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Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG Top Mid Size Sports Cars

Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG Top Mid Size Sports Cars

Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG Top Mid Size Cars

Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG Top Cars

Nissan GT-R GT500 Race car (2008)

Nissan GT-R GT500 Race car

The GT500 specification Nissan GT-R racing car, which will vie for the 2008 SUPER GT series, will make its public debut at the upcoming "Tokyo Auto Salon with NAPAC" (January 11-13, 2008 at Makuhari Messe), followed by the "Osaka Auto Messe 2008" (February 9-11, 2008 at Intecks Osaka), the country's two largest annual custom car shows.

The new works livery - which will be featured across Nissan motorsports activities during the 2008 season - will be unveiled on the race car. Nissan will vie for the SUPER GT Championship, one of the world's most demanding GT race series, with the new machine built on the same multi-performance super car concept of the Nissan GT-R road car.

The new livery resulted from close collaboration between Nissan's design team and NISMO, its motorsports affiliate company, and incorporates feedback from members of the "Club NISMO" fan club.

The signature wide "brush stroke" design motif, synonymous with the current Fairlady Z race car, was carried forward into the new GT-R racing car as Nissan's racing fans worldwide could immediately associate with the design. The livery design swipes forward from the rear in bold red and black - the red symbolises the passion for racing, while the black signifies the high performance of the new Nissan GT-R.

Further details of the GT500 Nissan GT-R including technical specifications will be announced on 31 January as well as Nissan's full range of global motorsports activities for the coming season.

Koenigsegg CCXR Edition Sports Car

Koenigsegg CCXR is an "environmentally-friendly" version of the CCX sports car, powered by a modified twin-supercharged V8 engine from the CCX, converted to use E85 or E100 ethanol fuel as well as standard 98 octane petrol.

Koenigsegg Quant Four-Seat Sports Car

Koenigsegg Quant is a planned four-seat Swedish made sports car. Quant uses an unusual layout with two large gullwing doors providing access to both front and rear seats. Power comes from a "solar electric" system developed with the help of NLV Solar using a new type of lightweight battery technology called "Flow Accumulator Energy Storage" as well as a photovoltaic coating used to capture solar energy. Koenigsegg Quant sports car was unveiled in 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

Aston Martin Rapide British Luxury Car

Aston Martin has announced that the Rapide will be built at a dedicated plant at the Magna Steyr facility in Graz, Austria. Production will start in 2010. The production version will feature a full-length glass roof and LED light bars on the rear end, two firsts for Aston Martin.

2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT-500

2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT-500 Coupe sports car production was factory-sponsored program by Ford to initially compete with the Corvette. Stop by AmericanMuscle.com and check out our large inventory of
Mustang Performance Parts.

Chevrolet Spark/Beat Mini Car

Nissan GT-R (2008)

Nissan GT-R

The new Nissan GT-R may well be the most accomplished and technologically advanced high performance car ever made. One of the world's fastest vehicles, it is also probably the world's easiest and most secure high-speed car to drive fast. The multi-performance supercar Nissan GT-R raced through the Nürburgring circuit - where the condition of the fearsome high-speed corner, "Kesselchen" was wet - with a time of 7m38s. The new Nissan GT-R is also striking value, offering much better performance - in acceleration, cornering power and braking - than all equivalently priced sports coupes.

Like previous versions of the legendary race-winning GT-R, the latest model is a showcase for Nissan's engineering talents. Features include an advanced full-time four-wheel drive system that improves traction and cornering power. This four-wheel drive system uses an independent transaxle 4WD (a world first) for greater agility. There is a brand new 480 PS (353 kW) V6 twin-turbo engine that combines exhilarating power with an ultra-low emission exhaust (Japanese regulation) and the best fuel economy in its sector. The lightweight body, which uses a new package (Nissan's 'Premium Midship'), features diecast aluminium, carbon fibre and advanced steel plus a class-leading aerodynamic Cd of just 0.27. There's a new dual-clutch paddle shift transmission that offers exceptionally fast gear shifts and the facility to drive in full automatic mode, improving ease of driving. The big ventilated Brembo disc brakes offer immense stopping performance.

'The new Nissan GT-R is an extraordinary car, a technological flagship for Nissan that demonstrates our passion for cars,' says Carlos Tavares, executive vice president for corporate and product planning. 'It is designed for optimal high-speed performance in all road conditions. No car combines such speed, ease of driving, ability to excel in all road conditions, such exhilaration, value-for-money and distinctive style. As with its predecessors that have worn the famous GT-R badge, it is a technological wonder car, with an extraordinary breadth of ability. That's why we say it's for anyone, anywhere, at anytime.'

