Nissan IDx future in a coma, prospects dim

Nissan IDx future in a coma, prospects dimImage Credit: AOLImage Credit: AOLImage Credit: AOLImage Credit: AOLImage Credit: AOLImage Credit: AOLImage Credit: AOLImage Credit: AOLImage Credit: AOLImage Credit: AOLImage Credit: AOLImage Credit: AOLImage Credit: AOLImage Credit: AOLImage Credit: AOLImage Credit: AOLImage Credit: AOLImage Credit: AOLImage Credit: AOLImage Credit: AOLImage Credit: AOLImage Credit: AOLImage Credit: AOLImage Credit: AOLImage Credit: AOLImage Credit: AOLMore Photos2015 Nissan Micra Cup: First DriveNissan LanniaNissan GT-R Convertible RenderingsNissan Around View Monitor on Topy ROVNissan Sway Concept: Geneva 2015Nissan Sway ConceptJonathon Ramsey

The answer, at least for the public, was always a huge "Yes!" when it came to the Nissan IDx Nismo and IDx Freeflow concepts shown off at the Tokyo Motor Show 2013. We were told they were "in the plan" for production if fans got behind them, but that sunk to "increasingly cloudy" plans for production. Two months later we were being told the production version would get less retro styling. But the damning swerve came in January this year, when Nissan said it was shifting priorities to focus on volume offerings.

When The Truth About Cars spoke to the VP of product planning for Nissan North America, Pierre Loing, the smothering blanket of reality was thrown over the IDx duo: Nissan has no small, rear-wheel platform to build them on. At least, not one that it could make any money with. The 370Z is built on an architecture too big for the IDx, and sister company Renault only has small front-wheel-drive platforms. The idea of developing a chassis just for the IDx doesn't make any sense, as sales trends for the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ should show.

Will we see anything of the concepts in production guise, then? Loing said Nissan "may have some room" for a product with retro design cues and said to check back "in a few years" to get a final answer. But really, the answer appears to be, "No."Featured GalleryNissan IDx Nismo ConceptRelated GalleryNissan IDx Freeflow concept

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NHTSA opens investigation into 130k Nissan Versas for breaking springs

NHTSA opens investigation into 130k Nissan Versas for breaking springsChris Bruce

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a preliminary evaluation into a suspension problem that could affect an estimated 130,000 Nissan Versas from 2008-2010. According to the government agency's documentation (here as a PDF), there have been 93 complaints of the front coil springs fracturing while driving in these vehicles.

Based on reports so far, it appears to NHTSA that this problem can happen at any speed and without warning. When the spring breaks, the pieces can also puncture a tire or brake line.

A preliminary evaluation sets out to investigate "the scope, frequency and safety-related consequence" of the potential problem. According to a portion of a statement from the automaker to Autoblog, "Nissan is cooperating fully to answer the agency's questions regarding this issue in a timely manner."
Show full PR textINVESTIGATION Subject : Front Coil Spring Fracture

Date Investigation Opened: MAY 13, 2015
Date Investigation Closed: Open
NHTSA Action Number: PE15019
Component(s): SUSPENSION
All Products Associated with this Investigation
Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s)
NISSAN VERSA 2008-2010
Details

Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.

SUMMARY:
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 93 complaints (VOQs) alleging incidents of front suspension coil spring fracture in model year (MY) 2008 through 2010 Nissan Versa passenger cars. Preliminary analysis of the complaints indicates that the coil spring failures occur without warning and can happen at any speed. One complaint (VOQ #10663102) reported the passenger-side coil spring fractured while traveling at 65 mph and caused a sudden tire failure by cutting the inner sidewall 360 degrees. Another complaint ( VOQ #10680740) reported the passenger-side coil spring fractured while traveling 40 mph and result in tire puncture and brake line failure. ODI has also received EWR field report information relating to coil spring failures in the subject vehicles. A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and safety-related consequence of the alleged defect.

The 93 VOQs associated with this investigation are: 10236143, 10443746, 10452956, 10491553, 10497737, 10500820, 10503060, 10504557, 10508072, 10511536, 10512390, 10512657, 10512975, 10514582, 10516024, 10516085, 10522261, 10522262, 10524296, 10524809, 10532856, 10533856, 10537404, 10537407, 10548678, 10556214, 10559853, 10565283, 10572591, 10578519, 10583059, 10583154, 10583496, 10583673, 10584979, 10585040, 10585327, 10585377, 10585751, 10585826, 10586397, 10586444, 10587480, 10587798, 10588347, 10588427, 10592366, 10592498, 10592780, 10593373, 10593621, 10595215, 10595426, 10595929, 10596679, 10596802, 10598877, 10605757, 10606859, 10606998, 10618059, 10628631, 10644269, 10645075, 10649515, 10653189, 10659632, 10660067, 10660915, 10662158, 10663102, 10667071, 10667845, 10669949, 10670829, 10671894, 10676522, 10680544, 10680740, 10682397, 10691419, 10691692, 10692629, 10693193, 10693347, 10694369, 10694420, 10701250, 10702765, 10705882, 10706351, 10712045, 10712922

Nissan Statement

Nissan received an Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) Resume for a Preliminary Evaluation from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) concerning driver complaints of front suspension coil spring fractures on certain MY 2008-2010 Versa passenger cars.

