Nissan’s sporty, front-wheel-drive Maxima sedan returns for 2010 with no changes to its standard 3.5-liter V6 engine.
The Maxima’s VQ35DE engine is part of Nissan’s ubiquitous VQ engine family, also used in the Altima, Murano, Quest, and earlier versions of the 350Z sports car. The VQ is one of the most respected engines in the auto industry, appearing on Ward’s 10 Best Engines list every year from 1997 to 2007.
The VQ35DE is an all-aluminum, 24-valve DOHC V6, with Nissan’s continuously variable valve timing system (CVTCS) on both the intake and exhaust cams. In 2009, Nissan made extensive changes to this engine, revising the intake and exhaust manifolds; raising its compression ratio from 10.3 to 10.6:1; reducing internal friction and reciprocating mass; and adding CVTCS to the exhaust cam, as well as the intake. Those modifications raised the engine’s output to its present level of 290 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque.
The 3.5-liter engine endows the Maxima with strong performance. Some reviewers find off-the-line response slightly lazy, a function of the standard Xtronic continuously variable transmission, but once on the move, acceleration is impressive. Fuel economy is also reasonable for the engine’s size and power. The EPA rates the Maxima at 19/26 city/highway, although the V6 requires premium fuel.
While it is powerful and reasonably frugal, the 3.5-liter V6 is also noticeably gruffer and less refined than the 3.0-liter version of this engine found in earlier Maximas. While some critics like its throaty growl and sporty full-throttle roar, others find it excessively noisy, and complain that it drones at cruising speeds.
A more sophisticated 3.7-liter version of this engine, the VQ37VHR, has replaced the 3.5-liter V6 in the 370Z and most six-cylinder Infinitis. Nissan has not yet announced plans to offer the 3.7-liter engine in the Maxima and Altima.
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Nissan’s Versa subcompact has no changes to either of its four-cylinder engines for 2010. The Versa offers a choice of 1.6-liter and 1.8-liter all-aluminum, 16-valve, DOHC inline fours. Both engines are part of the HR/MR family, which Nissan says was designed for low-end torque, rather than maximum horsepower. Both engines have variable valve timing on the intake valves, and both have chain-driven camshafts, rather than rubber timing belts.
The 1.6 Base and 1.6 models use the 1.6-liter HR16DE engine, which is undersquare, with a bore of 78.0 mm and a stroke of 83.0 mm. With a compression ratio of 9.8:1, it produces 107 horsepower and 111 lb-ft of torque, which compares well with the 106-horsepower Toyota Yaris and the 110-horsepower Hyundai Accent, but lags behind the Honda Fit’s 117-horsepower 1.5-liter engine. The S and SL models use the 1.8-liter MR18DE, which is oversquare, with a bore of 84.0 mm and a stroke of 81.1 mm. It has a compression ratio of 9.9:1, producing 122 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. It is less powerful than the 1.8-liter engines in the Toyota Matrix and Scion xD, which make 132 and 128 horsepower, respectively.
Both Versa engines produce adequate but unexceptional performance. Although Nissan claims that their acoustically equal-length intake runners reduce unpleasant engine noise, both engines are loud and buzzy when worked hard; they are reasonably quiet at cruising speeds. Fuel economy is good, but far from class leading with either engine. The 1.6-liter’s EPA combined ratings (29 mpg with manual transmission, 28 mpg with automatic) are significantly less than the Toyota Yaris (32 mpg manual, 31 mpg automatic) or Hyundai Accent (30 mpg). The 1.8-liter, meanwhile, only beats the Toyota Matrix and Scion xD when equipped with the optional CVT automatic, which gives it a combined rating of 30 mpg.
Ronnie is a freelance technical writer for http://SWEngines.com. He writes different niches including Nissan Versa Engine and other industry specific topics.
Know affectionately as Godzilla among its enthusiasts, the Nissan Skyline truly is a fine Japanese sports car, and by gum what a fine looking beast she is too. They’re not all that common around the USA, so when you do come across one there are plenty of curious admirers and enthusiasts gathering around whenever these cars park up.
Believe it or not, the Nissan Skyline has been around for some 45 years and has deservedly picked up many prestigious awards along the way. However, there was a 10 year period where production stopped, but delighted fans were over the moon when Nissan announced in 1989 that it would be releasing an all new GT-R Skyline.
The few years after the production of this stylish machine, the GT-R Skyline was awarded with the Japanese Touring Car Championship for Group ‘A’ touring cars. In 1994, because of its phenomenal success, the Nissan Skyline was given its own series. This series was aptly named the Japan GT Car series.
Although the Nissan Skyline was a much sought after motor in the United States of America, the Skyline GT-R was never made to comply with US standards, but all was not lost thanks to Motorex. Motorex imports and modifies the Nissan Skyline GT-R so that it complies with these standards and consequently these cars can then be released on American soil.
The Nissan Skyline GT-R is not a cheap car but it is a dream of many a young driver. Sadly for them, most only get to push the pedal to the floor by driving it via a computer screen. It’s a real popular choice in computer racing games and for good reason.
