The racing version of Nissan’s electric vehicle, the Leaf, lapped the Sodegaura Forest Raceway,Japan during a test run yesterday. In this four minute video, the driver puts the Nissan Leaf Nismo RC through its paces and at some points can barely keep it on the track. The Nismo RC features a full carbon fiber body...
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ZF, a leader in automotive tranmissions, has announced a new nine-speed automatic gearbox for passenger cars. This gearbox was designed for a transverse mounted engine and will provide up to 16 percent better fuel economy compared to a six-speed automatic transmission. The nine-speed is referred to as the 9HP and is extremely flexible, capable of...
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The all-new Hyundai Elantra Coupe will debut this fall at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, with Hyundai is hoping this new coupe will eat into Honda Civic Coupe sales. The basic powertrain will likely come from the sedan which is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder producing 148-hp and 131 lb-ft of torque. Hyundai is also likely to...
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It is believed that once operational the solar panel array will save up to 2000 metric tonnes of Co2 emissions and 4,600,000 kilowatts of energy on a yearly basis, while at the same time generating enough to cover the production of 7,000 cars per annum.
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If you believe the saying that any publicity is good publicity, then the Canadian Sport Compact Series should be thrilled about this video. Then again, maybe not. Taken during a lapping day at Toronto Motorsports Park (formerly Cayuga) just North of Buffalo, the driver of a Subaru Impreza RS runs wide heading onto the front...
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It’s a far cry from the late 1970s and 1980s, when compact trucks were one of the hottest things going and individual models, like Nissan’s own Hardbody regularly sold in excess of 100,000 units.
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In Nissan‘s continuing effort to relieve range anxiety, the automaker has now announced a joint project with the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) to test out a roadside assistance vehicle capable of recharging electric vehicles. “As EVs gain wider consumer acceptance, it is important to create a roadside assistance system that can help motorists driving EVs...
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It comes as little surprise that after 21 years the Isle of Man TT circuit record has fallen. After all, would you expect any less of a Subaru WRX STI when compared to the Rover 827 Vitesse driven by Tony Pond back in 1990. With native Mark Higgins behind the wheel, he managed a time...
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Subaru of America has announced the launch of its new iPad applications based on its 2011 model digital brochures. The free apps allows users to explore the 2011 Outback, Forester and WRX/STI through the iPad utilyzing videos, interactive demonstrations and 360-degree views. Apple has had tremendous success with its iPad, selling 4.69 million units alone...
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Mazda will shift production of their mid-size Mazda6 from the current AutoAlliance International plant (a joint venture with former owner Ford) to Mazda’s facility in Hofu, Japan. “Currently, production of the Mazda6 [known as Atenza in Japan] exists in three locations,” said Takashi Yamanouchi, Representative Director and Chairman of the Board, President and CEO of Mazda Motor...
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In North America, Suzuki does very well as a motorcycle brand, but when it comes to cars, hardly anybody buys them. Many believe, that if Suzuki one day decides to abandon selling cars on this continent, no one will miss it. In Japan however, it is a different story. Suzuki cars are still very popular...
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Mazda‘s new CX-5 crossover will arrive at dealers next year, expanding the brand’s crossover range to three models. With a spate of auto shows between now and then, the brand’s smallest ‘ute could debut at any venue from Frankfurt in September all the way to the New York Auto Show the following March. The car...
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There has been much speculation over whether electric vehicles are suitable for long distance journeys. The biggest issue is regarding the distance an electric car can travel before running out of power, and where to charge up. Skeptics also doubt whether the advanced lithium-ion battery can withstand the torture of numerous “Level 3” charges within...
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There’s a major love/hate relationship going on with Nissan‘s Juke in North America, but over in Japan the aftermarket has embraced its funky styling and its interesting 1.6L turbocharged engine. Impul, one of Japan’s most famous Nissan tuners, has opened up their catalog and added a huge collection of Juke performance modifications, from engine tuning...
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Selling cars is kind of big business for Nissan. Taking advantage of social media to reach all those trendy kids these days is merely a part of that. And in the 20 years that marketing communications director Erich Marx has been at Nissan, he’s seen the changes in how people reach out to others, and...
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BMW announced today that it has been ranked first overall in the inaugural L2 Prestige 100 Facebook IQ. This new index measures the social media aptitude of Presige 100 brands from auto, beauty, fashion, jewelery and watches as well as spirits and champagnes. The Bavarian automaker currently owns and maintains fifty-four separate Facebook pages associated with its various...
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You can say Germans have their priorities right. The statistics for German passenger car registrations have been released, documenting car sales by brand, and some interesting trends have manifested themselves: namely, that more people are buying Porsches than Hondas. The largest registration declines over the past five months concern the Chrysler family, and all of...
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Subaru has announced a multi-year sponsorship agreement of the Isle of Man TT Races and rather than just sit idly by, the AWD turbo 4-banger brand is looking to participate, running a WRX STI on several timed laps of the famous TT motorcycle course. The iconic motorcycle course is infamously known as one of the...
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Nissan has announced that its Leaf Nismo RC Concept race car concept will be making two demonstration runs at the Le Mans Vers Le Futur, in celebration of the 79th anniversary of the event (June 11-12). The 24 Hour of Le Mans is the world’s most renowned endurance race and is held on the Circuit...
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Mazda will cut ties with Ford and cease production of vehicles in the U.S. around 2013, relying instead on its manufacturing facilities in Japan and Mexico. The automaker is reportedly looking to end its joint venture with Ford Motor Co., as it looks to make major changes in its production system. Currently both Mazda and...
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Toyota has announced a recall on 52,000 2001-2003 Prius’ as well as a handful of Venza and Sienna vehicles. The recall is regarding the possibility of nuts securing the pinion shaft for the steering box assembly. These nuts may become loose from repeated full-lock turning of the steering wheel. Toyota says that over time, the...
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The Ford Fiesta has been selling exceptionally well in the Small car segment, beating key competitors like the Toyota Yaris and Nissan Versa. Last May, 7,120 Fiestas were sold, outselling the Versa’s 4,793 units in the same month. The success of the Fiesta has been attributed to skyrocketing fuel prices as well as the shortage...
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With Matrix sales slumping in the U.S, Toyota may not invest in a next-generation version when the 2013 Corolla hits dealerships. Only 14,592 Toyota Matrix’s were sold last year in the U.S which is down from 66,836 units in 2002. Matrix sales are still doing well in Canada, but Corolla sales are double that of...
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The May auto industry sales numbers are in and things continue to look down for Honda and Toyota. Both brands saw big drops in their May sales, with Honda down 23 percent and Toyota down 33 percent. While the earthquake and tsunami are to blame for supply issues, it’s hard to ignore the fact that...
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