For anyone - because drivers of all abilities can enjoy its extraordinary performance, from professional racing drivers to those who simply want a stylish and exciting car for weekend driving.

For anywhere - because here is a supercar that's been developed around the world, from the twists and turns and dips and crests of the famous Nürburgring racing circuit in Germany, to Nissan's high-speed hot weather circuit in Arizona, to the snowy roads of Michigan. It is the world's only supercar that's just at home on dry Tarmac, snow and on wet rainy roads, helped by its advanced four-wheel drive system that offers superb traction and safety. Unlike previous versions of the GT-R, this one will be sold in both right- and left-hand drive forms around the world, including the North American and mainland European markets.

At anytime - because it is just as capable on hot summer days as snowy winter ones, by day or at night.

Technological highlights include:

• An independent transaxle and advanced four-wheel drive system that continuously adjusts torque front-to-rear (and vice versa) depending on dynamic needs
• New six-speed paddle shift dual-clutch gearbox featuring an exceedingly quick gearshift or fully automatic for ease-of-driving
• New high-efficient 3.8-litre twin turbo V6 engine, mating great horsepower (480 PS / 353 kW), a wide torque spread (maximum torque 60kgm / 588 Nm), good fuel economy and low emissions (conforming to ULEV regulations in Japan ). New technology includes plasma coated bores to improve cooling efficiency and boost both power and economy
• Aerodynamic body of just 0.27 Cd - so it's one of the world's slickest cars. This is specially unusual on a supercar that offers high downforce front and rear
• New body using lightweight steel, carbon fibre and diecast aluminium construction
• Brembo drilled ventilated disc brakes and Brembo opposed monoblock callipers that offer immense stopping power
• Dampers, gear shift and VDC-R are all manually adjustable, by simple switches on the dashboard, offering maximum comfort with ease of driving, or maximum performance
• Multi-functional instrument display, designed by the people who created the graphics of the Sony PlayStation Gran-Turismo game
• A g-force meter in the instrument display, showing both lateral (acceleration and braking) and transverse (cornering) forces.

'The challenge is to build a car that is stable and quiet at that speed, a car that is comfortable and easy to drive at that speed, a car that has excellent straight-line stability at over 300 km/h (186mph), a car that can handle snow and ice and rain at high speed, a car that is also environmentally sound and has a very high safety standards. It is my belief that no car mixes these abilities like the new Nissan GT-R,' says Kazutoshi Mizuno, chief vehicle engineer and chief product specialist for the Nissan GT-R, and former Nissan racing team director and chief engineer.

Mizuno describes the Nissan GT-R as a 'multi-performance supercar for the 21st century.'

'I believe it creates a completely new car genre. It inherits the DNA of past great GT-Rs and packs it with the very latest technology. The key factors are the utilisation of the earth's natural forces and the high technology for human-machine interface, developed to control the ultimate performance. Our objective was to create a flagship model to promote our technology but also to develop a new type of supercar. Supercars have traditionally been aimed at drivers with advanced skills. But our new "multi-performance supercar" can be driven fast and skilfully by just about anybody in just about any road condition.'

Despite the extraordinarily high level of technology, the GT-R has some old-fashioned sports car features, not least that much of the assembly of the car, made at Nissan's Tochigi plant. Each engine is hand assembled by a single engineer (at Nissan's Yokohama factory) and so is each transmission.

Exterior Design

The design bears a close resemblance to the Nissan GT-R Proto shown at the 2005 Tokyo Show and, in turn, has much in common stylistically with the 2001 Nissan GT-R Concept.

'We wanted to design a car that looked uniquely Japanese - it is very definitely not a European or American fast car,' says Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President, & Chief Creative Officer, Design and Brand Management, Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. 'We also wanted to highlight the functionality of the car - it is a car that is easy to use and easy to drive - and continues the proud heritage of the GT-R.'

The new Nissan GT-R is a muscular, distinctive looking car. Chunky, edgy, wide shouldered, ground-hugging and flat-sided, it is also one of the most aerodynamic cars in the world (Cd 0.27) as well as being one of the most distinctive.

The style is based closely on the GT-R Proto shown at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show to great critical acclaim. The only significant styling difference - apart from small details - is to the front styling, changed mostly to allow for superior crash test protection.

