plan for the launch at the 2010 Tokyo AutoSalon. This Kyoto based tuner, who is known to have  started out by modifying Mercedes car is now all focused on GT-R as it brings out the Silver Wolf Nissan GT-R from its stable.

2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R by Tommy Kaira

Called the Silver Wolf, this 2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R by Tommy Kaira comes with a full body kit, plus new rolling stock, brakes, exhaust and suspension components. The carbon fiber widebody package gives the GT-R a serious attitude adjustment. Two kit choices are available, the first being a very comprehensive one while the second just works on the front end.

2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R by Tommy Kaira

With no change to GT-R’s twin-turbo V6 engine, 2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R by Tommy Kaira has just got some fabulous interior work and upgraded breaks, exhaust and suspension systems. Carbon and red leather interior will give it’s driver a very luxuries feel while the carbon fiber widebody of the silver wolf still keep it  decent and stylish. Tommy Kaira has well managed to keep its name in the auto industry and it is expected that the Japanese icon will not compromise on the performance of their new GT-R project. So until there is some final testing on the Fuji Speedway, check out the greatest performance car more closely in the pictures below.

The 2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R by Tommy Kaira full kit consists of, among others, a wet carbon front bumper, a front grille cover, lip spoiler, under diffuser, side ducts and side skirts. The rear also features wet carbon in the form of a racing diffuser, a rear wing and rear fender extensions. The AVS Model F15 Platinum black wheels are shod with Pirelli P-Zero 255/40R20 and 285/35R20 front and rear tyres respectively.

2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R by Tommy Kaira

2011 Nissan Sports Cars 370Z Hybrid

2011 Nissan Sports Cars 370Z Hybrid

2011 Nissan 370Z is a hybrid sports car, with a 3.7 liter engine performance and fuel economy to about 50%. 2011 Nissan Sports Cars 370Z Hybrid is equipped with  interior features a very nice and will soon release in late 2010. For 2011, Nissan is taking a giant leap with the 370Z with the release version of a hybrid for both coupe and convertible stylings.

2011 Nissan Sports Cars 370Z Hybrid

Z is still like a roadster. Puritans can not ignore, but the opening of Z is supported by an equally strong manual 3.7-liter V6 and six-speed gearbox or seven-speed automatic, like a coupe. suspension settings and the same increase in weight only 200 pounds to help roadster retains most of the quick reflexes and acceleration.

But 370Z coupe is not without flaws. V6, while strong, does not feel the sophistication and high-speed machines. This may be the reason, but significantly reduces the implementation races living on the open road, coupe is quite noisy, especially when equipped with larger wheels and tires are optional. In addition, performance cars such as the Z machine records verdien’n refreshing, and some protection against the motorway route will not run heavy throughout the roar.

The 2011 370Z from Nissan has the same 3.7-liter , V6 engine with 332 hp at 7,000 rpm, just like that of the previous model year. Optional manual transmission features six speeds, while the automatic transmission is a 7-speed with a manual shift assist.

2011 Nissan Sports Cars 370Z Hybrid

Falling far short of the fuel efficiency figures for Nissan’s drawing board hybrid model, the 2011 Nissan Sports Cars 370Z Hybrid reports 18 mpg in traffic and 25 mpg on the highway, manual or automatic alike. These high-performance vehicles use high-test fuel as well. The NISMO 370Z delivers an upgrade in power, with 350 hp and 270 pound feet of torque in a 3.7 liter V6.

The 2011 Nissan Sports Cars 370Z Hybrid will not be sacrificing any of the previous power and performance to a new hybrid engine in accordance with the Nissan, but it remains to be seen how they will achieve it by using the same gasoline motor vehicle weight while improving significantly with lithium-ion battery and a second motor.

2011 Nissan Sports Cars 370Z Hybrid

Nissan is offering three models of the 370Z convertible roadster: the standard entry level model, the Touring car, and the 370Z Touring with Sport Package option. The price range extends from $37, 520 to $43,890. The 370Z Coupe series features three model options plus the NISMO 370Z. The price span extends from $30,610 for the base model to $39,990 for the NISMO.

2011 Nissan Sports Cars 370Z Hybrid

The interior of the 2011 Nissan Sports Cars 370Z Hybrid is always wide enough for vehicles in its class, and the addition of a new battery for the car will hopefully not impact important features. Standard features for the Nissan 370Z interior will remain almost identical to those available in models 2010 and includes keyless ignition and entry, climate control, tilt steering wheel, and auto-dimming rearview mirror.

2011 Nissan Sports Cars 370Z Hybrid

Nissan to reintroduce 200SX

Nissan is looking to revitalise the 200SX sports coupé that will take on the Mazda RX-7 and VW Scirocco, insiders say.

The 200SX coupé replacement would slot beneath the 370Z sports car to give Nissan a more affordable, fuel-efficient fastback as oppose to the VW Scirocco and the Renault Mégane 3dr.

