Nissan Teases All-New 2013 Sentra Sedan, to be Unveiled this Summer

Nissan will mark the Sentra nameplate's 30th anniversary in the States with the presentation of an all-new model that will be unveiled later this summer with sales to start across the country in the fall.


The new Sentra will be based on a new global sedan that is making its world premiere at this week's Auto China 2012 in Beijing. The Chinese market version of the compact sedan is named Sylphy.

"Sentra is the third of five all-new core models we'll be introducing in a 15-month product onslaught," said Nissan North America's senior vice president for sales and marketing.

"The all-new Altima goes on sale this summer and will be followed closely by the all-new Pathfinder and Sentra. And when the next two new models launch in 2013, we will have refreshed 75 percent of our volume, rewarding our loyal owners and attracting new customers into Nissan showrooms," he added.

Source:  www.carscoop.com

House Republicans call for CAFE standard delay

On July 29, 2011 President Obama announced an agreement with thirteen large automakers to increase fuel economy to 54.5 miles per gallon for cars and light-duty trucks by model year 2025. He was joined by Ford, GM, Chrysler, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar/Land Rover, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota and Volvo – which together account for over 90% of all vehicles sold in the United States – as well as the United Auto Workers (UAW), and the State of California, who were all participants in the deal.  

Today, the GOP wants the proposed CAFE 2017-2025 fuel economy regulations reviewed.  

Three top House Republicans asked the White House Tuesday to delay finalizing the 2017-25 fuel economy rules.

House Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Darrell Issa, R-Calif., Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, who chairs the subcommittee overseeing  regulations, and Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Pa., an auto dealer, wrote to the Obama administration's top regulatory review official, calling for a further review.

The committee asked Boris Bershteyn, acting administrator of the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, "to return the rule to the agencies for further consideration of its adverse consequences to consumers and the economy."

"Higher fuel efficiency standards is a goal I share—but not at the expense of consumer safety and not when those rules are implemented under a cloak of secrecy in a manner outside the law. The process followed by Obama administration officials to develop these standards was politicized, not rooted in sound science and was a political end run around seasoned experts who are required by law to lead the process," Issa said.

Kelly said "the new CAFE standards will limit choice, compromise safety, and increase costs for millions of Americans who are already struggling to get by in the Obama economy. The American consumer was not given fair representation at the CAFE negotiation table, and they have since been put on the menu."

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Environmental Protection Agency last week abandoned a self-imposed deadline of finalizing the 2017-25 rules by Wednesday, with one House Republican suggesting the administration was having second thoughts.

NHTSA chief David Strickland said early Tuesday that the rule would be unveiled in "days not weeks." Auto officials say the regulation could be released as early as Thursday.

On Friday, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in an interview that the rules will be announced shortly.

He said the Obama administration is not backing away from what it considers one of its signature domestic achievements, but said it's unclear if it will be released next week.

"It's coming soon. We're working with the White House and the EPA to roll it out," LaHood said. "It's going to happen. ... There's no backing away — it's just making sure everything's done correctly."

LaHood noted that hiking fuel economy regulations has been a priority since soon after President Barack Obama was sworn in Jan. 20, 2009. "The president is very proud of the work we've done," LaHood said.

Economy standards will cost the auto industry an estimated $157.3 billion to reach, but is intended to save consumers $1.7 trillion at the pump. The rules will add about $2,000 to the price of an average vehicle by 2025, the government forecasts.

Last summer, NHTSA the EPA and the California Air Resources Board held largely secret talks with automakers to reach a deal on the 2017-25 fuel rules.

Under the deal, the agencies agreed to lower increases for light trucks from 2017-21 of 3.5 percent and 5 percent annual increases for cars. They also agreed to a midterm review to ensure that the final years of the program are feasible. California also agreed not to impose its own standards.

