Tag Archives: Nissan

Travis Pastrana Races His Gymkhana Subaru WRX STI Against A 1,300 HP Altima Drift Car

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The Subaru WRX STI built for Travis Pastrana and Gymkhana 11 is a phenomenal performance machine and was recently brought out to Hoonigan’s drag strip for some races against an equally-as-unique Nissan Altima.

The Altima in question is owned by Formula Drift champion Chris Forsberg and has been comprehensively modified for drifting. However, that doesn’t mean it is a slouch in a straight-line as it recently proved when out-sprinting a modified Dodge Charger Hellcat with 1,000 hp and drag radial tires.

Watch Also: Take A Deep Dive Of Travis Pastrana’s Crazed Subaru WRX STI Gymkhana Car

Key modifications made to this Altima include the fitment of a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 from a Nissan GT-R that, depending on the state of tune, can deliver as much as 2,000 hp but is currently rocking around 1,300 hp. It absolutely loves to spin up the rear wheels and produces an intoxicating sound.

In the other corner is Pastrana’s WRX STI. It was built by Subaru Motorsports USA and Vermont SportsCar and features a custom boxer engine bored out to 2.3-liters complete with a billet engine block and the crankshaft from Subaru’s RallyCross program. It also has billet heads, a twin timing belt system and a huge turbocharger, and delivers no less than 862 hp. While that’s considerably less than Forsberg’s Altima, the Subaru has the advantage of being all-wheel drive.

Thanks to the Subaru’s better traction, it launches much better than the Altima and takes the first two races with ease. However, a rolling race is then held between the pair and in this case, it was the Nissan that pulled away from the Subaru and claimed the win.

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1,300 HP Nissan Altima Shows 1,000 Dodge Charger How It’s Done

The Nissan Altima is a dependable family car, but it certainly doesn’t get your heart racing. However, this Altima is an entirely different beast.

This Altima is owned by Formula Drift champion Chris Forsberg and is powered by the 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 you’ll ordinarily find in a Nissan GT-R. A plethora of modifications have been made to this mill, so much so that it can be tuned to churn out no less than 2,000 hp (although it was running 1,300 hp here). In this video of the car from Hoonigan, we discover that it is no one-trick pony that can only go sideways around corners.

Throughout this clip, we learn about what has gone into making this Altima and are also presented with a Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat that has also benefited from a host of modifications and aims to show the Altima just how quick it can be in a straight line.

Read More: 2,000 HP GT-R Powered Nissan Altima Looks Like An Absolute Riot

The most obvious modification made to the Dodge is the removal of the standard supercharger and the fitment of two turbochargers that allows it to pump out an impressive 1,050 hp. However, whereas the custom-built Nissan that includes a bespoke tubular chassis weighs just 3,170 lbs (1,438 kg), the Dodge is much heavier and weighs roughly 4,600 lbs (2,087 kg).

As such, it is little surprise that in both of the drag races from a standing-start, the Nissan is able to sprint off the line much more effectively than the Dodge and claims a pair of easy wins. To give the Dodge a shot, the final race saw the duo compete in a rolling race from 60 mph (96 km/h). This race was much closer.

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One Does Not Simply Modify A Nissan GT-R Like This

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The world might have been waiting for the next-generation Nissan GT-R for quite some time now, but the current R35 is still pretty competitive.

The same applies to its styling, which might not be as fresh as when it was first introduced, but due to numerous revisions still holds its own. However, one GT-R owner in Japan decided overhaul the design of their own car and the result is, let’s say, questionable.

The image you see was recently posted to Instagram and shows the GT-R at a gas station. It has been modified in such a bizarre way that it beggars belief.

Read Also: Nissan GT-R 50 By Italdesign Test Car Heads To Japan As Companies Tell Us To “Stay Tuned”

We actually stumbled upon a separate image of this GT-R in mid-2020 and at the time, it was spotted rocking the rear bumper of a Honda Civic hatchback. It looked pretty bad back then, but is now even more distasteful because of the overhauled rear fascia that appears like it’s made up of various front grilles from different cars.

It’s not just the rear fascia that has changed since the car was first spotted last year, though. Look closely and you’ll notice that the standard rear wing now sports bizarre Pokemon-style endplates. Additionally, the car’s front and rear wheel arches have been extended while angular louvers have been affixed above the rear window and there are all manner of bulges and scoops on the roof. While we don’t have any images of the vehicle’s front end, we can see that it features additional wing mirrors mounted on the front wheel arches.

