U.S. should install electric car charging stations, Nissan says

NEW YORK (Bloomberg) -- The Obama administration's goal of putting 1 million hybrid and electric vehicles on U.S. roads by 2015 is "reasonable" if the government builds hydrogen fueling and electric-charging stations nationwide, a Nissan Motor Co. executive said.



"Carmakers can't go and put hydrogen fueling and charging stations throughout the U.S., but the government can," Andy Palmer, a senior vice president at Nissan said in an interview at a conference in New York Wednesday.



There are 722 electric car charging stations in the U.S., with 60 percent of those in California, according to the Energy Department. There are 58 hydrogen fueling stations in the nation, again with the most in California than any other state. U.S. sales of hybrid and electric vehicles could reach 1.6 million by the end of the decade, or 9 percent of all cars, Albert Cheung, a Bloomberg New Energy Finance analyst said in a presentation at the conference.



By 2030, sales could reach 4 million vehicles, he said. Models available today include Nissan's all-electric Leaf, and General Motors Co.'s Chevrolet Volt, which uses a gasoline engine to charge a battery. Ford Motor Co. makes the Transit Connect, an electric delivery van. U.S. government purchases accounted for about a fourth of the Ford and GM hybrid vehicles sold since President Barack Obama took office, according to government data.



Government purchases 



The U.S. General Services Administration, which runs the government fleet, bought at least 14,584 hybrid vehicles in the past two fiscal years, or about 10 percent of 145,473 vehicles the agency purchased in that period, according to sales data obtained by Bloomberg under a Freedom of Information Act request.



That's up from fiscal 2008 when hybrids accounted for less than 1 percent of government purchases, the data showed.



"Government fleets create momentum, but they're not the be all and end all," Palmer said. "The more vehicles you get out into customer hands, the more people start to understand that an electric car is not the same as a golf cart."



This is especially important as Japan's Nissan, GM and other carmakers developing hybrid and electric vehicles are looking for ways to further develop technologies. Longer-lasting batteries would increase product reliability and help make prices more attractive to consumers, he said. Hybrid and electric vehicle models purchased by the government ranged from $23,072 to $47,079.



The government paid an average of $5,281 less for its hybrid vehicles than sticker prices, according to a comparison of the GSA purchase data with prices collected by Edmunds.com, a consumer information Web site.

1996 Nissan Quest minivan

I'm driving to work, on a road that has been under construction. Most of it is smooth and new, but there is a short section that is very rough and bumpy. So I hit a bump in the road and the car stalls. I roll to a stop and then put it in park and turn the key. Nothing!



All the idiot lights come on, including "check engine." I had to have it towed. A mechanical friend came and checked it out. He said it isn't getting a spark, but he doesn't know why.



We checked wires for a short and fuses for one that is blown but didn't find anything. So now my van is sitting in my driveway for a week.



Anyone have something like this happen? If so, what was the cause and the fix?



Response:

1) Check your battery cable ends for losening or corpses turminals. Another place to look is where the wires connect to the starter. It is possible that those wire may be lose as well.



2) Check the ignition coil. That happened to me once.



3) No fuel pressure??

Nissan makes a play for Detroit's vans

Nissan North America took aim at another Detroit 3-dominated vehicle segment today when it began producing commercial vans at its plant in Canton, Miss.



Nissan's new 2012 NV will go on sale in late February, squaring off against the Ford E series and General Motors' GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express cargo vans, as well as the Freightliner Sprinter, which had been sold by Dodge but is now sold by Freightliner dealers.



Joe Castelli, Nissan North America's vice president for light commercial vehicles and fleet, acknowledged that the van faces a tough crowd for the Detroit-dominated product segment.



“We're going up against two formidable competitors who have 95 percent of the segment,” Castelli said of Ford and GM. “We're the new kids on the job site.”



But he called his new van a “segment buster.”



He said Nissan plans to reach commercial van customers -- such as home builders, plumbers, house painters, florists and shuttle operators -- by offering a more modern vehicle. The NV boasts pickup-style front seats. It offers a tall-roof option that lets users walk around in the cargo area. And it provides pre-drilled cargo mounts in the vehicle body -- an innovation that will make it easier and less expensive for van up-fitters to install racks and shelves.



North American entry



Carlos Tavares, chairman for Nissan Americas, said the innovations will help establish Nissan in the segment.



“The NV brings innovation into a segment that hasn't seen much in decades,” Tavares told workers at the Canton plant this afternoon.



Globally, Nissan Motor Co. markets a large portfolio of commercial vehicles, including moving vans, specialty trucks and taxis. The production launch in Mississippi represents the first salvo in Nissan's entry into the commercial business in North America.



Other commercial vehicles will follow the NV, including a compact cargo van that will go against the small Ford Transit Connect. Nissan also will sell an electric version of that van.