It's expected the final rule will largely conform to last year's agreement reached with 13 major automakers, including Detroit's Big Three, Toyota Motor Corp, Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co. Among major automakers, only Volkswagen AG and Daimler AG refused to sign on.

Source:  www.dailytech.com

ASU professor to serve on NASA panel

By ASU News Service:
An Appalachian State University professor has been selected to participate on an expert panel being convened by NASA to help address problems of muscle and bone density loss on long space missions. 

Dr. N. Travis Triplett, director of the exercise science program in the College of Health Sciences’ Department of Health, Leisure and Exercise Science at Appalachian, will help review research related to currently available exercise equipment that is being used for Earth-based studies of micro-gravity.

N. Travis Triplett, director of ASU’s exercise science program, 

will participate on an expert panel at NASA to help address 

problems of muscle and bone density loss on long space missions.

Photo submitted

This is the second NASA panel on which Triplett has served. The first panel helped engineers develop a weight-training machine that is now aboard the International Space Station.

The panel will convene in mid-September at Johnson Space Center in Houston. 

“This panel will review the findings from researchers who have been involved in using exercise equipment related to NASA’s goal of preserving musculoskeletal strength, conditioning and rehabilitation in astronauts subjected to long-duration spaceflight,” she said. 

Earth-based studies mimic the effects of microgravity by confining volunteers to bed for as long as 90 days or more. The test subjects then engage in a variety of upper and lower body exercises to minimize loss of muscle mass and bone density.

“NASA wants to pull together all the research that is available and create a summary of the equipment available and how effective it is in minimizing or reversing muscle and bone loss,” Triplett said. “Space travel is like accelerated aging with a lot of muscle and bone loss. Even a 30-year-old person ends up with the muscles and bones of a much older person following prolonged space exposure.”

Peak bone density occurs around 30 to 35 years of age, and while the average age of astronauts is 34, NASA has no age restriction for the program. When he was 62, Story Musgrove flew the last of his six shuttle missions on the 1996 flight of the Space Shuttle Columbia. At age 77, John Glenn was the oldest astronaut to fly in space during a 1998 flight.

Muscle atrophy following space flight is short term and can be replaced within a few months with weight training, Triplett said. The body constantly replaces old bone with new bone cells, but it’s a much longer process. 

“You are looking at probably a year or two before getting most of the lost bone back,” Triplett said. “And the older a person gets, more bone loss than bone rebuilding is also occurring. If I’m age 55 and I go up in space and lose a lot of bone, I’m probably not going to get that back and will be more prone to osteoporosis at an earlier age.” 

That bone loss can result in complications, including bone fractures. 

The exercise regimens on the early shuttle missions focused on cardiovascular exercise through treadmills, rowing machines and stationery bikes, Triplett said. 

“While your heart is a muscle, too, they found the cardiovascular changes with space exposure weren’t as bad as the changes occurring to the major muscle groups and in bone density,” she said. “NASA realized they need to address that more.” 

Since it takes weight-bearing exercise, such as resistance training, to build bone, NASA developed the aRED (advanced Resistive Exercise Device) for use on the International Space Station in 2008, based on reports from the first NASA panel on which Triplett served. The aRED is similar to a strength-training machine found in gyms used to exercise the major muscles in the upper and lower body.

“NASA certainly wants astronauts to be able to return to Earth and not be at higher risk of fractures,” Triplett said.

Source:  www.mountaintimes.com

Nissan Juke-R the heir of the GT-R

THE devil offspring of Godzilla the GT-R and the humble Nissan Juke is going to be something very, very special.

Originally conceived as a piece of racetrack silliness, the Juke-R is now approved for production and leaked sketches show the super crossover will be just as insane as hoped - or feared.

Everything from the track-focused Juke-R prototype built last year has been carried through for the road, right down to the wings and wild 20-inch wheels added to the compact when it was injected with the heart and soul of the GT-R.

