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JANUARY 13, 2000
Thanks to all those who wrote in expressed their appreciation for our page. We're here to be the best source of info for Nissan and it's cars!

And also today we're lucky enough to have Robert Ledesma sketch another interpretation of a full size Nissan truck.


    

JANUARY 12, 2000
Well it just turned midnight here in So-Cal, time for me to roll into bed. We spent some time updating this page and the site as you can see. How do you like our new navbar? If you are a frequent visitor and don't see a new bluish navbar, hold down your shift-key and hit your reload button on the web browser tool bar. We hope you like it!
    

JANUARY 11, 2000
The Editor and Mike Cervantes, Contributing Editor writes:
Infiniti unveiled the XVL concept car at the Detroit Auto Show yesterday. The XVL concept car will spawn a production front engine/rear wheel drive sedan designed to fight the wildly popular Toyota Altezza (Japan) and the Lexus IS (Europe and soon US). 

To be released in Japan first as a Nissan, the production XVL will be powered by an aluminum 3.0L V-6 with DOHC and 24 valves (VQ30DD). The engine is closely related to the US Maxima's VQ30DE except the VQ30DD uses direct injection technology. (Direct injection as the name implies is when the fuel is injected directly into the cylinders with precise timing. Direct injection gives the control necessary to manipulate air fuel mixtures and their injection timing resulting in better gas mileage and lower emissions.)

The resulting powertrain should yield over 250 bhp mated to the world's first high capacity CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Unlike traditional transmission with fixed gear ratios, CVTs have a virtually infinite number of ratios improving acceleration and fuel consumption. Add to that the XVL's excellent co-efficient of drag rating of 0.28!

On the outside, the XVL features Xenon HID headlights in a vertical column and a large horizontal grille at the front. At the rear you’ll find BMW-like "L shaped" tail-lights. Inside, this still right-hand drive sedan features wood accents on the arm rests and on the transmission lever. Brushed aluminum accents can be found on the steering wheel, around the transmission lever, and around the instrument cluster. Safety seems to be another concern 
of Infiniti, with front air bags, in-seat side air bags, and side curtain bags as well.

Our take: Looks like Infiniti doesn’t want to be left out of the upscale sports sedan market. This sedan most likely will be produced as the J30, and be a nice compliment to the 2001 Q45 (which will feature a 320HP V8), and will go a long way invigorating Infiniti's image.

Reports are that this sweet engine will pump out around 250-260HP. There could be one thorn in the rose: the XVL is sized similarly to the I30, creating some overlap within Infiniti’s own product line. The fact that the I30 is front wheel drive and the XVL is rear wheel drive will make differentiation much easier.

The XVL is a rolling showcase of Nissan's engineering talent. Whether or not Nissan's marketing and sales departments can actualize the sales to help the bottom line remains to be seen.
    

JANUARY 10, 2000
General news...The Xterra gets the "North American Truck of the Year" award chosen by 47 auto journalist (how do we join?). And Infiniti reports it best year ever with 72,637 units sold in 1999 (an improvement of 14.1 percent increase versus 1998) largely due to the redesigned 2000 I30 flying off the shelves. 
  

JANUARY 11, 2000
The 2001 Pathfinder has finally bowed with little visible exterior changes. But that doesn’t mean it didn't get any better. You see...the beauty is underneath the skin.

The SUV now features the VQ35DE, a DOHC 3.5 liter 24-Valve V-6 (just like the QX4). 
Nissan boasts it's the most powerful V6 of any mid-size SUV. An interesting twist is the different bhp/torque rating for auto and manual trannys. They are as follows:
 

Transmission	bhp	lb-ft torque
5 spd Manual	250 @ 6,000 rpm	240 @ 6,000 rpm
4 spd Automatic	240 @ 3,200 rpm	265 @ 3,200 rpm

(For more on the engine and transmission, check out the report on the 2001 Infiniti QX4)

Inside, the center console is slightly revised with a new center digital clock and optional 6-disc CD changer. The instrument gauges get a cool looking "jet-aged" style treatment. All Pathfinders now feature among other things, keyless entry and leather wrapped steering wheels. The previous Pathfinder were a bit decontented but the new one rectifies those shortcomings.

By the way, you can easily tell the new Pathfinders from the previous year models by means of a "3.5" engine badge on the tailgate (even though its hard to see it in the picture below).
 

