Nissan Micra DIG-S 2012

Auto Car | Nissan Micra DIG-S 2012 | The new Micra DIG S is powered by a 1.5 liter four-cylinder direct injection gasoline engine-compressor that delivers a total of 98 HP and 142Nm of torque, while emitting only 95g/km for the manual version and 115 g / km for the CVT version. The car can reach a top speed of 112 mph when coupled with a manual transmission. The Micra DIG S uses the Miller cycle and direct fuel injection to raise the compression ratio of 13 to one for greater combustion efficiency and a compressor for an instant response and more power.

Nissan GT-R

Auto Car | Nissan GT-R  | Nissan have been busy at the Nurburgring with their new baby and have confirmed (to Motor Trend at least) that the best lap time so far has been 7:35 but they are still out there with every intention of going faster. Again, we reported on this some weeks ago and it seems our sources at the time were correct. To get this sort of performance in perspective, the GT-R is lapping the ‘Ring faster than the 996 GT2, Porsche 977 Turbo and the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, is one second slower that the Koenigsegg CCR and two seconds slower than the Pagani Zonda F. Nissan have been busy at the Nurburgring with their new baby and have confirmed (to Motor Trend at least) that the best lap time so far has been 7:35 but they are still out there with every intention of going faster.

Again, we reported on this some weeks ago and it seems our sources at the time were correct. To get this sort of performance in perspective, the GT-R is lapping the ‘Ring faster than the 996 GT2, Porsche 977 Turbo and the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, is one second slower that the Koenigsegg CCR and two seconds slower than the Pagani Zonda F.

With an estimated entry price of around US80,000 that equates to cheap access to supercar performance. It won’t be quite so peachy in Australia with the usual “Lucky Country” taxes, tariffs and duty bumping the price up somewhere north of AUD150,000 in our estimation – which still equates to great value even in our price inflated auto market.

Source: www.japanesesportcars.com

Nissan 370z

Auto Car | Nissan 370z |

The Nissan 370Z is a first half of the rear traction motor two-door sports coupe. The vehicle features the long hood short-deck design common to the Z-Car family continues the tradition of exchange of trunk room for increased performance.Exterior design highlights a sloping fastback style roof line, waist high, angular headlights / taillights and bulging fenders that are driven into the corners of the vehicle.

Interior cabin design is simple. The main indicator pod is mounted directly to the steering column allowing their movement to match the settings of the wheel. Additional gauges are mounted in a center triple gauge group. The gauge display for gas and the engine temperature is replaced by a dotted meters in front of a traditional meters, and the steering wheel and climate controls are similar to the Nissan Maxima.
A navigation system with iPod integration replaces a box in the center console storage unit with a control and monitoring that is used with the Nissan Maxima, Nissan Murano, and several models of Infiniti.
Nissan 370z

The changes include a 350Z and a more upright pillar (similar to the GT-R), new headlights inspired aggressive, smart key system, more pronounced fender arches, new rocker panels and a new liftgate. In addition, the 370Z does not make use of a conventional glove box.
During the development of the 370Z, Nissan claims that the Porsche Cayman was the goal of performance, but the end result is a car that is similar in weight, with more power and a lower price. The new design Cayman produces 265 hp (198 kW) in its basic configuration, with 320 hp (239 kW), Cayman S worth almost $ 10,000 more.

Source: www.dymee.com

Nissan Rogue First

 

Auto Car | Nissan Rogue First | Another automotive category is now filled with offerings from Japan’s Big Three automakers. Nissan has finally introduced the production version of its brand-new compact SUV, the Rogue.Nissan invited DC-area journalists to check out their newest offering in Baltimore, setting up a group ride with a handful of Rogues, commonly referred to as a ‘ride-and-drive,’ with historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania as the destination. 

The usual protocol is to stay with the group, and to continue on the established route while sharing driving duties with another writer.Roadfly was represented in both print and video, and we were able to snag one of the snazziest Rogues – a fully loaded SL with all-wheel-drive, electric “Indigo blue” paint and handsome light grey leather – for a two-man jaunt off the beaten path. We took a wrong turn somewhere while navigating the rural switchbacks of Maryland’s Carroll County, and found the Rogue a willing playmate for improvisation, conducting our road test as we struck towards Gettysburg.

