Bayside Nissan Blog

    "Thrill" marketing campaign showcases new direction for Nissan brand

    Actor Brie Larson brings excitement to refreshed lineup of Nissan vehicles

    "The New Nissan" spot debuts this weekend during NCAA March Madness® Tournament

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Following the reveal of 10 new products over 20 months, the Nissan brand now focuses on the "Thrill" of its refreshed lineup and bringing that excitement to customers. Actor Brie Larson showcases Nissan's thrilling vehicles from the past, present and future in the brand's latest commercial. As an official NCAA partner, Nissan will debut the "Thrill" campaign during the NCAA Men's Final Four with a brand-new spot named, "The New Nissan."

The spot opens with Larson experiencing some of Nissan's most iconic heritage vehicles through the decades, asserting that cars once played important roles in pop culture, but noting that the feeling has been lost in recent years. The story takes a sudden turn to feature Larson driving spiritedly in a Z Proto, then off-roading in a Frontier, driving an all-electric LEAF and behind-the-wheel of a tech-packed Rogue, showing the distinctive thrill each vehicle has to offer. The spot ends with Larson driving away in the Nissan Ariya, followed by a wide shot displaying the new Nissan product portfolio.

"At Nissan, we want to thrill people at every turn and we're excited to showcase this with our completely refreshed product lineup," said Allyson Witherspoon, vice president and chief marketing officer, Nissan U.S. "We've been working with Brie for more than a year and she definitely brings the spirit of our message to life in this latest campaign."

Nissan first worked with Larson last March, with the "Refuse to Compromise" campaign featuring the redesigned Sentra. More recently, Larson and Nissan reconnected last fall for a campaign showcasing the all-new 2021 Nissan Rogue in a variety of settings to showcase its all-wheel-drive capability, which was the beginning of a multi-year partnership between Larson and Nissan.

"It's been incredible to work with the Nissan team as we prepare the launch of the 'Thrill' campaign," said Larson. "Whether it's a road trip or your daily commute – driving should bring a sense of joy. We're excited to celebrate the freedom in driving."

Earlier this month, Nissan premiered its commercial, "The Chase," focusing on the Road to the Final Four. The "Thrill" campaign debuts on television, web and social media this weekend.

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Nissan is the first automaker to work with Amazon on new features that leverage Alexa's new Connected Vehicle Skills API, making it more direct and easier for customers to control vehicle functions with Alexa.The system requires a select Nissan vehicle from 2016 through today, equipped with NissanConnect Services, and an Alexa-enabled home device.

The NissanConnect Services “Skill” update is automatically available immediately, and at launch includes the capability to start, lock and unlock your vehicle. Additionally, households with multiple Nissans can personalize the names of each of them and use the name to direct the request; for example, “Alexa, lock Wyatt's car.” Customers now also have the ability to maintain multiple vehicles on the same account; for example: “Alexa, start my Rogue” and, “Alexa, start my TITAN.”

“This advancement with Amazon's Alexa makes owning a Nissan vehicle that much easier,” said Jared Haslam, vice president, product planning, Nissan U.S. and Canada. “Our customers integrate their vehicles with their lives, and certainly integrate Alexa with their lives, so this combination could not be more ideal.”

Nissan owners with the following vehicles equipped and enrolled with NissanConnect Services can start enjoying Alexa even more today: 

    2016 and newer Altima

    2018 and newer Armada

    2017 and newer GT-R

    2016 and newer Maxima

    2017.5 and newer Murano

    2017 and newer Pathfinder

    2016 and newer Rogue

    2017 and newer Rogue Sport

    2017 and newer TITAN

    2016 and newer TITAN XD

    2016 and newer Sentra (excluding 2019 and 2020)

NissanConnect Services, a suite of convenience and security features, helps when owners need it most – including remote access features and emergency response services. NissanConnect Services can be accessed from inside the vehicle, on a computer, on a smartphone or smartwatch app and with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

Since 2017, Nissan has been working with Amazon and their Alexa platform, allowing customers to remotely control vehicle functions from almost anywhere with just their voice. Nissan has continued collaborating with Amazon to simplify the customer experience for the most popular requests. Simplified commands to start, stop, lock and unlock will all be available at launch, with additional capabilities available in the coming months.

For more information on the NissanConnect Services, visit NissanUSA.com/connect. For more information about the complete lineup of Nissan vehicles, visit NissanUSA.com.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue will soon add a small-displacement turbo engine, according to the EPA website. FuelEconomy.gov lists official ratings for a 2021 Rogue with a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-three gasoline engine that provides a boost of between 2–4 mpg over the current naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four. Nissan told C/D that this new engine is part of a "small pilot program" to evaluate this potential new powertrain, and we think it will eventually become part of the lineup for good.