Dealership changes



The NV will retail for $25,570, including dealer delivery. Castelli said about 250 of Nissan's 1,100 U.S. retailers have opted to sell the commercial van. To add the line, Nissan dealers had to agree to make dealership changes, including installation of more heavy-duty vehicle lifts, a designated service lane, larger service shop doors in some cases, and sales and technical training to handle commercial customers.



“As the economic recovery is just beginning to take hold,” Castelli told workers, “we're in a prime position to capture that tremendous pent-up demand for long overdue replacement vehicles.



“This is just the starting point for Nissan commercial vehicles in the United States,” he said. “We plan on becoming a major player.”

Wald Tuned Nissan GT-R

Wald International has officially introduced their new body package for the Nissan GT-R. The Japanese tuner has not released any engine modifications, citing the "difficulty in tuning the GT-R's engine."

The company has created several carbon-fibre body parts to lighten the vehicle's weight and make the car more aerodynamic. They custom built a front-lip spoiler and nose cover, and rear wing. Low-drag duct covers from another lightweight composite material are in place, while under the hood the cutomer will find a carbon-fibre engine cover.

Wald's aero-kit comes in the glossy finish typically used for street cars, called wet carbon fibre, or a dull matte grey color, called dry carbon fibre. The second choice is usually used on racers. A wet carbon kit starts at 1,039,500 yen ($11,620), with the dry carbon kit going for about 2,362,500 ($26,410). Prices include taxes.

Nissan 370Z Tuning Package by Branew

Other Japanese automakers must be green with envy at Nissan's current success with the sports car genre. Tuners on the other hand, salivate each time the Japanese car maker is mentioned. Branew is one such tuner. Also based in Japan, Branew plans to launch a very comprehensive tuning kit for the new Nissan 370Z at the Tokyo Auto Salon in a couple of weeks' time.

Branew developed a new sports exhaust for the car, reprogrammed the standard 332hp 3.7-litre V6's ECU, upgraded its brake system and added a new sports suspension kit. Carbon fibre exterior kit includes front spoiler, side steps, rear spoiler, a rear air diffuser and a rear wing. Multi-spoke alloy wheels will be offered in various sizes for that final touch of performance.

Nissan GT-R COBRA N+ Tuning Concept

One of Germany's foremost Nissan tuners COBRA N+ has been working on one of their most prized projects, the Nissan GT-R. It's a well known fact that the GT-R's 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 develops a potent dose of 485hp / 357kW in standard form, pushed along by a 4WD system.

COBRA N+ believes power can only be substituted with more power, and therefore during the first tuning stage the brand expects to yield a more meaningful 550 hp / 410kW. Torque will go up to a maximum of 680Nm. At these levels the car will sprint from 0 - 100km/h in 3.5 seconds, with a top velocity of 320km/h. The second stage at some point will see the GT-R producing 620hp / 462kW and peak torque of about 800Nm. Then they will call it RACE PERFORMANCE.

COBRA N+ reckons it will achieve these first stage performance numbers through reprogramming of the electronics, boost pressure of 0.15 bar and modified air intakes fitted with sport air filters.

Other performance enhancing features are 21-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, 8-piston brake calipers, front end lift reduction mechanisms through an aerodynamic part and an integrated diffuser.

Inside the car is layered with carbon fiber bits and pieces, leather/ Alcantara materials and a roll cage. COBRA N+ will offer their modified GT-R as soon as the European market launch happens in 2009.

Nissan GT-R 600hp Godzilla Package by Hennessey

Hennessey Performance Engineering has just made us even bigger fans of the Nissan GT-R. The Texas-based tuner released a 600 hp (441 kW) upgrade to the car just in time for the holidays.

Called the Godzilla 600, the tuning package also provides up to 570 ft-lb (773 Nm) of torque.

This is not the first GT-R specific upgrade from the company. They have a tweek to the on-board computer software that adds 65 hp (48 kW) and 75 lb-ft (102 Nm) of torque after only 10 minutes.

The Godzilla 600 is not as simple. This package includes an upgrade to the air induction system, electronic boost control, an improved wastegate actuator, and front-mount intercooler system. Also included are turbo down pipes, mid-pipe exhaust, and rear section exhaust all in stainless steel.

Hennessey will install the package for $14,500, or ship the items to you for $11,500.

We wonder how soon you will notice the difference as you try to outrun Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol as you race down I-10 away from HPE headquarters.

Nissan Fairlady Z

The car that the rest of us know as the Nissan 370Z is now on sale in its home market, bearing the familiar Fairlady Z nameplate that it's traditionally worn in Japan. The updated, retro-modern styling, new 247 kW (337 PS) VQ37VHR 3.7-liter V6 and choice of six-speed rev-matching manual or seven-speed automatic transmissions are the same that we saw at the car's Los Angeles Auto Show debut.