Nissan has carved out a niche as a sportier, yet still mainstream alternative to Honda’s nerdy perfection and Toyota’s mass appeal. The Rogue is entirely consistent with that theme, and stacks up remarkably well against the CR-V and RAV4 while maintaining its own identity.Ogue is based on Nissan’s Sentra compact, and that’s not a bad starting point for a crossover SUV with sporting pretensions. It weighs in at just 3533 lbs., which makes for a high degree of that elusive ‘tossability,’ especially considering the car’s place on the automotive landscape. Power is provided by the same 2.5-liter inline-four engine seen in other offerings like the base Altima, and the Rogue is rated at 170 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 175 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. Although this trails the bigger V6s offered in some competitors, the Rogue’s sole engine choice makes more power than the competitors’ standard four-cylinder offerings. That power is channeled through the continuously variable transmission (CVT) found in many Nissans, a unique feature that is the source of much pride for the automaker. It’s not perfect (I would have preferred a manual), but it is better than a conventional slushbox for a few reasons.

The Rogue has a slightly different mission statement than its main competitors. Whereas the RAV4 tries to offer all things to all consumers (a 270-hp optional engine and a third row of seats as options), the Rogue is targeted at couples – either young, childless ones or older ones whose children have left home already. So there is no third row option, and some rear accommodations are basic, without even so much as a folding center armrest.

Nissan is banking that the Rogue’s virtues – efficiency and a sprightly character – will outweigh the features it lacks. It does have a neat under-floor storage compartment in the rear, which pops up at the push of a button to reveal a cluster of netted compartments for holding the usual smaller bits of cargo. There are great storage options within reach of the driver – a gargantuan glove box with a removable divider, and a center armrest that is so deep, it will fit a couple bottles of water even with the removable organizer placed inside.

 Source: www.roadfly.com

Nissan Armada

 

Auto Car | Nissan Armada | The Nissan Armada is a full-size sport-ute that seats up to eight passengers. Nissan's big SUV boasts a look that may best be described as aggressive. If you're the kind of driver who thinks an SUV should wear its brawn on its sleeve, then this is the ride for you. Its front fascia is nothing short of menacing, and its bumpers and fenders have the sort of bulging mass usually associated with power lifters and gridiron gods.

Buyers can choose from three trims with the Nissan Armada. The base SE won't leave you wanting, thanks to features like dual-zone automatic climate control, rear parking sensors, an in-dash CD changer and rear-seat air-conditioning. The former LE trim has essentially been split into two trims -- Titanium and Platinum. The midrange Titanium adds goodies like a keyless entry/ignition, a rearview camera, leather seating and an upgraded 10-speaker Bose audio system. 

The top-of-the-line Platinum ices the cake with front parking sensors, a power liftgate, a sunroof, power-folding mirrors, heated front seats/steering wheel, driver memory functions, a DVD entertainment system and a navigation system with music storage.The Armada gets its juice from a 5.6-liter V8 that cranks out 317 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque. The mighty engine facilitates a tow rating of 9,100 pounds and is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. All Armadas have the option of two- and four-wheel drive.

The cabin's aesthetic is quite classy, with similarly intuitive controls as those found throughout the Nissan and Infiniti line. The truck's huge cabin makes for impressive head- and legroom. The third row offers high, stadium-style seating; legroom is adequate but short seat bottoms make this row one for the kids. Storage space is plentiful, with no shortage of overhead storage bins.

In our editorial reviews, we noted that the Nissan Armada's V8 allows for brisk acceleration. However, the truck's heft quickly becomes apparent in cornering maneuvers and when bringing the vehicle to a halt. Nevertheless, the Armada offers a smooth ride and a pleasant driving experience, both on the highway and around town. 

Source: www.edmunds.com

Bangkok show: First Thai-built micro hatch heralds Nissan Micra for Australia

Auto Car | Bangkok show: First Thai-built micro hatch heralds Nissan Micra for Australia | NISSAN beat its rivals to the punch by launching Thailand’s first locally made eco-car – the all-new March hatchback – at the Bangkok International Motor Show last week.

Due to hit the Australian market as the fourth-generation Micra later this year, the Thai-built March hatchback benefits from local tax incentives for energy-efficient vehicles, qualifying with a fuel-sipping 1.2-litre, three-cylinder engine that made its global debut in the European version at the recent Geneva motor show.

Toyota, Honda, Suzuki, Tata and Mitsubishi also have committed to the eco-car program, which motor industry authorities estimate could boost Thai vehicle production by 600,000 units a year to two million by 2015.

The five-door March – offering a choice of five-door manual gearbox or CVT automatic transmission – is expected to undercut the price of a Toyota Yaris or Honda Jazz by almost half.