Options for the Nissan Skyline have come as a sedan or a coupe. If you’re not sure what the modern models look like, just do a search on Google images for the Nissan Skyline GT-R and you will be able to see for yourself why this car is so pleasing to the eye. If you’re into the mechanics of the motor, there are a plethora of sites out there that will strip it down to the bare bones and rebuild it for you bit by bit.
Cars are more than just a means of transport, in fact many men treat their vehicles with the same tender loving care as they do to their women. Now I’m not saying there’s anything healthy in that, but it’s the way it is, and I would go as far to say that many a boy racer would live in his car rather than get rid of it, and especially if it was a Nissan Skyline GT-R.
Andy Maingam is a proficient writer for keepingcars.com where he has articles on the Hi-tech Radio Controlled Cars and buying Cheap Tires and Wheels. He also has many other auto related pieces on the site.
The Nissan Cube – One of the Coolest Cars of 2009
The Nissan Cube is quite a hit of 2009. Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com named it as one of the top ten coolest cars that were released in 2009 under $18,000. The Wall Street Journal called the Cube “a surprisingly luxurious ride,” better than the Scion xB. The Nissan Cube is getting all the attention for its fuel economy, interior size, technology, safety, and of course the cool factor. So why is the Cube so cool? Here are five unique features of the Nissan Cube.
1. The Cube is asymmetric. One of the coolest things about the Cube is its curvy wraparound rear window. The Cube has many curves in the inside and out, making it a very cool ride. The exterior exhibits high-style all around, making it super fun for anyone to drive. The Krom Model Cube comes with an exclusively integrated body design, a custom grille, front and rear fascias, body sills, and a rear roof spoiler. Not to mention sixteen inch Krom aluminum-alloy wheels that are ideal for city driving.
2. The ripple effect is unstoppable. The Cube was inspired by nature in a big way. All the Cube models interiors are filled with the ripple image. There is one huge ripple on the ceiling, and several other ripples within the cup holders and the speakers. This cool effect is futuristic in look and naturalistic in nature. There are also customizable accessories available so that you can pick the color of your interior. The new time is coming and the Cube is the ultimate tool to get there.
3. The Cube has advanced technology. A super cool feature of this car is the start/stop engine button on the interior. With the new Nissan Intelligent Key one can unlock the doors and start the engine before entering the car. There is also a Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System available that makes driving and communicating much safer and effective. The interior has curvy air vents and reclining and slide able seats, making it a cool ride for all your friends to hop in.
4. The Cube has awesome audio features. Not only does the interior have accent lighting, tons of space, and curvaceous highlights, it also has the coolest audio system of today. You can upgrade to a premium sound system that includes two tweeters and a Rockford Fosgate subwoofer and amplifier. The Cube also has MP3/WMA CD playback and iPod system capabilities. This car is ideal for car pooling with friends. There is also a steering-wheel-mounted control panel so that you can view your songs and play your music with complete control.
5. The Cube is incredibly safe to drive. It comes equipped with six standard air bags including both seat belt sensors and an occupant-classification system built into the seats so that if you move, the bags will move with you. Standard roof-mounted air bags protect occupants’ heads and the front seat Active Head Restraints reduce the chance of whiplash and major injury. Every Cube comes with advanced traction and the newest braking technologies on the market. There is an Anti-lock Braking System and a Vehicle Dynamic Control that helps the driver stay on path. A Traction Control System is also built in to maintain a grip on snowy roads, and the Electronic Brake force Distribution sends more force to the rear brakes when the back seat is full.
These are just five reasons why the Cube is cool, in reality there are over twenty. The 2009 Nissan Cube is spacious and luxurious that proves to ideal for car pooling friends, is easy and fun to drive, and comes with so many customization possibilities, you’d think it’s an aftermarket car. Check out the four cool models of the Nissan Cube and feel the ripple effect first hand.
When you get a standard Cube, get some custom auto parts here and save big. Google “Nissan Cube” for more cool Cube facts.
The 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid Engine is identical to the 2009 model. The hybrid engine is designed to be a responsive, powerful machine. It has responsive handling and quick acceleration. It has been developed to provide a fun driving experience with the added benefit of better fuel efficiency. The Altima comes equipped with a CVT Transmission that allows the engine to smoothly shift between all gears, without noticeable change. Some reviewers have noted that the Altima does not smoothly accelerate at all speeds and the transition between gas and electric power was noticeable.
The engine produces 198 HP total. The breakdown is 140 hp from the gas engine and 58 hp from the electric motor. The gas and electric portions can function separately or together. The engine is a 4 Cylinder, 2.5 liter engine for that produces a combined 198 hp. The 4 cylinder in-line engine provides one of the most efficient and cleanest running engines on the market today. The gas mileage is 35 mph in town, 33 on highway. In comparison to the Toyota and Ford hybrids, the three are very comparable in fuel efficiency.
A major drawback to the Nissan Altima Hybrid itself is limited availability. So far the Nissan Altima Hybrid is only available in 8 states, California, Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon and Rhode Island. Another issue with the vehicle is the pricing. Options are tiered so that the basic model is affordable but any upgrades move the price point quickly past the standard versions of the Altima.
The Nissan Altima Hybrid offers advantages over the Fusion and Camry in handling and speed and is close to these two mid-size sedans with its excellent gas mileage. The Altima can go from 0 to 60 in 7.6 seconds.
Ronnie Tanner
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