Nissan previewed the next generation of environmental vehicles at the Nissan Advanced Technology Week, with the unveiling of a range of all-electric and original hybrid electric prototypes powered by advanced lithium-ion batteries. Other highlights included the presentation of an All-Around Collision Free prototype and of the world first eco pedal to help reduce fuel consumption, as well as the next generation fuell cell stack with doubled power density.

Electric Vehicle (EV)

Nissan Denci Cube

Powered by advanced lithium-ion batteries, the EV prototype is part of Nissan’s substantial research and development program on zero emission vehicles. This latest generation vehicle features a front-wheel drive layout and uses a newly developed 80kW motor and inverter. The advanced laminated compact lithium-ion batteries are installed under the floor, without sacrificing either cabin or cargo space.

The production vehicle to be introduced in 2010 will have a unique bodystyle and is not based on any existing Nissan model.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)

Hybrid Electric Vehicle Prototype

The Nissan original HEV delivers two breakthrough technologies – a high-performance rear-wheel drive hybrid system and parallel-powertrain hybrid system. The hybrid employs Nissan’s own originally developed hybrid technology and its first rear-wheel drive hybrid powertrain.
The parallel-powertrain system comprises an energy-optimizing system with two clutches, where one motor is directly connected to an engine and transmission via two separate clutches. Under changing driving conditions, the motor switches between the two clutches to optimize and conserve energy utilization as well as improve fuel-efficiency.

The parallel-powertrain hybrid system eliminates the need for conventional torque converters, contributing to higher responsiveness and linear acceleration for improved driving feel.

ECO Pedal

Eco Pedal

ECO Pedal – a world first technology – designed to assist drivers to become more fuel-efficient. When the eco-pedal system is on, each time the driver steps on the accelarator, a counter push-back control mechanism is activated if the system detects excess pressure, helping to inform the driver that they could be using more fuel than required. An eco-driving indicator integrated into the instrument panel feeds the driver with real-time fuel consumption levels to help improve his/her driving behavior. The ECO Pedal system can be turned on or off according to the driver’s preference.

Nissan plans to commercialize the ECO Pedal during 2009. Research conducted by Nissan has shown that by using the ECO Pedal drive system, drivers can improve fuel efficiency by 5-10%, depending on driving conditions.

Chevy Malibu

Following its recent announcement to shift its focus from trucks to cars, General Motors (GM) has received positive news regarding its 2008 Chevy Malibu. The car was recently ranked number one in the midsize car segment according to the J.D. Power and Associates’ Initial Quality Study. The rankings were based on feedback from more than 81,500 consumers who bought or leased new 2008 vehicles during a 90-day period.

MKhan: Weekend Auto Auction Junkie

We recently hooked up with a local weekend auto auction junkie. On regular working days, he’s just your average geek. But on weekends, he turns into a total auto auction junkie who cannot miss the lure of a good buy. MKhan, from Atlanta, Georgia, gives us some insights into the world of used cars, big dealerships and banks (repossessions).

Small cars are flying off the auctions. Mostl Honda Civics or anything with reliability, image, and gas mileage of 30 miles is going at or beyond blue book value for trade-in.

Larger vehicles are a bit more difficult to get rid of. They are showing up in a few bank repossessions. We saw a very good looking Tahoe with barely 14k miles and all options going for under $12,000.00.

Tips

* Go early – preferably with a laptop or a friend with access to Internet at the other end of phone – pulling Carfax reports so you don’t end up with a vehicle that had more than fair share of accidents.
* Do not get carried away in the bid process. Leave your ego at home.
* Be ready for nasty surprises. Build it into your price.

And please note most auctions charge 500 fee – keep that in mind when you bid. If you end up having to dump the heap you bought right back you still end up costing money.

By Sri Narra

Car buyers fall into two different personalities according to an article by Steve Lang. Based on your after-market habits, you are either a “Keeper” or a “Trader”.

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