Nissan's new 2001 Frontier commercials without Jerry Hirshberg have begun showing up on television. So far we seen two variations on the ad. The one with the hard grungy music is "Wicked Garden" by the Stone Temple Pilots from the "Core" album. If you look closely, you can see the chassis flex because of the hyper-aggressive stunt driving.
FreshAlloy.com editors are debating whether or not this sends a negative message to the consumer however subliminal it may be.
September 3, 2000
What do get when you stuff a 650 horsepower Infiniti Indy engine into a Q45
sedan? Well, besides the ability to stoplight race jet fighters, you get
land-speed records to be broken waiting at the tap of a gas pedal. And that’s
just what driver/owner Larry Detrich likes. No, he doesn’t race F-16s. He
shattered a six-year old land-speed record by over 12 mph with an average time
of 200.460 mph.
"The Infiniti Q45, which was built as a street car, held up perfectly at
speeds topping 200 mph and the motor ran flawlessly with the help of Mark
Honsowetz (younger brother of Frank Honsowetz, Nissan's motorsports manager)
from Ed Pink Racing Engines," Detrich explained. Detrich’s first attempt
on August 16th earned the record with a two-run average of 191.4 mph. The next
day Detrich went out and did much better earning the two-run average of
200.460mph.
"The Infiniti generated some serious interest," Detrich said.
"You don't often see new model, luxury cars out on the salt flats.
Especially ones with an Indy Racing engine inside. Even veteran Bonneville
racers were blown away by the car and its performance."
September 3, 2000
After a slight slow-down in July, Nissan continued it’s upward sales in
August. Propelled by the Sentra, the Xterra, and surprisingly by the Quest
minivan, Nissan sales for August totaled 62,612 units. The new Sentra tops other
Nissan models with sales of 13,562 units. Xterra continues it’s trend with
7,898, up 16.7% versus last year. The soon-to-be revised and the soon to be
killed Quest mini-van surprises again, up 24.9% to 4,573 units. The Altima,
Maxima, Frontier, and Pathfinder were all down for August.
Over at Nissan's luxury division, Infiniti sales were again up 11.8% to 7,484
units, led by the 2001 QX4 and I30. The volume-leading I30 was up 28.1% to 3,743
units. The pumped-up QX4 saw it’s sales continue upward with 2,059 units, up
4.9%. The G20 also saw it’s sales rise, up 11% to 1,320 units. The Q45 was
again down, posting sales of 362 units. Combined Nissan and Infiniti sales for
August were up 2.7% to 70,069 units. Sales for both divisions for the first
eight months of 2000 totaled 516,340 units, up 15.1% from last year.
September 3, 2000
Just when Bridgestone/Firestone thought things couldn’t get any worse, the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a warning that
more than a million more tires are dangerous and may be recalled. Some of those
tire were installed as original equipment on 1991-1994 Nissan Pickups offered in
4x4 SE trim with the optional sport package. If you believe you have a truck
that matches this description, here’s what to look for:
Tire Line: ATX
Size: 31x10.50R15LT
Note: Original tires have black lettering on both sides
Production Location: Decatur, Ill.
DOT Information Plant Code: 1,2,3, or 4 VD
Because of their age, Nissan believes that few of these tires still remain in
use. If you think you have these tires, you can contact Firestone’s toll-free
number, 1-800-465-1904, or Nissan at 1-800-Nissan-1. Nissan has stated that if a
customer does not receive satisfactory assistance in replacing their tires,
Nissan will replace the possibly faulty tires at no cost.
September 3, 2000
As reported by FreshAlloy.com back on March 24th, Nissan Japan’s ad agency
Hakuhodo and Nissan North America’s ad agency TBWA/Chiat/Day will form an
international joint venture to develop Nissan’s new global brand strategy.
The new joint venture will be called "/G1 Worldwide." /G1 Worldwide
will have three regional management units; TBWA/G1 North America, TBWA/G1
Europe, and Hakuhodo/G1 Japan will serve as /G1 Worldwide headquarters.
"/G1 Worldwide is a key component of our brand strategy team and will play
an integral role in the development of our ‘one brand, one voice’
message." Nissan Vice President of Global Marketing, Jean-Jacques LeGoff
stated. Nissan is expected to publicly unveil the new brand strategy early next
year.
September 3, 2000
Remember you saw and heard it first at FreshAlloy.com! Here's one of the world's first views of Nissan's new concept X-Trail mini-SUV to debut at the upcoming Paris Auto Show.
Playing up on the Xterra name, the X-Trail is likely to be related to the rumored codenamed "ZR" vehicle that has been spotted being tested in Japan.
The likely engine of choice will be the new QR engine. Our sources tell us that a new all wheel drive system with drive by wire system will debut with the vehicle. Also look for an electronic traction and stability control system to be announced with the vehicle.