This is the first GT-R not based on a mass-volume Nissan vehicle (the last GT-R was based on the Skyline). That gave design director Shiro Nakamura, Product chief designer Hiroshi Hasegawa and their team a great deal of freedom to create Japan 's ultimate supercar.

'The mission was to achieve a distinctive car, a supercar, but not a normal fast car - it's chunkier, more practical and more muscular,' says Nakamura. 'The element of functionality is core to the GT-R. It's not too low; it's easy to get in and out of, has good visibility and is easy to drive. That functionality is reflected in the design. It is clearly not an Italian, German or American car - it is unmistakably Japanese. It is very mechanical, almost like an animated robot - it is obviously made from metal, has big shoulders and looks strong and muscular. The previous R34 GT-R had the same image. It's like you could be playing this car on a video game.

'We didn't want a nice elegant shape - we wanted an original shape. Some people who buy this car will also have a Ferrari and a Porsche. This car must be different from all others. I see it as a car influenced not by feminine beauty, like Italian cars, but by masculine beauty - it is strong, well toned, well muscled. It has big deep flanks and is very toned - that's part of the muscled stance.'

Overt functional touches include the kink in the rear pillar - 'it is highly distinctive and helps rear airflow,' says Nakamura, 'and it also gives the GT-R a really unusual roof line, which I like.' The side front fender air scoops also improve the car's aero performance by improving airflow around the tyres, are highly distinctive and almost animalistic. They also help cool the big chested twin-turbo V6. Nakamura also feels those deep flat sides are highly functional. 'They're flat like a well toned stomach but they also help when judging the car's width plus they're very aerodynamic.'

Good aerodynamics was a key requirement for the high-speed Nissan GT-R. 'Designing a car is always a balance between engineering and aesthetics. But with the Nissan GT-R we had very little conflict. We knew this car had to be Nissan's technological showcase. Our designers worked very closely with the aerodynamicists to ensure excellent air flow and good downforce essential for a car that has such a high top speed and such excellent high speed stability.'

The new car also continues the proud GT-R design lineage. 'It's quite square and edgy at first glance although full of interesting curvatures and subtle shapes when you look closer. Like all great designs, the closer you look, the more you see.'

The pillars are quite upright, emphasising that this is not an impractical low-slung supercar. There are the four round tail lamps mirrored in the four chunky round exhausts directly below. Specific styling cues, borrowed from great Nissans of the past, include the edgy boxy shape of the PGC10 GT-R of 1969, the four round tail lamps of the KPGC110 GT-R of 1973 and the long thin slit grille opening of the R34 GT-R of 1999.

Interior design

Like the exterior, the Nissan GT-R's interior is stylish but highly functional. The cabin is unique, sharing no major components or design features with any other Nissan model. The Nissan GT-R is a bespoke supercar, new from the ground up.

Instruments are large, clear and simple, all directly in front of the driver for maximum legibility. The circular analogue instruments are ringed in chunky bezels and there is a tachometer in pride of place, red-lined at 7000rpm. Within the tachometer is an easy-to-see gearshift position display.

More unusual is a multi-function display in the centre of the dash, that not only gives you a detailed log of your driving behaviour - speed, g-force, fuel economy etc - but also gives details of the car's mechanical information - turbo boost, water and engine oil pressure, transmission oil, front/rear drive distribution plus steering angles, braking and acceleration pressure, and also optimal gearshift mapping for best fuel economy. The design of the multi-function display, which also includes the satellite navigation and audio controls, was done in conjunction with Polyphony Digital Inc, designer of the Gran-Turismo video game series for Sony PlayStation.

In the centre of the dashboard, below the multi-function display, is a cluster angled towards the driver. It contains switches for the air conditioning, audio and set-up switches, used to change the tuning of components including dampers, gear shift and VDC.

The centre console, which sweeps through the middle of the cabin, contains a red start button, leather shift lever (the same leather used for the steering wheel, to help tactility) and parking brake, which aligns with the centre armrest. The shift lever selector chooses Park, Reverse, Neutral, Automatic or Manual, and manual gear shifts are via paddles directly behind the steering wheel. There is a full automatic gear change provision, useful in heavy traffic or when relaxing rather than sporty driving is desired.

The steering wheel is small, comfortable to hold and trimmed in soft hand-stitched leather. Switches have been placed on spokes in an orderly, logical manner.

