Nissan’s announced it’ll start selling souped up versions of its Juke on a limited run, solely on a build-to-order basis. The company first unveiled the Ray Mallock Limited (RML) Nissan Juke-R last November in Spain but had the concept vehicle travel the world for testing purposes.

Now ready for order, the production version Juke-R will stay true to the original concept, complete with a twin-turbocharged V-6 engine derived from a GT-R supercar. Unlike the concept however, the Juke-R will use the more powerful 545-horsepower engine from the latest 2013 GT-R – not the 485-horsepower engine in the previous version.

Comparing the Juke to its normal cousin, modifications include widened wheel arches, a full bodykit, a fixed rear roof wing, the GT-R’s 20-inch wheels, Brembo brakes, and a custom roll cage. The interior was also given an extensive makeover, receiving a 4WD controller, the GT-R’s touch-screen interface with all of the PS3-like goodies, and the engine control system.

Speaking at this week’s announcement, Gareth Dunsmore confirmed the $200,000 super-ute has had three confirmed orders, two of which from Dubai. Dunsmore said “the reaction we had to the car in Dubai was amazing–people were making offers for the original on the street.”

The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association organized a press conference together with automobile manufacturers, trade unions and dealer representatives, to request the government to come to the industry’s aid by reducing car taxation in the country.

In the presence of top executives from Toyota, Nissan and Honda, it was pointed out that auto manufacturers, after the slowdown in production and spare parts caused by the tsunami and earthquake in northeast Japan and by the floods in Thailand, are now being greatly affected by the maintained current rise in the value of the Japanese yen.

It was predicted that the rise in the yen could cause car production in the country to show a sharp fall. It was said that for each fall in the US dollar of one yen, the Japanese car industry loses a further JPY80bn (USD1bn).

In the press conference, the industry requested that, if the government was unable to reduce the strength of the yen in the current exchange rate markets, it should, instead, reduce and simplify Japan’s car taxes, which were said to be up to triple those levied in Europe and 49 times those in the United States.

A car purchaser in Japan needs to pay an acquisition tax of 5% of the value of the car. In addition, with the bi-annual compulsory safety inspection, there is a weight tax, while an annual tax is also payable. The level of both of the latter taxes is dependent on engine size. It was said that, over a ten-year period, a car owner pays more in those taxes than on the original cost of the vehicle.

The car industry is also asking for confirmation that the present tax breaks on green hybrid and electric car purchases will be maintained, and will not expire in March next year as expected under current legislation.

It was reported that annual new car sales in Japan have fallen from around 8m in 1990 to a little over 4m expected this year, but that a reduction in the tax burden could increase that figure to over 5m in 2012.

The ongoing disaster in Japan caused by Friday’s massive earthquake and tsunami is forcing many automakers to extend production halts on domestic plants well into next week. Today, Toyota announced that it has decided to continue the vehicle-production halt started on March 14 at all of its plants in Japan, including all subsidiary vehicle manufacturers, through March 22. According to reports, the suspension of production has already cost Toyota some 40,000 vehicles up until now.

“A decision on when vehicle production will resume in Japan has yet to be made,” the company said in a written statement.

However, the world’s largest automaker noted that it will resume production of replacement parts for vehicles already on market beginning on Thursday, March 17, adding that it also plans to restart manufacturing parts for overseas production on Monday, March 21.

Long speculated, Nissan has finally released the first photo of what it’s billing as “the world’s first all-wheel drive crossover convertible”. And while the car isn’t officially revealed until Wednesday at the Los Angeles Autoshow, it doesn’t all that bad in this photo.

Posted on their Facebook page, Nissan says the Murano roofless version “delivers the open-air exhilaration of a convertible while extending the versatility of the Murano in exciting new ways.” The Murano convertible seats four and should go on sale early next year.

NISSAN PRESS RELEASE
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.

[Source]

In addition, Takeshi Uchiyamada, Toyota executive vice president, said Toyota will introduce six new gasoline-electric hybrid models globally by the end of 2012.

The plug-in Prius will compete with the Chevrolet Volt and the Nissan Leaf, both of which go on sale in the U.S. late this year. Uchiyamada said the company expects to sell slightly more than 20,000 a year and expects the price to be between $3,000 and $5,000 higher than the price of a conventional gas-electric
Prius.

