Britons Vote Ford Mustang as the World’s Manliest Car

Bluebeards Revenge is a UK brand of shaving cream and post-shave balm scientifically proven by Science™ [sic…] to reduce beard growth- or so it says on their webpage. The brand recently conducted an email poll of 1,835 Britons, asking them to rate the world’s “manliest” and “least manly” cars.

The results are in, and –drumbeat please- the winner is the Ford Mustang that was found to be the “manliest car on the planet” with a net total of 21% of the vote.

Runners up were the Aston Martin DB7 (15%), Range Rover (13%), Dodge Viper (11%) and Hummer H1 (10%). On the opposite end of the spectrum – the world’s “least manly” cars – were the Volkswagen Beetle (31%), Mazda Miata / MX-5 (20%), Ford Ka (11%), Toyota Prius (9%) and Nissan Cube (8%).

Read more »

Nissan Recalls 2.1 Million Vehicles Worldwide Over Ignition Problem

A defect in the ignition system that can cause an engine to stall while running has prompted a massive recall of some 2.1 million Nissan and Infiniti cars and trucks worldwide.

In the U.S. and Canada, the recall involves the 2004-2006MY Nissan Armada and Titan, 2005-2006MY Infiniti QX56, as well as the 2003-2006MY Nissan Frontier, Pathfinder and Xterra models. Other models in the global recall list include the Cube, March/Micra and Tiida.

Read more »

2009 Nissan Cube: U.S.-Spec Version Gets 1.8-liter Engine

The unveiling of the third-generation Cube from Nissan at the LA Show marks the beginning of the square-shaped wagon's world career. The new Cube will be available in America from spring 2009, and in Europe and other global markets from fall the same year. Visual differences between the Japanese- and U.S.-spec Cubes are limited to the latter's more protruded front bumper. Underneath the hood, whereas the JDM model gets a 1.5-liter engine, the U.S. market Cube will be offered with a 122HP 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder unit mated either to a 6-speed manual gearbox or a new CVT. Nissan says that fuel economy is projected to be over 30mpg Highway with the CVT.

In the U.S., the 2009 Nissan Cube will be offered in three trims: Cube 1.8, Cube 1.8 S and Cube 1.8 SL. Standard equipment on all models will include power windows with driver's side one-touch auto down feature, Remote Keyless Entry system, power door locks with auto-locking feature, variable intermittent windshield wipers and intermittent rear window wiper, rear window defroster with timer, cargo area courtesy light and hooks, 12-volt power outlet and adjustable front seat belt upper anchors.

Available technology features include Nissan's Intelligent KeyO with Push Button Ignition, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, Rockford Fosgate subwoofer with six speakers, XM Satellite Radio, Interface System for iPod and a rear sonar system.

Furthermore, Nissan will also offer a full range of dealer accessories with items such as an illumination kit with 20 selectable colors, illuminated kick plates, rear cargo organizer, pet blankets, wheels, aero kits and more.

The Cube's interior is offered in two color environments, Wall Gray and Graphite while buyers will be able to choose among eight exterior colors: Chrome Silver, Steel Grey, Bitter Chocolate, Scarlet Red, Caribbean Blue, Moss Green, Super Black and White Pearl.

2010 Nissan Cube: Official Details and 41 High-Res Pictures of JDM and U.S. Spec Model

The wait is over for the new "boxy" Cube, or to be precise, nearly over as Nissan has released initial details and a full gallery of the Japanese domestic market (JDM) model but only a mere three high-res images of the U.S.-spec version which will make its debut at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show tomorrow, 19 November. Sales of the new Cube begin in Japan on November 26, followed by North American in the spring of 2009, and Europe and other global markets in fall 2009.

The all-new, third generation of the successful Nissan Cube which has sold nearly one million units to date in Japan since its introduction 1998, retains the characteristic "cubic" and somewhat "toyish" styling as well as the asymmetric rear end of its predecessors. Judging from the pictures that Nissan published, it looks like the U.S.-spec model (pictured above) features a slightly larger front bumper that the JDM model. Inside, the Cube continues the same funky design theme as the exterior with a swoopy dashboard, colorful details and ton-loads of plastic.

Nissan claims that although the new Cube remains less than four meters (under 157-inches) long, it's even roomier than the outgoing model which was sold only in Japan. Other features of the JDM model's interior include sofa-like seating, a large glass roof panel that extends over the driver's seat for an open view of the outside environment, and a shoji-style roof shade.

In what concerns the Japanese market model, the Cube will be powered by a 1.5-liter HR15DE 4-cylinder engine. As with the previous generation models, the new Cube will be offered in both front- and four-wheel drive versions. Prices in Japan range between been 1,449,000 to 1,911,000 yen ($14,900 - $19,700) for the Cube 2WD and 1,687,350 to 1,928,850 yen ($17,300 - $19,800) for the 4WD model.

Stay tuned on Carscoop for the presentation of the U.S-Spec Cube on Wednesday, 19 November.

2010 NISSAN CUBE U.S. SPEC MODEL

2010 NISSAN CUBE JAPANESE-SPEC MODEL