New Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet: First Official Photo

This just in; We have the first official photograph of Nissan's all-new Murano CrossCabriolet, which has not only lost the standard model's top, but also the rear doors. The four-seater model will have its world premiere at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show later this week and go on sale in the U.S. early next year. For the time being, we don't have much in the way of information on technical specs or prices, but we'll definitely keep you updated if anything new pops up. Follow the jump for a higher resolution picture and the official statement from Nissan.

Statement from Nissan:

"The world’s first all-wheel drive crossover convertible, delivers the open-air exhilaration of a convertible while extending the versatility of the Murano in exciting new ways. With room for four adults, space for golf bags or luggage (even with the top down), and a premium level interior, the Murano CrossCabriolet represents a breakthrough in concept and design. Set to go on sale in early 2011."

Mitsuoka Updates Galue Limousine, Based on Nissan Teana

There are coachbuilders and coachbuilders. And then there's Mitsuoka, a Japanese company that believes in bettering a vehicle's appearance by collecting styling bits from here and there. Memorable creations include the Mazda MX-5-based Himiko Roadster, the Ford Mustang-based Galue Convertible and last but not least, how can we not forget the fish-faced Orochi...

In its latest venture, the Japanese coachbuilder has updated the design of its Galue Limousine, a four-door sedan built on the newest version of the JDM Nissan Teana sedan (see here).

We weren't able to decipher much from the Japanese-only press release, but looking at the photos it appears that Mitsuoka reworked the car's front (which continues to fuse styling elements from classic British cars) and rear ends. Talking about the Galue's buttocks, is it me or are those tail lights look eerily similar to the ones found on the Fiat 500?

The new Galue Limousine is offered in several trim levels and two engine options, a 2.5-liter and a 3.5-liter V6. It goes on sale in Japan on November 12, with prices ranging from 3,680,000 to 5,284,000 Yen (approximately US$44,700 to $64,200).

*Correction: The Galue is based on the JDM Nissan Teana and not the Fuga as previously noted

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Damnjdm’s Shopped Nissan Juke Becomes Reality...Sort of

Remember that Nissan Juke photoshop from a couple of months back (if you don't, no worries, just click here)? You know the one: black paint, lowered ride height, yellow headlights and green Volk Rays VR.G2 alloys? Well, someone has fitted the VR.G2s to an otherwise stock standard Nissan Juke and the result is...underwhelming.

Now don't get me wrong: I like the Nissan Juke. I think the interior is one of the freshest Nissan has done in years and the exterior is a lot more funky than the Juke's would-be competitors. So why is this particular example so disappointing?

Maybe it's the flat white paint; something very few cars can pull that off. And the dark alloy wheels are seemingly lost in the black plastic wheel arches. What the Juke needs is the proper SEMA makeover: a pumping sound system, wicked paint job and a mean-looking aerokit. So here's a call out to all you would be customizers: show us what you've got!

By Tristan Hankins

Via: Farmofminds

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Cobra Tries to Roughen Up the Nissan Juke Crossover

It has taken a while for tuners to warm up to the Nissan Juke, but we're slowly starting to see some new aftermarket products for the Japanese firm's odd-looking small crossover. One of the fist tuners to get their hands on the Juke is Germany's Cobra Technology, which created a styling set designed to give the Japanese crossover a more rugged-ish look.

As with other crossover and SUV models, Cobra Technology's first line of order is to fit a stainless-steel front grille guard that is said to meet European pedestrian safety standards. Optionally, buyers can add a pair of LED daytime running lights.

The kit also includes tubular side steps with integrated plastic steps, a sports exhaust system with twin tail pipes and the choice of 19- or 20-inch multispoke alloy wheels.

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Umbrella Auto takes the Nissan GT-R’s Interior Upmarket

Let's be honest: unless you're a poseur or regularly enter Concours events, you'll spend more time looking at the inside of your car than the outside. So why not gussy up that tired and dated interior with some high quality, hand crafted materials?

U.S. aftermarket-eers Umbrella Auto Designs have done just that, overhauling the Tokyo Drift interior of the 2010 Nissan GT-R with a touch of European class. Everything has been redressed in Black Ultrasuede with silver stitching, from the Status Racing seats to the dashboard / centre console, steering wheel, doors, rear side panels...even the parcel tray and subwoofer cover. Umbrella went so far as to repaint the interior plastics from light grey to satin black to match.

Don't misunderstand us: the current-gen Nissan GT-R is an incredible bit of kit. Heck, it's probably one of the best cars to come out of Japan period (I can already tell, dear readers, that you'll be flooding the comments with statements to the contrary). But like everything these days, it could afford to be a little bit better.