The 1.5L engine in the front-wheel-drive Rogue is rated at up to 30 mpg in the city, 33 mpg combined, and 37 mpg on the highway. With all-wheel drive, the highway number drops by 1 mpg. The EPA also lists a separate, slightly lower rating for the three-cylinder Rogue in SL and Platinum trims, as it does for the 2.5L model. The three-cylinder is listed as having a continuously variable automatic transmission.

We don't yet have any power or torque specifications for the new 1.5-liter engine and it's the first we've heard of this new powertrain from Nissan. A spokesperson said that the company is planning a pilot program for this engine but did not share any more specifics on how it would be rolled out.

Look for more information to come in the near future about this new engine, which may eventually be found in other Nissan models as well.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra earned a TOP SAFETY PICK award, when equipped with specific headlights.

All four models feature Nissan Safety Shield® 360 as standard equipment. Nissan Safety Shield® 360 is a comprehensive system of cameras, radar technology and sonar that works to monitor in front, behind and beside the vehicle as it drives, and can step in to help keep the driver and occupants safe.3 Both the Rogue4 and Sentra5 offer the most standard safety features in their respective classes.

Both awards require good ratings in all six IIHS crashworthiness tests — driver- and passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints. Award winners must be available with front crash prevention that earns a superior or advanced rating in both vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations.

Additionally, TOP SAFETY PICK winners must be available with good or acceptable headlights. The "plus" designation is given to models that have good or acceptable headlights across all trim levels and packages.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is an independent, nonprofit scientific and educational organization dedicated to reducing the losses — deaths, injuries and property damage — from motor vehicle crashes.

The NV350 features exterior modifications to help it cross rougher terrains, which would certainly lead me to get out of dodge, and when you get there, the real magic unfolds. Literally. Inside the Office Pod concept is a small but functional office complete with a desk, chair and space for a large monitor. There's also a small station for coffee, so it sounds like Nissan knows me well.

But drivers can legitimately pull the office out of the van to sit within nature or wherever they're parked to enjoy the sights while they carry on with their work day. There's even an upstairs "balcony" to relax on -- complete with a lounge chair and umbrella -- when it's time for a break from the grind. It's very Japanese and very cool.

Nissan, I'll take one. I think many of us here will take one, actually. 

The Rogue sports a new look that combines a front end punctuated by split front lighting with a boxy and upright style that echoes the latest Volvos. The overall effect is both sharp and upscale.

The Rogue is available with front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive, with both versions powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 181 horsepower, an increase from 170 hp in the outgoing model. A CVT transmission is the only one available, and fuel economy is also improved from 29 mpg combined to 30 mpg in front-wheel-drive models and from 27 mpg to 29 mpg with all-wheel-drive.

The 2021 Rogue is slightly smaller than the 2020 model but is still plenty roomy inside and its cargo area is just a hair smaller than the Rav4’s cavernous space. The rear doors open 90 degrees, making them very easy to enter, and a foot-operated powered tailgate is included on some models.

The Rogue feels a lot like the Rav4 on the move, with similar ride and handling characteristics. Neither delivers the kind of driver engagement that the Honda CR-V does, but they are composed and capable.

The Rogue brings a lot of tech to the game, including Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 package of automatic emergency brakes, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning and other driver aids, which is standard. It can also be equipped with the ProPilot Assist system, which self-steers the vehicle within a highway lane while the driver keeps their hands on the wheel. Top models add a feature that uses the navigation system to determine what the local speed limit is and automatically adjust to it. 

The Rogue’s interior is a little fancier than the Rav4’s and much more so if you go for the new Platinum model, which features quilted leather upholstery that flirts with the luxury segment. It also gets a head-up display, digital instrument cluster, 360-degree parking camera, tri-zone climate control, wireless charging pad, an excellent Bose audio system and a new infotainment setup with wireless Apple CarPlay integration. Read More

Now four years into its second generation, the Nissan Armada is getting refreshed for 2021, and since we've already seen the the updated 2020 Nissan Patrol, which is the international version of the Armada, we have some idea of what's coming at the reveal on December 8. In this teaser, we can see the Armada racing down a dirt road and then a quick cut to the rear end of the SUV, neither shot of which shows a whole lot but does suggest that Nissan is keeping a good thing going as the changes will likely be subtle.

The Armada's presence on a dirt road does suggest that Nissan isn't messing with the SUV's rugged image, but other than that shot, we're unsure whether such outdoorsy features as all-terrain tires or skid plates will be part of the packaging. From a distance, we can also see that the Armada maintains its boxy figure and doesn't undergo any extreme changes on the front of the vehicle, but perhaps a closeup shot would show something different.

It's difficult to discern any material differences with the quick shot of the rear of the Armada, but from a first look, it does appear that the rear taillights may have a different shape and that other features, such as the rear bumper, may have been slightly altered. 

