2007 Nissan Altima is evolutionary in design

Building on previous generation Altima’s reputation, the all-new 2007 Nissan Altima is evolutionary in design, but revolutionary in its platform and hardware. Along with its distinctive styling, the new fourth generation Altima utilizes the all-new Nissan “D” platform with improved body rigidity and a redesigned suspension.

The new Altima also offers Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), a choice of the award-winning VQ-series 3.5-liter V6 or powerful 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engines, and a long list of technology features – including available Intelligent Key with Push Start Ignition, Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System, RearView Monitor and an advanced touch-screen navigation system.

Distinctive, Sporty Styling
The 2007 Altima’s exterior styling is a continuation of Altima’s design. The wheelbase is 0.9-inch shorter (109.3 inches) than the previous model and the overall length is 2.5 inches shorter (189.8 inches), but the interior retains the same ample roominess. The width is 0.3-inch wider (70.7 inches) and overall height is the same (57.9 inches). Trunk space remains the same as the previous generation Altima.

Attention to Quality and Detail
The 2007 Altima interior has an enhanced feel with refined workmanship and expanded use of soft materials and chrome accents. Interior noise levels have been reduced through use of the new rigid platform and increased sound insulation.

The instrument panel features a new Fine Vision gauge display for enhanced readability and the L-shaped flow of the instrument panel to the center console adds to the driver-oriented cockpit feel. The center console includes a new triple front cup holder design (CVT-equipped models), among the many convenient cup and bottle areas (up to nine total, including 20-ounce bottle holders in the door panels) and storage compartments (many of which are covered). The volume of the glove compartment has also increased substantially, doubling in size to 0.46 cubic feet.

Interiors are available in three colors – charcoal, blonde and frost – as well as in both high quality soft-touch suede fabric and leather-appointed seating.

"Next Generation" Platform
The new Altima is the first global application of Nissan’s advanced “D” platform, which offers much improved body rigidity and an all-new front suspension with new geometry and shock absorbers with rebound springs.

The rear multi-link independent suspension design separates the rear shocks and springs for reduced friction and the shocks are in line with the center of the rear wheels, providing better damping and less harshness. Front and rear stabilizer bars are standard.

In addition to 17-inch wheels and tires, the Altima 3.5 SE offers a sport-tuned suspension with larger diameter stabilizer bars and unique spring rates and strut damping.

Engines
Two engines are available, a "next generation" version of the 12-time Ward’s “10 Best Engines” award-winning VQ-series V6 and an inline 4-cylinder. The 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 is now rated at 265-plus horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque while the 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder produces 165-plus horsepower and 170-plus lb-ft of torque.

New dual exhaust system designs reduce exhaust backpressure by 35% on the 4-cylinder and 50% with the V6. Both systems utilize increased tube diameters and include dual chrome-tipped exhaust finishers.

Smooth, Efficient Xtronic CVT
The 2007 Altima is offered with a choice of two transmissions with both the V6 and 4-cylinder engines. A new 6-speed manual gearbox and the advanced Nissan Xtronic CVT which replaces the previous conventional automatic transmission.

The Xtronic CVT is designed to create a true synergy between engine and transmission with smooth, responsive, fluid-feeling performance and efficient operation. The V6 CVT has been enhanced with an all-new "Sport" mode controller with a high-speed central processing unit and Adaptive Shift Controller with adaptive logic for faster shifting in both normal and manual modes. The adaptive logic feature delivers the best shift pattern based on the driving environment and driver’s perceived intentions.

Enhanced Structure, Steering and Braking
The new Altima’s improved body structure includes the expanded use of Ultra High Strength Steel. Use of this steel is also allows for a 30% weight reduction in the frontal body structure. Overall, the new Altima is only about 55 pounds heavier than the previous generation.

A new twin-orifice vehicle-speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering system is standard, providing light steering effort at low speeds and a secure feeling at high speeds, along with improved "on center" feel.

Braking for the 2007 Altima is provided by standard 4-wheel disc brakes. Standard on V6 models and optional on 4-cylinder models is a 4-wheel, 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). ABS-equipped Altimas feature Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), which optimizes brake force and Brake Assist, which senses hard or panic pedal application and helps provide maximum braking capacity.

Safety, Security and Convenience
The new Altima comes equipped with a number of standard safety features, including Zone Body construction and Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) (includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags). Also standard are front seat side-impact supplemental air bags for chest protection and roof-mounted curtain side-impact air bags for front and rear outboard occupant head protection.