It's likely the X-Trail will be produced for the Japanese and Asian markets and eventually the European market. What's not known is whether or not the X-Trail will make it to the States. Demographic overlap with the Xterra and similar pricing might prevent the X-Trail from arriving in the states. The first X-Trails will likely need to be produced in Japan, keeping costs up and bringing the price point too close to the U.S. manufactured Xterra.
Stay tuned for FreshAlloy.com for the latest news on the X-Trail.
September 1, 2000
A couple of tidbits to end the week...
Nissan has released the new Bluebird Sylphy in Japan. It's built on the new world small car platform shared with the Sentra. As reported earlier it will have the first application of the new QR inline-4 series of engines. Also available in a super low emissions model, that version will utilize the same engine (QG18DE) in the Sentra CA to make it the world's cleanest car according to Nissan. The exterior is similar to that of the Cefiro/I30 with it's flowing hood and nose. The interior designed primarily in Europe is shared with the Sentra minus an available GPS navigation system and wood trim. The Sylphy will also be available in Australia and New Zealand.
As for the U.S., Infiniti has released it's 2001 model year changes...we'll include some of that world-famous FreshAlloy.com opinion in parenthesis.
G20 - The 2001 G20 continues into it's questionable future unchanged.
(Rumors persist that 2001 may be the final year for the venerable G series. While it's handling ability will be missed, some say not much else will be. Others point out that G20 gets more budget buyers in the door than say the Lexus dealer across the street. The big question now, what will replace the G?)
I30 - The 2001 I30 receives a few revisions to ensure it's growing popularity. A new steering wheel with mounted audio controls, a new rear-view mirror with integrated compass, and two new colors (Ruby Red and Midnight Blue) highlight the changes for this model year.
(Sales are looking good for the I30, and they should continue to do so when the new 2002 Q45 is released and brings more even foot-traffic to Infiniti dealers.)
QX4 - The 2001 QX4 was released earlier this year with a mild facelift inside and out. The big news was the 240 bhp 3.5 liter VQ V-6. A few months into the new facelift, Infiniti will add the "Infiniti Mobile Entertainment System," with a video cassette player and flip-down 6.4-inch ceiling mounted LCD screen which plays through wireless headphones or the Bose audio system. This is similar to the one offered in the Pathfinder.
(Considering that the Pathfinder will now offer the QX4's navigation system and push-button 4WD system, we wonder if the wood, Xenon HID headlights and nameplate will justify the extra cost of the QX4 to most buyers.)
Q45 - The 2001 Q45 gets a few interior enhancements. The base Q will replace the 2000's Anniversary Edition by offering the AE's genuine Bird's Eye Maple wood-trim, body colored door handles, and wood-and-leather steering wheel
(with mounted audio controls). The "t" now features the AE's bright-finished 17-inch alloys.
(While the new enhancements are nice - we really eagerly await the all-new 2002 Q45; which has been sped up a month to a March 2001 on sale date, instead of April.)
August 28, 2000
Yes, it's been slow around FreshAlloy.com - but we're working on a few major
feature articles including the new 2003 Z car as well as the new T.K. (Total
Knockout a.k.a. Altima). Both articles will be worthwhile reading not to break
tradition! In the upcoming months, expect the unexpected!
Meanwhile, a lot of readers have been asking about the music in Nissan
television commercials so here's another FreshAlloy.com exclusive...
Xterra - "Couch For Sale" and "Work Soft. Play Hard" is
Stevie Ray Vaughn's cover of the Jimi Hendrix classic, "Voodoo Chile."
Listen for the nicely placed lyric of "I was standing next to a
mountain..."
Pathfinder - The "Polo" spot is cut to The Who's "Baba
O'Reilly."
Maxima - The "0-60" (desert flower) spot is cut to The Spencer Davis
Group's "I'm a man." The "Albuquerque" spot (gas mileage
story) is the Smithereens "Blood and Roses."
Sentra - "Turn Ons" is cut to Blur's "Song Two." The
"Politics" spot is Smashmouth's "'til The morning comes.
The "Needs" spot is the Breeder's "Cannonball."
Frontier - The first spot out of the gate for the '01 Frontier, featuring Jerry
Hirshberg, is cut to Survivor's ode to Rocky -- "Eye of the Tiger."
According to our source, NDI designers were very much influenced by boxers and
boxing gloves when they came up with the design for this vehicle, so Chiat-Day
amplified this point by using that particular song. The Frontier product
campaign breaks at the end of the month, so listen out for another cool piece of
popular music...
August 28, 2000
Near the end of last week, Nissan's stock jumped over 10 percent after being in
the slumps for several weeks. The increase is mostly attributed to analysts
positive reception of Nissan's cost cutting measures. The Nikkei Financial daily
quoted Goldman Sachs analyst, Kunihiko Shiohara, saying he felt results from
Nissan's cost-cutting measures were now in sight. Another analyst at ING Baring,
Howard Smith, issued a buy rating last Wednesday, saying recent weakness in the
shares represented a good buying opportunity.