Developed by Nissan but built by motorsports outfit RML in Britain (with input from Nissan's European Technology Centre), the Juke-R gets the GT-R's 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6, six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a modified version of its 4WD system.

The cabin of the production car is likely to follow the concept, which means the Juke's motorcycle tank-inspired centre console sits among the arsenal of gauges, dials and 7-inch customisable LCD information display from the GT-R.

The bad news for Australia is that every Juke-R has been pre-sold to an owner order - despite a price tipping $580,000 - but the good news is that the go-faster project helped to reignite the chance of the trendy Juke coming to Australia.

It was a huge hit in Europe and this has convinced the management at Nissan Australia, under go-getter new boss Bill Peffer, to take another look at the Juke.

"We're having another look at Juke. But there is no point in bringing the Juke-R if it's not relevant to what we're doing,"Nissan Australia spokesman Jeff Fisher says.

"In any case, they are all being made to order. So unless you already have an order you won't be getting one. And we haven't had any orders here, that I'm aware of."

Fisher says the regular Juke box is back on the radar after an earlier rejection based on the cost of the program and an uncertain sales reception here.

"Rejected is not really the right word. It was considered to be outside our product line, but things have changed," he says.

"Now, as a niche car and brand leader, it now has its potential. One of the reasons is that it's been so successful everywhere it's sold."

Nissan believes the Micra-based Juke, which would sell against a wide basket of trendy rivals such as Kia Soul and Toyota Rukus, might be right as people look for something different in a baby car.

Source:  http://www.news.com.au

The Next Generation SUV

After a series of teases at recent auto shows,Nissan has finally released all the details surrounding its new 2013 Pathfinder, the fourth generation of the popular SUV and possibly the most fuel efficient yet. The latest Pathfinder returns to a car-like unibody platform, the same one found in existing models like the Murano, Quest, Maxima, Altima and 2013 Infiniti JX, and according to Nissan this has allowed engineers to shed around 500 pounds from the weight of the outgoing 2012 model--the lightest model is now 4,149 pounds.

The end result is a 30 percent improvement in fuel economy, with the final numbers coming in at 20/26 mpg city/highway or 22 combined for the most fuel efficient front-wheel drive model. According to Nissan, both the front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions of the Pathfinder are class leaders when it comes to fuel economy.

Note, there’s only one powertrain available now, a 3.5-liter V-6 matched to Nissan’s latest Xtronic CVT, which may deter some buyers. The engine delivers 260 horsepowerand 240 pound-feet of torque and is capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds.

Looking more upscale overall, the new exterior is a mix of signature Pathfinder styling cues and some modern touches. The vehicle still looks bold, though softened up a bit. Key details include a wide chrome grille and large aerodynamic headlights, recessed front windshield wipers, chrome door handles and large rear combination lights. The 2013 Pathfinder also features a long moonroof stretching almost the entire length of the roof.

2013 Nissan Pathfinder

The premium look continues inside, where up to seven adults can sit comfortably thanks to the three rows of seats.

Some of the premium touches, either standard or available, include leather trim, heated and cooled front seats, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel with power tilt and telescoping features, push-button engine starting, and an advanced Bose sound system with 13 speakers.

Other technologies available are a tri-zone climate control system, a power rear liftgate, iPod integration, DVD display screens in the second row, and tire pressure monitoring systems. Finally, the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder also benefits from Nissan’s Around View Monitor, which shows the driver a virtual 360-degree image of the area around the vehicle.

Production of the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder is taking place at Nissan’s plant in Smyrna, Tennessee, and the first examples will hit showrooms this fall. Pricing starts at $28,270. 

To learn more, give us a call - 1-800-ShopNissan

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com

Nissan Versa is Back-to-School Worthy!

Are you a student and in the market for the best economy car in it's class?  Look no further, and check out the 2012 Nissan Versa!  It comes in Sedan and Hatchback!