Apart from Australia and New Zealand, the Thai Nissan plant will export the March/Micra throughout Asia, including Japan. Up to 70,000 of the year-one output of 90,000 units will be exported.

The car is also slated for production in India, China and Mexico where it will be built in hatchback, sedan and mini-MPV variants for sale in 160 countries at the rate of a million a year.

The Nissan March/Micra’s new engine, designated HR12DE, produces 59kW and 108Nm, with claimed CO2 emissions of 120 grams per kilometre. Surprisingly, no fuel consumption figures were published at either Geneva or Bangkok.

Finally, Auto Express give the car a middle-of-the-road three-out-of-five star rating. This is far from impressive. Rix advises buyers to stick to the manual box as the CVT was unbearably noisy and acceleration was described as "woeful".

The March has been selling well in Thailand, with Nissan Thailand taking in 8,000 orders for the car in the first month. Apparently the uptake on CVT models has exceeded expectations and there is a waiting list of up to 6-months for customers wanting a noisy and woefully slow car.

Do remember that the March is the the first to market in this new category. I would be inclined to hold out for a few more options before committing cash to what seems to be a very ordinary car.

Source : www.goauto.com.au

2004 Nissan NISMO Racing Z

Auto Car | 2004 Nissan NISMO Racing Z | Nissan will be entering the Z33 Fairlady Z in the All Japan Grand Touring Car Championship (JGTC). Kunihiko Kakimoto has been appointed to oversee the GT500 class Nissan teams, while Hiroshi Degawa spearheads the NISMO team. NISMO also provides technological support to Hasemi Motor Sport and Team Impul, making a total of four Nissan-affiliated cars competing in the series. NISMO has responsibility for vehicle development.

LAs Best Daytona Blue NISMO R-tune 350Z represents the pinnacle of NISMO performance. As the moniker “R-tune” suggests, it is ready for the weekend racer to run hot laps on the track.

“This is the King of all 350Zs,” said Kenneth Zapp, senior manager, Specialty Vehicle Group, Nissan Marketing. “It’s got the ideal combination of race-ready performance, style and reliability. We don’t think there’s a better weekend racer out there.”

Powering the Z is a NISMO-enhanced Nissan VQ35 3.5-liter V6 producing approximately 305 horsepower. The engine was treated to NISMO R-tune billet camshafts, NISMO R-tune cold-air intake, NISMO R-tune headers and the NISMO S-tune stainless steel cat-back exhaust system. Backing the powerplant is a 6-speed manual featuring a NISMO R-tune lightweight flywheel and a NISMO R-tune single disk clutch and clutch cover, and NISMO shift knob, all for increased efficiency and shift feel. A NISMO R-tune clutch-type adjustable limited-slip differential with four pinion gears ensures reliable launches.

The Z’s handling prowess has been improved with the S-tune suspension system, designed for increased roll stiffness, less body lean, less pitch and dive and more neutral handling. It features a 36mm front sway bar, 22mm rear sway bar, special shocks and springs. Braking power is increased with NISMO R-tune brake pads and steering power remains reliable thanks to an R-tune power steering oil cooler kit.

The R-tune Z achieves a track-ready look with an S-tune aero kit (available early 2004) with front and rear spoilers and side sills, 18x8.5-inch (front) and 18x9.5-inch (rear) 5-spoke NISMO lightweight forged alloy wheels and a NISMO graphics kit.

Source : www.tremek.com

Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo 4 Limited Edition

Auto Car | Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo 4 Limited Edition | Not everyone who drives the latest version of the dramatic Nissan 350Z will hold a driving licence. Thanks to a unique tie-up with the makers of the globe's most popular motor racing simulator, one of the star cars of the forthcoming Gran Turismo 4 will be a special version of the 350Z. To celebrate the link - and to give those who do have driving licences even more to enjoy - Nissan has created a limited edition version of the iconic 350Z. Called the 350Z Gran Turismo 4 Edition, just 700 examples of the ultimate Coupé will be available right across Europe.