    

JANUARY 10, 2000
General news...The Xterra gets the "North American Truck of the Year" award chosen by 47 auto journalist (how do we join?). And Infiniti reports it best year ever with 72,637 units sold in 1999 (an improvement of 14.1 percent increase versus 1998) largely due to the redesigned 2000 I30 flying off the shelves. 
  

JANUARY 10, 2000
Mike Cervantes, Contributing Editor writes:
The long-awaited successor to the lack-luster B14 Sentra has now been unveiled. This new Sentra looks like it finally belongs in the Nissan line-up along with features that set it apart in the highly competitive small car market.

The first thing you'll notice is it's much improved exterior styling. Designed by NDI, it has been stretched 6.5 inches and is about 1.1 inches taller. Up front, there is a new grille that looks much like the 2000 Maxima. It also features what seems to be a new Nissan trademark; circular fog-lights. The side profile is much more sporty and features a chiseled body crease running from front to rear. Speaking of the rear, the tail end now has Altima-like tail-lights with reverse lights next to the license plate.

The new higher quality interior has been co-designed by NDI in California, and by NDE (Nissan Design Europe). The interior seems to rival the Ford Focus with it's use of high quality plastics, brushed aluminum, and chrome door handles. A decidedly remarkable improvement over the old interior.

Interior room has been increased by 2.2 cubic feet. The driver's seat is now 6-point adjustable, the rear seat can be split 60/40, and the seats can come in three different types and three colors. The instrument cluster is easier to read, and in the SE, has titanium gauges a-la Maxima. Of course, power windows and door locks are offered as well as "state-of-the-art" 7-speaker 150-watt AM/FM/CD audio systems available with a 6-disc CD changer. At the forefront of safety, the Sentra now has optional side-impact air bags.

Powering the new Sentras are your choice of two four-bangers. The new 1.8 liter DOHC with 126 bhp @ 6000 rpm and 129 ft-lbs. @ 2400 rpm. This engine features variable valve timing, direct ignition, and timing chain. It will be used on the XE, GXE, and CA models. 

CA (Clean Air) models use innovative techniques to reduce pollution; double-wall exhaust manifolds, a new combustion control sensor, quicker catalyst warm-up (three 3-way catalysts are utilized in the emissions system), new hydrocarbon trap catalysts, a non-return fuel system and use of a special electronically controlled swirl control valve that reduces hydrocarbon emissions in cold and warm start situations. In addition, the CA's radiator convert ozone into oxygen, actually cleaning the air before leaving the engine bay!

The CA is the worlds' first certified super ultra low emissions vehicles (SULEV)
with ZERO evaporative emissions. The SE features the highly-regarded SR20DE 2.0 liter engine with 145 bhp @ 6,400 and 136 ft-lbs. of torque @ 4,800 rpm made possible by the addition of a variable capacity muffler used on the G20 as well.

A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on all models except CA. A limited-slip differential is offered on manual tranny SE's with the performance package. A 4-speed auto is standard on the CA and optional on all other models. Sentra XE and GXE offer standard 14-inch wheels and tires, with 15-inch alloy wheels and tires standard on CA and SE models (optional on GXE).

Suspension remains front struts and rear multi-link beam. SE models benefit from extra rigidity afforded by a front strut tower brace. Sporty 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels with P195/55R16 tires are optionally available on the SE.

Our take: Nissan has taken a giant leap with the new Sentra. The styling is vastly improved inside and out and it has some of the features of vehicles that cost thousands more. The new Civic will be arriving soon and Nissan realizes the new Sentra needs to be good...real good.

On the technology front, it looks like Nissan is starting to show the people in the U.S. what it is known for throughout other parts of the world. As a reflection of the times, Nissan is even making the Sentra available to specialty tuners to enhance it's presence on the import performance scene. 

We only wish Nissan will soon stick in the 170 bhp SR16VE (170 bhp) or even better, the SR20VE (187 bhp) both featuring variable valve timing, and call the model the "SE-R" which would be a truly fitting name since the previous SE-R made a name for itself with it's combination of handling, sporty acceleration, and of course affordable price.

 

 

JANUARY 10, 2000
Today was a busy day for Nissan's Infiniti division. They unveiled the new QX4 and the XVL concept at the Detroit Auto Show. While the XVL has very little new information, it is expected that in April, Infiniti will make a firm commitment to it's sale and production in the US possibly as the replacement J30. 

