Nissan Develops New Hybrid System with a 2.5-liter Supercharged Engine for FWD Cars

Not to be outdone by its Japanese and European rivals, Nissan has developed a new hybrid system for front-wheel drive vehicles, the first details of which were released today along with the announcement of its next generation XTRONIC CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) for use with 2.0-liter to 3.5-liter engines.

Nissan came a bit late to the hybrid game and was forced to license hybrid technology from its Toyota rival for use in certain markets in 2004.

“It was a bit of a blow to our pride, but that was the right thing to do under the circumstances,” says Mitsunobu Fukuda, a senior powertrain engineer at NATC (Nissan Advanced Technology Center).

“Instead of rushing out a ‘copy-cat’ hybrid we wanted to take the time to develop our own hybrid, one that is clearly different – and better. I think we’ve managed to do that.”

Read more »

Nissan Working on New Hybrid System for Front-Wheel Drive Models

Earlier this month, we reported on Nissan’s plans to drop the Altima Hybrid from its lineup at the end of the 2011 model year because of poor sales in the States as well as the fact that it uses a hybrid system borrowed from its chief Japanese rival, Toyota.

On Monday, Japanese business daily Nikkan Kogyo said that Nissan has already began work on a new hybrid system for front-wheel drive cars that will be based on the firm’s rear-wheel-drive hybrid drivetrain that launched in the 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid.

Read more »

Nissan to Axe Altima Hybrid at the End of the 2011 Model Year

The current Nissan Altima Hybrid is counting days (well, more like months) in the U.S. as the Japanese automaker plans to drop the gasoline-electric hybrid model from its lineup at the end of the 2011 model year, according to a report from Autonews. The hybrid sedan hasn’t been much of a success for Nissan as only 35,000 units have been sold in the States since its introduction in the market in 2007.

Aside from the somewhat disappointing sales, Nissan’s decision may also have to do with the fact that the Altima Hybrid utilizes a hybrid system sourced from rival Toyota. Nissan has since developed its own hybrid system with a new lithium-ion battery that made its debut on the 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid.

Read more »

Nissan Altima "Hot Rod Hybrid" with 440HP by Braille Battery Premieres at SEMA

While the SEMA Show isn't exactly the sort of place you'd go to find the latest in green technologies, Nissan and Florida-based company Braille Battery found a way to stay true to the performance-oriented culture of the Las Vegas specialty show and at the same time, promote hybrid technology and alternative fuel usage with the presentation of the "Hot Rod Hybrid". "We were very honored that Nissan North America chose to select our battery company to build and power this forward thinking race car", said Brand Manager Ray Ferriera for Braille Battery.

Based on the factory Nissan Altima Hybrid, the Hot Rod Hybrid is a race car for use in the newly formed Hybrid/electric class in the Redline Time Attack Series and the Cannonball Run/One Lap of America race in April 2009. The race vehicle uses an electric supercharger to supplement the heavily modified drivetrain that comprises an E85-powered 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor for a combined output of 440HP. According to the company, the Hot Rod Hybrid hits the quarter mile 12.9 seconds at an estimated 109.2 mph or 175km/h.

A race-style interior with "no-waste" ECO 2009 Sparco racing seats, along with an eco-focused paint scheme, Power Film flexible solar panels, energy conserving Yokohama tires and Stillen aero body paneling complete the long list of modifications.

Specifications and Performance

• Nissan Altima Hybrid – Braille Battery "Hot Rod Hybrid" Race Car
  
• Weight 2970.5 pounds (3485 stock)
  
• "Hot Rod Hybrid" System: 2.5 Liter Inline 4 Cylinder – Ethanol E85 Fuel Permanent Magnet AC Synchronous – Braille Battery Powered
  
• "Hot Rod Hybrid" Horsepower* 440 HP
  
• Modifications – Ethanol E85* Vortech Electric Supercharger DCHSEO-P1
  
• Modifications – Electric Drive* Braille Battery Carbon Racing Pack – Phase 1 Experimental
  
• Horsepower Peak – Ethanol E85* 270 HP @ Crank / 270 @ Crank - Estimated
  
• Torque – Electric* 240 lb/ft @ 0 – 1500 rpm, Voltage 650 Volt Max
  
• Battery Charging Regeneration Technology, Solar Panel Charging System
  
• Transmission Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission
  
• Chassis Unitized body construction with TIG Welded 6 Point Racing Cage
  
• Suspension BC Racing Aluminum Coil Over Suspension, Stillen Sway Bar
  
• Brakes Wilwood Lightweight Vented Disk w 4-channel ABS
  
• Seats Sparco "ECO2009" Made from waste materials, FIA Approved
  
• Steering Wheel Sparco 360 Suede Wheel
  
• Wheels Front/Rear: 18 x 9 Enkei Lightweight LF-10 Rims
  
• Tires Front/Rear: 255/40 18" Yokohama Low Rolling Resistance Neova High Performance Tires
  
• Acceleration Quarter Mile* 12.9 sec. @ 109.2 mph estimated
  
• Lateral Acceleration* 1.02 g
  
• Braking: 60-0* 97 feet
  
• Racing Fuel Economy* 35 laps at Sebring vs. 20 Laps at Sebring for Non-Hybrid
  

* Unverified Data. Information Calculated on Individual Manufacturers Specifications

Nissan Recalling MY’09 Altimas over faulty Alloy Wheels

Nissan has issued a recall for more than 3,400 MY’09 Altima vehicles equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, some of the alloy wheels may not have been manufactured to the correct specification, something that could lead to one or more of the five lug nuts attaching the wheel to the vehicle to become loose. Nissan dealers will inspect the vehicles and if necessary, replace the faulty alloy wheels new ones. Owners can contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.