Seats are especially designed for the Nissan GT-R. They're heavily side bolstered for maximum lateral support and comfort. It is particularly better for supporting the body and reduces any slip. To relax the lower legs during longer drives, the front edge of the seat is unusually flat; it also makes getting into and out of the seat easier.

Access to front or rear seats is easy and visibility is excellent. Though the car fully engenders a special 'sense of occasion' once behind the wheel - thanks to the sporty cabin, dynamic performance and handling - it is a also a very 'normal' car in many ways, not so different from an everyday sedan. It's roomy, comfortable, light and airy. It is much more practical and user friendly than other cars in this performance bracket.

The Nissan GT-R has the greatest range of seat adjustment of any supercar, to ensure that virtually all drivers can get comfortable behind the wheel. The driver's seat is designed so that anyone from 144cm-190cm will feel comfortable behind the wheel. The seat slide is long (228mm), the seat is height and rake-adjustable and the steering wheel also has a wide range of adjustments (60mm tilt, 60mm telescopic), the better to allow almost all drivers to find the perfect driving position. The fulcrum for the tilt mechanism is at the bottom of the steering shaft, to keep the steering wheel angle optimised.

Like many high-performance four-seat coupes, the rear seats are more 'occasional' seats than full-size chairs. Though perfectly comfortable for most adults on short journeys, they are better for children or for carrying bags, jackets and other goods. The centre console sweeps through the middle of the cabin, dividing left and right rear seats. Between the seats there is the provision for optional two BOSE sound system woofers.

The trunk is large (VDA: 315L), easily big enough for two sets of golf bags or for substantial holiday luggage. Luggage space is further improved by the car's run-flat tyres which obviate the need for a spare tyre in the trunk.

The seat has three colour schemes: black, black with red highlight or grey.

Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President & Chief Creative Officer, Design and Brand Management, Nissan Motor Co. Ltd: 'An underlying philosophy of the Nissan GT-R is that it is a fast car that's easy to drive fast. So there is nothing intimidating about the controls. Everything feels instantly familiar, apart from the novel multi-function meter - which is also highly intuitive and we believe will prove very popular with owners.'

Engine

Nissan's VR38DETT is a brand new engine specially developed for the Nissan GT-R. The 3.8-litre unit uses twin IHI turbochargers. Its maximum power is 480 PS (353 kW) at 6400rpm. This makes the Nissan GT-R one of the most powerful Japanese road cars and the most powerful production car ever built by Nissan.

'More important than absolute power, is the manner in which it is delivered,' says chief vehicle engineer Kazutoshi Mizuno. 'The engine's very tractable and that means it's very easy to drive, a key quality of the Nissan GT-R.' Maximum torque of 60kgm (588 Nm) is delivered seamlessly from 3200-5200rpm.

It is also a very efficient engine, reducing emissions and fuel consumption. The Nissan GT-R is the world's most efficient supercar in balancing speed, acceleration and fuel consumption. Environmental performance is further reinforced by its satisfying Japan 's U-LEV (ultra low emission vehicle) standards.

The engine's high environmental standard is partly due to the innovative plasma-coated bores, which improve cooling, boosting fuel efficiency and power. The plasma sprayed cylinder liner bores are just 0.15mm thick, compared with conventional cast iron liners of 2.6mm. Not only are they much better at dissipating heat, improving efficiency, they're also lighter - saving about 3 kg in a V6 engine. To ensure sufficient lubrication of this sprayed-on cylinder liner in the aluminium block, special synthetic engine oil is used (Mobil-1 RP OW-40).

In addition, the fully independent intake and exhaust systems produce a higher output and a faster response. These fully symmetrical intake and exhaust systems increase air intake and reduce exhaust resistance, producing a smooth and fast gas flow. The twin IHI turbochargers are highly responsive.

Emissions are improved by a secondary air system, featuring an air pump, which promotes a faster catalyst reaction.

The Nissan GT-R's advanced electronic controls respond quickly to climate and altitude changes, ensuring maximum performance at all times. Precise monitoring of the air-fuel ratio further improves fuel efficiency and emissions. This precise control improves high-performance fuel consumption by five percent. During ordinary low-rev driving, the Nissan GT-R will typically generate about 40 kgm (392 Nm) of torque - sufficient for excellent pick-up and acceleration - and this high output allows for an optimum air-fuel ratio, significantly improving fuel efficiency and exhaust cleanliness. 'When driving on moderate throttle openings - in other words, in normal everyday driving - the Nissan GT-R proves to be especially ecologically friendly,' says Mizuno. 'Its fuel economy advantage over rivals is magnified in such normal everyday driving situations.' In automatic mode, the transmission quickly chooses high gear ratios, allowing the engine to ride along on a wave of low-rev torque.