Mike Cervantes, Contributing Editor writes:
Infiniti has finally debuted the 2001 QX4 yesterday at a press dinner in Los Angeles. It features new styling inside and out, but the big and best news is the new 3.5L V-6 based on the Maxima/I30’s VQ engine finding a new home in the engine bay.

Exterior features now include a new front grille and bumper with Xenon HID headlights at the front. In the rear it features new combination lights, bumper, and "rear finisher." Other new exterior features include new body moldings, rear facing exhaust pipe, roof rack, 16-inch or 17-inch (optional) alloy wheels, and two new colors.

New interior features include Electro-fluorescent instrument clusters, "sports style analog clock," Bird’s Eye maple wood-trim, overhead console, new 6-speaker Bose AM/FM/Cassette with in-dash 6-disc CD changer. Other changes include a new leather & wood steering now with audio controls mounted into it, new heated rear seats, and an optional navigation system.

Now to the good stuff. As we mentioned a few weeks ago, the QX4 (and new Pathfinder) now features the aforementioned 3.5 liter DOHC 24 valve V-6 engine with 240 bhp at 6000 RPM and 265 ft-lbs. of torque at 3200 RPM boasting an increase of 70 bhp & 65 ft-lbs. of torque over the SOHC 12-valve 3.3L V-6 in the last QX4. The all alloy VQ series engine is 35 percent lighter than it's iron block VG series predecessor. The engine has several performance enhancing features including NVIS (variable induction), NCVCS (Nissan Continuous Valve Timing Control System). and ultra light weight internal parts. Nissan also has unveiled it's higher capacity transmission dubbed the DUETTE (Development Unity Engine Transmission Total Engineering) with smoother shifting capability.

The QX4 will now come with two wheel drive standard to keep entry level prices down. The previously standard All-Mode AWD system (derived from the famed Skyline GT-R coupe) becomes an optional feature.

Our take: While Infiniti says it’s a full redesign, it seems more like a mild exterior refreshing with a new kick-ass engine. It looks like Infiniti is trying to silence the critics with new luxury features and a more powerful VQ 3.5L V-6. 

We drove "last year's" 2000 QX4 for a couple of days recently, and the power increase and more luxury features in the 2001 are a welcome addition to some of the disappointments we encountered (lack of top end power and missing interior features like illuminated power window switches).

Have we mentioned that you can’t go wrong with the VQ? Look out Lexus RX300! Watch for an all-new QX4 sometime in 2002. You can read more about it in our future vehicle forecast [coming soon].



 

JANUARY 9, 2000
We're back. Sorry for the long absence. Slated for this week are a write up on the Infiniti QX4 and the new VQ engine shared with the upcoming Pathfinder (specs exactly as we printed a few weeks ago). Also tidbits from New Zealand about the Skyline. And finally some time very soon, our interview with Jerry Hirshberg. 

We're very surprised and happy that a lot of our readers are writing in and giving us positive feedback. Thanks to those who took the time to write us. Please drop us a note whether you love us or hate us! 
 

JANUARY 4, 2000
Contributing artist, Robert Ledesma, submitted his rendition of a full size Nissan truck. 
Robert comments...
"Full size trucks are some of the more difficult vehicles to be creative with because so many parameters are petty much set in stone. I tried to stick with Nissan styling elements and to keep it realistic, but chose to depict a 2-wheel drive "sport" version (hopefully V-8 powered). Sort of a scaled back and more practical Ford F-150 "Lightning."

 
 

JANUARY 2, 2000
You might be interested to know that Nissan plans to compete in the grueling Dakar Rally. Three French-men and two of Nissan's Terranos (Pathfinder) will traverse six thousand grueling miles in a blistering 17 days starting in Dakar, Senegal and ending in Cairo, Egypt. What is interesting is that Nissan's weapon of choice; it's 3.0L V-6 engine with 240 bhp. We wonder if that's a VQ35 or a something else? Click the map for a course route.
 

 

DECEMBER 29, 1999
As part of it's restructuring program, Nissan released this press release outlining changes in management positions of various Nissan division around the globe effective January 2000. Highlights of the changes include ex-Renault executive Patrick Pelata who's gets new responsibilities in addition to his Product Planning sphere. Shiro Nakamura, Nissan's high profile chief designer (ex- Isuzu), gains new responsibilities in product design.
 

DECEMBER 27, 1999
Thanks for joining us again. We hope everyone had a good Christmas holiday. 

We got a letter today from a reader in New Zealand who notes that the new Silva is now for sale there. In NZ, the Silvia known as the 200SX. Interestingly, Australia doesn't have the new 200SX yet.

