Nissan vehicles rep the all-wheel-drive world, in 2012 and beyond! This is not to be mistaken with standard 4×4 / 4WD available on all Nissan SUV’s (Pathfinder, Xterra and Armada). You might be surprised at one of those available all-wheel-drive cars from the Japanese auto maker.

For the record, “AWD” options on most of these Nissan vehicles are optional additions, not standard or base tech. But for a small increase in price, you get a whole lot more!

2012 Nissan Juke

The all new Juke (pictured above) for 2012 is just as funky as last year’s freshman model. With Multi-link suspension and AWD, Juke has become a cherished car at Nissan dealerships nationwide.

Its 1.6-liter Direct Injection turbocharged 4-cylinder produces 188 horses at 5,600 RPM. Base Juke models will receive a MPG rating of 27 city, 32 highway – while AWD drops each down 2 MPG: 25 and 30.

(source: Nissan USA)

2012 Nissan Rogue SV

Next is Rogue, which features a 2.5-liter four cylinder engine. It’s a smaller CUV (aka, crossover) but still produces 170 horsepower with respectable take off speed. And outside of Subaru, it’s difficult finding smaller rides that offer anything other than front wheel drive. In fact, the aforementioned Japanese car maker is Rogue’s only competition offering superb AWD in this class.

(source: Portland Life)

2012 Nissan Murano SL

Murano is similar to Rogue, only larger. This full-sized CUV has power to back up its roominess. 0 – 60 time in Murano SL is 7.5 seconds, and hits a top speed of 116 mph with its strong V6 powerplant. AWD comes in handy when reaching higher speeds on harsh terrain, or during those slippery fall and winter months.

(source: Car & Driver)

2012 Nissan GT-R

It might come as a bit of a surprise that this super-fast Japanese sports car, which is powered by a 3.8-Liter V6 engine, comes in All Wheel Drive. Well, it’s true. With 0 – 60 time in at 3.8 second with help from 530 horses, you’ll need assistance getting around wet or tight corners.

Unlike Rogue & Murano, drivers lose cargo space, as well we fuel economy (16 City, 23 Hwy) in GT-R. But who cares? You’re driving a GT-R!!

(source: AOL Autos)

So, does the Leaf live up to it’s electricity-sipping hype? Inside Line editor Dan Edmunds gave us a long term review.

The Leaf may not exactly hit that 99 mile range it promoted last year, but a 76.7 mile single charge range was recorded during real world testing. Also, the Nissan Leaf consumed 34 kWh per 100 miles for the month, which is on par with its EPA estimates.

Leaf is powered by a rechargeable electric battery powerplant. A 240V charger can be purchased through Nissan and installed in your home easily and quickly. We’ll report back soon to see if Inside Line can improve that real-world range top number.

The exterior dimensions measure only an overall length (inches) of 156.7, width of: 66 inch. and overall height of: 65.0. Basically you are on par with the old Ford Escort Wagons. But you really have to see a Cube in person in order to appreciate its tininess, it sure took us by surprise. Nissan Dealer’s nationwide have them in stock…or should. As for the other goodies – Power: 91 kW, 122 HP SAE at 5,200 rpm; 127 ft lb, 172 Nm at 4,800 rpm. The Nissan Cube’s Overall Curb Weight (gross) is 2,762ibs.

The 2009 Nissan Cube S, though extremely stylish, is very low-tech, especially for a Japanese import: it contains almost zero-tech–not even MP3 CD playback. According to one online reviewer, “The best thing that can be said for it is the stock stereo should be easily replaceable.” Which is sad, seeing as part of the Cube’s anticipation was their scifi looking dashboard.

specs via motortrend.com

Nissan has launched an official site for their 2010 NV2500 – The Nissan Van 2500 that is. A working van for the future, NV2500 is probably what your tool selling, plumber/electrician uncle will be driving in a few years – at least if Ford’s Transit Connect never takes off. Nissan’s press release shows off some of the great specs behind NV2500 – and contains a few sexy photos of the vehicle. Check it out below.