The 2020 Patrol sold elsewhere is likely a good indicator of what the updated Armada is going to look like, including the new grille which drops some of the chrome accents, a larger lower air intake, sleeker headlights, and the addition of side air vents. The Patrol's rear bumper doesn't appear as large as that on the Armada, but that has been the case throughout the previous generation of both vehicles. Its taillights are less rounded, giving the SUV a slightly more refined look, and a chrome runner with the name "Patrol" on it connects the taillights, giving the rear end more continuity.

The 2021 Armada is expected to keep its 390-hp V-8 and seven-speed automatic transmission, currently the only powertrain choice for the big SUV. We'll bring full details once the new model is revealed next week.

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Rogue is available in S, SV, SL and Platinum trim levels. The Platinum trim is new for 2021. All versions offer a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive and have the same engine: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. That’s a gain of 11 horsepower and 6 pound-feet over the outgoing model. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is standard across the board. 

Fuel economy ratings for the new Rogue are a strong selling point. As estimated by the EPA, they are 27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway with front-wheel drive, and 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway with all-wheel drive. The trade-off is acceleration — a tad less exuberant than some Rogue competitors in the compact SUV segment.

My test car was an SV model with AWD, priced at $29,835. Five drive modes are included in the all-wheel drive system: Off-road, Snow, Standard, Eco and Sport. They are driver-selectable using a dial on the center console.

Rogue doesn’t skimp on standard features. Even the base S trim is abundantly equipped. Moving up a step to the SV adds an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated outside mirrors, 18-inch wheels, upgraded audio (six speakers), a Wi-Fi hot spot, two rear charge-only USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control and remote start. Additional driver assistance features are also added, including a surround-view exterior camera system, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and Nissan’s ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving technology.

The 2021 Rogue interior is an achievement in style, comfort and functionality. Nissan Zero Gravity seats are worthy of long trips. Headroom and legroom are generous for both rows, and rear seats recline. Rear doors open nearly 90 degrees, which makes entry, exit and child car seat installation easier. 

Rear cargo capacity with second row seats in upright position is 31.6 cubic feet in the S and SV grades. A Divide-N-Hide system in the SL and Platinum grades provides hidden and secure storage and expands cargo capacity to 36.5 cubic feet. There are numerous storage compartments for smaller items, including a center console bin with butterfly-style top opening and door pockets designed to perfectly hold a 32-ounce water bottle or thermos.

Thanks to Rogue’s nifty new electronic shifter that doesn’t require mechanical equipment below it, there’s extra storage space available beneath the center console.

The strikingly good-looking Charcoal cloth upholstery in my test car was two-toned, with grayish patterned seat centers trimmed in black. Very dapper.

At the forefront of Rogue’s new cabin is its stillness, which persists even at higher speeds and over rough surfaces. "

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With an all-wheel-drive system that skews towards the rear and impressive grip, the GT-R propels the driver along straightaways and tight turns with ease.

What Is It Like to Drive the 2021 Nissan GT-R?
The Nissan GT-R is blisteringly fast, pushing you into the racing seats and holding you there. Under the GT-R Premium hood is a 3.8L twin-turbo V6 that screams when you push the car. With R modes on and Launch Control, the GT-R bolts from 0-60 in 2.9 seconds in a hard-charging sprint that is tough to match even though other cars are quicker.

Driving the 2021 GT-R is a visceral experience where you hear the car working as gears shift and turbos spool. The fun isn't just on straightaway acceleration. The dual-clutch transmission does the shifting for you, but it is possible to switch to manual mode and use paddle shifters mounted on the wheel to change gears. In manual mode, the transmission responds quickly to shifts. When you use launch control to accelerate faster, you'll likely want to leave the transmission in auto, since the GT-R sprints through first gear almost faster than you can react.

Road noise is present even with the acoustic windshield and insulation throughout the vehicle, but active noise cancellation helps keep it manageable. With exhaust sound control, the driver can choose to reduce the exhaust volume.

As the camouflaged photos suggested, the SUV will gain the latest iteration of Nissan's signature front-end, featuring the brand's 'V-motion' grille and 'boomerang' headlights.

While it may look substantially different, the new model is expected to be a heavily revised version of the current Pathfinder, running on Renault-Nissan's D platform.

While the 3.5-litre V6 will likely carry over, it's possible the CVT automatic may be replaced by a conventional automatic. Less is known about the Pathfinder hybrid at this stage, though with Nissan's ongoing focus on electrification, a petrol-electric powertrain will likely also join the range again.

Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive layouts are expected to continue in the new model.

There's no official word yet on when we can expect the 2021 Nissan Pathfinder, but it's anticipated the unveiling will occur before the fourth quarter of next year.
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Leaked photos that appeared on FormaCar.com show a truck that looks a lot like the one Nissan itself teased, and even wears "Frontier" lettering stamped into its grille surround and tailgate. In the photos, two versions of the Frontier can be seen. The white one looks more traditionally outfitted, with a chrome grille surround, running boards, and a silver-finish roof rack. A second Frontier, a flat-gray example, appears to be decked out in more off-road-ready kit. Perhaps it is a PRO-4X model, Nissan's off-road trim level offered on the current Frontier and the larger Titan. This would make sense, given the more aggressive tires it's wearing, along with extra body cladding, blackout grille, roof lights, and front brush bar.