Hey Alexa, 2021 Nissan Juke Becomes An Enigma With New Special Edition

Nissan has introduced a new special edition variant of the second generation Juke in Europe, which is dubbed the Enigma.

The model boasts special graphics on the roof and side mirror casings, ‘Enigma’ badging on the C pillars as well as the interior, while riding on 19-inch Akari wheels and can be ordered in three paint finishes: Gun Metallic Grey and Storm White with a Black roof, or all Black.

“The Nissan Juke offers head-turning design and advanced technology in a truly compelling package”, said the brand’s Europe Vice President for Product Planning, Marco Fioravanti. “Enigma draws on unique styling and intelligent connectivity to enhance the driving experience.”

Watch Also: 2020 Nissan Juke Is Better Than Its Predecessor, Retains Its Quirkiness

In addition to the special looks, the new Juke Enigma is the first Nissan to get the Amazon Alexa compatibility in Europe. With Alexa’s Nissan Skill enabled in the dedicated app and linked to the owner’s NissanConnect Services account, owners can remotely control certain functions of their crossover, such as checking the door-lock status, turning on the lights, seeing the remaining fuel range, finding out where it is parked or sending an address to the TomTom navi.

The Juke Enigma will officially launch in Europe this month. In the United Kingdom, it has a starting price of £23,195 ($31,622), which places it between the N-Connecta and the Tekna, which can be bought from £22,195 ($30,258) and £23,695 ($32,303) respectively. The Tekna+ range-topper is available from £25,095 ($34,212), while the entry-level Visia and mid-range Acenta set buyers back at least £18,595 ($25,350) and £20,195 ($27,532) respectively.

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Next Nissan Frontier / Navara May Use Mercedes X-Class Parts

The next-generation Nissan Navara that’s sold in some parts of the world as the Frontier, including Mexico, Argentina and Brazil (though, not to be confused with the unrelated U.S. and Canadian-spec Frontier) could receive some parts from the outgoing Mercedes-Benz X-Class, at least according to a new report.

It’s no secret that the X-Class was underpinned by the same platform as the Navara. However, not everyone knows that Mercedes-Benz did make some alterations to the platform, adding some structural reinforcement to add to its strength and improving the driving dynamics.

Now, Autoblog.com.ar is reporting that when the new Navara hit the market, they will do so with the strengthened platform of the X-Class, including its new cross members. The report adds the Nissan will receive the same supplementary crossbar as the X-Class.

Read More: All-New Nissan Frontier Makes Spy Debut, Looks Like A Baby Titan

Nissan will apparently start manufacturing the first prototypes of this chassis before the end of the year at a factory in Argentina.

What about America’s Frontier?

It was only in February that Nissan updated the Navara’s distant American and Canadian cousin, the current Frontier (which is related to the second generation Navara, not the third gen NP300 sold globally) for the 2020 model year. While it largely retained the same looks as the previous model, it did land with a new 3.8-liter V6 using 93 per cent new or re-designed parts, allowing it to deliver an impressive 310 hp and 281 lb-ft (381 Nm) of torque. This engine will come standard with the next-gen Frontier and be paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission that replaces the five-speed auto and five-speed manual that have been offered in previous years.

Not to be confused with the Frontier sold outside the U.S. and Canada

From what we’ve heard from Nissan sources, America and Canada’s next-generation Frontier will not use the global Navara platform mentioned above but a heavily revised version of the current model’s older truck architecture, the F-Alpha. Confusingly, Nissan markets the global Navara as the Frontier in several other markets.

Sources tell CarScoops that rear-wheel drive will be standard and an all-wheel drive system with an electronically controlled transfer case will be optional.

Nissan had been expected to unveil the new North American Frontier pickup truck before the end of the year, but it seems increasingly likely we won’t see it until 2021.

Correction: We’ve clarified that there are in fact two different Nissan Frontier models available for sale in the world, one for numerous global markets that is the same as the European Navara (NP300), and one based on the older F-Alpha platform for the U.S. and Canada

Photo credits: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien for CarScoops

2021 Kia K5 Vs Segment Best-Sellers: Would You Get The K5 Over The Camry, Accord Or Altima?

Last year, Toyota sold more than three times as many Camry sedans as Kia did the Optima in the US. In fact, the latter has consistently failed to keep up with the segment’s top three models in terms of sales for the past several years.

The Optima has now been put to rest, with the 2021 K5 taking over as the Korean carmaker’s weapon of choice in the non-premium midsize segment.