Nissan is cooperating fully to answer the agency's questions regarding this issue in a timely manner. Nissan is committed to a high level of customer safety, service and satisfaction.

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Go inside the radical Nissan GT-R LM's engine with 'Nismo University'

Test for 8,000 km, so it'll last 6,000 km

Nissan continued its lesson plan on the new GT-R LM endurance car in the latest installment of "Nismo University" on YouTube. This episode is about the 550-hp, twin-turbo V6 powering the car and what it takes to keep it running for a full 24 hours.

Surprise -- it's oil! Motul oil, to be exact. But it's more than just dropping in a few quarts and letting 'er rip. Everything is analyzed, graphed and adjusted until the pressure, viscosity and temperature are perfect. Oil is responsible for power, longevity and much more over 24 hours ... but you'll learn all about that in the above video. Nissan, take it away.

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Nissan details 326k-vehicle Takata recall for US and Canada

Nissan details 326k-vehicle Takata recall for US and CanadaChris Bruce

Nissan is recalling 326,000 vehicles in the US and Canada as an expansion of its Takata inflator campaign. Of those, 263,692 are in the US.

Nissan's broadened campaign in the US covers 250,967 examples of the 2004-2006 Sentra and 12,725 units of the 2004 Pathfinder to replace their passenger side airbag inflators. The 2005-2006 X-Trail is also included in Canada. Customers should receive official notification of this recall by mail in June.

Nissan and Toyota announced a 6.5-million vehicle global expansion of their Takata recalls recently. At that time, Nissan was still working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on the details of what models were affected. This latest release outlines those figures.


Related Video:

#fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-793111{display:none;} .cke_show_borders #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-793111, #postcontentcontainer #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-793111{width:100%;display:block;}Show full PR textNissan Statement

"Nissan Group today notified The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Transport Canada that it will be recalling 2004 to 2006 Sentra, 2004 Pathfinder and 2005 and 2006 X-Trail vehicles throughout the United States and Canada to replace Takata SPI Passenger Air Bag inflators. This recall expansion is intended to address vehicles equipped with SPI inflators that are not already subject to previously announced recalls. More specifically, this includes vehicles located outside the high absolute humidity areas manufactured between early 2004 and end of production. Customer notification will begin in June."

Vehicles Affected

Approximately 326,000 in U.S. and CanadaMarketModelModel Year(s)Population TotalUSASentra2004-2006250,967USAPathfinder200412,725

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2004 Nissan Pathfinder, 2004-'06 Sentra Included in Expanded Nissan Takata Recall | Edmunds.com

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NASHVILLE, Tennessee — Nissan North America is recalling approximately 326,000 vehicles in the U.S. and Canada, including the 2004 Nissan Pathfinder SUV and 2004-'06 Nissan Sentra sedan, as part of an expanded Takata airbag recall, the automaker told Edmunds late Thursday.

The recall involves 250,967 Sentras in the U.S. and 12,725 Pathfinders.

The 2006 Nissan X-Trail in Canada is included in the recall.

Nissan dealers will replace defective Takata passenger airbag inflators in the affected vehicles. The faulty inflators can cause the airbags to deploy with too much force, potentially shooting metal shrapnel at vehicle occupants.

Defective Takata airbags have been linked to six fatalities in Honda vehicles.

"This recall expansion is intended to address vehicles equipped with inflators that are not already subject to previously announced recalls," Nissan said in a statement. "More specifically, this includes vehicles located outside the high absolute humidity areas manufactured between early 2004 and end of production."

Nissan's Takata airbag recalls have expanded to approximately 4 million vehicles worldwide.

The latest Nissan Takata recall in the U.S. begins in June. Owners can contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

No information about the expanded Nissan recall has been posted on the Web site of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which oversees vehicle safety in the U.S.

Automakers and researchers are still trying to pinpoint the cause of the problem.

Orbital ATK, an aerospace and defense firm, has been hired by a group of 10 automakers to test potentially defective Takata inflators.

Consumers can check to see whether their car is subject to the Takata recalls by entering the vehicle identification number or VIN in the NHTSA recall Web site.

Edmunds says: Owners of these cars should wait to receive their official recall notice and then schedule a service appointment. But if you have an immediate concern, it's best to speak to your dealer now.

