As 2011 came to an end last month, the Japanese auto maker reported that over 10,000 of their Leaf EV cars were on the roads of America. Things will only go up from here, as the company now has an OK from almost 40 states to allow EV travel on highways, and each state has its own network of charging ports.

In December, almost 7,000 reservations had been reported by Nissan dealers for test drives and purchases of 2012 Leaf EVs.

“From a Leaf perspective, 2011 was a great year and very positive for the company,” said Brendan Jones, Nissan Leaf Marketing and Sales Strategist, Nissan North America. “[10,000 sales] is more EVs than have been sold in the United States — and 20,000 globally — than all the other OEMs combined throughout the world. So that’s an outstanding achievement.”

Source: Green Car Reports

It’s updated design gives Pathfinder a more aerodynamic look, which also bumps up speed and that all important miles per gallon rating.

The Japanese auto maker released few details about their upcoming design change, specifically what powers the vehicle. However, Pathfinder has been downgraded from SUV to CUV (crossover).

“2013 Pathfinder will offer a V-6 engine matched to a CVT, and in its most efficient trim should use around 25 percent less fuel than the current 2012 Pathfinder,” according to reports.

Although the outside of Pathfinder has gone sleek, inside, layouts remain similar to other large Nissan vehicles, all be it highly comfortable. You can check out the tech-savvy dash and leather seating options for your self this Fall, when 2013 Pathfinder hits Nissan lots.

Source: Motor Authority

The somewhat impracticable car has been updated, with doors that slide open backwards, much like a minivan. The original concept had one front door – literally, the front of the car. Pivo 3 can rotate its wheels into a parking spot sideways, automatically.

Pivo 3 is the first version of this concept that could actually make it onto dealer lots. The auto-parking feature is just one of several ideas Nissan has to make Nissan Pivo the next, best selling “city-car” (a new name for smaller, technologically advanced vehicles built solely for urban use).

Pivo 3′s wheels rotate, enabling a 6.6-foot turning radius. The Japanese car’s in-wheel electric motors use up less space. It’s design, which places them directly under the chassis, leave ample room for passengers.

The NV food truck concept is well equipped to serve any kind of ethnic cuisine or dessert – complete with everything one needs to feed hoards of starving urbanites – fold-out serving windows, work counters, and an interchangeable kitchenette.

Though premiering in LA, many of these trucks would serve the city of New York very well. NYC is such a popular location for hundreds of mobile eateries, Apple even developed an iPhone app to help located every since one.

According to the New York City Food Truck Association: “They stimulate culinary innovation, draw tourists, energize the streets and are an important part of the social fabric of the city”.

Photos: InsideLine

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)

Back in 2007, New York City officials set out to find a replacement for their taxi cabs. After 4 years of debate, the roomy and green Nissan NV200 was chosen. The Taxi & Limousine Commission has “re-imagine the entire taxi system” – as hundreds of these vehicles are set to hit the streets by 2013.

Actually, if you live in certain parts of Manhattan or Brooklyn, you’ve already seen the NV200 pick up passengers. Nissan already utilizes their eco-friendly vehicle, Altima Hybrid, as a cab and police cruiser throughout The Big Apple.

“Nissan’s NV200 Taxi will be the first taxi in the world to offer new and iconic features developed for, and with, New Yorkers,” said Joe Castelli, vice president, Nissan Fleet & Commercial Vehicles. “The Taxi of Tomorrow Design Expo will offer a first look at these one-of-a-kind amenities, which include increased legroom, plenty of interior lighting, and materials that reduce odors and germs while supporting sustainability.”

The Nissan NV200 is under contract to be NYC’s official taxi for 10 years.

Source: Nissan PR

Unlike other auto makers, who reach out to tech and energy firms for assistance in developing hybrid vehicles, Nissan’s will be produced, researched and tested in-house.

The supercharged hybrid will consist of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (which, according to the company, will be as powerful as a 3.5-liter) attached to an electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack. No word on performance specifications as of yet.

This fuel-efficient powertrain is based on the one used in Infiniti’s M35h (Nissan’s luxury car brand).

Source: WCF

Rated at 32 MPG city, 38 highway, Versa was once touted as the least-expensive new car on the market. For just under $10,000, you could purchase a manual, no A/C and no radio Versa from your local Nissan dealer. Today, you get A/C and automatic standard, for $12,760. Available in Hatchback or Sedan, that’s still an amazing starting price for any 4-door 2012 model.

But you can go even lower, according to Nissan. The Versa includes three trim levels. The S model is expected to come in at $10,990 (MSRP before taxes and extra charges), with ABS, stability control, side and curtain airbags, 15-inch steel wheels, and CD player, with optional cruise control.

Power for all models is presented by the 1.6-liter I4 engine, which produces 109 horsepower and 107 lb-ft or torque at 4400 RPM’s. So far, we’re impressed.

Source, Images: Motor Trend

BBC’s Top Gear is making enemies of Nissan, after the hosts’ typically brutally honest opinions of the Japanese auto maker’s new model range. Clarkson said it was all so “boring.”

Nissan PR chief Tom Barnard complained that Clarkson’s review contained “inaccuracies”, “The presenters’ suggestion that the Leaf battery would be scrap after three years is plain wrong,” Barnard wrote.

“Other than that part we actually quite liked the review. They said lots of good things about the Leaf. But other media – who love to hate Top Gear it seems – leapt on this and said we had been moaning about the whole feature. There’s a reason we feel passionately about the Leaf,” he wrote. “We feel we need to be first with EV technology, even if it means we have to take a few punches at the beginning.”

Source: Autoblog UK