Toyota is looking for two benefits from the partnership with Tesla that the companies announced in May.

The first is better battery technology, Uchiyamada said. Tesla uses many small cells of lithium-ion batteries similar to those in a laptop computer.

The second is to learn how Tesla develops products faster than a traditional automaker.

Uchiyamada, regarded within Toyota as the father of the Prius, said joint product development on the RAV4 electric vehicle has already begun at the Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor.

Uncertainty surrounding access to charging stations and consumers’ willingness to use them could slow market acceptance of Toyota’s and other automakers’ plug-in cars. That’s why Toyota will continue to launch new vehicles based on the proven technology of mating a battery pack with a gas engine. Of the six new gas-electric hybrids it plans to introduce in the next 28 months, three will be only hybrids and
three will be hybrid versions of models that will also be sold with gas-only engines.

Beyond battery-powered cars, Toyota is working to introduce a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle to the U.
S. by 2015 if it can cut the cost by about 95% and a sufficient hydrogen fueling network is established.

Separately, Uchiyamada said Toyota has still not found evidence of unintended acceleration in 150
event data recorders in models suspected of behaving erratically. The company did find a software bug in some of readers used to download the recorders, but Uchiyamada said that flaw has been fixed and after re-examining the event data recorders there was still no evidence that any of the 150 vehicles took off
without driver input.

Consumers will find a bit of Toyota at Mazda dealerships by 2013. Mazda will become the second manufacturer, after Nissan, to borrow Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technology as part of a licensing agreement aimed at leap-frogging hybrids into Mazda’s stable beyond the lonely Mazda Tribute SUV.

The deal’s details have yet to be released but Toyota’s key hybrid drive components are expected to make the cross over to Mazda’s recently announced, next-generation, direct-injected Sky engines.

TMC and Mazda Agree to Hybrid System Technology License
Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) and Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda) have reached an agreement on the supply under license of hybrid technology used in the Toyota Prius.

Leveraging this agreement, Mazda plans to combine the hybrid system with its next-generation SKY* engine that is currently under development, and develop and manufacture a hybrid vehicle in Japan. Mazda is aiming to commence sales of a hybrid vehicle starting in Japan by 2013.

Positioning response to environmental issues as a management priority, TMC began sales of the Prius, the world’s first mass-production hybrid vehicle, in 1997. Since then, over 2.3 million TMC-produced hybrid vehicles have been delivered to customers in over 70 countries and regions.

TMC recognizes the importance of benefiting the environment by encouraging the popularization of its eco-friendly technologies, which are represented by its hybrid systems. Accordingly, TMC has announced that it will consider requests from other companies to supply hybrid technology.

Based on its long-term vision for technology development, Sustainable Zoom-Zoom, Mazda aims to increase the average fuel economy of Mazda vehicles sold globally 30 percent by 2015, compared to its 2008 level. In order to offer all of its customers driving pleasure as well as outstanding eco-friendly and safety performance, Mazda is implementing a Building Block Strategy. Under this strategy, Mazda will enhance the core aspects of its vehicles – including engines, transmissions and weight reduction – and then progressively add electric devices such as idling stop, regenerative braking and hybrid systems.

Through this partnership, each company intends to offer technologies and products with outstanding environmental benefits to as many people as possible.

*Concept name for engines and transmissions that are intended for launch from 2011 onward.

With the New York Auto Show around the corner, Subaru’s well into teaser mode about a new Impreza WRX STI variant. With just “the wing is back! Exclusive world debut at the New York International Auto Show” as a press release, and a winged silhouette to accompany, the Japanese automaker is craving attention.

And it has it. Unfortunately, like most teases, there’s very little information we can worth with. We’ll just have to stand in the corner awkward.

The New York International Auto Show opens for press day on March 31 and April 1 and will ppen to the public from April 2 through 11.

Nissan launched it’s new 2010 Nissan Patrol off road “hero” in the first-ever Middle East automobile premiere in Abu Dhabi last week. Carlos Ghosn’s presence made it clear just how significant the Middle East market is in the ongoing success of the Patrol brand. “The new Patrol is built with the high level of safety, performance and quality that characterises the Nissan brand, and we paid special attention to the needs of GCC drivers and passengers,” sais Ghosn.