Changes to the hugely popular 'Z-car' are small but significant, the most important being a power increase from 280PS to 300PS. The power increase has been achieved by careful redevelopment of the acclaimed 3.5-litre V6 engine. The changes include reduced friction within the engine and improved stiffness of the block. This, coupled with a revised air cleaner for better breathing, has enabled the engine's red line to be raised to 7,000 rpm (up from 6,600rpm), and has resulted in an extra 20PS over the standard 350Z. Maximum speed remains limited to 250km/h (155 mph), but the 0-100km/h sprint has been cut to just 5.8 secs. This new "HO" - high output - engine delivers not only more power, but also quicker throttle response and even more driving excitement. The 350Z Gran Turismo 4 Edition promises to be highly visible, too. It will be available in just two colours, black or metallic yellow, and sits on unique five spoke 18 inch alloy wheels.

Since it was launched in Europe in late 2003, some 9,538 examples of the 350Z have been sold. It has won no fewer than 42 awards from all over the world, 12 of those coming from Europe. In addition, global sales of the 350Z have now passed the 100,000 mark since it was first launched in the US in 2002. The 350Z is the fifth sports car from Nissan to wear the Z badge. The story began with the 240Z, which was made from 1969-1978 and was to become the world's best-selling sports car. The 280Z and 300ZX of 1979-1983 and 1984-1989 respectively kept the same basic proportions as the original, but added more power, more equipment and revised suspension layouts: the original 300ZX marked the last iteration of the first generation Z-car. The selected model within the 350Z range is the special version done to promote globally the 35th anniversary of the Z car. The second generation 300ZX of 1990-1996, which included a 300hp Turbocharged version, had quite different lines with a cab-forward body and a wide and low stance. After production finished in 1996 there would be a 7 year break until the current 350Z, the third generation, reignited the Z flame.

Nissan's tie-up with Sony in the production of the 350Z Gran Turismo 4 Edition has allowed their customers a unique opportunity to sample a little piece of history. No other game has ever been so eagerly anticipated. For those customers for whom driving a 350Z Coupe from the comfort of their front room is not enough, Nissan has developed a 300PS Z which can provide the thrills and excitement of the legendary Gran Turismo PlayStation game. Thanks to an increase of 20PS over the standard Coupe, the experience for those 700 lucky owners will be extra special. Sony identified the 350Z as one of the 'hero' cars in the new edition of Gran Turismo and to coincide with the launch of the game, deliveries of the high power version will begin in February. 

 

The tie-up between Nissan and Sony's respective industry-leading products will enable enthusiasts of both the game and the car to enjoy a very special 350Z, whether on screen, or on the road. Since the launch of the first Gran Turismo game in 1997, there have been three iterations of the game. Global sales have topped 37 million units. Gran Turismo 4 will feature over 700 different cars from 80 different manufacturers and more than 50 racing circuits, giving players the opportunity to learn racecraft and to challenge for greater honours as their skills develop.

Source : www.ultimatecarpage.com

2005 Nissan 350Z 35th Anniversary Z

Auto Car | 2005 Nissan 350Z 35th Anniversary Z | 2005 marks the 35th anniversary of the Z car, and Nissan is ready to celebrate its big milestone with a commemorative 350Z. This unique Z uses a higher-performance version of the 350Z's standard 3.5-liter V6 engine which puts out an impressive 300 horsepower compared to 287 ponies from the standard V6. Power is increased by piston and camshaft revisions, along with electronic exhaust valve timing control. The only transmission offering for the new engine is a six-speed manual gearbox.

Additional 35th Anniversary distinguishers include special 18-inch cast-aluminum wheels, front and rear spoilers, Brembo brakes and 35th Anniversary badging. The anniversary edition coupe comes in just three colors — Ultra Yellow, Super Black and Silverstone. Black and silver car buyers can opt for new black-and-tan leather-trimmed seats.

With six 350Z models to choose from in 2005, the 35th Anniversary edition will help set you apart from the ever-expanding Z following. Choose the car in Ultra Yellow, and the liquidy luminescence of show paint topped with three coats of clear-coat are bound to attract even the most jaded Z-lover's eye. — Kelly Toepke.

It is top dog among Z-cars, with more power, more equipment, brighter colors, and a heftier price. At $36,660, it's quite a stretch from the entry-level 350Z, which is just $27,060 out the door. That's nearly 10 grand more for essentially the same car, but the anniversary model does have some compelling reasons for a buyer to drag out the extra dough. One is the 300-hp engine found only in the anniversary and 2005 Track models. That's a healthy bump up from the base 350Z's 287 horsepower, even if it is accompanied by a reduction in peak torque—14 pound-feet—to 260.

