Nissan Altima and Sentra to get Murano-inspired design redo | Harbor Nissan

The Nissan Altima and Sentra sedans are both very competent, economical, comfortable and well-equipped ways of getting from A to B. They're also both decidedly boring to look at, which is not a good trait in their increasingly style-driven segments.

To rectify this, Nissan is planning design overhauls for its mainstream, with the Sentra adopting the sportier, Euro-style looks of the Pulsar, according to The Car Connection. While that (sadly) won't mean the five-door Pulsar will come to the US market, fitting the European stylings to the Sentra should go a long way towards broadening the car's appeal.

That parcel of information comes from Nissan design boss Shiro Nakamura, who spoke to The Car Connection at last week's Paris Motor Show.

Like the Sentra, the Altima's styling upgrades will be handled, at first, with an upcoming mid-cycle refresh being targeted for 2016 or 2017. The larger sedan won't, however, draw its design inspiration from Europe. Instead, the Altima will look to the more aggressive stylings of the new Murano crossover (an Autoblogfavorite) and the Sports Sedan Concept-inspired 2016 Maxima.

The sportier updates will be even more sweeping, Nakamura explained, when the next-generation Altima and Sentra arrive.

"We are pulling these cars closer to a new generation with minor change. So with the minor change we will have a front end very strong, consistent with the new lineup – Murano, Maxima, Sentra, Altima – all very coherent," Nakamura told TCC. "And the next generation, they're also becoming more sporty, but still very affordable and practical – not just sporty."

Nissan Kicks concept debuts in Sao Paulo [w/videos] | Harbor Nissan

The Sao Paulo Motor Show only comes around once every other year, and Nissan – an automaker deeply vested in the Latin American market – isn't missing out on the opportunity to showcase a new crossover concept.

Called the Kicks concept, the crossover seems to slot in size-wise in between the Juke and the Rogue. Nissan isn't saying much about it, though, aside from its having drawn its inspiration from Brazil with a "satin titanium" finish and bright orange trim – the former taking its cues from Sao Paulo and the latter from Rio.

While emphasizing its Brazilian character, Nissan also stresses that the concept's creation was "a product of global collaboration." So while it isn't saying anything about production feasibility, it is seemingly suggesting that if it were put into production – and as we stated previously, we think it just might – it could stand to be a global model and not confined strictly to South America.

By Noah JosephRSS feedGoogle+

Nissan named one of the best global brands for 2014 | Harbor Nissan

Nissan has been named one of the world's most valuable brands for 2014, according to Interbrand, the world-leading brand consultancy. In the Best Global Brands Study, released today by Interbrand, Nissan ranked 56, up from 65 in 2013. The study cited the strength of Nissan’s financial performance, product portfolio and leadership position in electric vehicles among the drivers of the company’s brand health. The value of the Nissan brand was estimated at $7.623 billion, an increase from last year's estimated value of nearly $6.2 billion.



In June Nissan was named one of the world's greenest brands for 2014 in Interbrand's Best Global Green Brands report. Nissan moved up one spot to fourth overall powered by the Nissan LEAF, the world's best-selling 100% electric vehicle and making the company the global leader in Zero Emissions mobility.

“Brand power is a key indicator of the health of the Nissan business and a major driver of the company’s growth," said Roel de Vries, Nissan Corporate Vice President and global head of Marketing and Brand Strategy. “We are pleased to see a 23 percent increase in brand value from last year – nearly doubling Nissan’s brand value since its inaugural appearance on the list in 2011 – and recognition as a “top” riser in the study.”

The Best Global Brands study is Interbrand's annual report on the world's most valuable brands. Interbrand's method looks at the ongoing investment and management of the brand as a business asset, taking into account financial performance, the role of brand in the purchase decision process, and the strength of the brand.

The study noted Nissan’s recent launches for the Qashqai, Murano and Rogue as a demonstration of the brand’s “Innovation and Excitement for Everyone” positioning. The company’s leadership in electric vehicles and investment in future mobility, like autonomous vehicles and fuel cell technology, were recognized for addressing emerging customer needs in a rapidly changing automotive market.

For more information about Interbrand's 2014 Best Global Brand Study, please visit:http://www.bestglobalbrands.com/

2016 Nissan Maxima Spotted for First Time | Harbor Nissan Port Charlotte FL

Nissan teased the look of the next-generation Maxima at the 2014 Detroit auto show with the Sport Sedan concept, and it was quite a looker with an aggressive front end and cool floating roof. Now, we're getting out very first glimpse at the production version in some new spy shots. Although, It's plastered with camouflage, underneath you can still see the concept's design inspiration.

Starting from the front, the biggest influence from the concept is the V-shaped grille with smaller inlets on each side and jagged headlights. Running back from there, on one side the Maxima mule has a black A-pillar, which at least suggests that the floating roof is making it to the production model too.

In profile, it's hard to make out, but the hard creases that run down the side of the Sport Sedan appear to be underneath this camouflage, and there's a ton of masking around the rear pillar seemingly to hide the shape. However in the close-up photo, you can get a better view, and it doesn't look quite as sharp and coupe-like as on the concept.

At this point, the back also lacks the concept's angular rear bumper in favor of something more conventional. All the cladding there makes it hard to tell what is hidden underneath, though.

The Sport Sedan concept has a version of Nissan's 3.5-liter V6 with over 300 horsepower and a CVT powering the front wheels. Though, our spies think it's possible the production version could offer a hybrid 2.5-liter supercharged four-cylinder to give V6-like power, like the Pathfinder Hybrid.

From these early spy shots, it certainly looks like Nissan is trying to bring the major parts of the concept to the road. We can't wait to see the Maxima without so much being hidden. Until then, check out the gallery for a first look.

By Chris BruceRSS feed

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