Breaking News : Isuzu Developing Series Hybrid System for Buses and Small to Mid-Size Trucks

TOKYO : September 29, 2008 - The Nikkei reports that Isuzu Motors Ltd. is developing a series hybrid bus that it plans to commercialize in Japan in the first half of the 2010s.

The series hybrid system’s diesel engine can be made roughly 30% smaller than those used in conventional buses and maintains constant revolution regardless of vehicle speed. As a result, Isuzu’s bus delivers 30% better fuel economy than conventional diesel buses. The new system is also about 20% more fuel-efficient than the parallel hybrid system.

Isuzu plans to initially employ the new hybrid system for large buses 9 meters or longer and mid-size buses 7-9 meters in length. Further down the road, it aims to also use the technology in small and mid-size trucks. Isuzu plans to offer public transportation authorities and other potential customers test rides on its series hybrid buses as early as next year.

Isuzu currently offers a parallel diesel-electric hybrid system for its Elf trucks.

[Source : Green Car Congress]

Early look! : Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722S

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S

The new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S opens up astonishing dimensions when it comes to open-top driving. Delivering 478 kW/650 hp, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a maximum speed of 335 km/h, this two-seater cabriolet surpasses the existing benchmark among open-top super sports cars - the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster. Both vehicles feature a fully retractable folding soft top capable of withstanding the high speed and are made of carbon fibre. This endows both models with a very high degree of safety and extreme torsional stiffness. In addition to increased power, the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S features even more dynamic suspension tuning and improved aerodynamics. While enjoying exceptional performance, the new roadster's occupants in no way lose out in terms of comfort or the vehicle's suitability for everyday use. With its sporty, premium-quality interior appointments and distinctive motorsport pedigree, the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S is limited to 150 vehicles and will inspire the most discerning automotive enthusiasts.


Spectacular dimensions in open-top driving are opened up by the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S. With an output of 478 kW/650 hp, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 335 km/h, this open two-seater betters the standard set for open-air super-sports cars by the SLR McLaren Roadster. Both have a fully recessible soft top suitable for high speed driving, and are made from carbon fibre. This produces a very high level of safety and extremely high torsional strength. In addition to a higher engine output, the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S has an even more dynamic suspension setup and further aerodynamic improvements.

By naming this new model variant the SLR Roadster 722 S, Mercedes-Benz is recalling the historic victory won at the classic Mille Miglia long-distance race in 1955 by British motor-racing legend Stirling Moss and his co-driver Dennis Jenkinson, in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR with the starting number 722. The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S continues the legend of the successful 1950s SLR racing sports cars, with innovative technology adopted from the world of motorsport.

Engine hand-built by AMG

The powerful heart of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S is a supercharged 5.5-litre V8 engine which is hand-built in the Mercedes-AMG engine shop in Affalterbach. The special strengths of this high-performance engine include extraordinary responsiveness to movements of the accelerator, a high torque and an unmistakable V8 sound. Moreover, with an output of 478 kW/650 hp and 820 Nm of torque, power is on tap almost to excess (SLR McLaren Roadster: 460 kW/626 hp, 780 Nm). Accordingly the new model variant meets the wishes of the most discerning customers for even more sportiness combined with excellent day-to-day practicality.

The five-speed automatic transmission developed by Mercedes-Benz is designed for high performance. It is specially configured for a very high torque, and allows the driver to choose between two sets of shift characteristics. As a result the roadster achieves performance figures that are even outstanding for the high-end sports car segment: the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S absolves a sprint from zero to 100 km/h in a breathtaking 3.7 seconds, and 200 km/h is reached in 10.6 seconds. The maximum speed is 335 km/h, which is unrivalled by any other series-production roadster.

Even more dynamic suspension setup

The spring and shock absorber configurations of the suspension are stiffer, and the body has been lowered by 10 millimetres at the front and rear. This ensures the greater handling stability of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S, with a significant improvement in handling dynamics. The lightweight, 19-inch forged aluminium wheels allow a view of the red-painted brake callipers on the highly-resistant carbon-fibre/ceramic brake discs, which make for impressive deceleration figures.

Sophisticated aerodynamics and a fabric soft top suited to high-speed driving

The outstanding qualities of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S are complemented by the fully recessible fabric soft top, which blends harmoniously into the flowing lines of the roadster. The weave structure of this high-tech roof material reflects the carbon-fibre look, guarantees full day-to-day suitability in any weather conditions and allows the vehicle a top speed of 335 km/h - a unusual figure for a roadster. Thanks to favourable aeroacoustics, conversation during open-air journeys is still possible at well over 200 km/h.