Big deal. The 3.5-liter VQ V-6 has always had so much grunt that drivers of manual versions often burn the clutches by overslipping them when pulling away. There's still so much torque available in the anniversary car that sixth gear is ample for most highway passing maneuvers. Everyday driving can be accomplished using the venerable old-fart technique of shifting from first to third to fifth. And with that in mind, we'll happily trade a little torque for some extra horsepower and the extended rev range that comes with it. (This tach redlines at 7000 rpm instead of the 6600 rpm of the base model.)

The power increase was achieved through changes to the camshaft profiles, adoption of stronger valve springs as well as variable exhaust-valve timing, and installation of upgraded pistons, rods, and crank pulley. It doesn't sound like much, but the extra 400 rpm gives you a longer stretch in gears on tight and twisty roads and makes short tracks a bit easier to negotiate.

Unique 18-inch alloy wheels of an exceedingly pleasing design adorn the fender wells of this car, and through them you can clearly see the big Brembo calipers and rotors that share space with them. There's a unique chin spoiler, but if it's any different from the usual 350Z fare, it was too subtle for our Ultra Yellow-blinded eyes to detect. However, after donning Ray-Bans, we did notice the exclusive badging just ahead of the doors.

Like all 2005 350Zs, the 35th Anniversary Edition (we wish the name were shorter) features a tire-pressure-monitoring system, heated wider-view side mirrors, and a seat-cushion height adjustment. The optional navigation system now has a faster processor for 2005. You can also get a trick two-tone black-and-tan leather seat, but not with the Ultra Yellow paint. Show some restraint, you shameless extrovert. Even in a 300-hp, bright-yellow chick magnet you need to leave something to the imagination.

Source : www.insideline.com

2005 Nissan Foria

Auto Car | 2005 Nissan Foria | The Foria is a compact coupe concept targeted at customers looking for performance, elegance and high quality. The feeling one experiences when seeing or touching well-designed and crafted objects was uppermost in the minds of the Foria design team. That concept was projected throughout the exterior and interior with the aim of creating a car whose value cannot be measured just in terms of specifications or performance figures.

The Foria is packaged as a compact 2+2 coupe. The front-engine, rear-drive layout allows an exceptionally short front overhang, long hood and compact cabin. These styling features, together with the neatly-styled rear and 18-inch wheels positioned at the four corners, result in a car that is not only pleasing to look at but also delivers driving pleasure. Powered by a mid-sized engine and paddle-shift automatic transmission, the powertrain promises agile driving in town, as well as fully engaging performance when traveling on more open roads. Four-wheel Active Steer gives reassuring precision and steering feel at all driving speeds. Center-opening, B-pillarless doors have been adopted for effortless access to the rear seats in the coupe body style. The large door openings make it easy to get in and out of the rear seats despite the sporty position of the front seats.

The exterior styling lends an air of elegance to the car. An integrated grille and headlamps form a powerful front face. The headlamps are a combination of precision technology and jewelry-like quality, with deep blue lenses reminiscent of cut-sapphires. A horizontal body-line motif along the sides conveys an image of power and elegance. The aluminum moldings reflect the wrap-around window shape while the outside mirrors and door handles express a sense of elegance. The curved rear of the Foria serves to heighten the car’s overall dynamism. The slim, elegant character lines around the back and the crystal-like expression of the rear combination lamps lend a refined atmosphere to the overall appearance.

While the interior design reinforces the car’s dynamic potential, the accent is on elegance. The control switches on the center stack and the instruments are designed to appeal to those who love mechanical instruments and to capture the spirit of traditional silver halide cameras. That feeling combines with a sporty driving position to convey a strong sense of driving purpose. The multifunction dial commander and large function switches in the middle of the center stack are designed to reduce the driver’s workload substantially, while providing multifunctional capabilities. The instrument panel, center stack and door trim are embellished with thick saddle-like leather which is smooth to the touch and has a carefully designed texture. In combination with the metal parts, the result is a fusion of sportiness and elegance. The hand-stitched seams around the edges convey a warmth characteristic of hand-made articles. A dimpled surface pattern, inspired by Japan’s traditional inden leather craftsmanship, is used on the steering wheel grips, the back of the shift paddles, the gearshift knob and other surfaces.

The interior is finished in a lustrous gray sports jersey fabric that combines with the brown leather of the instrument panel and other trim parts, as well as the ivory-colored front seats, to project a contemporary look. The wide dashboard monitor is positioned for minimal change in the driver’s line of sight and its exceptional width is used to good advantage to display all the distances of the recommended route in one screen. In addition, the monitor can be used selectively, such as for simultaneously displaying a navigation map and point-of-interest (POI) information which can be obtained live while driving.