Other technical innovations include a thermostatically controlled air-cooled oil cooler system, for greater cooling efficiency. The engine oil is cooled by an oil cooler system and in extreme cornering - of which the Nissan GT-R is easily capable - a scavenger pump maintains turbocharger oil flow. The oil collecting structure inside the engine is optimised by a lateral wet and dry sump system, which helps secure stable oil collecting and oil pressure in various driving scenes.

A collector tank inside the fuel tank always stores enough fuel to maintain fuel flow even under strong g forces.

The engines, like the transmissions, are all hand made. One craftsman hand-assembles the entire engine. The dedicated engine builders work in a special Nissan GT-R 'clean room' area of Nissan's Yokohama plant.

Transmission

The Nissan GT-R uses an all-new GR6-type transmission, exclusively developed for the car. The paddle shift six-speed twin clutch gearbox is highly efficient - unlike an automatic transmission with conventional torque converter, there is minimum power loss so response and fuel economy is improved.

In M range (for manual transmission mode), the paddle shift gives exceedingly quick changes. Such quick gear changing maintains the turbo boost, so acceleration is one strong powerful seamless burst.

The twin clutches make a significant contribution to shift speed. There are separate clutches for the odd (1,3,5) and even (2,4,6) gears. When the car is running in an odd number gear, the adjacent even numbered gears are pre-selected and are ready to make the shift immediately in the sequential-shifting gearbox. When downshifting, a synchronised rev control 'blips' the throttle precisely to synchronise engine speed for extra-fast downshifts. Borg-Warner triple cone synchronisers are used.

When R range - the sportiest setting - is chosen on the set-up switch, a computerised control predicts the driver's next gear change, based on throttle opening, vehicle speed, braking and other information.

The Nissan GT-R uniquely offers exceedingly quick gear shift speeds and full automatic transmission. In A (automatic transmission) range, the car changes gear automatically, in the most fuel efficient manner. Higher gears are used whenever possible, benefiting from the car's massive 588 Nm of torque, and its long and flat torque curve. The car can be driven in sixth gear for long periods at low speeds, and still offers good throttle response. Such docile behaviour is at odds with most equivalently fast supercars and is one of the many unique aspects of this technology flagship.

The E-TS electronic traction control and rear final drive with limited slip differential (for better power delivery) are both integrated into the surprisingly compact and light rear transaxle. By placing the input/output shafts diagonally, the transmission is flat and the car's centre of gravity can be lowered.

One highly useful and unusual feature is the Nissan GT-R's Hill Start Assist. On an uphill gradient, which the car automatically recognises, the system maintains brake pressure for about two seconds after the release of the brake pedal, making hill starts easy.

Suspension

The Nissan GT-R has a new type of suspension offering excellent straight-line stability, even over 186 mph (300 km/h), plus top-class handling and braking in all situations - from urban commutes, to snowy and slushy roads, to the racetrack. The suspension is designed around the new 'Premium Mid-ship' package, and takes advantage of the perfect load balance of all four wheels.

A set-up switch allows the driver to access three different suspension modes: R (high performance), Sports (the normal setting) and Comfort (for city driving to absorb road bumps). The set-up switch electronically changes the settings on the Bilstein DampTronic dampers, specially developed for the Nissan GT-R.

In R mode, the Bilsteins ensure flat, hard cornering for high-speed and maximum feedback. In the other two modes - Sport and Comfort - the dampers are electronically controlled to produce the best possible handling/ride balance (depending on which setting is chosen). Special sensors measure 11 vehicle elements including vehicle speed, lateral acceleration speed, steering angle speed, demand torque, estimate torque, engine rpm, brake fluid pressure, normal acceleration, ABS anti-lock braking behaviour and vehicle stop information.
Brakes

The Nissan GT-R has huge front and rear Brembo fully ventilated drilled steel disc brakes (φ380). They give superb pedal feel as well as immense stopping power.

The full floating rotors stabilise braking while also preventing heat distortion. The inner parts of the rotors have diamond-shaped ventilated ribs, to ease cooling, while the rotors are also cross drilled to run as cool as possible.

Brembo monoblock six-piston callipers are used in front and rear four piston type. To generate strong braking force and prevent calliper distortion, racing-style three bolt structures are used.