Press Release
The NV2500 by Nissan is a very large multi-tasker. Being one of the largest concepts that Nissan has ever produced, the NV2500 offers unlimited possibilities to the consumer. The 3 Zone interior offers a vast array of storage and utility solutions.

The Nissan NV2500 is Nissan’s introduction into the Commercial Vehicle (CV) marketplace in the United States and Canada. Don’t be mistaken, this is nothing new to Nissan, Nissan CVs are already sold in 73% of the world’s marketplaces, including the Middle East, Australia, South America, Europe, Mexico, China, and of course Japan. 2010 is the year where the Nissan with enter the CV marketplace in North America.

Over the next 3 years, Nissan will introduce three all-new products in the commercial vehicle market. While these CVs are in the works, Nissan is going to offer this very versatile multi-segment CV lineup which has a class 5 gross vehicle weight rating (GVRW). Class 5 truck GVRW ranges from 16,001-19,500 lbs. Nissan has invested countless hours and in excess of $115 million to expand the Canton, Miss. Nissan Plant to be able to manufacture these CVs for the US marketplace. All three of these new products will be developed at the Canton facility and production of the 2010 lineup is in the works.

A Solid Workhorse Foundation

The Nissan NV2500 is portrayed as a powerful CV that is able to adapt to any consumer. Being built on the Nissan Titan full size, fully boxed, all steel ladder frame, the NV2500 will be able to stand up to any battle that it may face. The engine selection would be based on the needs of the consumer and will be very competitive in the CV marketplace for both power and fuel efficiency. Other design features that make the NV2500 stand out is the solid rear axle and the automatic transmission. NV2500 is fully equip with 20inch aluminum wheels which are covered by Michelin tires that will give a smooth ride, while being fuel efficient and also able to handle a large payload.

The NV2500 is a carpenters dream, with the ability to carry object inside up to 10.5 feet in length when the passenger seat is moved out of the way. The 12.3 foot wheelbase and the 19.5 feet bumper to bumper dimensions gives this CV a comfortable feel while driving down the road. And with the 6 foot ceiling in back, makes it very accessible and easy to work out of.

One of the great features in the design is the large window on the roof of the CV which will provide light to the rear compartment for your convenience. The wide grill gives the front of the CV a very sharp look. Talk about visibility, the Nissan NV2500 has a windshield that wraps around and windows approximately half way down the front door to provide even more visibility and added safety.

Solar technology is used to power the accessories, lights and interior equipment. While walking around the NV2500 you will notice that it has retractable power/heated mirrors, electric flip down steps for both the side and rear compartments for easier access, LED taillights and headlights for great visibility, and two front tow hooks that can also be used as a step to get a better look at the engine.

When looking at the NV2500, the doors are going to be what really stand out. The multi-use door allows for endless possibilities. Taking a look at the drivers sides, there are king cab style doors. The front one for the drivers compartment, and the rear door for even more storage space. Coming around to the back we have dual barn door style doors which are packed full of room for additional storage. Also there is a power step below the rear door which will allow for easy access into the cargo compartment, again with the 6 foot ceilings.

The passenger side is what brings the NV2500 to life. Behind the front passenger door there is a large 90 degree suicide door which give access to the cargo compartment. This door is outfitted with storage compartment for tools to be easily accessible. On the rear passenger side there is an awning style horizontal door which opens upward and locks in place. Below the awning there is a fold out workshop bench protected from the elements by the door above.

An Innovative 3-Zone Interior

Inside the NV2500 is a 3-Zone interior that combines simple, organic solutions with elements of advanced technology. The Driver/Passenger compartment of the NV2500 is set up with high technology features as was as additional storage for added comfort. The large display screen is multi functioned to work as a navigation system, audio control unit, as well as climate control. Overhead there are storage compartments and a cooling fan (powered by solar). An addition feature can be found behind the drivers seat, where there is a grated style floor which can act like a mudroom for your boot.