In the US, the 200SX is known as the recently departed 240SX, one of the best handling cars that was on the market. Unfortunately it was straddled with the uninspiring KA24DE power plant. Japan and New Zealand's Silvia/200SX implement the turbocharged SR20DET engine delivering over 200 bhp for some rear tire scorching action. 
 

DECEMBER 27, 1999
Our Mike Cervantes, Contributing Editor, reports in with exclusive year 2001 Pathfinder news:
We finally have more info on the Pathfinder upgrades from an Nissan dealer, who shall go by "CNCMAN." In his report he talks about the engine, exterior, and interior features. CNCMAN delivers the goods...

The new power plant will be a 3.5L V-6 (VQ series) engine with 240 bhp and 265 ft-lbs of torque. Various noise vibration harshness improvements will lend further refinement to the drive train. Speaking of drive train, a new transmission with higher torque handling ability will be implemented for the VQ. A push button to activate four wheel drive will be offered on LE with delayed availability.

As for the exterior, a new larger exhaust pipe will now point to the rear instead of the side as now. Two new colors will debut; bronzed gray and burnt cherry.

On the inside, various new features and cosmetic changes are introduced... the LE leather is now perforated like the SE. For those who like to go camping, a new 12v power source makes its home in the cargo area. The dash will feature titanium gauges a la Maxima SE. The SE models will also feature memory seats. The LE will feature a driver's side power lumbar control with leather seats.

New creature comforts include automatic on/off headlamps on the LE. Bose stereo optioned models will have an in-dash 6 disc CD changer. Like the Quest minivan, a TV and VCP (video cassette player) combo will be offered. And finally a GPS Navigation system will be offered later in 2000.

Our take: Looks like Nissan is taking horsepower more seriously after being trumped year after year by the Toyota 4Runner's better horsepower rating.

And did we mention that having 265 ft-lbs of torque is sheer genius? As we’ve already confirmed, the Maxima’s VQ series engine will be used here which also delights us to no end.

With all the upgrades in luxury appointments including the TV/VCP combo, memory seats, and the navigation system, it makes us wonder how Infiniti is going to be able to differentiate the QX4 (also scheduled for the VQ engine upgrade) with the Pathfinder.

And just a side note: Interestingly the QX4 will first debut January 5th at the LA auto show, while the Pathfinder will be introduced five days later at the Detroit auto show.
 

DECEMBER 24, 1999
Here's more auto show news from Michael Cervantes, Contributing Editor;

Infiniti will introduce it's first concept vehicle ever, the Infiniti XVL in January. In our eyes this practically guarantees that Infiniti will gain a rear wheel drive sports sedan based on the XVL concept. The production could possibly be badged as a J30 and see duty to battle the Lexus GS300/IS300, Audi A6, and BMW 3 series cars.

The XVL concept is the the same Nissan XVL concept shown in Tokyo earlier this year. By all accounts, the Infiniti will look almost exactly the same as the Nissan concept with the exception of prerequisite Infiniti logos. The concept car may retain the steering wheel on the right hand side as on the Japanese XVL. The Infiniti XVL concept will make it's debut at the Detroit auto show on January 10th. 
  

DECEMBER 24, 1999
At the Detroit and Los Angeles car shows coming up in January, Nissan will unveil the new Sentra, Pathfinder, QX4, and the 10th Anniversary edition of the Q45. From unconfirmed photos we've seen, it looks like the QX4 and Q45 will finally be offered with a GPS navigation option. 

Both Acura and Lexus offer navigation computer on certain models. Acura's 3.2TL version is a $2,000 option while Lexus' ES300 version is over $5,000! It's unknown whether Infiniti's GPS will be DVD-Rom or hard disk drive based. Acura is DVD-Rom based while Lexus has chosen the hard disk drive route. It also looks like the QX4 will now have the signature Infiniti analog clock on the center dash. 
  

DECEMBER 23, 1999
Sources tell us that Nissan has a full size truck study in place at it's Japanese studio. Details are sketchy but power plants would likely be a standard V-6 and an optional V-8. To keep manufacturing costs down, the V-6 could be the VG series used in the current Frontier/Pathfinder or better yet a VQ series. The V-8 could be an aluminum head/iron block version of the Q45's VH series engine. 

In order to keep the price low enough to compete with domestic full size trucks and even the Tundra, the truck will likely be built in Smyrna, Tennessee. Currently the Altima, Fontier, and Xterra are built there. Nissan may also follow Toyota's idea to base a full size SUV off it's Tundra platform. 
  