Four-wheel drive

The new Nissan GT-R uses probably the most advanced four-wheel drive system on a road car ever used. The all-wheel drive (ATTESA E-TS) optimally distributes power to the front wheels when and if necessary. Though naturally rear-drive biased, up to 50 percent of torque can be fed forwards improving traction in difficult conditions - such as rain, frost, ice or snow. Front drive is also utilised to improve cornering performance on Tarmac, improving traction and stability.

Special computerised control automatically alters the front/rear torque split from zero torque at the front wheels, to 50 percent of total torque. The control is varied continuously, as various sensors on the car measure speed; lateral and transverse acceleration, steering angles, tyre slip and other road surface and yaw rate.

On the new Nissan GT-R an additional sensor is the yaw-rate feedback control, which measures the difference between the target yaw rate calculated from the steering angle, the actual yaw rate detected by the yaw-rate sensor and G sensor. Front and rear torque is automatically corrected accordingly.

The four-wheel drive system includes a Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC-R), the Nissan GT-R's electronic stability control system. This continually monitors the vehicle's behaviour. If off balance behaviour is detected - such as sliding or skidding - torque to the wheels will be altered to help stabilise the car. Electronic traction control is also fitted to rear mechanical limited slip differentials, preventing wheelspin and improving grip.

Hill Start Assist Function is added for assisting starts gradients. (On an uphill grade, the system maintains brake pressure for about two seconds after release of the brake pedal).

Nissan Forum Concept (2008)

Nissan Forum Concept

The Nissan FORUM Concept, an exploratory design concept developed by Nissan Design America, Inc. (NDA), represents the next revolution in family transportation. Answering the challenge of making family passenger vehicles more appealing to both drivers and passengers, FORUM offers a wide array of innovative ideas - from its trackless sliding side doors and elimination of traditional B-pillars, to an interior featuring a multi-position swiveling 2 nd row seat and next-generation entertainment and family communications technology. Nissan FORUM Concept makes its world auto show debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

Two Independent Zones In One Room

As its name suggests, FORUM is conceived as a "gathering place," bringing adults and children together in two independent but linked "zones." Targeting families with older children who not only can entertain themselves but also demand to, FORUM respects the needs and desires of both grownups and kids.

In front is the parents' zone, with advanced information technology controls and seats designed to enhance driving pleasure. The rear zone is the dedicated kids' space, where they can feel comfortable and entertained. FORUM's advanced technology bridges the two zones, as desired, into one unique family "togetherness" space.

"From a conceptual standpoint, FORUM is closer to a family limousine than the minivans Gen Xers have grown up with. But unlike a real limo - or sometimes traditional minivans - the FORUM driver is just as important as the passengers," said Rachel Nguyen, director, Advanced Planning and Strategy, Nissan North America, Inc. "It offers a sophisticated space for adults and an engaging space for children - allowing both groups to enjoy themselves in their own individualistic ways while being connected in one vehicle. Like every Nissan, this dramatic Nissan FORUM Concept combines passionate driving, emotive design and an abundance of advanced, user-friendly technology."

The FORUM conceptual and design teams took care to consider the needs of both male and female drivers. "Traditional minivans are often perceived as the 'Mom's car' - but Nissan FORUM Concept is designed to be gender neutral. The reality is that both Moms and Dads want style, performance and driving pleasure in their vehicles, whether transporting kids or not."

Research shows that the primary driver of family vehicles often changes depending on the day of the week and family schedules. During the week, FORUM's primary driver might be a mom, picking up the kids at school, dropping them off at practices or lessons - so we've incorporated advanced communications systems such as rear seat camera monitoring cameras and audio controls. "Sometimes being a mom is just about managing the chaos, but moms also deserve some personal space of their own. Nissan FORUM Concept is designed to give moms a balance between needs and the kids'," said Nguyen.

On the weekends, a dad might become the primary driver, taking over FORUM for errands, longer trips or recreational drives - so FORUM is designed with responsive power and handling, and more aggressive, performance-car styling than traditional family vehicles. Nissan FORUM Concept also offers the exceptional flexibility required to haul large objects and other "weekend gear."

"We also know that with traditional minivans, both moms and dads sometimes feel like they are sitting in a kids' playroom - losing their identities in the vehicle," continued Nguyen. "FORUM lets kids be kids and grown-ups be grown-ups, with the adults firmly in charge."

Ultimately, FORUM is conceived as a place to share - a destination in itself, as well as enjoyable transportation to other venues.