The new, more compact body carries styling cues from classic Fairlady models and distinct "Z" badging. Lightening measures such as aluminum body panels keep the weight down, and the new interior uses higher-quality materials including a new "Forte Suede" cloth. Soft-touch materials make the cabin a friendlier place, and the new Fairlady's interior has been optimized for performance driving as well. A factory-installed HDD-based CARWINGS navigation system is available.

On-road performance has been increased. In addition to the lightening measures, the car is more powerful, of course. The groundbreaking new transmissions are coupled to an independent suspension and aluminum-caliper opposed-piston Akebono brakes at all four corners. Nissan's Vehicle Dynamic Control stability control is also standard.

The Fairlady Z's home-market pricing ranges from 3,622,500 yen ($38K) to 4,462,500 ($47K) yen, including Japan's consumption tax. Some Japan-specific "performance" specifications that you might not have heard include the Fairlady Z's 95% recyclability rate, and a reduction of interior volatile organic compounds.

2004 G35 inspected yesterday. A code P 21.35 came up on the computer

2004 Infiniti G35

Question:


I had a 2004 G35 inspected yesterday. A code P 21.35 came up on the computer check. when I left the garage the car wouldn't respond when I pressed the gas pedal. I shut the engine off and restarted the car and the car accelerated again. This is a used car I am interested in purchasing.Is this a costly problem to repair. Also when the car was on the lift the rubber was corroded on the torque arm mounts and needs replacing. What cost is that repair. I took the car for a test drive it worked fine. I took a second test drive this week to the mechanic. He found code p21.35 was off. When I tried to leave the mechanic the car would only go 5 miles per hour. The mechanic shut off the engine and restarted the engine and the car would now accelerate but the engine light now says it needs service.

Answer:

Code p2135 is simply the throttle position sensor, call around to your local parts stores and get some quotes on the part. You should be able to install it yourself in a few minutes.

I want more power and was told to get a supercharger

Question:
Where can I get a super charger for my 2002 Nissan Maxima ? I want more power and was told by several of my friends and several mechanics that I should get a super charger. Where can I find more information on turbochargers for my Audi and where can I get one.

Answer:
I would have to agree with your friends and the mechanics that you have spoken to that a supercharger is the best way to go for more power. Since you are looking for a Nissan Supercharger I would recommend checking out superchargerpros.com for more information and purchasing your supercharger. They have a Toll Free number and staff standing by ready to assist you. And the pricing is comparable to others. I am considering installing a pontiac supercharger on my firebird.

I was driving and all of a sudden the car started to shake violently.

QUESTION:
1997 Nissan, I was driving and all of a sudden the car started to shake violently.The car started to reduce speed to about 20mph even though my foot was on the accelerator the car would not go over 2000 rpm's and would not go over 20mph. I have visually inspected the timing belt and there seems to be no rip or tears on it. I tried to add oil just in case the car was running low on oil.

ANSWER:
If your car has a timing belt, it is enclosed within the timing covers and you would not be able to see it. Most Nissan's have timing chains, so I don't think you saw the belt. Being said, I don't think you have a timing issue. I think you have a misfire on one or more cylinders giving this reduced power and violent shaking. If a check engine light has come on, you have to find out what codes are in memory. That is the first step. That will lead us to the offending cylinder if this is due to a misfire. Once we find the bad cylinder, we have to confirm, spark, fuel and fuel injector pulse, along with compression. One of these things is missing causing the misfire.

Nissan GT-R Club Sport Package by Nismo

Official Nissan motorsports and performance tuning arm, Nismo, has revealed its eagerly anticipated Club Sport upgrade package for the R35 Nissan GT-R. With a focus on reducing weight and increased handling, the package consists of RAYS forged aluminum wheels (Front 20x9.5 (+45mm offset) and Rear 20x10.5 (+25mm offset) with Bridgestone RE070R run-flats (F 225/40 and R 285/35), Bilstein's Damptronic struts, which are basically height adjustable coilovers with electronically controlled dampening, 11-pound lighter rear exhaust system and carbon fiber undertray. Inside the seats get upgraded to a carbon fiber backrest trimmed in leather with side airbags but without heavy electrical adjustment resulting in 13 pounds saved. Unfortunately, the package is only available in Japan through official Nismo shops with a huge price of ¥5,460,000 (€35,000), however, rest assured specialty importers have already inked distribution deals with Nismo, although without a warranty.

Raio-X: Nissan Skyline GT-R

Esses raios-x de carros são muito legais, sendo bastante comuns as exibições por parte das montadoras, exibindo detalhes técnicos de seus veículos. Esse Nismo GT-R, achei no site da Nissan Motorsports (Nismo). São três opções de Wallpapers. Aliás, o site é bem legal, com uma página de downloads bem bacana. Vale a espiada.