In reality, it’s highly unlikely that the top three is going to get reshuffled in any way when it comes to sales. Especially since they’re so far ahead of everybody else, with the Toyota Camry selling 336,978 units in 2019, the Honda Accord selling 267,567 units and Nissan shifting 209,183 Altimas.

However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t customers out there who would put the fresh new Kia K5 in their shopping list along with its direct rivals, so let’s see how they stack up.

Kia K5 ($24,000 est)

The K5 should pick up where the Optima left off when it comes to pricing. The latter costs upwards of $23,390, and since the Camry, Altima and Accord all start from about $24k too, it’s a safe bet that’s what Kia’s aiming for with the K5. Official pricing however has yet to be released.

Buyers can choose between four trim levels (LX, LXS, GT-Line and EX), while a range-topping GT trim will be available later on.

Read Also: Super Sedan Poll – 2021 Mercedes-AMG E63 Vs. 2021 BMW M5

Powering the base spec 2021 Kia K5 is a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 180 HP and 195 lb-ft (264 Nm) of torque mated to a new 8-speed automatic. An all-wheel drive system will also be available as an option. As for something a bit more dynamic, there’s the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-pot model, with 290 HP and 311 lb-ft (421 Nm) of torque that’s coupled to an 8-speed DSG and will get you to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds.

Length: 193.1 in (4,905 mm)
Width: 73 in (1,860 mm)
Height: 56.9 in (1,445 mm)
Wheelbase: 112.2 in (2,850 mm)

Toyota Camry ($24,425)

What’s there to say about the Camry? Its popularity is undisputed and this latest-generation model has been turning many heads, even on a global level.

U.S. buyers can get theirs with either a 203 HP 2.5-liter four-pot, a 301 HP 3.5-liter V6 or a 208 HP hybrid. The V6 is your best bet against the Kia’s turbo 2.5-liter unit, as it can take the Camry to 60 mph in under 6 seconds.

As for styling, we could argue that the K5 definitely gives off some sports sedan vibes, whereas the Camry features a more elegant design. To be fair, the Toyota still looks a great deal more dynamic than its predecessor.

Length: 192.1 in (4,880 mm)
Width: 72.4 in (1,840 mm)
Height: 56.9 in (1,450 mm)
Wheelbase: 111.2 in (2,820 mm)

Honda Accord ($24,020)

Here, you can choose between a 1.5 turbo, a 2.0 turbo and a hybrid. The 1.5-liter four cylinder is good for 192 HP, the 2.0-liter produces 252 HP, while the hybrid model has a total output of 212 HP.

Along with the Camry, the Accord is pretty much the “poster boy” for practical and safe mid-size saloons, and thankfully this latest 10th-generation one even manages to look modern by 2020 standards – which it should, since it only came out in late 2017.

In terms of dimensions, the Accord is actually the widest car here, at 73.3 inches (1,862 mm) in width. Otherwise, it’s similar in size to its rivals from Toyota and Nissan, although the Kia is the longest of the group.

Length: 192.2 in (4,882 mm)
Width: 73.3 in (1,862 mm)
Height: 57.1 in (1,451 mm)
Wheelbase: 111.4 in (2,830 mm)

Nissan Altima ($24,100)

Nissan unveiled the sixth-generation Altima in 2018, and it’s powered by either a 188 HP 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine or a 248 HP 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot. While you can have the Altima with all-wheel drive, you don’t have any transmission options other than the Xtronic CVT.

The Accord for example also comes with a 6-speed manual, but to be fair that’s not necessarily something mid-size sedan buyers wish for.

However, if you had to opt between the Altima’s CVT and the K5’s available 8-speed dual clutch gearbox (on the GT model), you’d probably be better off with the latter.

Length: 193.0 in (4,901 mm)
Width: 72.8 in (1,850 mm)
Height: 57.0 in (1,447 mm)
Wheelbase: 111.2 in (2,825 mm)

So, if you’re in the market for a midsize family car, which of these four would you rather park in your driveway?