The new Frontier looks markedly more modern than the old one, although that's a low bar to clear. At first blush, it appears much like a smaller version of the Titan, but the look is overall less blocky. Will it set any new styling trends? Likely not, but the truck has a strong face, simple headlights stuffed with technical-looking LED elements, and retains the original Frontier's signature rounded fender flares. Overall, the new Frontier's look builds heavily on that of the Navara pickup that's been offered in other markets for some time now, but the Frontier wears a bolder grille and more square-jawed bumper detailing. (For comparison, here are some shots of the current, old Frontier below.)

We expect the Frontier's cabin to take a great leap beyond its forebear's dour environment simply by virtue of being, uh, sixteen years newer. Look for Nissan's latest infotainment and active-safety gear to make the leap into the 2021 Frontier. We'll know for sure when the new Fronty is unveiled officially later this year or early next.

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Photo credit: FormaCar.com

Nissan is currently in the middle of an aggressive new product offensive for the US market as part of its turnaround efforts. The Japanese automaker has faced a troubling financial situation for some time but after significant efforts, the worst might be behind it. However, expect some US model lineup changes to happen as part of the new Nissan Business Advantage plan. The initiative, described as "a one-stop shopping solution for companies of all sizes with a full lineup of Nissan vehicles," though three specific models won't be included.

The Nissan NV Cargo, Passenger, and NV200 vans will all be dropped from the lineup next summer "in order to focus on core products." Sales for all three will continue throughout the year in North America until all inventory is gone.

Despite their discontinuation, Nissan is confident other vehicles in its lineup can still meet the needs for any business owner. "From three Nissan Frontier pickups for a pest-control business to several Nissan Rogues for pharmaceutical representatives to make doctor calls, Nissan provides customized vehicle solutions for nearly anyone," said Michael Colleran, senior vice president, Nissan U.S. Marketing and Sales.

The new Business Advantage Plan enables participants to financing and incentive options, on-demand delivery from dealerships, priority service, and easy billing. What's more, all current Nissan vehicles qualify for the program, although we find it hard to imagine seeing a GT-R serving as, say, a plumber's vehicle.

With its three-van lineup soon to be gone, current owners eventually looking for replacements will have two basic choices: stick with Nissan or shop elsewhere. Within Nissan's surviving lineup, the most likely best suited NV replacement will be a truck, specifically the Frontier or Titan (whose future may also be in doubt), or an SUV crossover like the all-new Rogue. Fortunately, a completely redesigned Frontier is just around the corner.

But still, van customers are typically quite committed to this segment for a number of understandable reasons. The fact that Nissan will soon be done with vans in North America may not sit well with them.

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Nissan's storied NISMO Performance brand will debut a new line of off-road parts, including a high-performance suspension kit, an off-road bumper, off-road lighting and off-road wheels on the 2020 Frontier at the 2020 Rebelle Rally, which begins Oct. 8 in Lake Tahoe and culminates Oct. 17 in California's Imperial Sand Dunes.

NISMO off-road parts will be available for the 2005-2020 model year Frontier, 2016-2021 model year TITAN and 2005-2015 model year Xterra later this fall, and will also be offered on the forthcoming, next-generation Frontier. Products will be available through Nissan dealers, select NISMO retailers or via NISMOparts.nissanusa.com.

“We are fired up to watch Team Wild Grace show current and future Nissan Frontier owners what this beast can do on some of the most extreme terrain in the country,” said Michael Soutter, vice president, Nissan Aftersales U.S. “These new NISMO off-road parts, created by people who deeply understand trucks and the desire for ultimate off-road performance, will elevate Frontier to a new level of capability.”

Nissan is the only automaker to sponsor a team every year in the women's-only Rebelle Rally since it began in 2016. Behind the wheel of the more powerful 2020 Frontier, which features an all-new powertrain and best-in-class 310 horsepower1, Team Wild Grace co-captains Sedona Blinson and Lyn Woodward have high expectations following last year's team-best sixth place finish.

“We’ve taken the 2020 Frontier on a couple of trial runs, and it’s been an absolute rock star,” said Woodward. “I’m very excited about the extra power in the V6 – it’s a solid truck, and that’s what you need to compete out here.

“Our first goal is to always compete hard, but I don’t see any reason why Sedona and I can’t win it all this year.”

NISMO off-road Performance Suspension Kit

    Specifically tuned for the additional weight of typical overlanding equipment such as camping gear, heavy-duty bumpers and larger, heavier tires.

    Monotube, gas-pressurized shocks feature digressive valving that reacts to the most challenging off-road and trail conditions.