Download:
1280x1024 px
1024x768 px
800x600 px

Arios GT-R Carbon-Fibre Body Kit

Lets step back and evaluate for a second, the Nissan GT-R has just completed the famous Nurburgring in just 7min 29sec, it has been sold out in almost every county that can get their hands on it even a year before it is launched. The mean looks makes us think the devil has changed to the form of the GT-R and risen from the depths of hell to conquer the earth, so what would any tuner be doing trying to enhance arguably the best ride on the planet?

The answer according to Japanese Tuner Arios is to keep modifications subtle with a new carbon-fibre body kit comprising of a front lip spoiler, nose and engine covers and sidestep side skits. Addtionally for those of you with that nostalgic feeling, Arios will also change the R35’s front GT-R emblem with the oldschool emblem from a Skyline GT-R KPCG10. The Arios GT-R is still a work in progress with further carbon-fibre body parts including a rear spoiler to be offered in the future.

Nissan GT-R Performance Kits from Japan's Top Tuners

With every can fan on the planet still awestruck by Nissan’s new GT-R supercar, news that top Japanese tuning firms are already offering upgrades may be enough to send them over the edge. Here are the highlights of the upcoming raft of aftermarket bolt-ons for Nissan’s new supercar:

Mines have developed adjustable coilover suspension, a 400mm brake kit, high-flow catalysers and a more freer-flowing titanium exhaust system. This has already seen a 20bhp hike in dyno tests and the firm is busying itself working on the ECU to allow the car to run higher boost levels.

Sunline Racing have also been hard at work, replacing the standard wheels with staggered 19in and 20in Volk Racing items and working on their own adjustable coilover suspension kits.

Amuse showed their larger carbon fibre rear wing, carbon front bumper lip and titanium cat-back exhaust system at the recent Tokyo Autosalon.

JUN are developing stronger engine internals and larger turbos to be released later in the year, while legendary Skyline tuners Top Secret already have a full carbon fibre aero kit in the pipeline.

Comercial do Nissan Tiida

Em 1 minuto, a Nissan tenta expôr as virtudes do Tiida, como o "espaço interno surpreendente" e o design atual, para pessoas diferenciadas. Lembra um pouco a idéia da Ford, para o comercial do Focus Flex.

Lançamento: Nissan Aprio

Na última quinta-feira (21) foi apresentado no México o Nissan Aprio, nada mais que o Logan brasileiro com logotipos trocados e alguns detalhes que o diferenciam. Lá, o Aprio conta apenas com o motor 1.6 a gasolina (103cv) e as principais diferenças em relação ao nosso Renault Logan estão na dianteira. Ele recebeu novo párachoque (de desenho exclusivo) e ostenta uma nova grade com três filetes horizontais, emoldurada por um friso cromado. De resto, nós já conhecemos... um bom carro. Mais informações e fotos.

Fonte e Fotos: AutomovilOnline

Som de Hoje: Creed - Hide

Nissan Tiida em Julho!

O irmão mexicano do Renault Mègane já tem previsão de desembarque: no final de julho. A informação foi divulgada ontem, pela própria Nissan e gera boa expectativa para o segmento de hatches médios. Ele será o único hatch médio de marca japonesa a ser vendido por aqui. Seus preços não foram divulgados mas acredito que custará menos que o Mègane Sedan (que já tem bons preços), e concorrerá diretamente com Fiat Stilo, VW Golf e versões intermediárias (p/ cima) do Ford Focus. O Nissan Tiida será bastante competitivo visto que, contará com motor 1.8 (125 cv), câmbio de 6 marchas, excelente espaço interno entre outros bons atrativos.

Curiosidade >> Tiida foi eleito Carro do Ano 2007 das Américas.

Scoop: Nissan Aprio, o Logan Mexicano

Nissan Aprio é o nome dele! O Renault Logan fabricado no Brasil será exportado em breve para o México, onde será vendido com alterações visuais que o caracterize como um Nissan. Alterações que parecem muito poucas, julgando por estas imagens feitas recentemente na terra do Chaves & Chapolin. Espera-se uma nova grade, com o logotipo da marca nipônica (na imagem parece ter uma moldura cromada mas pode ser apenas disfarce) e algumas alterações no pára-choque. Na traseira, sem mudanças significativas, sendo mantidas as luzes de ré nos dois lados - como no modelo brasileiro. De acordo com o site Autonews, o Aprio poderá substituir o Nissan Platina, que por lá corresponde ao nosso Clio Sedan. Os mexicanos estão ansiosos pelo novo carro, já que oferecerá uma ótima relação custo-benefício para uma configuração de carroceria que faz muito sucesso por lá. A previsão de vendas para 2007 é de 40 mil unidades do novo sedã, que estará disponível com motorização de 1.6 litro a gasolina, com 105 cv de potência.

Fotos: Não identificado/Reprodução da Internet