The passenger seat is on a track which will allow it to move between the workstation and the front passenger position locking in place where it is needed. The workstation consists of an large monitor and computer which has laser-projected keyboard that allows for a simple clean.

The Nissan NV2500 can be dressed in many different configurations, but the integral centerpiece will be the cargo compartment. Depending on the wants and needs of the customer, this area is able to be dressing to fit all of your personal needs.
On this specific model there is a laser blueprint printer mounted on the ceiling. There are also 110/220W power outlets located in the rear compartment to fit all of your needs. The CV is also outfitted with a built in shop vacuum. Located on the interior of the cargo area are utili-track channels that allow for unlimited possibilities on all of your cargo tie down needs. The cargo area is well lit from not only the window on the roof, but also from the lights that are mounted throughout the interior.

A quote from CNET’s Review site includes on editor stating:
“”Finally, people hauler thats well built fun and cool.” While a CNET User disagreed: “Bad enough Scion created a lunchbox on wheels, Kia hadta follow the same ‘lunchbox’ with the Soul, and behind its heels, Nissan’s Lunchbox Cube?!?! Talk about being ‘boxed’ in your car…”

Similar vibes can be seen on Kicking Tires’ Blog, where one user said “I wouldn’t mind the rear door since I park mostly in parking lots and very seldom have to parallel park. I found the ride to comfortable and the engine was peppy despite it’s small size. Very roomy inside.” – And another complained Cube’s rear-loading street-side hatch wasn’t properly placed: “how often do you actually load from the sidewalk on that side?!?!? we drive on the RIGHT side of the road… might want to double check which side you drive on ”

Finally, the two top user comments on AutoBlog’s review of Nissan Cube sum it all up:
“i’m glad Nissan brought this over. Another notch in Nissan’s belt.” Vs. “I like “different”, but this is just ugly. Nothing cool about it, IMO–”

GQ magazine recently pointed out in their review of the Nissan Cube how spacious the vehicle is, for a small car anyway. It can haul “enough laundry detergent to outlast the current recession” from a New Jersey Costco. It also takes on NYC traffic with ease, thanks to its narrow figure. We like how the Cube contains ample storage space to carry your Snap-On tool chest and a case of Vitamin Water (real men drink Vitamin Water – right?) But part of being a 21st century gentleman is having style – and Nissan’s Cube has plenty of it, with its soft angles and curved, wrap around rear windows – one of the vehicle’s most notable design theories.

Like a new aged man the Cube has not only style, it has grace, and it’s also a little weird. The 1.8 liter engine isn’t amazingly over-powered, but you don’t need to prove yourself with machismo in today’s world. You need sensibility with only a hint of danger. And Cube has it. Oh, and you also need a dash of cuteness, and since Nissan modeled the vehicle after a bulldog, we can absolutely see that…

2010′s Nissan GT-R comes with an increase in horsepower for their 3.8 liter twin-turbo V6, propelling the GT-R to 485 horse power, over the 480 of 2009′s model. GT-R’s new Transmission Control Module helps smooth out the gear shifting, while suspension has been re-tuned with new shocks and different spring and damper rates. New 20-inch RAYS forged aluminum alloy wheels now come in a darker, near-black finish.

So, how much will a 2010 GT-R put you back? Somewhere in the range of $80,000 to $84,000. Ouch. The new 2010 GT-R will be available from selected Nissan dealers. For a list of the roughly 700 certified dealers, visit Nissanusa.com, and read full details on specs and pricing in the Nissan press release below.

March may be the month known for madness, lions and lambs, but at Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA), the biggest roar is coming from the early introduction of the new 2010 Nissan GT-R supercar, including a number of important enhancements. Specifically, five additional horsepower, a revised suspension, updated wheel finishes and standard front seat- and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags.

First introduced in the United States in July 2008, the Nissan GT-R earned near universal acclaim, including being named Motor Trend “2009 Car of the Year,” Automobile magazine’s 2009 “Automobile of the Year”, and winning Kelly Blue Book’s “2009 Best Resale Value Award.”