Source : www.topspeed.com

2005 Nissan GT-R PROTO

Auto Car | 2005 Nissan GT-R PROTO | At the 35th Tokyo Motor Show in 2001, Nissan unveiled the GT-R Concept, confirming that the GT-R legend would be continued into the 21st century. Then, at the 37th Tokyo Motor Show in 2003, Nissan announced the next-generation GT-R would be rolled out in 2007. Now with the launch of the production model just two years away, the development of the new GT-R has moved ahead again with the reveal of the GT-R PROTO.

The Skyline GT-R is a sports coupe based on the Nissan Skyline range of cars. GT-R stands for ‘Gran Turismo Racer’. The first generation of Skyline GT-R was launched in 1969 as a four door sedan. The Coupe version was launched in 1971. It was front engine, rear wheel drive car with a 2.0 liter DOHC engine that generated 160 horsepower. The next generation launched in 1972 saw minor aerodynamic changes as well as a different suspension setup. This version of GT-Rs had the nickname ‘Ken and Mary’, due to the characters present in the advertisement campaign used for the car. The second generation Skyline GT-R was not a major success like its predecessor. The gas crisis in the 1970 saw the demand for sports cars plunging and the production of the Skyline GT-R ceased with just 197 cars manufactured.

Nissan decided to revive the Skyline GT-R again after more than a decade in 1989. This fourth generation car was popularly called the R32, following its chassis code E-BNR32. It was originally planned to be a 2.3 liter turbocharged rear wheel drive coupe. But later, it was launched as a 2.6 liter four wheel drive coupe. The car was an instant hit in the racing circuit dominating the Japanese and Australian Touring Car Championships. The road legal homologate version of the car had huge demand and unlimited production of the Skyline GT-R started in 1989 august.

The design of the GT-R PROTO expresses pure GT-R heritage, coming from the first model PGC10 (1969) through R34 (1999), in a new and expressive form.

From its original roots as a pure-bred Japanese performance car, the new GT-R will now be a car sold globally, recognizing its ability to compete with the very best in the world. For the first time in its history, the new GT-R will be designed as a specific body style, and not derived from a sedan.
The design language of the GT-R PROTO is expressed by a distinctive body-style that communicates pure performance and functionality. The form of the GT-R PROTO instantly expresses its purpose and potential, but in a way that is unique to this iconic car.

At the front end, the single center air intake is designed to optimize airflow and to strongly link the identity of the GT-R from R34 to GT-R Concept (2001). Front fenders are uniquely designed through intensive analysis of the airflow around the tires, and the air vent behind the front fender also optimizes aerodynamics. The sides of the body are sculptured towards the rear fender, expressing the power and dynamic tension of the car.

The overall shape of the body combines solid and smooth surfaces to achieve the look of a well-trained athlete. The unique c-pillar crease is designed for optimum aerodynamics, reflecting the racing DNA of the GT-R.

Source : www.nissanpic.com

2005 Nissan Pivo Concept

Auto Car | 2005 Nissan Pivo Concept | Nissan treaded new ground back in 2005 with their Pivo Concept, a small Lithium-ion battery powered personal transport vehicle. The most outstanding feature was its unique rotating cabin, which made the use of a reverse gear absolutely obsolete.

The Nissan Pivo 2 Concept builds on the original Pivo and adds wheels that can turn 90 degrees, allowing the Pivo to drive sideways for easy parking. The rotating cabin is still featured of course but Nissan has provided the single-seater with some company, the Robotic Agent. The Robotic Agent has been designed to make journeys less stressful and conversations on just just about anything car related (ie basic functions or more advanced functions like where the nearest parkign spot is) can be held in English and Japanese.

The egg-like Nissan Pivo concept from 2005 is an unusual city car concept with the unique ability to rotate it's cabin 360 degrees.

The Nissan Pivo also reduces blind spots by displaying the vehicles surrounding onto small monitors mounted on the A pillars.

A dash-mounted infrared (IR) commander allows the driver to operate the navigation and stereo systems with simple finger movements, without letting go of the steering wheel.

Inside, seating for three is provided, with the driver in a central, slightly forward, seat.

The Nissan Pivo is powered by Nissan's own compact, high-performance lithium-ion battery and its unique Super Motor, results in zero emissions.

In 2007 Nissan unveiled a similar concept based on the Pivo. The new concept had the unimaginative name of Pivo 2.

Source : www.worldcarfans.com