The soft top opens and closes semi-automatically in around ten seconds, combining comfort expectations with the purist nature of the roadster. For opening, the roof needs to be unlatched at the windscreen frame and lifted slightly, after which it folds down electrically. The front section of the soft top features an integral aluminium cap, which effectively prevents "ballooning" at high speeds.

The handling and aerodynamics of this high-end roadster were optimised for high speeds in the wind tunnel. The aerodynamic concept follows that of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Coupe, with an airbrake integrated into the boot lid, an enclosed underbody and a diffusor in the rear bumper to ensure the greatest possible downforce on the rear axle. The so-called airsplitter at the front end augments this downforce, while small wheel spoilers reduce turbulence at the rear axle. The result is precise handling and steering at high speeds.

Outstanding performance and safety thanks to carbon fibre technology

In technical terms the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S benefits from the long experience of Mercedes-Benz and its Formula-1 partner McLaren. With the exception of two aluminium frames, the body is completely of carbon-fibre materials (CFRP). This makes it highly exceptional among high-performance sports cars. Especially for the roadster, the sophisticated carbon-fibre technology was developed further for the monocoque. The result is low weight, exemplary energy absorption and therefore a high level of occupant safety, plus a torsional rigidity that is unprecedented for an open-top car. It allows outstanding handling characteristics that are otherwise only found in closed super-sports cars.

A high level of safety is provided by unique carbon-fibre crash structures, steel-reinforced A-pillars and two fixed rollover bars. Other safety features include adaptive airbags, knee and sidebags, belt tensioners and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

A thoroughly sporty appearance

The roadster has a crystal antimony grey paint finish, which highlights the sculptured look of this high-performance car particularly effectively. The carbon-fibre technology is visually complemented by the black, grid-like air vents on the bonnet and the front and rear light modules with palladium grey surrounds.

In the interior, outstanding lateral support is guaranteed by sports bucket seats upholstered in a combination of semi-aniline leather/Alcantara. Striking visual highlights are provided by the contrasting seams in Mercedes-Benz 300 SL red, the embossed 722 S lettering on the head restraints and the likewise red seat belts. Frequently used controls such as the shift and parking brake levers are lined in particularly high-grip and moisture-absorbing suede leather. In the interior too, the generous use of carbon-fibre underlines the high-performance philosophy and adds a particularly puristic touch.

Exclusive appointments

The exclusive appointments include two-zone automatic climate control, a high-quality BOSE Premium sound system, a multifunction sports steering wheel with shift paddles and a navigation system with an integrated radio and CD player.

This limited edition of 150 examples is predominantly hand-built at the Formula 1 workshops of McLaren in Woking, England, and is available from January 1, 2009.

Images : Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722S




[Source : McLaren]

Nissan Starts LCV Global Product Offensive with NP200

Nissan NP200

TOKYO : September 29, 2008 - Nissan Motor Co.,Ltd.(NML) announced today the launch of the first of 13 all-new light commercial vehicles (LCV), planned for introduction during the Nissan GT 2012 mid term business plan period, ending in 2012.


Sales of the NP200 compact pick up will start in South Africa on October 1st, 2008, to address the needs of both business users and private motorists looking for a practical work and leisure vehicle. It combines tough workhorse reliability and functionality in a distinctive package. With 800kg payload capacity, the largest in its class, the NP200 stands out as the sensible choice among its competitors. The vehicle also offers the largest and longest load body in its segment as well as the largest interior cabin space.

Nissan NP200

The NP200 will initially be launched with a 1.6 litre gasoline engine, developing a maximum power of 64kW/ 5,500rpm and a torque of 128Nm/ 3,000rpm. More variants are expected to be launched in 2009.

The NP200 is manufactured at Nissan's Rosslyn Plant north of Pretoria and will substitute the Bakkie, which has been available to South African customers for 37 years and has become an icon of functional mobility in the Country.

"The Nissan LCV Business Unit* has committed to achieving double revenues and top class LCV customer satisfaction during the Nissan GT 2012 plan period. To deliver on the two ambitious commitments we have defined a number of plans, including the launch of 13 new attractive and high quality products. The NP200 inaugurates the deployment of our product plan for the period and shows how committed we are to offering products that are built around our customers' needs and exceed their expectations", said Andy Palmer, Corporate Vice President of NML, LCV Business Unit.

The Nissan NP200 comes with a 3 year/ 100 000km warranty and a 6 year anti-rust warranty.

*LCV Business Unit: The LCV Business Unit was established in 2004 to accelarate global busiess operation for LCV. The Nissan GT 2012 mid term business Plan announced in May 2008 by President and CEO Carlos Ghosn reaffirms that LCVs will continue to be one of the key drivers of growth for the fiscal years 2008-2012. It also states that the company aims to double sales revenues for LCVs during this period while pursuing its goal of being a lead player in the field of LCV customer satisfaction.