DECEMBER 23, 1999
Here's more Indy Racing League news for Motorsports fans. On IRL's web site is a feature on the new changes being made to IRL chassis and engines for the year 2000. Included are blurbs about the Nissan/Infiniti Indy engine (roughly based on the Q45's VH series engine). 

Of note is that auto parts retailer, Pep Boys is abandoning their sponsorship of the IRL. This puts a bigger question mark on the future of IRL (vs. CART) and Nissan's involvement. But for now, it looks like Nissan plans to continue its involvement.

Here is an excerpt from the IRL feature...
Eddie Cheever Jr. is the sole campaigner of the Nissan Indy Infiniti engine, and Team Cheever and Nissan were equally pleased after the initial test of their 3.5-liter engine.

"We learned a lot from the first few tests of the Infiniti Indy 3.5 liter engine," said Frank Honsowetz, Infiniti Motorsports manager. "At the Orlando Open Test, Eddie (Cheever) and his brother Ross Cheever ran more miles than the race distance without any problems. Our times were competitive, which is a good sign considering that Team Cheever was using their ‘99 Dallara and running for the first time with Firestone tires."
  

DECEMBER 22, 1999
We are working hard for you. Okay we sound like a bunch of whining martyrs...but we are! :-) Anyways here are some of the new features we have in store for you. 

Our exclusive interview with Jerry Hirshberg (President of Nissan Design International) will be posted in soon. We are also finalizing our message boards so Nissan fans will have an outlet to express their love (or hate) of Nissan and it's cars. 

The best is yet to come. Stay tuned. If you want to see something or would like to recommend a feature, please email us. We want to hear from you!

Oh yeah, we want to wish everyone Happy Holidays from the Freshalloy.Com crew to you and your family!
  

DECEMBER 22, 1999
Nissan and Renault unveil plans to link up their European sales channels. This ultimately could lead to a stronger Nissan presence in Europe. According to the press release, Renault's European market share is 11.3% while Nissan only has 2.9%. 

Our two and half cents...
Nissan is a few steps behind Toyota in the European market. Some would say Nissan's market share and position are stagnant...but perhaps that's too strong? European car critics have lambasted Nissan in the past for non-distinctive cars that can't compete with the likes of Volkswagen. The Primera and Micra are two relatively successful cars for Nissan in the UK being exceptions. In some ways Nissan knows it has to perform radical surgery not only to survive but to grow in Europe. Examples of the new found recognition include; importing of the Skyline GT-R to the UK market, available CVT on the Primera, and of course these new plans to get in bed with Renault's dealer network.
  

DECEMBER 20, 1999
If you are like us and salivating for the new Z car to be released while day dreaming of the possibilities...here are two excellent drawings of a Z car concept as envisioned by 
Robert Ledesma.

Robert comments:
"I think the attributes that made the original Z a success were unique and elegant styling, a light and nimble chassis, decent power, and of course an affordable price. If any of these elements are missing I don't believe the new Z will be extremely successful, even if it is a great car like the last twin turbo. 

Just as the original was heavily influenced by cars like the E-Type I would like to see the new car with not only styling cues from the original 240, but with an overall design that is clean and elegant with a European flavor. The Aston Martin DB7 comes to mind. It should be devoid of unnecessary wings and scoops that don't really serve any purpose on a street car but to increase aerodynamic drag. I think styling was the first thing that attracted buyers to the original Z....it looked like a more expensive European GT."
  

DECEMBER 20, 1999
Even though we make fun of our cousins to the North in Canada, this year they display their good taste when it comes to cars. 

Michael Cervantes, Contributing Editor reports in: 
Nissan’s new vehicles have made a big splash with Canadian auto journalists- winning a total of five awards with the year 2000 models of the Xterra, Maxima, and Infiniti I30.

The Maxima GXE won Best New Family Car Over $25,000 [Canadian Dollars] over the Chevy Impala and Subaru Legacy. The Maxima SE took home Best New Sports Sedan besting the BMW M5 Mercedes-Benz E55. The Infiniti I30 won Best New Luxury Car, over the Lincoln LS (V8), and the Buick LeSabre Limited. And the Xterra won Best New Sports Utility Vehicle, and overall Truck of the Year award, beating the BMW X5 and Subaru Outback Limited.

The Best Overall Car of the Year will be revealed in February 2000.
 

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