Nissan’s ITS navigation system watches the road for pedestrians, saves gas and, well, practically drives for you. Think of the “Intelligent Transportation System” as a GPS with AI (artificial intelligence), that can sense when Lil Conner is running after his kickball across a busy road. So far we don’t know if the voice of KITT comes standard.

According to the Nissan Press Release: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has announced an enhanced automotive navigation system design that utilizes intelligent transportation system (ITS) infrastructure and other advanced technology to promote safer and greener driving. The new navigation system – the world’s first to incorporate ITS information in a production vehicle – will debut on the next generation Nissan Fuga, which goes on sale in Japan in late 2009.

The navigation system includes four advanced features in addition to the standard navigation functions:
* Intersection/signal warning
* Elementary School-zone alerts
* Navigation-linked speed control
* Enhanced route search and calculation

Nissan’s been working on this software for over three years, and has completed successful real-life testing in Japan. ITS will become available on the Nissan Fuga, a luxury car set for the Japanese car market by year’s end.

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.

MAYOR BLOOMBERG AND POLICE COMMISSIONER KELLY INTRODUCE HYBRID CARS TO FLEET OF POLICE RESPONSE VEHICLES

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly today deployed 40 Nissan Altima Hybrids as the first alternative fuel vehicles to be used as marked and unmarked patrol cars in the Police Department’s fleet. The Altima Hybrids have been assigned to areas of the city where their fuel efficiency presents the greatest economic and environmental benefit – both in precincts with a large coverage area and smaller precincts prone to heavy stop-and-go traffic. The 40 hybrid vehicles, 18 marked and 22 unmarked, will be used in patrol precincts and other units in all five boroughs. The hybrid Altimas are partially funded by the intra-agency Energy Conservation Steering Committee, created by Executive Order signed by Mayor Bloomberg in 2007 and chaired by Deputy Mayor for Operations Edward Skyler.

“These new patrol cars will help fulfill the PlaNYC goal of reducing City government’s carbon footprint,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “Through savings in fuel, these Altimas can quickly cover their additional cost, from then they will save taxpayers money – another example of how going green is good for our environment and our pocketbooks.”

“The NYPD embraces innovation when it doesn’t compromise performance or safety to our personnel and the public,” said Commissioner Kelly. “We want to get the most mileage out of technology where it makes sense – with the addition of these hybrids, we’re doing that literally.”

While the Altima hybrids are the first alternate fuel vehicles to be used as regular police cars, the NYPD already uses hybrid vehicles in its parking enforcement fleet as well as electric scooters. The Police Department also has 10 GMC Yukon Hybrid SUVs employed by NYPD Duty Captains for marked patrol. Additionally, police officers utilize T-3 personal movers in city parks, stadiums and beaches. The Nissan Altima Hybrids account for 40 of over 100 total hybrid vehicles the Department is expected to deploy this year.

The Nissan Altima Hybrids were acquired earlier this year following evaluation and testing by the Police Department’s Fleet Services Division and Driver Training Unit. At $25,391 per vehicle, the Altima hybrids cost about $1,500 more than the conventional Impala. At 35 miles per gallon for city driving, the hybrid Altima gets double the gas mileage of the Impala, which gets only 16 miles per gallon. The Altima hybrids, manufactured in Smyrna, Tennessee and outfitted with equipment specialized for patrol, will be used in addition to the Chevrolet Impala and the Ford Crown Victoria. The Department also uses Dodge Chargers, mainly for highway patrol. As with all hybrid technology vehicles, the Altima switches between gasoline engine and electric motor. After a year of monitoring the vehicles performance the Department will determine whether to further expand them into the fleet. The Nissan Altima Hybrids will bring to over 170 the total number of hybrid vehicles the Department is expected to deploy this year.

In July 2008, Mayor Bloomberg put forth a long-term action plan to achieve the PlaNYC goal of reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from the City’s municipal buildings and operations by 30 percent by 2017. The long-term plan, available on nyc.gov, is a comprehensive guide to reducing the City’s carbon footprint, through making City buildings more efficient, improving preventative maintenance, capturing energy potential at wastewater treatment plants, and more. To meet its 30 percent reduction goal by 2017, the City must produce 1.68 million fewer metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) annually compared with 2006 levels. This will be achieved through an aggressive capital improvement program for the City’s facilities, and significant enhancements to its current operations and maintenance practices. The projects in the long-term plan, including the purchase of some of the Nissan Altima hybrids, will be partially funded by an annual commitment of 10 percent of the City’s energy budget, which in fiscal year 2009 is $100 million. City government accounts for approximately 6.5 percent of New York City’s total energy usage and 10 percent of its peak electricity demand.

The Corvette ZR1 and Porsche 911 Carrera were also in the running this year, but according to officials “The drive of the GT-R, especially on a track, reveals an incredibly flexible all-wheel-drive chassis that lays down the rubber whenever you request it… for $77,000 it may be the world’s best enthusiast car.” The Nissan GT-R is powered by a direct injection 3.8-litre twin turbo V6 engine with 24 valves. At its best it produces 480hp (357kW) and maximum torque of 588Nm (430 lb-ft) between 3,200 and 5,200rpm. Full details in the press release below.