The flagship SUV will feature a newly developed 5.6litre V8 engine with variable valve event and lift (VVEL) and direct injection gasoline technologies. It delivers 400hp and 560Nm of torque on the top specification version and with its new seven-speed automatic transmission has a wider range of gear ratios than its predecessor in an effort to deliver more power, faster. The New Patrol also comes equipped with a hydrauclic body motion control system to keep the car stabilized during lane changes and off-road treks.

NISSAN PRESS RELEASE

Abu Dhabi, UAE (Feb. 13, 2010) – Reliable, unbreakable, affordable. The Nissan Patrol is a name synonymous with ruggedness, a legendary off-roader capable of going anywhere, anytime. Meticulously honed for over five decades, the Patrol is Nissan’s flagship large SUV model and enjoys a rich heritage particularly in the Middle East that dates back to the 1950′s. This off-road trendsetter was one of the first dedicated four-wheel-drive vehicles in the climatically demanding Middle East region, and boasts the notable distinction of also being the first vehicle to successfully cross the grueling Simpson Desert in Australia back in 1962.

Under the banner of “The Hero Comes Home” the Patrol is back as an all-new seventh generation model, building on its impressive history, but at the same time, incorporating a new platform, a radical new design direction, significantly enhanced interior comfort and luxury, powerful new V8 engines, a 7-speed automatic transmission and a new 4WD system.

“We paid special attention to the needs of current Patrol owners, and their passengers, and so focused on creating first-class levels of comfort for the whole family. Heightened luxury, a roomier cabin and a quieter ride combine to achieve this goal, while maintaining Patrol’s superior off-road heritage” stresses Hiroyuki Fushiki, project head and Segment Chief Product Specialist.

Tested to the limit
Wanting to build the best possible Patrol, engineers first tuned and tested 200 prototypes for dynamic evaluation at the company’s Motegi, Oppama and Tochigi proving grounds before sending them to the Middle East where they were exposed to every imaginable challenge; desert, rocky surfaces, highways and inner-city traffic. “By the time we came around to adding the new body and interior, we had virtually completed our reliability and durability testing and perfected all of the new technologies,” says chief vehicle engineer, Takashi Fukui.

New exterior more sophisticated but still rugged
After extensive market research, especially in the Middle East, the design team concluded that for the Patrol to beat its main competitors, it needed not only a brand new design direction but class-leading engine performance, greater luxury and comfort and a smart mix of new technologies that enhanced the total driving experience. Product design director, Taiji Toyota, tells us that the all-new exterior design is like a breath of fresh air. “Not as edgy and hardcore as its predecessor, the softer new surfaces are beautiful and add a sense of modernity to the design equation, while still maintaining a ruggedness and commanding road presence” he said.

According to the design director, one design element that expresses ‘Patrol’ and had to feature strongly was the angled-strut motif front grille. It was meticulously proportioned to deliver a sense of continuity with past models but give a touch of newness while enhancing the car’s status level.

Focus on roomier, more luxurious cabin
Featuring generous amounts of leather, polished aluminium and wood grain paneling, the Patrol’s interior too has been significantly upgraded. Given that most customers only go off-road no more than 15% of the time, designers wanted to create a better, higher quality interior for the whole family.

In keeping with the Patrol’s mission to deliver more comfort and more room, the new Patrol delivers seat dimensions that outclass all competition. Boasting wider, higher and deeper front seats, the Patrol offers over 100mm more legroom for second row passengers, and a roomier third row of seats as well. Employing double the lateral rigidity over the outgoing model, the new Patrol sits on a revised platform that now offers a more robust construction with a low vibration body.

All-new V8 engine leads array of segment-beating hardware
The new Patrol is now the most powerful vehicle in its class. And the key technology achieving this jump in performance over the predecessor’s 4.8 litre power plant is the newly developed ‘VK56VD’ 5.6-litre V8 engine with VVEL (variable valve event and lift) and DIG (direct injection gasoline) technologies that generate 400hp and 550Nm of torque on the top specification version of this new engine.
Every component has been redesigned for maximum performance and smooth response, while a new 7-speed automatic transmission with a wider range of gear ratios than its predecessor, gives the off-roader the ability to deliver power faster.