Umbrella can arrange to have your car transported to and from their workshop from anywhere in the U.S. and the whole transformation takes about 3 weeks, including transportation time.

By Tristan Hankins

Source: Umbrella Auto Design , Via: GTRblog

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Nissan Releases Pricing for 2011 370Z Range

We just got our hands on the pricing for the 2011 model year Nissan 370Z range. The base 370Z Coupe starts at US$30,610, while US$37,520 will get you in the Roadster model. The more potent Nismo 370Z is priced at US$49,990. All MSRPs exclude destination and handling fees.

Being that the latest Z was only just introduced in 2009, changes for the 2011MY are limited to new color options and added content. More specifically, the 2011 370Z Coupe and Roadster with the 332-hp 3.7-liter V6 benefit from a new Gun Metallic finish and the addition of RearView Monitor to the optional Navigation Package. Enhancements for the 350HP 2011 Nismo 370Z are limited to one new exterior color, Gun Metallic.

Nissan Clones the Renault Twizy EV

Nissan has unveiled a two-seater electric city car concept named the New Mobility Concept or NMC for short. If it reminds you of a recently seen model, then you've got a good eye, because the NMC is nothing more than a rebagded version of the Renault Twizy, which made its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show last month.

The Japanese automaker didn't release many details on the NMC, but the two-seater concept most likely feature the same 20 hp (15 kW) electric motor and lithium-ion battery set found on the Twizy, which help the latter achieve a top speed of 47 mph (76 km/h).

Nissan says it will study the use of the NMC for a variety of services, such as a "2-mode EV car sharing" solution, where the vehicle is used as a private commuter in the mornings and evenings, and as a corporate car during business hours, and for revitalizing communities by providing improved mobility in urban areas and tourist locations.

Even though the Japanese carmaker doesn't mention any plans for production, being that it's French twin will go on sale next year, chances are the NMC will follow suit.

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Nissan Recalls 2.1 Million Vehicles Worldwide Over Ignition Problem

A defect in the ignition system that can cause an engine to stall while running has prompted a massive recall of some 2.1 million Nissan and Infiniti cars and trucks worldwide.

In the U.S. and Canada, the recall involves the 2004-2006MY Nissan Armada and Titan, 2005-2006MY Infiniti QX56, as well as the 2003-2006MY Nissan Frontier, Pathfinder and Xterra models. Other models in the global recall list include the Cube, March/Micra and Tiida.

Of the 2.14 million vehicles affected by the recall, Japan accounts for 834,759, North America for 761,528, Europe for 354,170, and China and Taiwan for 194,409 units.

The company said it will notify the owners of the affected vehicles. The inspection and repair is expected to be done free of charge.

Nissan Leaf EV Series-Production begins at Oppama Plant in Japan

Production of Nissan's pure electric Leaf started today at the firm's Oppama facility in Japan, ahead of the car's launch in Japan and the United States in December, and in select markets in Europe from early 2011. Currently, the Oppama plant has an annual production capacity of 50,000 units. The Japanese carmaker said it will begin exports to the USA in November, followed by Europe in December.

"This is a significant milestone, not only for Nissan and the Renault-Nissan Alliance, but also for the entire automotive industry," said Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn.

"Consumers are clear. They want sustainable and affordable mobility...and the Alliance is leading the way with cars that deliver exactly that, with the reliability, excitement and performance that consumers demand. The high-quality, innovative Nissan LEAF will radically transform what consumers expect from automobile manufacturers worldwide."

Nissan said it will start manufacturing the all-electric Leaf at its Smyrna facility in Tennessee, USA from late 2012 and at its Sunderland plant in the UK from early 2013. According to the carmaker, Smyrna will have an annual production capacity of 150,000 units, and Sunderland will have a capacity of around 50,000 units per year.

In the States, the Leaf will retail for $32,780, which comes down to $25,280 after a $7,500 federal tax credit, while buyers can also lease the EV for a monthly payment beginning at $349. The more technologically complex /advanced Chevy Volt has a much higher price tag starting from $41,000, or $33,500 after tax credits.

While the debate -believe it or not- if the Chevy is a hybrid-electric or a pure EV is still on, the five-door Leaf is 100% electric and is powered by an electric motor delivering the equivalent of 107-horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque.

Nissan says the Leaf's lithium-ion battery pack can be filled up to 80% of its full capacity in just under 30 minutes with a quick charger, while charging at home through a standard 200V will take approximately eight hours. A full charge is expected to offer a driving range of more than 100 miles or 160km.

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