[car fanatics]

Nissan
Photo credit: Nissan
April 23, 2012
By: CF staff

Nissan today revealed an all-new global sedan along with three zero-emission concepts at the 2012 Beijing International Automobile Exhibition, joining the selection of production models.

Highlights of the Nissan show:

• All-new global sedan featuring elegant modern design and one-class-above cabin comfort smartly balanced with Nissan's advanced technology. The new model will premiere in China as the next-generation Nissan Sylphy.
  

• Three zero-emission concept vehicles: PIVO 3, a smart urban EV of the near future; ESFLOW, a pure EV sports car; and e-NV200, a versatile EV small van.
  

• Advanced technology exhibit showcasing Nissan's leadership in zero-emission mobility and safety.
  

Re-imagined Sedan
Nissan developed a one-class-above solution that exceeds customers' expectations - retaining the popular features of the current model while upgrading design, perceived quality, roominess and performance. In fact, Nissan has virtually re-imagined the category, delivering high quality styling outside and spacious, quiet comfort inside with the latest "smart" amenities, plus remarkable fuel efficiency.

Design with Excitement and Confidence
Just looking at the all-new global sedan inspires excitement and confidence. The lowered stance and well-proportioned aerodynamic body create a strong presence, while the elegantly upswept character line expresses dynamic yet refined performance. The front grille and LED-bordered headlamps contribute to the premium image and help create a modern look. LED taillights, a sharply angled trunk lid and eye-catching chrome trim add to the tastefully-styled one-class-above appearance.

Roomy, High Quality Interior
The modern design language of the exterior is carried over to the spacious interior with high quality materials and cabin details crafted to please the senses. Within the roomy cabin, passengers enjoy generous shoulder room and legroom one would expect in more expensive vehicles. The trunk's capacity is among the best in its class. Thorough noise isolation, vibration absorption, and an advanced suspension with optimized high-stiffness body assure a peacefully smooth ride. Amenities for comfort and convenience include dual-zone air conditioning, Intelligent Key and keyless pushbutton ignition.

Impressive Fuel Economy
With its new 1.8 liter engine and next-generation XTRONIC CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), the all-new global sedan delivers impressive fuel efficiency. A long piston stroke and Twin Continuously variable valve timing control (C-VTC) optimize combustion, while hydrogen-free Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating on valve lifters halves friction of previous coatings and beehive valve springs reduce friction and inertial loss. The next-generation XTRONIC CVT is lighter and more compact than previous designs, yet achieves greater efficiency and a wider gear ratio range, thanks to an auxiliary transmission with sub planetary gears and smaller pulleys. This environmentally-friendly performance reflects Nissan's global PURE DRIVE commitment to reducing CO2 emissions through developing fuel efficient internal combustion engine (ICE) technologies and introducing them into the market.

This new model, to be produced at the Dongfeng Nissan Huadu Plant facilities in Guangzhou, will be released in mid 2012. Following its introduction in China, the car will be launched in most major markets worldwide during the course of 2012 and approximately 120 countries by 2014.

[zeep]

Next Sentra?

[car fanatics]

Yep.

[BasiliskSt]

Looks like a Nissan. And maybe too much like a Nissan. There's not a lot distinguishing a Maxima, Altima and Sentra when they look like scale models of each other.

Chevy and Ford and others have a common face, but it is not executed identically on every car and other features strongly distinguish a Cruze from a Malibu from an Impala. The Nissans look a bit too much a like for me.

On the other hand, the Sentra does seem to match the other market entrants now far better than the last generation. The interior is notably clean and sophisticated in appearance.

Overall it doesn't jump to the top tier of the class in looks, making me want to sample the car on a short list. Elantra accomplished that, so did Cruze and Focus. This doesn't.

I frankly liked Nissan styling relative to the competition best with the 3rd and 4th Generation Altima (around 2004-05). The recent styling doesn't feel as taut or athletic. I don't dislike it, but where Nissan had some of my favorite styled vehicles 5-6 years ago, they've slipped down the relative styling scale for me.

Styling is all personal taste though, so I'll be interested to see if Nissan hit the market's collective taste better with this Sentra than the last. They don't have to sell me. They have to sell enough others to move the dial.

[?]

I wonder if those wheels will be the biggest they offer. Because they already look too small. Or the body looks too tall. Either way, the proportions are just bollocks...

[stanleycubec]

This is kinda amazing and gorgeous,Love to see it.