The 2009 World Performance Car award, presented by Mobil 1, went to the Nissan GT-R as announced today during the awards press conference hosted by the New York International Auto Show and Mobil 1 at the Jacob Javits Centre in Manhattan, New York, USA.

The Nissan GT-R was chosen from an initial entry list of twenty-three (23) contenders nominated by fifty-nine (59) World Car jurors from twenty-five (25) countries throughout the world.

While the winner of the overall World Car of the Year award must excel in a broad range of attributes, there is a segment of the car-buying public for whom performance – in its broadest sense – overrides all other priorities. Vehicles appealing to that clientele may be too narrowly focused to appeal to the masses, but it is an important element in the overall automotive mix. It is for that reason that the World Performance Car award was created in 2005.

Candidates for the World Performance Car award must demonstrate a specific and overt Sports/Performance orientation. They must also satisfy the same availability criteria as for the overall World Car award and may be chosen from that list of eligible vehicles.

Additional entrants may include newly introduced variants that satisfy the same criteria, but are derived from existing rather than brand-new models. In all cases, they must have a minimum annual production rate of five-hundred (500) vehicles.

The jurors voted in January 2009 in order to establish a top ten shortlist. The 2009 World Performance Car was chosen from those finalists as tabulated by the international accounting firm KPMG.

WCOTY’s jurors observed that the “Nissan GT-R stole the headlines in the sports car world in 2008. This GT-R – the R35 – throws even former GT-Rs into the weeds via an all-new 3.6-liter bi-turbo V-8 providing 480 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. The drive of the GT-R, especially on a track, reveals an incredibly flexible all-wheel-drive chassis that lays down the rubber whenever you request it. Acceleration to 60 mph from a stop takes just 3.5 seconds, or a tick behind fellow Performance finalist the Corvette ZR1. This is a complete effort put forth by the normally conservative Nissan and the pleasure is in doing laps of a favorite circuit and feeling the sheer capabilities of the car. For $77,000 it may be the world’s best enthusiast car.”

“On behalf of the global team of designers, engineers and others behind the development of the Nissan GT-R, Nissan proudly accepts the 2009 World Performance Car of the Year award. This recognition validates their unique vision in creating a true world supercar that can be enjoyed by anyone, anytime and anywhere. Beyond power, beyond performance, GT-R goes beyond expectations. Thank you, jurors, for this unexpected honor,” said Brian Carolin, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Nissan North America, Inc.

The top three contenders for the World Performance Car were the Nissan GT-R, the Corvette ZR1 and the Porsche 911 Carrera.

Mobil 1 announced its sponsorship of the World Performance Car award in November 2007. “Over the past several months, it has been our pleasure to see three Mobil 1 partners recognized for their automotive engineering excellence and vie for the world’s top performance car honor,” said Nancy Carlson, strategic global alliances – sales director, ExxonMobil Lubricants & Petroleum Specialties. “For more than 35 years, ExxonMobil research and engineering teams have collaborated with auto manufacturers around the globe to ensure that Mobil 1, the world’s leading synthetic motor oil brand, continues to deliver exceptional protection for all types of vehicles and evolving engine technologies. Consequently, we know first-hand how deserving all three finalists are for this recognition and congratulate everyone at Nissan and the team behind the Nissan GT-R for earning the title of 2009 World Performance Car.”

Previous World Performance Car winners were the Audi R8 in 2008, the Audi RS4 in 2007 and the Porsche Cayman S in 2006.

Now in their sixth year, the annual World Car awards have become one of the world’s most prestigious, credible and significant programs of its kind.

The awards were inaugurated in 2003, and officially launched in January 2004, to reflect the reality of the global marketplace, as well as to recognize and reward automotive excellence on an international scale. The awards are intended to complement, not compete, with existing national and regional Car of the Year programs.

The awards are administered by a non-profit association, under the guidance of a Steering Committee of pre-eminent automotive journalists from Asia, Europe, and North America. There is no affiliation with, nor are the awards in any way influenced by any publication, auto show, automaker, or other commercial enterprise.

What’s the most technologically advanced car in Japan? According to the country’s Car of the Year award, it’s the Nissan GT-R. With a combination of advanced body structure, low-emissions driving and an almost futuristic transmission, GT-R far surpasses any modern car by a major automaker in the Far East.

A July delivery of this next-generation of Japanese sports cars will have fans in the US of A racing to their Nissan dealership.

From Nissan’s Car of the Year Press Release:

NISSAN GT-R WINS CAR OF THE YEAR JAPAN‘S MOST ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY AWARD

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd is proud that the NISSAN GT-R super car has won the Most Advanced Technology Award, one of the highly coveted awards of Car of the Year Japan 2008-2009.

The final selection, conducted by the Car of the Year Japan Executive Committee, took place from November 10-11 at Oiso, Kanagawa prefecture. In awarding winner, the jury cited the NISSAN GT-R “as a super car that delivers powerful performance and clean emission, featuring an advanced new body structure combining carbon, aluminum and steel, in addition to its impressive dual-clutch transmission and the world’s first independent transaxle 4WD”.

NISSAN GT-R has been a global success since its launch on December 6, 2007 in Japan and July 7, 2008 in North America. The NISSAN GT-R will be arriving in Europe next spring.