    Front and rear shocks allow for additional wheel travel; rear shocks feature remote reservoir technology, which helps ensure optimum performance in demanding conditions.

    System can provide up to a 2-inch lift over stock ride height.

NISMO off-road Bumper

    First in a series of new off-road bumpers for Nissan trucks and SUVs.

    Constructed of high-tensile steel and finished with a durable, textured powder coat.

    Designed, laser cut, formed and welded with quality precision to provide maximum strength and durability in demanding off-road conditions.

    Weighs only 105 lbs.

    Features two attachment points for recovery shackles and accommodation for lights; designed to be winch capable with easy access to winch controls.

NISMO off-road Lighting

    New line of LED off-road lighting developed in partnership with Rigid IndustriesTM.

    Lineup will include a selection of pod lamps (round and square designs) and light bars in a variety of sizes and beam patterns.

    Initial offering will be a set of 6-inch round driving lamps with robust aluminum housings, white accent backlighting and an output of 8,600 lumens.

    Light kits will include installation instructions, harness, switch and NISMO-branded protective covers.

NISMO off-road Wheels

    Custom designed and manufactured for NISMO.

    Size: 17x7.5-inch; Bolt Pattern: 6x114.3; Backspacing: +30mm; Load Rated for 1,950 lbs. (above factory OEM spec).

    Axis Gray painted finish.

    NISMO center cap.

    Designed and tested to rigorous SAE J2530 standards for aftermarket wheels.

Follow along with Team Wild Grace on Instagram or Facebook, and track the team live on rebellerally.com/live starting Thursday, Oct. 8. For more information on the 2020 Nissan Frontier and Nissan's complete vehicle lineup, please visit NissanNews.com.

For more information about our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit nissanusa.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn and see all our latest videos on YouTube.

About The Rebelle Rally

The Rebelle Rally, entering its fifth year, is the first women’s off-road navigational rally raid in the United States. The event has a unique challenge and scoring system where precise navigation, not speed, is the ultimate goal. Participants trade in cell phones and GPS for old-school navigation in a competition for the elements of time, distance, headings, and hidden checkpoints. Armed with just maps, compasses, and roadbooks, teams of two will be pushed to their limits as they make their way across 2,000+ kilometers of Nevada and California’s iconic terrain. Starting October 8 in Lake Tahoe and finishing October 17 along the famed Glamis Dunes, the competition is the longest competitive off-road rally in the nation. For more information including live show and tracking, visit www.rebellerally.com.

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Nissan has unveiled the Z Proto, signalling the company's intent to launch a new generation of the legendary Z sports car. Shown at an event beamed around the world from the Nissan Pavilion in Yokohama, Japan, the prototype features new design inside and out, as well as an upgraded powertrain with a manual transmission.

In Franklin, just south of Nashville, hundreds of Z owners and enthusiasts watched the Z Proto's Yokohama debut on big screens from their vehicles in a socially distanced event– part of a weeklong schedule of activities during the 33rd annual International Z Convention (ZCON).

First hinted at in a brand teaser video, "Nissan A-Z," shown in May, the Nissan Z Proto pays full respect to 50 years of Z heritage. At the same time, it's a thoroughly modern sports car.

"The Z represents the joy of driving in its purest form and has helped shape Nissan's DNA as a passionate, innovative challenger," said Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida. "Ever since the first generation, it has captured the hearts of car enthusiasts all over the world. That's why we're so excited today to be able to say to them: Yes, the next one is coming!"

Z Proto is one of 10 new vehicles that Nissan is showing for the U.S. in 20 months, along with top-sellers like Sentra and Rogue, and innovative new models like the all-electric Ariya crossover.

"The United States is home to one of the most devoted and enthusiastic Z communities in the world, with nearly 1.35 million total sales over the model's 50-year history," said Mike Colleran, senior vice president, Nissan U.S. Marketing and Sales. "With new models like Sentra and Rogue opening new eyes to our brand, Z Proto is our loudest statement yet that Nissan will continue to bring vehicles that thrill to U.S. showrooms."   

Z Proto exterior: past meets future
Sporting a bright yellow pearlescent paint – a tribute to a popular paint scheme on both the first-generation 240Z and the 300ZX – the Z Proto boasts a fresh, attractive exterior design with a silhouette that communicates respect to the original model.

Using a theme that combines elements of previous generations while also projecting futurism was challenging, said Alfonso Albaisa, head of design at Nissan.

"Our designers made countless studies and sketches as we researched each generation and what made them a success," Albaisa said. "Ultimately, we decided the Z Proto should travel between the decades, including the future."

The shape of the hood and the canted, teardrop-shaped LED headlights are both unmistakable reminders of the original Z. The rectangular grille dimensions are similar to the current model, although the grille fins nod to the past. The form continues to exude both sportiness and elegance.