"There are many occasions during a week when, with a family's busy schedule, the vehicle is the only place where everyone is together - so we've incorporated features and technology to enhance this precious 'quality time,'" said Nguyen.

Pushing the Envelope of Exterior Design

Though respecting the basic layout of a "one box" design, Nissan FORUM Concept adds a higher level of dramatic styling through its wide stance, high beltline, wide-open visibility and an aggressive front end appearance.

FORUM's design innovations include wide-opening front doors and no B-pillars - creating exceptional access to the 2 nd and 3 rd row seats. FORUM's front doors open 90 degrees, which combined with the long sliding side doors, create wide openings for easy entry and exit of all three rows. "We were able to engineer the lack of B-pillars through use of extra thick reinforced roof and door frames - putting the material where it needs to go to help maintain structural integrity for this concept," said Bruce Campbell, vice president, Design, NDA. "Not only does this greatly enhance the ease of getting in and out of the rear seats, it allows us to utilize the 2 nd row seat as a sort of 'bleacher' - adding a new dimension to watching sports, picnicking or other outdoor family activities."

Another exterior innovation is FORUM's trackless sliding side door design, which offers a clean, uninterrupted, non-traditional profile. A special patented hinge system makes the trackless door possible.

Integrated into the SkyView™ moonroof panels are hidden sunshades, which allow the glass panels to be closed off during hot days. Other exterior features include LED lights front and rear, with a subtle LED light bar accenting the sweeping grille and hood design; soft-edged side outside mirrors; wide six-spoke alloy wheels and low-profile tires; a wide rear hatch; and dual exhaust outlets.

A Suite Interior

Inside the sophisticated skin is where Nissan FORUM Concept really comes alive. The aniline leather-appointed, pedestal-style driver's and front passenger seat and cockpit area - surrounded in rich aluminum and wood - offers "front cabin" comfort and control.

FORUM's dramatic "floating" instrument panel design blends next-generation communications technology with simple, intuitive controls. The instrument panel includes dual climate controls, Bluetooth® wireless technology and mood lighting under the upper and lower console areas. A built-in console-mounted microwave, sized to fit a standard bag of microwave popcorn, is accessible from the front and center seats.

FORUM also features special vertical wave pattern carpeting. The one-inch thick "modern shag" style carpeting is 100 percent wool and, despite its elegant appearance, is easy to clean.

Designed in conjunction with the pillar-less side doors, Forum's revolutionary "Turntable Seating" 2 nd row bucket-formed seat rotates 90 degrees to either side to create "grandstand" seating for watching sports or for picnicking and "side-gating."

The seat also rotates a full 180 degrees to face the three-passenger rear seat, creating family-style seating for up to five passengers. The 2 nd row seat is operated by a small motor mounted in the vehicle floor. When it is time to rotate the seats, the center console lifts up and the two seat halves come together. At the same time, the two front seats move forward to aid in rotations clearance.

The 2 nd row seat also includes individual wireless monitors, located in the seat console, for watching DVDs or playing games, and integrated seat belts (also utilized in the front and 3 rd row seats).

Togetherness Through Technology

FORUM's interior is also a showcase for the latest mobile communications technology, much of it developed in conjunction with the Bose® Corporation.

"With older, more self-sufficient children, the driver's role become more of a coordinator, rather than a protector, allowing the driver to enjoy her or his own time while facilitating togetherness," said Campbell. "The idea is to enable controlled craziness in the rear zone, rather than complete chaos - which we've accomplished with a combination of communications and monitoring systems."

Close watch on rear cabin occupants is provided by a "Kids Cam" monitoring system, which utilizes 2 nd and 3 rd row cameras mounted in the headliner and connected to the main instrument panel LCD display monitor. Selectable camera control switches are mounted above the rearview mirror.

A one-button audio muting "Time Out" system, with the controller located in the lower center portion of the steering wheel, allows the driver to simultaneously mute all audio playing in the Nissan FORUM Concept and broadcast the driver's voice over all interior speakers - enabling quick and easy communication to both rows of rear seats.

"The 'Time Out' system gives the driver and passengers a sometimes much-needed time out, while the rear zone cameras enable observation - and interaction - when needed, while helping drivers keep their primary attention on the road," explained Campbell.

FORUM also offers an advanced Bose® Media System, which combines infotainment features and intelligent design, with single knob proximity sensor-based controller helping the driver, again, keep their focus where it should be - on the road. Waving a hand near the controller triggers infrared sensors to bring up the initial system interface.