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2015 Nissan Micra Cup First Drive [w/video]

2015 Nissan Micra Cup First Drive [w/video]We Lap Mont-Tremblant In Nissan's Tiny Canadian RacecarImage Credit: NissanImage Credit: NissanImage Credit: NissanImage Credit: NissanImage Credit: NissanImage Credit: NissanImage Credit: NissanImage Credit: NissanImage Credit: NissanImage Credit: NissanImage Credit: NissanImage Credit: NissanImage Credit: NissanImage Credit: NissanImage Credit: NissanImage Credit: NissanImage Credit: NissanImage Credit: NissanImage Credit: NissanImage Credit: NissanImage Credit: NissanImage Credit: NissanMore PhotosNissan LanniaNissan GT-R Convertible RenderingsNissan Around View Monitor on Topy ROVNissan Sway Concept: Geneva 2015Nissan Sway ConceptNissan and NASA autonomous collaborationGreg Migliore

Vital StatsEngine:1.6L I4Power:109 HP / 107 LB-FTTransmission:5-Speed ManualDrivetrain:Front-Wheel DriveEngine Placement:FrontCurb Weight:2,250 LBSBase Price:$19,998 CADA light mist falls on the Circuit Mont-Tremblant. Looming gray skies threaten that more wetness is in store. I'm already nervous about scooting a tiny Nissan around a challenging course in rural Quebec. This damp chill isn't helping.

It's an unlikely day to drive an improbable racecar: the Nissan Micra, one of the smallest and cheapest cars sold in Canada. Luckily, the weather and my trepidation ease up. Laps around this gorgeous road course prove to be a lot of fun. The Micra isn't a bad little car, and racing them, well, that sounds like a riot.

Nissan is using the time-tested tool of motorsports to raise the profile of its new subcompact with the Micra Cup, a spec series that launches with a pair of races the weekend of May 22-24. It will be followed by five more weekend doubleheaders through the summer and into the fall, including a support race before Formula One's Canadian Grand Prix in June. The investment for Nissan is low, and the six races will all be run in Quebec, a province with a European level of motorsports fervor.



Despite the damp conditions, I'm eager for my turn to wheel the diminutive Micra around the Circuit Mont-Tremblant, a 15-turn, 2.65-mile course nestled in the Laurentian Mountains of Quebec. Don't be fooled by the idyllic setting, Mont-Tremblant hosted F1 grands prix in 1968 and 1970, Can-Am and Trans-Am races in the 1960s and 70s, and a Champ Car race as recently as 2007.

Racing trim suits the Micra, and the car looks snappy dressed in red, white, and gray livery. I climb into the cabin and strap into the racing harness. It's easy to get comfortable in this basic interior. Nerves steadied, I grip the steering wheel, ease the Micra into first gear, let out the clutch, then shift to second and exit the pit lane. Thankfully I'm not the first guy to get out on the track in this car, so the tires are warm.

The rain has stopped, but I'm cautious at first. The track surface is still a little slick, and the front-wheel-drive Micra's rear tires can easily come unbuttoned. As I lap the circuit, my confidence grows. My helpful instructor flashes three and four fingers from the passenger seat to indicate the gear I should be in, and then urges me to floor it in open areas. He's more confident than I am, but as I dart around the track, the adrenaline starts flowing. My peak speed is maybe 93 miles per hour, but that's not the point. The Micra Cup car handles well in corners, the buzz of the exhaust note sounds good, and a manual transmission on a race course is always rewarding. I only get a few laps and before I know it, I'm back in the pits reflecting on the significance of this car for Nissan.



There's no doubt, the Micra quickened my pulse, and Nissan hopes the excitement of competition will will spur sales and help solidify a foothold in the Canadian small car segment. Based on the same platform as the Versa, the Micra isn't sold in the United States, but is a critical part of Nissan's global strategy.

Because it doesn't have the performance cachet of the GT-R or 370Z, Nissan is taking a grassroots approach to racing the Micra. The relatively low cost of Cup cars, $19,998 Canadian, or about $16,747 in US dollars, allows a wider range of enthusiasts to compete in the series, though there's also repair and parts costs. That's not cheap, sure, but it's not like running in the Ferrari Challenge or Lamborghini Super Trofeo series. "It's not a lot of money. It's fun. It's about passion for racing," Nissan Canada president Christian Meunier says.

Motorsports in Action, a Quebec racing shop, preps the Micras for Cup duty. It adds a Nismo suspension kit, FIA-approved racing seat with a five-point harness, safety cage, upgraded brakes, modified exhaust, and Pirelli low-profile performance tires. The stock 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine – rated at 109 horsepower and paired to a five-speed manual gearbox – remains stock. "It epitomizes the simplicity of what a car can be," Meunier says as we chat trackside.



Nissan expects the field will have more than 25 teams. Some of the drivers have karting and minor-league racing experience, two are champions from Nissan's GT Academy, and a few are racing rookies pursuing life-long motorsports aspirations. And because this is Canada, of course there's a former NHL player, Marc-Andre Bergeron, among the contestants. With everyone driving the same thing and no obvious stars, optimism is running high.

"The driver skill is what matters," says Abhinay Bikkani, a GT Academy winner who also has racing experience in India.

The varying talent levels will make for an entertaining series, but the racecar also deserves the spotlight. The Micra has mojo. Running it around a track proves that and casts the little econobox in a new light. Yes, it's a cheap car, but it's also spunky, and racing shows that there's more to lure customers than just a low price tag. On a wet day that was less than ideal for racing, I'm reminded that small cars can have big-time swagger on the track.Featured Gallery2015 Nissan Micra Cup: First Drive

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