"The LED headlights have two half-circles that hark back to the Japan market-only 240ZG of the 70s," Albaisa explained. "The ZG has clear dome lenses over the headlight buckets, which under light give off two circular reflections over each headlight. We liked that unique characteristic and discovered that it naturally fit with the Z's identity."

The link to the original Z is most striking when viewing the Z Proto from the side. The roofline flows from the nose to the squared-off rear to create a distinctive first-generation Z profile whose rear edge was slightly lower than the front fender height giving the Z its unique posture. The signature transition from the rear quarter glass to the low-slung position of the rear tail adds to the effect.

The rear takes inspiration from the 300ZX taillights, reinterpreted for the modern world. Set within a rectangular black section that runs across the rear and wraps around the outer edges, the LED taillights convey a sharp glow.

Lightweight carbon fiber treatments on the side skirts, front lower lip and rear valance ensure nimble performance. 19-inch alloy wheels and dual exhausts complete the Z Proto's striking road presence.

Z Proto interior: modern tech with a vintage touch

Designed to fit driver and passenger like a glove, the Z Proto's cabin seamlessly blends modern technology with vintage Z touches.

The interior design team sought advice from professional motorsports legends to give the Z Proto an ideal sports car cabin, both for road and track. This can be seen in the Z's instrumentation. All vital information is found in the 12.3-inch digital meter display and arranged to help the driver grasp it at a glance, such as the redline shift point at the twelve o-clock position.

The new, deep dish steering wheel offers the driver quick access controls without losing its vintage aesthetic.

Yellow accents are found throughout the cabin, including stitching on the instrument panel. The seats feature special accent piping and layered seat material to create depth.

Sports car joy: an exhilarating, dynamic performer

The original Z was built to bring the joy and excitement of sports car ownership to as many people as possible.

"The Z has always been a strong dynamic performer, making it easy for customers to enjoy its capabilities and feel as connected as possible to the car," said Hiroshi Tamura, chief product specialist of the Z Proto. "This has been true through all its generations, and this is what drives our passion to innovate and challenge the norm."

Each new generation had a more powerful engine, although the Z is about more than power increases.

"Z is more than just powerful and agile," Tamura continued. "It is designed to create a connection with the driver, for the car to be a 'dance partner' for their on-road adventures."

Make no mistake though, the Z Proto packs a powerful punch. Under the elongated hood is an enhanced V6 twin-turbocharged engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. As a prototype, work is now underway to synchronize the power with the grace and control that has defined the Z for the past 50 years.

"Nissan is transforming its business," said Uchida. "This summer, we unveiled the ground breaking all-electric Nissan Ariya crossover, which represents the future of mobility. Even as we open this new chapter, the Z, its heritage and passion, express who we are and has been shaping our DNA for over fifty years."

About ZCON

The Z Car Club Association (ZCCA) is hosting current Datsun and Nissan Z car owners from around the world for its annual International Z Car Convention. The event runs from Sept. 14 through 19 in Franklin, home of Nissan North America headquarters. This year's ZCON is expected to draw a large number of participants as the association celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Datsun 240Z's original model year.

For more information on the 2020 Nashville ZCON, please visit www.ZCON.org.

To find out more about the Z Proto, 2020 Nissan 370Z and the rest of the Nissan lineup, please visit NissanNews.com.

Nissan Z Proto Specifications

Z Proto specifications*

Engine

V6 twin turbo

Transmission

6-speed manual

(an automatic option is also in development)

Length

172.5 inches

Width

72.8 inches

Height

51.6 inches

Wheel and tire size

Front: 255/40R19

Rear: 285/35R19

* Z Proto is a development study vehicle and does not confirm or reflect production model specifications.

For more information about our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit nissanusa.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn and see all our latest videos on YouTube.

In addition to our anticipation, it seems we should also temper our expectations. The 400Z is supposedly going to ride on the automaker's Front Midship platform for rear-wheel-drive models. This is the same platform the current 370Z rides on, as well as the Infiniti Q50 and Q60, so it's already not-new. On the other hand, Nissan's done some wonderful things with the architecture; the FM traces its roots to the JDM V35 Skyline from 2001 that came to the U.S. as the Infiniti G35 in 2002. The present GT-R rides on an evolution of the FM called Premium Midship. The 400Z might be the last little Indian on the platform, too, since the Nissan Next plan calls for Infiniti to switch to mass-produced Nissan platforms with AWD capability as Infiniti transitions to being "Nissan-plus."

The spiritual successor to the original 1969 Fairlady Z is alleged to bring much more elegant, retro-themed styling, 300ZX-style taillights, a much better interior featuring a proper infotainment system, and generous cargo room. The engine getting the buzz lately is an evolution of the twin-turbo V6 in the Infiniti Q50 and Q60 400 Red Sport with something like 400 horsepower, sending grunt to the rear wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual. A NISMO-tuned version could hit 500 horsepower.