The Bose® Media System's unique interface allows easy access to a wealth of features, including XM® Satellite Radio, hard disc drive music storage, DVD, iPod® interface, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System and an advanced navigation system.

FORUM also employs Nissan's advanced Around View Monitor (AVM) system, found in the new 2008 Infiniti EX35. The AVM system includes front, side and rear-mounted cameras and an advanced controller that combines the images together to give the driver a unique view of all four sides of the vehicle - helping to reduce driver blind spots when parking.

State-of-the-art audio is provided by the Bose® SeatCentric™ system, which includes headrest and seatback speakers for consistent stereo image event as the seat swivels - along with independent audio programming for all three rows.

Working in conjunction with the wide opening sliding side doors is the Bose® FreeSpace® outdoor audio system, with speakers mounted on the trailing edges of the sliding doors and a wireless media player controller - providing full-range audio entertainment outside the Nissan FORUM Concept.

Respect For The Environment

FORUM's efficient, intelligent design features also extend to the powertrain. Though as a design exploration, FORUM's emphasis is limited to form and functionality, conceptually a modern, next-generation family passenger vehicle would include a clean diesel or other environmentally sensitive powerplant.*

"Nissan has previously announced that it will be offering a clean diesel engine in the United States in the next generation Maxima, so a similar powerplant would be a definite consideration for a vehicle like FORUM," said Campbell. "Nissan is also an industry leader in CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) technology, so you could predict smooth, responsive performance worthy of the Nissan badge."

Redefining Family Transportation and Quality Time

"While some people think that family transportation vehicles are a thing of the past, Nissan's view is that vehicles just need to evolve along with changing family dynamics," concluded Nguyen. "Quality time used to be more about the quantity of time spent together with the kids. Today, it's more about dedicated moments for family fun, entertainment and communication. Nissan FORUM Concept is a great place to gather together and rediscover each other once in a while."

Nissan Denki Cube Concept (2008)

Nissan Denki Cube Concept

In creating the Nissan Denki Cube Concept, the designers started with a well-defined canvas, the current-generation Nissan Cube. The iconic Cube has always been the antithesis of traditional automotive style - square, minimalist, asymmetrical and humble - yet also warm, relaxing, practical and undeniably charming. To this solid foundation, the Nissan Denki Cube adds a new EV powertrain and unique exterior and interior treatments.

The Nissan Denki Cube Concept's exterior features fresh front and rear styling treatments, including a new "electric themed" front grille design with an AC power charging port, a radical "lightning" headlight design and new bumpers and turn signal lamps. In the rear, the signature Cube asymmetrical rear quarter area (with wraparound glass on one side) has been enhanced by a new bumper with hidden taillights. The roof sheet metal has been replaced with a full fixed glass panel that enhances the interior's sense of wide-open space. The Nissan Denki Cube Concept exterior also features new door mirrors and unique 16-inch wheel covers. The finishing touch is provided by a special white pearl paint and graphics.

Inside, the Nissan Denki Cube Concept reflects the designers' intention of creating a relaxing, moving social hub, like a favorite room in an owner's house. Though the production Cube offers three rows of seating, the Nissan Denki Cube Concept offers only two rows and the wheelbase has been stretched 9.4 inches in order to better accommodate the lithium-ion battery cells. The newly designed front and second row seats are joined by a revised instrument panel with an IP-mounted shift button, a special steering wheel design and new door panel and cargo area trim.

The biggest transformation from production Cube to Nissan Denki Cube Concept is one that isn't visible - the replacement of the standard 1.3-liter inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor and laminated lithium-ion batteries located under the floor and seats. The laminated structure and unique material technology offer more power, energy and battery stability, as well as compact size and packaging flexibility, versus conventional cylindrical batteries.

Nissan's compact lithium-ion battery technology, one of the company's traditional strengths, provides batteries with twice as much energy compared with a conventional cylindrical battery of the same type and safer operation due to the use of chemically stable spine-structured manganese for the electrode material. In order to better leverage Nissan's lithium-ion battery capabilities, a new company, Automotive Energy Supply Corp. (AESC), was jointly established with NEC Corp. and NEC Tokin Corp. - with the goal of dramatically enhancing future battery performance and reducing battery costs.

"Nissan first had an electric vehicle in the road in 1947 and has been field-testing lithium-ion batteries for more than ten years," said Castignetti. "Our ongoing goal is to dramatically enhance future battery performance while reducing battery costs."