Featured on KBB.com's list of Top Ten Back-to-School Cars, the Nissan Versa is an excellent choice for fuel efficiency, comfort and room, and styling!  "As the least expensive car in America, the Versa makes an excellent choice for students looking for the most sensible way to get from point A to point B - and despite it's super low price tag, the 5-passenger Versa sedan includes a full suite of basic 'creature comforts' plus unexpected niceties, like an auxiliary audio jack for portable music players," says Jack R. Nerad, Executive Editorial Director & Executive Market Analysis for Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com.

Just earlier this year, KBB.com gave the Versa sedan the title of 'Best Total Cost of Ownership' in its class.  In addition, the Versa was awarded 'Top Safety Pick' by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), an honor given to vehicles that achieve the IIHS's highest rating for front-, rear-, and side-impact protection, and the highest rating in the roof-strength test.

With versatility and room to spare, the Versa's spacious interior offers unexpected leg room and headroom to seat 5 comfortably.  Cargo spaces are configured for 'real-world' use, which means that students will be able to pack their new cars for the move into the new dorm! 

At 38 MPG, the '12 Versa's fuel-sipping efficiency is a perfect fit for any student's budget.  As fall approaches and students return back to classes, the 2013 model goes on sale offering versions that push the EPA highway fuel economy to 40 MPG!

To help parents feel confident that their young driver is safe behind the wheel, six airbags come standard on the Versa with two dual-stage front airbags, airbags for side-impact protection built into each front seat and two roof-mounted curtain side-impact airbags to help provide head protection for both rows of occupants.

College gradates can be confident when they go to buy their first car, as Nissan offers a stress-free buying experience with our College Grad Preferred Pricing Program.  Individuals graduating withing 6 months or the past 2 years, as well as current Graduate Students, qualify to buy a new Nissan for less than Dealer Cost! 

For more information on the Nissan Versa and Nissan's College Grad Program, give us a call at 1-800-ShopNissan today or visit us on the web:  www.universitynissan.com!



Source:  NissanUSA, KBB.com
See a mistake or have questions about this post?  Contact:  jolly.tracy@gmail.com

Boone Area Events for the Weekend of August 11th

Lots of great happenings going on in the High Country this weekend!  Head on up to the Blue Ridge Mountains to enjoy many area activities!  

8th Annual Watauga Lake Marathon

Saturday, August 11th - 8am

1000 Meter Swim / 35 Kilometer Bike / 8 Kilometer Run

For Event Information:  www.wataugalaketriathlon.com

For Lodging information: www.ExploreBooneArea.com

Watauga County Farmer's Market
Saturday, August 11th - 8:00am - 12:00pm
Every week, may through October, you will find quality locally and regionally farmed meats, organic produce, fresh cut flowers, and hardy local plants, delicious edibles and a wide variety of crafts, as well as children's activities. 

Hickory Ridge Living History Museum
Saturday, August 11 - 9:00am - 12:00pm
Hickory Ridge Living History Museum, located on the grounds of "horn in the West," is an 18th Century living history highlighting the daily lives of our mountain ancestors.  See live demonstrations of a various pioneer skills, such as hearth-side cooking, flintlock rifle, blacksmithing, spinning and weaving, etc.  Open Saturday mornings, May - October, and evenings before "horn in the West."  Admission is by donation.

Art in the Park
Saturday, August 11 - 10:00am - 5:00pm
Juried Arts and Crafts show in downtown Blowing Rock.  Free Admission / Free Trolly Shuttle For more information, contact the Blowing Rock Chamber at (828) 295-7851.


While you're in town enjoying the festivities, stop by University Nissan of Boone and say hey!  If you're in the market for a new or pre-owned vehicle, we're the dealership for you!  We have the largest selection of New Nissan's in Boone along with the most competitive pricing on our pre-owned vehicles!  You can check out our online showroom at www.universitynissan.com or just give us a call at 1-800-ShopNissan.

We hope to see you soon!