Before all that, though, we can look forward to brand new models like the Ariya electric crossover, and updated takes on Nissan's real moneymakers like the Rogue, Rogue Sport, Kicks, and Frontier.

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THE Z-CAR IN POPULAR CULTURE

For more than 45 years Nissan (and its predecessor, the Datsun nameplate) and its Z-Car have been converting drivers into lifelong fans that extend across models and years. On the track, the original 240Z was popularized by the Brock Racing Enterprises (BRE) and Bob Sharp Racing (BSR) Teams. By the mid-1980s, the 300ZX became the car of choice for Hollywood superstar and BSR racer Paul Newman, the star of films like Cool Hand Luke and The Hustler, whose performances behind the wheel are as legendary as those on the screen. The 300ZX partnered with another pair of Hollywood superstars in the 1987 film Blind Date, appearing throughout the film alongside stars Bruce Willis and Kim Basinger.

The 350Z has made appearances in number of films and television shows including Crank: High Voltage and the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. It can also be seen in several of the mega-successful Fast and Furious franchise movies including Fast & Furious in 2009 and Fast Five in 2011. A modified Fairlady Z33 (the Japanese name for the 350Z) is prominently featured in The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift as the ride of “The Drift King.”

Nissan’s four segment wins were the most of any mass market brand in the 2020 APEAL study.

The all-new 2020 Sentra turned in the best performance for Nissan, scoring 42 points above its segment average (compact car). The all-new Versa scored 41 points ahead of segment average (small car); Maxima was 30 points ahead of segment average (large car); and Armada ranked 25 points ahead of its segment average (large SUV). This is the third APEAL segment win in a row for the Nissan Maxima.

“Delighting our customers takes a combined effort in partnership with our dealers,” said Mike Colleran, senior vice president, U.S. Marketing and Sales, Nissan North America. “We’re quickly revamping our portfolio with vehicles that thrill in both design and performance, and our dealer partners are experts at matching them to customer needs, which equates to these great customer satisfaction results.”

Among mass market brands Nissan improved its ranking, climbing from 14th place in 2019 to a tie for sixth in 2020.

“This was an extremely positive performance from Nissan as they are looking to reinvigorate their brand image,” said Dave Sargent, vice president of automotive quality at J.D. Power. “Eight of Nissan’s 10 ranked models scored better than their segment average, with four achieving Best in Segment. The automaker is performing very well in terms of delighting their customers when it comes to owning and driving Nissan vehicles.”

Now in its 25th year, the JD Power APEAL Study measures owners’ emotional attachment and level of excitement with their new vehicle across 37 attributes, ranging from the sense of comfort and luxury they feel when climbing into the driver’s seat to the feeling they get when they step on the accelerator. These attributes are aggregated to compute an overall APEAL index score measured on a 1,000-point scale.

Nissan's latest advanced technology, ProPILOT Assis

is a hands-on driving assistant designed to help drivers during long highway trips and the stop and go traffic of your daily commute.

Using a front radar sensor and a front-facing camera located behind the rear-view mirror, it can maintain a gap with the car in front of you at a preset distance and help to keep the vehicle centered during single lane driving, even on slight curves. The ProPILOT Assist system combines Nissan's Intelligent Cruise Control

and Steering Assist technologies and includes a stop and hold function that can bring the vehicle to a full stop, hold in place and can bring you back up to speed when traffic starts moving again.

ProPILOT Assist Feature Highlights

The ProPILOT Assist system represents the first generation of advanced driver assistance features in Nissan vehicles. The next generation of Nissan's Assistance technology will support steering, braking and accelerating during multi-lane driving.

The Future of Driver Assist

ProPILOT Assist is an integral part of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, an all-encompassing approach that looks to redefine how we move using the most up to date technology today, while planning for a bold, bright tomorrow.

The current ProPILOT Assist is not a fully autonomous system but a Level 2 Driver Assistance system as defined by the industry standard definitions created by the Society of Automotive Engineering (S.A.E.). It's designed to assist drivers, not replace them.

In fact, if ProPILOT Assist detects that a driver has removed their hands from the wheel it will go through a series of alerts to get the drivers’ hands back in place. With this latest driver assist technology, it can even bring the vehicle to a stop if it is not being used as it is intended.

Today's ProPILOT Assist system is the product of years of research and development that continues to progress as we transition towards advanced driver assistance systems, incorporating fully autonomous technology. Nissan is working to accelerate that transition by using NASA technology designed for interplanetary robotic travel to develop a trusted infrastructure for autonomous vehicles that will allow them to learn and share information in real time.

A prototype for the new Pathfinder has just been spotted ahead of a likely debut in the first half of 2021. We should see it on sale later that year as a 2022 model.

The new Pathfinder looks to have similar proportions to the current model, though a rugged and boxy look will replace the current model's softer lines. The recently revealed 2021 Nissan Rogue hints at what's coming.