Added convenience is provided by the available RearView Monitor, which utilizes a small camera to help show the view behind the vehicle when in reverse gear. Other available convenience features include an 8-way power driver’s seat, automatic on/off headlights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, power sliding glass sunroof, Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System, satellite radio with choice of XM or Sirius service, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, leather-appointed seating, heated front driver and passenger seats, dual-zone automatic temperature control and rear-passenger air conditioning vents.

Models and Manufacturing

The 2007 Nissan Altima will be available in six well-equipped models: 2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 S with SL Package, 3.5 SE, 3.5 SL and HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle -details on the early 2007 Altima HEV launch are forthcoming). The new Altima will be assembled at the Nissan North America Manufacturing Smyrna and Decherd, Tennessee and Canton, Mississippi plants.

Chevrolet Camaro Concept

These spy pics came from the site www.LS1Tech.com . Seems like Gm has taken a more futuristic road than the Dodge Challenger. No official info yet, but you dont have to wait alot as the Detroit Show press days are a only a week ahead

2007 Mazda CX-9 seven-passenger crossover sport-utility vehicle

Mazda released more information and pictures in its new seven-passenger crossover sport-utility vehicle CX-9. Arriving in Mazda dealerships in early 2007, the CX-9 is designed and engineered specifically for North America.

PRESS RELEASE: SPACE TO STRETCH
The Mazda CX-9 rides on one of the longest wheelbases in the segment, providing easy access to its three-row seating. To ease accommodations for all drivers, the driver’s seat and steering column move quickly and easily over a long range of adjustment.

The 60-40 split second row not only carries three in comfort, it also offers approximately five-inches of fore-and-aft slide travel and a reclining backrest. In the 50-50-split third row, the seating position and leg room are both class-leading in numbers and real comfort. Entry to the third row is easy, with nearly 26 inches of access space between the folded second-row seat and the C-pillar. Even with the third row occupied, the CX-9 provides 17.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity, eclipsing many large sedan trunks. Both second- and third-row seats fold flat to allow additional storage all the way up to the back of the front seats.

Extra thought is invested in small details, such as how the CX-9’s seat releases are configured. For example, releasing the second row seat in order to enter the third row requires only one simple hand motion to unlatch the seat and move it forward. Likewise, a clever strap attached behind the third row seat’s backrest serves as both a release for folding the seat and a means of pulling it back erect again.

EXTERIOR STYLING A PRIORITY
Many mid-sized crossover SUVs strive for the utilitarian look. CX-9’s front end is unmistakably Mazda, with its elegantly sculpted sporty five-point grille and wide, bold bumper. A horizontal streak of chrome floats on the front grille bar, giving a distinctive and high quality feel. Side windows form a flowing, open and modern greenhouse, allowing clear vision from all seating positions. The unique trapezoid chrome exhaust pipe accentuates the fine detail put into the design.

INTERIOR STYLING STANDS OUT
Once inside the CX-9, the driver is greeted by a neatly organized combination of cylindrical shapes and blacked-out instruments on a T-shaped instrument panel. Brightly edged gauges with metal-look trim and indirect blue illumination set a cool mood. Indirect lighting also is embedded in the front and rear door trim and ceiling for a warm glow. Horizontal elements in areas such as the center panel, door trim and seat design intersect with vertical accents to create the same harmony present in fine furniture.

Interior craftsmanship and attention to detail is visible everywhere. Soft trim is elegantly configured and constructed of top-quality materials and seats have an inviting yet sporty look and feel appropriate to this type of vehicle. The dash panel houses large, clearly marked entertainment and climate controls. Delicate stitching and the metallic look of the floating door trim-grips reveal the designer’s fine eye for detail.

ENERGETIC AND REFINED POWERTRAIN
The CX-9 is powered by a new 3.5-liter V-6 with a preliminary rating of 250-horsepower. Advanced features include dual-overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, a high compression ratio and electronic throttle control. While six-speed automatic transmissions have until now been exclusive to premium-priced SUVs, the CX-9 provides that desirable feature as standard equipment. The direct benefits to Mazda customers are optimum acceleration and passing performance, coupled with excellent highway fuel efficiency.