[Source : NISSAN]

Nissan Launches New Murano Crossover SUV

2009 Nissan Murano 350XV 4

TOKYO : September 29, 2008 - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announces the release of the all-new, second-generation Nissan Murano crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV), which goes on sale today at Nissan dealers nationwide.


The new Murano will be marketed under the tagline of "SHIFT_design," reflecting its leadership in both contemporary styling and as a crossover SUV that combines utility and sedan-like comfort and luxury.

The first-generation Murano debuted in North America in 2002 and won resounding accolades for its novel design and sporty driving performance. It went on sale in Japan in September 2004 and received similar strong media and consumer acceptance. The dramatic new Murano, which launched in January in the United States, will be available in approximately 170 countries worldwide.

An All-New Second-Generation Murano
The new Murano carries over a strong sense of "Murano-ness" from the previous design as part of a "super evolution" of its premium crossover SUV positioning - including a distinctive new exterior, an enhanced sense of sporty and reassuring driving performance, a quieter and more comfortable interior with greater levels of luxury features and enhanced technology.

The concept behind the creation of the new Murano includes:

• Modern Art Design: A distinctive exterior and high-quality interior
  
• Premium Driving Feel: A perfect balance of comfort and sportiness, which enables responsive handling in any driving situation
  
• Suite-like Interior: A roomy, luxurious cabin with an array of user-focused comfort and convenience features

Dynamic Exterior Design

2009 Nissan Murano 350XV FOUR

The new Murano features a dynamic body design that is highlighted by its elegant flowing surfaces and curves. The graceful silhouette stretches like one seamless motion from the aggressive front bumper to the rear bumper. In front, quad-cylinder style High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional headlights are integrated with the wide front signature Murano grille. Three-dimensional concave surface body sides provide a beautiful contrast with the sculpted fenders, while the unique window silhouette - with the rear edge heading upward - provides another example of the new generation design's "Murano-ness."

Seven exterior colors are available, including the addition of Grayish Bronze and Dark Blue, an all-new Nissan color. All colors come standard with Nissan's Scratch Shield Paint, which self-repairs minor scratch marks in the paint surface.

A Stylish, Modern Interior With Abundant Convenience Features

2009 Nissan Murano 350XV FOUR

Murano's modern curvaceous exterior design theme continues into the beautifully crafted interior. The unique, asymmetrically designed cockpit offers a rugby-ball-like shape, which is like no other vehicle in class. The new "three-dimensional beauty" instrument panel features large Fine Vision meters with improved legibility (versus the previous generation), along with new ring lighting.

The stylish center cluster utilizes genuine aluminum and chrome trim, while the center console combines a substantial look with soft touch materials for a luxurious impression. The door trim, with stitched armrests, is made of genuine aluminum and soft padding, which is integrated with the instrumental panel to embrace the driver and passenger in style and comfort.

The interior environment, developed from the perspective of providing clean air without irritating the occupants' skin, utilizes a mild-flow air-conditioning system, which directs gentle airflow rearward without striking the passengers directly.

2009 Nissan Murano 250XL FOUR : Black interior

In the rear, the roomy seats provide a welcoming atmosphere with a comfortable seat shape and fabric. The 60/40-split folding automatic rear seat can be folded by pulling levers located at both sides, and reversed by just pushing the automatic recovery button (a factory-installed option).

2009 Nissan Murano 250XL FOUR : Black interior

A foldable cargo organizer enables the luggage area floorboard to be opened at the flip of a switch, with special partition nets holding cargo in place while driving. Murano's remote-controlled automatic back door opens and closes at the touch of a switch, either from the driver's seat or the remote-control key (factory-installed option).

The open interior feeling is enhanced by an available dual-pane moonroof, featuring a power sliding glass roof with inner sunshades over both the front and rear seats (standard on the 350XV FOUR and a 250XV FOUR).

Advanced technology features include an 11-speaker BOSE sound audio system, which delivers concert-hall-like sound quality - reproducing the sounds of musical instruments and singing voices with real, three-dimensional quality, as if listening to a live performance (factory-installed option).

The new Murano is also available with an advanced HDD-based CARWINGS navigation system featuring a touch panel screen for greatly improved ease of operation. The system incorporates enhanced entertainment capabilities, including a music box and DVD audio/video playback. It also includes a Bluetooth Hands-free Interface (factory-installed option).