The interior too should take influences from the latest Rogue. This would mean an available digital instrument cluster and a large infotainment screen. A shot of the new Pathfinder's interior shows an infotainment screen with the same hexagonal shape as the screen used in the Rogue.

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The 2020 Nissan Sentra is one of the smoothest, most comfortable cars in its class. It’s a bargain too, especially considering what you get for the dough. 

A comfortable ride

As I said the last time I drove one, “There is an all-new (for the Sentra) 2.0-liter engine that makes 149 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. That’s a 20-percent increase over the old 1.8-liter. The only transmission currently available is an Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT).

What I said seven months ago still holds true. Sure, I would prefer a turbo or more punch for fun, but as an economic, commuter – it does alright. It’s ride and comfort are on another level for this class.  

Having a multi-link rear suspension helps with everything. The ride, handling and emergency maneuvers are all enhanced with this suspension setup. It’s so good, it proves that this car would be outstanding with more oomph. 

Comfort and styling

This is the best part of the Sentra in my book. I absolutely adore those from zero-gravity seats. Sure, it’s a gimmick, but it’s a comfortable one. The seats truly hold you comfortably over the long haul. I wish the back seats were like this, but; on their own, they are fairly comfortable as well. On top of that, back seat room is among the best in class. 

Nissan is sticking to the same design language they are using on all of their cars. The Sentra looks like the Versa, which looks like the Altima and Maxima. It’s attractive, but less so when sitting next to another Nissan car. Odd. Another odd ting, the truck of the Nissan Sentra is 14.3 cubic feet. Which is big… the same exact size as the Nissan Maxima’s truck. 

The interior design is excellent, a step or two up from the previous Sentra. I like it better than the Nissan Altima, which I thought was pretty good as well. For an inexpensive car, it feels downright premium. 

The 2020 Nissan Sentra starts at just over $19,000. For that price, you already get Nissan’s excellent Safety Shield 360 as standard equipment. You also get the same engine/transmission setup across the board. Our fully loaded 2020 Nissan Sentra SR has an MSRP of $25,825. Sure, that’s a ton of cabbage, but you get a TON of tech for the money. 

With that in mind, check out the video and see what you think. I truly believe that the new Nissan Sentra is one of the best riding vehicles in its class. 

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. – After weeks in quarantine, U.S residents are venturing out as stay-at-home restrictions loosen. While U.S. drivers get reacquainted with the road, Nissan encourages them to utilize their vehicle's advanced safety features.

Many of Nissan's intelligent technologies are designed to help drivers operate more safely on roads and highways.

"Nissan has integrated intelligent driver-assist technologies such as Nissan's ProPILOT Assist, Intelligent Cruise Control, Blind Spot Warning, High Beam Assist, Apple CarPlay®, and Android Auto™ and Traffic Sign Recognition that can help drivers avoid common mistakes and improve road safety," said Chris Reed, senior vice president, Research and Development, Nissan Technical Center North America. "You use a lot of reflex memory when you operate a vehicle so if you have been off the roads for a while, now is a good time to understand how these features can truly improve the overall driving experience."

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), technologies similar to Nissan's Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection1 have been found to reduce crashes. Technologies included in Nissan's Safety Shield 3602, a suite of six advanced active safety and driver-assist technologies, are also showing real-world benefits.

About Nissan ProPILOT Assist8

Nissan's ProPILOT Assist is a hands-on driving assistant designed to help drivers during long highway trips and the stop and go traffic of your daily commute. Using a front radar sensor and a front-facing camera located behind the rear-view mirror, it can maintain a gap with the car in front of you at a preset distance and help to keep the vehicle centered during single-lane driving, even on slight curves. The ProPILOT Assist system combines Nissan's Intelligent Cruise Control and Steering Assist technologies and includes a stop and hold function that can bring the vehicle to a full stop, hold in place, and can bring you back up to speed when traffic starts moving again.

The ProPILOT Assist system represents the first generation of advanced driver assistance features in Nissan vehicles. The next generation of Nissan's Assistance technology will support steering, braking, and accelerating during multi-lane driving.

ProPILOT Assist is available on the 2020 Nissan Rogue, 2020 Rogue Sport, 2020 LEAF, and 2020 Altima.

About Nissan Safety® Shield 3602

Nissan Safety Shield 360 is a suite of advanced driver-assist systems that use cameras, radar technology, and sonar to look in front, behind, and beside the vehicle, as it drives. This suite of six advanced Nissan Intelligent Mobility features monitor around the vehicle and can step in to help keep you safe and include Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection1, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist and Rear Automatic Braking. Safety Shield 360 is available on the 2020 Versa, 2020 Sentra, 2020 Altima, 2020 Maxima, 2020 LEAF, 2020 Kicks, 2020 Rogue Sport, 2020 Rogue, 2020 Murano, and 2020 TITAN.

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