Comprehensively upgraded 4WD system sets new standard
In a world-first for Nissan, the new Patrol employs a Hydraulic Body Motion Control System (HBMC), which keeps the car flatter with less body roll during lane-changing and cornering, while delivering a comfortable ride in city driving and superb stability on rugged and sandy tracks. Another crucial part of handling equation comes from the new suspension system, which now employs 4-wheel independent suspension, upgraded from the previous rigid axle setup. Nissan has completely redesigned the vehicle’s suspension from the bushes to the links. The combination of HBMC and the new suspension system with its longer suspension stroke delivers significantly improved handling and stability on both on- and off-road terrain.

The Patrol also employs a newly developed ALL MODE 4×4 system incorporating a variable 4×4 mode package. It allows the driver to quickly switch between four drive modes: sand, on-road, snow and rock, with the flick of a switch. In sand mode, owners are able to drive safely, quickly and skillfully in sand and dirt, just like professional rally drivers.

In addition, the Patrol also offers a new Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control which can also be selected easily with the touch of a button. With Hill Start Assist, if a driver stops on a slope and steps off the brake pedal, the system keeps the vehicle stationary – with no roll back. Hill Descent Control uses the brakes to maintain a constant downhill speed of 7km/h in 4H mode and 4km/h in 4L mode.

The new model employs a revised Tyre Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) with tyre inflation indicator which beeps the horn softly to inform drivers that a suitable tyre pressure has been reached.

A revised, more effective brake system also provides the best braking performance in its class thanks to its new hydraulic brake booster and a 4-piston opposed front caliper setup with larger 358mm front discs.

More world-firsts
Nissan designers paid special attention to the second row seat passengers by not only significantly expanding legroom, but by also fitting a new multi-screen DVD entertainment system, a first form Nissan. It boasts two rear-facing TVs; one 7-inch monitor embedded into each front seat headrest.

Fitted with six airbags for top grade, the Patrol also comes with a totally revised climate control system boasting another world-first – the curtain vent. Curtain vent has several small but highly effective vents mounted in the ceiling above each side window to blow a strong current of cool air down forming a curtain of air that acts as a barrier to heat penetrating the cabin.

Yet another impressive Patrol feature is the cool box mounted in the centre console between the front seats. Incorporating a unique double hinge design, the lid of the cool box can be opened easily from either the front or second row of seats to access the six 600ml drink bottles inside.

And lastly…
With its fresh new styling, superior packaging, powerful but economical V8 engine, clever off-road technologies and higher levels of luxury and comfort, the all-new Patrol is now a true segment leader.

Designed as an in-between to a small car and small SUV the Nissan Juke, which is set to launch at the ucoming Geneva Motor Show, will be one of the few ultra-compact crossover SUVs on the market. The somewhat ridiculous design is meant primarily for European consumption with sales expectations hopeful to surpass the Qashqai’s half-a-million in 3 year sales benchmark.

“In the last five years we have enjoyed significant growth in a crowded European market. This has been achieved by challenging traditional patterns and moving away from the C and D segments. Instead, we have pioneered the introduction of crossovers. We started with Murano and then, in higher volumes, with Qashqai – a car which has far exceeded our expectations. Sales have exceeded half-a-million in Europe in less than 3 years,” said Colin Dodge, Executive Vice President.

Juke will be manufactured in Europe at Nissan’s factory in Sunderland, England, and in Oppama, Japan. In Europe, its production alongside the Note compact family car and Qashqai crossover is the result of an investment in excess of 60m Euros, which safeguards over 1000 Nissan jobs, and more than 2000 in the supply chain.

Sales of Juke will begin in Japan in the summer, with the European and North American launch beginning in the autumn.

Design
From a design standpoint, the lower portion of Juke is pure SUV. It combines chunky wheels, wide tyres, extended ground clearance and a robust stance with a top portion that is unadulterated sports car, with a high waistline, slim visor-like side glass graphics and a coupé-style falling roofline. The coupé effect is further underlined by the rear doors which have their handles hidden in the frame of the door.