Nissan also agreed to the final terms of the sale of it's shares in seat maker,
Ikeda Bussan to American based Johnson Controls. The American company will
acquire 90.19 percent of Ikeda for 9.85 billion yen ($91 million).
August 22, 2000
Nissan has released details on it’s new 2001 models including a
20th Anniversary Maxima and a revised Quest minivan. Our two cents are included
in the end of each section..
Sentra - The 2001 Sentra is essentially a carryover from the all-new 2000 model.
Two new colors are added: Inferno and Out of the Blue. To meet new safety
standards, an emergency internal trunk release and child seat anchors have also
been added.
(FreshAlloy.com editors expect that Nissan will announce an SE-R model at the
2001 Detroit or New York auto show as a 2002 model)
Altima - The 2001 Altima receives a few equipment tweaks. A new Limited Edition
(LE) package is offered with the GXE trim. The LE package includes an 8-way
cloth power driver's seat (also now standard on the SE), remote keyless entry,
vehicle security system, floor mats, and LE badging, plus the GXE Value Option
Package (which includes air conditioning, larger wheels, cruise control, and
illuminated entry). Other new features include an in-dash 6-disc CD player
standard on the SE. Two new colors: Satin White and Opal Blue Metallic. Like the
Sentra, an emergency internal trunk release and child seat anchors are also now
standard.
(Expect an all new Altima coming next late next year or early 2002. Various
sources are confident the new Altima will be a class segment leader. Stay tuned
to FreshAlloy.com for more info!)
Maxima - The 2001 Maxima get more than a few tweaks including an new 20th
Anniversary Edition package offered on the SE model. This package includes a
revised muffler adding 5 hp (totaling 227), viscous limited-slip differential,
bright finished 17-inch alloys, a body spoiler package including sidesills and a
rear under-spoiler, bronzed headlamps, simulated brushed-aluminum interior
treatments, drilled metal pedals, special badging, and a highly chromatic Dark
Blue. Other model enhancements include steering wheel mounted audio controls
(optional on GXE), active head restraints, emergency trunk release, child seat
anchors, Meridian package, and "Z" traction control
package (see July 23rd).
(In 2002, we hope to see a larger 3.5 liter V-6 either as an option or standard
equipment in the SE trim.)
Quest- The 2001 Quest gets a mild face-lift inside and out before its upcoming
departure. A new front facia and headlights looks futuristic and downright
weird. Amber colored turn signals in the taillights are now replaced by clear
ones. The Quest also includes a standard rear stabilizer bar, 16-inch wheels on
the GXE, new suspension tuning on the SE, and tree new colors. Inside there’s
a new gauge cluster and control layout, new seat fabrics, 130-watt sound system
(standard on the SE and GLE), heated front seats (GLE, SE w/leather package) new
message center w/outside temp. gauge, and available cloth power memory seat on
SE. Nissan improved interior content on the GLE to include a rear cargo shelf,
in-dash 6-disc CD changer, and a wood and leather wrapped steering wheel. Also
new is an available factory installed "Family Entertainment System"
that includes a ceiling mounted 6.4-inch LCD screen, video cassette player, and
rear seat mounted controls.
(Ford and Nissan's joint venture will end soon and we can't wait to see what
Nissan will be able to accomplish on it's own to strike against the benchmark
Honda Odyssey. With Renault's Scenic Europe's most popular mini-van (MPV in
Euro-speak), Nissan has another benchmark, this time in the family.)
Frontier - The new 2001 Frontier truck was previewed a few months back on
FreshAlloy.com, Check it out here.
Xterra - The 2001 Xterra receives a few interior revisions including a new
control layout, new steering wheel with mounted audio controls, and a new
in-dash 6-disc CD changer. Exterior revisions include new 16-inch wheels on the
SE and three new limited colors (Gold Rush [see pic], Just Blue and a unique
Mineral Blue).
(Expect a supercharger option on model year 2002 Xterras.)
Pathfinder - The 2001 Pathfinder was released earlier this year with the new 3.5
liter VQ V-6 with 240 bhp and a revised interior. Nissan is now adding it’s
All-Mode 4WD system (available on LE), Birdview navigation system (optional on
SE, LE), and a new family entertainment system that includes a flip-down
6.4-inch ceiling-mounted LCD screen and video cassette player, which plays
through wireless headphones or the Bose audio system (available on SE with
Automatic transmission and LE).
(We're a bit surprised that Nissan will allow the Pathfinder to compete against
the QX4 will the inclusion of the navigation system and use of the previous
exclusive All-Mode four wheel drive system. Which makes us wonder if and how
Infiniti plans to make the QX4 more unique in 2002.)
Speaking of Infiniti, FreshAlloy.com will bring a complete wrap on the 2001
Infiniti vehicles soon.
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