An Intelligent Key System provides improved anti-theft functionality, including electric-assisted power steering lockup, engine immobilizer and other deterrents linked to the ID code stored in the key fob.

In addition, two available systems help the driver's view around the vehicle. The advanced side blind-spot monitor helps provides visual assistance by reducing the left front blind spot when positioning the car alongside the curb, parking or meeting oncoming traffic on a narrow road. The back-view monitor utilizes a small CCD camera to offer a color view of the area behind the car, which is displayed on Murano's navigation system monitor.

A Responsive Engine, Transmission and Chassis

VQ35DE engine

Like the original, the heart of the new Murano is its advanced engine, transmission and chassis combination, which is anchored by Nissan's proven QR25DE 4-cylinder and VQ35DE V6 engines, paired with Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) and rigid D-platform. The QR25DE engine achieves improved output and fuel-efficiency through reduced friction. Torque and output are also enhanced throughout a wide speed range by enlarging the radius of intake and exhaust ports and an increased compression ratio.

Murano's Xtronic CVT includes a new Adaptive Shift Control (ASC), which controls the shift timing according to the driver's personal driving style and the driving environment in order to optimize both performance and fuel economy.

With Murano's advanced ALL MODE 4?4-i all-wheel drive system, smooth cornering on slippery road surfaces is provided by monitoring wheel spin and adjusting front/rear torque split accordingly.

The Nissan D-platform helps optimize the balance between a flat, comfortable ride and the quiet, superb handling and stability of a premium class sedan. High rigidity is achieved by adopting a new joint member structure and strengthening the link between the front shock absorbers, along with enlarging the rear joint member, strengthening the link between shock absorbers and adding a rear cross member.

Murano's newly developed suspension with four-wheel built-in rebound springs enhances vehicle stability while also providing a more comfortable ride than the previous generation design. Front and rear link geometry has been revised and rigidity of the setting points is improved. This reduces the amount of vibration transmitted to the interior and improves body stability. Special sound-absorbing materials have been added throughout the body, effectively reducing or blocking outside noises. New floor carpeting with improved sound absorption effect reduces the noise from the below the vehicle, along with deflectors located under body, which decrease under-floor wind noise. Additional quietness at high speeds is improved by optimizing the design and positioning of the rear muffler.

Improved collision safety features and reduced weight are realized by adopting a greater amount of ultra-high tensile steel (780MPa grade) and through multiple load path construction. This further evolution of Nissan's high-strength Zone Body achieves both enhanced crashworthiness and weight savings.

Standard vehicle-speed-sensitive power steering system offers light steering effort at low speed and a direct steering feel at middle-to-high speeds.

Safety and Environmental Technologies
The new Murano offers a long list of standard and available safety features, including:

• Bi-xenon headlights
  
• Halogen fog lights integrated into the front bumper^*1
  
• Rain-sensing step-less intermittent windshield wiper (flat-blade type)
  
• High-intensity LED rear combination lamps
  
• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
  
• VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control)
  
• Brake LSD (Limited-Slip Differential)
  
• Low-friction seatbelts in all seating positions
  
• Three-point ELR rear seatbelts for three passengers
  
• High-strength Zone Body construction for high safety
  
• Impact-energy-absorbing body structure for mitigating pedestrian injuries
  
• SRS air bag systems for the driver and front passenger
  
• SRS side air bag systems for the driver and front passenger
  
• SRS curtain air bag systems
  
• Front-seat Active Head Restraints

Murano is also designed with an awareness and sensitivity toward the environment. For example:

• VQ35DE and QR25DE engine models (vehicle weight less than 1,770 kg) achieve fuel economy that is 5% higher than Japan's 2010 fuel economy standards.
  
• QR25DE engine models (vehicle weight 1,770 kg and above) achieve fuel economy 20% higher than Japan's 2010 fuel economy standards.
  
• U-LEV certification is achieved for all models by emitting 50% fewer exhaust emissions than Japan's 2005 exhaust emission standards.
  
• A fuel economy indicator is included with all new Muranos.
  
• Achieves a recyclability rate of more than 95% by weight^*2
  
• A reduction of interior volatile organic compounds (VOC).

Sales target: 900 units/month
Price range: 3,150,000 yen to 4,042,500 yen, including consumption tax
Sales launch events: October 4 (Sat.) - 5 (Sun.), 11(Sat.) - 13 (Mon.), 2008

*1: Standard on the 350XV FOUR and the 250XV FOUR and a factory-installed option on the 350XL FOUR and the 250XL FOUR)

*2: Calculated according to the guideline adopted by Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc. in 1998 concerning the definition and calculation method of the recyclability rate of new cars)


Images : 2009 Nissan Murano












[Source : NISSAN]