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Nissan’s Fresh Take on the 2020 Sentra and Versa Sedans

Recently we spent some time with two of Nissan’s smaller sedans, the compact Sentra and the subcompact Versa. Both are “all-new” for 2020. Enhanced styling give both a stronger presence on the road and in the driveway. Upgraded powertrains yield better road-going characteristics. The 2020 Nissan Sentra: Nissan’s best Sentra to dateWhile other Nissans tend to grab the headlines, particularly the iconic Z car and the GT-R, the Sentra quietly remains the best-selling Nissan of all time in the United States. The popular compact sedan is all-new for 2020, with a fresh design built upon a new platform. Two inches lower and wider than the outgoing model, the new Sentra is, in our eyes anyway, attractive.All models get Nissan’s V-motion grille, select versions also receive LED projector headlamps and LED daytime running lights. The sharp creases, low roofline and wider stance give the Sentra an athletic appearance, something that Sentras of old never had.Under the hood sits a new 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine which replaces the previous 1.8-liter. Horsepower is rated at 149 hp, which is sufficient for the compact sedan and more impressively marks a 20 percent increase over the previous model. The 146 lb-ft of torque is also a noteworthy 17 percent jump over the 2019 model.Power is sent to the front wheels by Nissan’s latest generation Xtronic transmission. Nissan has done a decent job of adding some excitement to the CVT transmission, but even with all the refinement and economy, we would prefer a traditional automatic gearbox. That said, Nissan was an early adopter of the CVT and you can tell that they put some work in to make it as decent as possible.Fuel economy is impressive. The 2020 Sentra is rated at 29/39/33 mpg city/highway/combined for the S and SV grades and 28/37/32 mpg city/highway/combined for the SR grade.For 2020, the Sentra now includes Nissan Safety Shield 360 as standard equipment. The safety equipment package includes six driver-assist systems: Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist and Rear Automatic Braking.Pricing for the all-new 2020 Sentra S starts at $19,090 plus fees. The base model includes 16-inch steel wheels, cloth interior and remote keyless entry with push button start.For $20,270 plus fees,  the Sentra SV adds 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 8-inch color display with multi-touch control, 6-speaker audio system, auto climate control, intelligent cruise control and a nicer cloth interior.At $21,430 plus fees, the Sentra SR includes 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, LED headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights, LED fog lights, sport cloth interior with orange stitching, rear spoiler and lower body side sill extensions.The 2020 Versa: Subcompact Steps in the Right DirectionFull Disclosure, I’ve never been a fan of Nissan’s entry-level subcompact sedan. I understand the premise and appreciate the excellent fuel economy and the value of having a new car warranty, but nothing about the outgoing Versa really stood out in a crowded subcompact segment. So it was a bit of a surprise that the 2020 Versa won me over in a few areas.Versa’s new design, stronger engine, enhanced driving dynamics and improved interior left a lasting impression. While I wouldn’t look for excuses to take the Versa out for a drive, something I do with my Z cars, the daily commute to work was easy behind the wheel. On the highway the Versa does what you ask if you are patient. The seats are comfortable and the stereo system actually sounds really good.Wider, longer and lower, the new Versa is a sportier take on Nissan’s affordable subcompact. The design is a bit frumpy in spots, something common in the subcompact segment, but overall the new lines are pleasing. The signature V-motion grille helps the Versa fit in with its relatives and the SR model is equipped with attractive LED lighting.Abundant hard-touch plastic surfaces mar an otherwise surprisingly spacious and thoughtful interior. The 88.9 cubic feet of interior space and 14.3 cubic feet of trunk volume help the Versa feel more like a compact vehicle than a  subcompact. Six-way adjustable cloth front bucket seats are standard. Heated front seats can be had with the SR Convenience Package. The Versa SR also features sportier seat fabric and upgraded interior trim and accents.Our SR model test vehicle included a great-sounding 6-speaker system controlled by a 7.0-inch touchscreen Display. The infotainment system features satellite radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Nissan’s reluctance to offer either smartphone connectivity system appears to be in the rearview.Under the hood sits a new 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that is rated at 122 horsepower and a 114 lb-ft of torque. Both numbers are considerable jumps over the outgoing powerplant. The added power gives the Versa a little more zip, but make no mistake, Nissan’s subcompact is designed for efficiency.The base S model arrives with a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an available CVT transmission. The latter is standard on Versa SV and SR grades. Fuel economy for the base model with the 5-speed is rated at 27/35/30 mpg city/highway/combined. Xtronic (CVT) models see 32/40/35 mpg  city/highway/combined.While not standard, Versa is now available with Nissan’s “Safety Shield” active safety technology. The package includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, lane departure warning, high beam assist, blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert.Pricing for the 2020 Versa S starts at $14,730 plus fees. The base model is very limited in features, making it a good choice for basic transportation. Our recommendation would be to look at the SV model with the upgraded wheels, infotainment and safety features for $17,640 plus fees.