For 2010, the horsepower rating of the GT-R’s 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 engine has increased to 485 hp (from 480 hp) and the car’s high-performance, 6-speed, dual-clutch transmission receives new Transmission Control Module (TCM) programming designed to optimize clutch engagement for improved drivability, and improve vehicle acceleration with the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) on (activated). In addition, the braking system has been updated with more rigid brake lines for improved durability, and the brake calipers now carry both the Brembo and Nissan logos. Finally, the GT-R’s state-of-the-art suspension has been retuned with redesigned Bilsteinâ shocks with a new valve body design and revised spring and damper rates.

The base GT-R model is now equipped with slightly darker, high-luster, smoke finish for the 20-inch RAYS forged aluminum-alloy wheels, while a new “near-black” metallic wheel finish is standard on the Premium model. For 2010, one new color – Pearl White – is offered, while the Super Silver exterior color has been enhanced to include a polished front bumper.

For 2010, the Nissan GT-R will again be offered in two models – GT-R and GT-R Premium. All 2010 Nissan GT-Rs are equipped with a standard 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 backed by an advanced paddle-shifted, dual clutch rear transmission and a world’s first independent rear transaxle ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* is $80,790 for the GT-R, and $83,040 for the GT-R Premium model. Destination & Handling (D&H) is $1,000.

The 2010 GT-R will be available only through officially certified Nissan retailers that have met a number of strict sales, service and facility commitments, including dedicating a master technician to GT-R service, on March 21, 2009. A complete listing of the nearly 700 GT-R Certified Nissan dealers is available to consumers on NissanUSA.com.

2009 Nissan Cube

Calling Nissan’s Cube a box may be unfair, as there are no right angles but soft, rounded corners at every end. So don’t worry about cutting yourself against the vehicle. It looks less like a commuter car and more along the lines of something Red Bull will end up using for promotional events. It’s shape and various outlandish colors (available from local dealers) may take a little getting use to – having a neon orange car might seem unique for the first week – but it gets old fast. Of course, you’ll never lose it in a mall parking lot. The Cube can be better described as Versa’s younger, more artistic and less understood brother. Both vehicles are built on similar platforms and contain a 1.8 liter 122 horse power engine. With a 0-to-60 speed at almost 10 seconds you won’t be shooting onto the Turnpike battling semi-trucks. But Cube was teased as a city car, and with a MPG rating of 27 city/33 highway we can see it as a hit with the 20-to-30-something urban gentrification crowd. Although a car like The Fit has a quicker pick up speed, along with comparable fuel range.

2009 Nissan Cube Interior

Inside, Nissan’s Cube strays far from the futuristic scifi dashboard its concept model contained. But you will still find a stylish yet user-friendly instrument panel. Both it and the Honda fit suffer from a “am I a car or a shuttle from Star Trek” complex.

With that, we find 2009′s Cube as a good purchase when put face to face with Honda. Both Japanese auto makers are known for quality, reliable automobiles. So, whats will help Cube beat out Fit or Scion’s xB? Pricing – a 2009 Nissan Cube can be yours for $13,990 manual and $15,690 automatic. We’ll see how sales number rank later on this year.

GT-R’s Spec-V engine output is a mean 485ps. And that’s before the over boost function is enabled. 20-inch aluminum wheels and stock Dunlap tires are provided as a no-cost option. Light weight materials can be found all over this ride, from the frame to the interior. Front and rear seats are constructed with carbon fibers. Colors available will be Ultimate Black Pearl, Brilliant White, Red, Dark Metal Grey and Black.

The vehicle will be available for purchase in January 2009, but expect a price tag as high as $165,000…yikes!

Nissan NV2500 Concept Set For Debut

Nissan North America, Inc. today announced its Nissan NV2500 Concept, which makes its public debut in early January at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. One of the largest concepts vehicle ever created by Nissan, the innovative NV2500 Concept previews the company’s entry into the North American Commercial Vehicle (CV) market in 2010 and is designed to highlight multi-purpose utility solutions in the real world.