Motor Trend Takes First Drive of Nissan Juke R

(Photo from Motor Trend)

Motor Trend was able to take a drive in the newly-debuted Nissan Juke R and had this to say about the experience:

The first thing you notice when entering the Juke R is how much further back you sit compared to the standard Juke. Even though you're in a fully bolstered racing seat with five belts to cinch you in tightly, it's incredibly comfortable. Once I was strapped in, I pushed the same starter button found in the GT-R to bring Juke R to life, and off I went for some laps around the Dubai Autodrome.

The acceleration and sound are identical to the last-generation GT-R, but when I first turn the wheel, there is a nimbleness not found in the GT-R. The Juke R feels much livelier. I feel the weight shift when I get on the brakes. Initial turn-in is incredibly crisp and immediate. The body rolls over just a touch, the car rotates, the AWD system works its magic, and I slowly start to ease back on the throttle as the tires struggle for grip but manage to claw incredibly hard through and out of corners. It's a uniquely amazing driving experience. This is one of those cars that, given enough seat time, you soon would be doing four-wheel drifts out of any corner you wanted.

Read entire article here.

Read more information on the Nissan Juke R (only 2 have been produced) here.

Visit Empire Lakewood Nissan for more information on the Nissan Juke.

2013 Nissan GT-R Pricing Announced

From Nissannews.com:

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced U.S. pricing for the 2013 Nissan GT-R, which is on sale now at Nissan dealers nationwide. Following a major revision just last year, the 2013 Nissan GT-R receives a number of impressive performance enhancements, reinforcing the flagship supercar’s spirit of continuous advancement. Horsepower has been boosted to 545 hp (from 530 hp), with torque now rated at 463 lb-ft (from 448 lb-ft). In addition, the suspension has been retuned to enhance both performance and comfort. Other changes for the 2013 model year include a standard RearView Monitor and the Black Edition receives a new dry carbon fiber rear spoiler.

The 2013 Nissan GT-R continues to be an incredible value, rivaling the fastest production supercars at a fraction of the price. The 2013 Nissan GT-R is available in two well-equipped models: GT-R Premium and GT-R Black Edition with special lightweight black forged aluminum RAYS® wheels, unique red and black interior, Recaro® leather-appointed seats and new dry carbon fiber rear spoiler.

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) for the 2013 Nissan GT-R include:

Model/Transmission	Prix
GT-R Premium / Dual-clutch transmission	$96,820 USD
GT-R Black Edition / Dual-clutch transmission	$106,320 USD

Nissan Reinvents the Pathfinder

From Nissannews.com:

Pathfinder Concept: Modern Design, 7-Passenger SUV CapabilitiesAt first glance, it is clear the Pathfinder Concept is a game-changer for the Nissan brand. The stylish fourth-generation Pathfinder design brings a new look and packaging that’s ideal for adventurous owners who need versatility and SUV capability without compromise. The sweeping character lines of the Pathfinder Concept give a hint of a design language that will carry through future Nissan models. The Pathfinder Concept also features innovative 3-row interior flexibility and room for seven passengers.

The new Pathfinder’s aerodynamic body is combined with a refined V6 engine and next-generation Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) to make it one of the most fuel-efficient 7-passenger vehicles on the market. It is projected to deliver an expected 25 percent increase in combined City/Highway fuel economy (over the previous V6-equipped design). In addition to offering an intuitive four-wheel-drive system, the new Pathfinder will also have towing capacity competitive with the leaders in the segment.

While the Pathfinder Concept making its world debut in Detroit provides a full glimpse of the exterior design direction the production vehicle will take, details on the interior and technology inside will have to wait. It is safe to say, however, that the next-gen Pathfinder’s roomy cabin will deliver innovation and class-above craftsmanship – with excellent legroom in all three rows and ample cargo room behind the 3rd row. Additional information will be available soon.

Read entire article here.

First Colorado Nissan LEAF Purchase at Empire Lakewood Nissan

From Nissannews.com:

In June 2011, under beautiful blue Colorado skies at the 89th running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, veteran Nissan off-road truck racing champion Chad Hord, and the 100 percent electric Nissan LEAF, made history as the first winners of the Electric Production Class.

Under very different weather conditions, with the forecast predicting eight- to ten-inches of snow in the Denver area, the Nissan LEAF made history again on Dec. 22. Derek Passarelli, an attorney with the Department of Energy’s Colorado field office, purchased a Nissan LEAF at family-owned Empire-Lakewood Nissan, commemorating the first sale of the vehicle in the state of Colorado.

“I’m buying the Nissan LEAF because I would like to walk-the-talk for what I do at work, and I believe in this,” said Passarelli.

Read entire article here.

Stop by Empire Lakewood Nissan to learn more about the Nissan LEAF.