Inside, the sports car theme continues with a driver-focused cabin dominated by a centre console design inspired by a motorcycle fuel tank. Finished in a distinctive high gloss colour, the ‘bike’ console adds a sense of fun to the car. Practicality is assured by the rear-opening hatch and versatile luggage area with hidden storage opportunities.

Speaking at the launch, Nissan’s Senior Vice President for Design and Chief Creative Officer, Shiro Nakamura, said: “It was our intention to challenge the conventions. I really think Juke will bring something different for customers – something more emotional, energetic, more masculine”.

Juke is based on the Renault Nissan Alliance B platform and has a 2530mm wheelbase, is 4135mm long, 1765mm wide and 1570mm tall. On front-wheel drive versions, suspension is by MacPherson struts at the front with a torsion beam at the rear while four-wheel drive models have a multi-link rear suspension modelled on the system found on Qashqai.

The ALL-MODE 4×4-i, is a new development of Nissan’s respected electronic all-wheel drive system and now features torque-vectoring technology to enhance agility and reduce understeer when cornering. As well splitting torque front to rear – up to a maximum of 50:50 – it can now be split from side-to-side across the rear axle, too.

Cornering ability is enhanced by sending increased torque to the outside rear wheel, reducing understeer. In total, up to 50% of the total available engine torque can be sent to either rear wheel. The inclusion of this innovation is a first in the small car segment – a technology that has, until now, only been found on top-of-the-range, premium vehicles.

Engines & transmissions
In Europe, three different engines will be available when sales start later in the year: one diesel and two 1.6-litre petrol units, all fully Euro 5 compliant. At the top of the range is a new turbocharged petrol engine (MR16DDT) with direct injection. The engine is one of the most powerful in its class, developing 140kW (190PS) and 240 Nm. The combination of direct injection with a turbocharger provides the power and responses expected from a 2.5-litre engine with the economy of a smaller engine.

The second petrol engine is a newly developed version from Nissan’s trusted HR-family. Designated HR16DE, the lightweight, low-friction 16-valve unit now has a unique dual-injection system allowing finer metering of the fuel sprays for better combustion and develops 86kW (117 PS).

Finally, the K9K 81kW (110PS) 1.5-litre dCI common rail diesel offers excellent driveability – thanks to its heady 240 Nm of torque – with good economy and emissions.

In terms of transmissions, the two-wheel drive turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine is available with a six-speed manual transmission.

Nissan’s XTRONIC CVT transmission, with a six-speed manual mode, will be available on the range-topping all-wheel-drive version of the turbocharged petrol engine.

The naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol is available either with a 5-speed manual or the updated XTRONIC CVT, while the 1.5-litre diesel engine is available with a 6-speed manual.

Equipment
Lists of standard and optional equipment will be released nearer the on sale date, but expected items such as climate control, leather upholstery, rear view camera and Intelligent Key will all be available to Juke customers along with some more unusual features.

One such is the Nissan Dynamic Control System, a central command and display module which allows the driver to alter dynamic drive settings as well as make changes to more obvious functions such as climate control. The display, meanwhile, shows engine and drive related dials and information.

“At Nissan, we are working hard to bring more value to the brand through great design, quality, and driving pleasure. For me, Juke represents so much of what Nissan is and will reinforce Nissan’s position as a global leader of design innovation, but also as the global pioneer in crossovers,” said Shiro Nakamura.

In an unprecedented move, Toyota has suspended sales of eight models until it fixes the stuck accelerator pedal problem that has led to a huge recall.

“Helping ensure the safety of our customers and restoring confidence in Toyota are very important to our company,” said Group Vice President and Toyota Division General Manager Bob Carter in a press release. “This action is necessary until a remedy is finalized. We’re making every effort to address this situation for our customers as quickly as possible.”

The models include the 2009-2010 RAV4; 2009-2010 Corolla; 2009-2010 Matrix; 2005-2010 Avalon; certain 2007-2010 Camrys; 2010 Highlander; 2007-2010 Tundra; and the 2008-2010 Sequoia.

Toyota is in danger of losing its top quality ranking to Hyundai, according to a test engineer at Consumer Reports, which releases it annual rankings in April.