The coupé would be rear-wheel drive, but the problem of finding a suitable platform on which to build it is tricky. A shortened 370Z chassis has been considered at one point but it was too heavy. The convertible rear-drive sports car that Nissan was exploring at one time, which could also have provided the hardware has been abandoned.

Nissan is making use of the next generation of its Tiida compact family car — sold in Slovenia, Germany, Ireland, Austria, Poland, Russia, Greece, Switzland and Ukraine — to strengthen its family car line-up alongside the Qashqai. The Qashqai crossover has been a colossal success, but the car maker still wants a regular small family car to replace the Almera, so it can take on the VW Golf, Vauxhall/Opel Astra, Kia Cee’d/Hyundai i30 and Ford Focus across Europe.

Nissan Skyline GT-Rs

Hold your breath! Here are 7 awesome Nissan Skyline GT-Rs in hi-res including "Wacky Mate 28" from earlier post. I'm still stunned from the loaded "Wacky Mate 28" R34. Click on pics to go full size.

2011 Nissan X-Trail facelift

Nissan has revised the X-Trail SUV with extensive updates to keep up with competition in the European market.

Like the JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) X-Trail, the European model receives a remodeled grille, headlights and bumper assembly. The X-Trail is available with both bi-xenon and halogen headlamps and the background of the headlamp cluster is painted black on all grades and fog lamps are mounted below the headlights, recessed in the bumper.

At the rear, the X-Trail’s distinctive vertical lights have been updated to incorporate LED light technology for the running lights and braking, improving visibility and, therefore, safety. The indicator is incorporated into the lower portion of the light assembly, with the running/brake lights to the outside of it.

The new X-Trail now gets 10 spoke 18” alloy wheel design, to give more presence on the road. A small increase in tyre width has led to a slight widening of the wheelarch moulding. X-Trail Acenta obtains new double 5-spoke 17” alloy wheels. Due to the external changes, the newcomer is 10mm longer at the front and 10mm taller due to the increase in tyre width and diameter.

Internally, improved materials and better colour coordination at to an upscale feel. The materials used for the switch surrounds on the steering wheel, around the gear selector and on the door-mounted armrest have all been improved for better touch feeling, while thicker, soft-touch materials have been chosen for the cloth seats.

The stitching on the leather interior gives a more premium feel than before. A revised speedometer is bigger and clearer and engine speed readouts at enhanced quality. A new drive computer with a white-on-black display is added for maximum clarity. The computer offers a series of useful information for the driver, including: fuel economy, outside temperature (including ice warning function), cruising range, average speed and a reminder to take a break. The drive computer screen can also display additional information such as warnings for low fuel, parking brake, undetected Intelligent Key and open door, as well as vital maintenance information, such as tyre maintenance, low oil and a service reminder.

Vitally, rear occupant comfort has been improved thanks to redesigned front seats, creating an additional 10mm of knee-room, without negotiating on comfort for the front seat occupants. Even the rear tonneau cover material has been upgraded.

The heated and cooled glovebox and cupholders have been reworked to offer quicker heating and cooling. Heated rear seats are now fitted as standard on Tekna models.

Nissan-Renault’s 2.0 dCi 173bhp diesel engine has significant updates to comply with Euro5 emission regulations. A key innovation is the addition of an extra injector port, taking the total number to seven, while the piston bowl has been adapted for the new injector configuration.

The manual gearbox has revised ratios for a better compromise between acceleration, fuel economy and emissions, while the automatic gearbox has been modified for reduced friction. An additional feature is the gearchange indicator function in the drive computer screen, showing drivers when to change gear for optimised economy. Thanks to better underbody aerodynamics, X-Trail’s Cd is reduced from 0.36 to 0.35.

Speaking about the updates to Nissan’s X-TRAIL, Vincent Wijnen Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Nissan Europe, said: “All of these changes will reinforce the X-TRAIL as one of the few genuine compact SUVs which can just as comfortably tackle the demands of everyday family life, as it can a muddy, slippery track when it transports a family for a weekend of adventure. X-TRAIL customers love it for its ease and convenience of daily use, no matter what situation they find themselves in. With these revisions to Nissan’s X-TRAIL, there is even more to love about X-TRAIL.”

Deliveries for the revamped X-Trail start in October.

Japanese models receive similar updates, in addition to new colour options and more standard features. While the petrol engine hasn’t been touched, the X-Trail 20GT 2.0 litre diesel now gets a 6 speed automatic transmission. The 173bhp engine produces 360Nm (265lb-ft) of torque. Nissan has also updated its "Advanced Hill Descent Control" which is now fitted with a speed-setting function.

Japanese prices start at ¥2,239,650 (£16,300), rising to ¥3,139,500 (£22,800).

2011 Nissan X-Trail facelift (Japan):