Drive is either through the front wheels or via Mazda’s advanced Active Torque-Split All-Wheel Drive system. On all-wheel-drive models, various sensors signal control modules to automatically apportion torque to those wheels most able to provide solid traction. A computer-controlled coupling, connected with the rear differential, automatically adjusts the torque distribution, allowing up to 50-percent of the drive power to be sent to the rear wheels, depending on traction conditions. This all-wheel drive system has been especially well received in MAZDASPEED6 and CX-7 applications.

SURE-FOOTED CHASSIS & BODY
The stiff unibody of the Mazda CX-9 provides a sound foundation for a poised ride and agile handling. Computer-aided-engineering analysis was used to optimize this structure, delivering high torsional and bending rigidity with minimal weight.

In front, the perimeter frame mounted to the unibody through six rubber isolators supports the powertrain, the engine-speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion power steering, and a low friction strut-type suspension system using coil springs. The multilink rear suspension consists of one trailing arm and two lateral locating members per side. To minimize cargo-compartment intrusion and permit a wider load space, the rear coil spring is positioned between the lower lateral member and the unibody. Anti-roll bars at each end maximize agility and control during assertive driving.

Twenty-inch, V-rated, low-profile radial tires (P245/50R-20) are standard equipment on the top Grand Touring model while Sports and Touring editions roll on P245/60R-18 tires. As a result, CX-9 looks and feels unusually nimble for its size and is the clear class leader for driving pleasure.

SAFETY WITH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
The Mazda CX-9’s safety features are highlighted by an advanced Roll Stability Control (RSC) system that uses both body-roll rate and wheel speed sensors to determine when corrective action is necessary. A momentary torque reduction, combined with an automatic brake application, assists in restoring the CX-9 to an even keel.

Four-wheel disc ventilated brakes include an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) to prevent lockup during emergency use. When excessive wheel slippage is detected, a Traction Control System (TCS) automatically reduces driveline torque to help restore traction. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) reduces driveline torque and automatically applies one or more brakes to minimize under- or over-steer during emergency maneuvers. Additional protection is provided by sensor-activated side-curtain airbags which extend from the first to the third row.

TRIM AND ENTERTAINMENT FEATURES
CX-9 is offered in three trim levels: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. More detail on specific model content will be available closer to launch, but standard features on all trims include air conditioning, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, cruise control, and six airbags. To help avoid accidents, all CX-9s are fitted as standard with DSC, RSC and ABS with brakeforce distribution. An optionally available power-operated lift gate provides one-touch opening and closing access to the cargo hold.

Features available in models and packages include leather interior trim, power adjustment for front seats, high intensity discharge headlamps with automatic-on, rain-sensing wipers, mirror-mounted turn indicators and driver’s-seat memory.

PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS MAZDA CX-9

Dimension	Overall length	199.6 inches (5,071 mm)
	Overall width	76.2 inches (1,936 mm)
	Overall height w/ 18 inch tires	68.1 inches (1,729 mm)
	w/ 20 inch tires	68.3 inches (1,734 mm)
	Wheelbase	113.2 inches (2,875 mm)
	Seating Capacity	7 passenger
Engine	Type	MZI 3.5L V6 DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
	Max. power	250 hp
	Max. torque	240 lb-ft
Transmission	Type	6-speed electronically controlled automatic with manual shift mode
Steering	Type	Rack-and-pinion
Suspension	Type (front/ rear)	Macpherson Strut/ Multilink
Brake	Type (front & rear)	Ventilated Discs
Tires and wheels	Tires (front & rear)	18”: P245/60R18 20”: P245/50R20
	Wheels (front & rear)	18”: 18 x 7.5J 20”: 20 x 7.5J

Nissan URGE concept car features

The dynamic Nissan URGE concept car features motorcycle-inspired styling, a high-revving, small displacement engine, 6-speed manual gearbox, brushed aluminum-alloy wheels, color-infused aluminum body panels and a driver-oriented cockpit with an integrated gaming system. It was created by Nissan Design America, Inc

VW ECORACER CONCEPT incredibly economic sports car

At the Tokyo Motor Show Volkswagen presents an incredibly economic sports car. The EcoRacer’s average fuel consumption is as low as 3.4 liters and it reaches a maximum speed of 230 km/h.
Thanks to its carbon fiber body, the middle motor sports car weighs a mere 850 kilograms and accelerates in only 6.3 seconds to 100 km/h. This sports car is powered by a 100 kW turbo diesel of the next generation and stands for a trend setting synthesis of rock-solid economy and an abundance of sportiness. 230 km/h, 6.3 seconds, 3.4 liter – a data combination that is as rare as it is fascinating.