Nissan is in the midst of developing its own hybrid drive system that is scheduled to debut on rear wheel drive Infiniti models in 2010. According to reports from Japan last week, its a good thing Nissan still has two years until Job 1 since the system has still not reached the level of refinement needed to be competitive in the current market. The system has some impressive specifications including a 110 lb lithium ion battery that can provide a three mile electric drive range. Unfortunately during a media drive last week the prototype apparently did not behave as seamlessly as people have come to expect from the latest production hybrids. Deceleration during regenerative braking was uneven and acceleration during mode transitions sagged. For now Nissan doesn't plan on offering any hybrid only models like the Prius and the new system is being developed in a G35 sedan, although a different car could be used for production. The hybrid drive is claimed to boost fuel efficiency by 40 percent.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. req'd]

Honda is all set to corner the small, two-door hybrid "sporty" car market with its CR-Z coupe, but rumors now indicate that Nissan could have a little something up its corporate sleeves along a similar vein as well. Powered by a 1.5 liter four cylinder engine along with an electric motor of undetermined size, this hybrid would be based on the same platform as Nissan's Tiida economy car. The small hatchback would be intended primarily for Europe, and we have no idea if the concept is being considered for other markets. Rumors suggest that a DSG transmission would be used in lieu of the more common CVT automatic used by most hybrids. Interestingly, drag could be reduced by using aerodynamic underbody panels, as is done on the amazing GT-R sportscar.

Also in line for a possible hybrid using the same drivetrain would be Nissan's main partner, Renault. If these rumors prove true, expect a launch in late 2010. Thanks for the tip, Steve!

[Source: 7Tune.com]

Nissan announced pricing for the new 2008 Altima Hybrid yesterday. We recently reviewed the 2007 model, and if you liked what you read there, the updated version will set you back at least $25,070 (MSRP). Well, don't forget the IRS tax credit of $2,350 and whatever you can finagle from the dealer (invoice price is $23,498).

The 2008 model gets 35 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, same as the 2007 model. One feature you might not know about is that the Altima Hybrid has a "specific electrically powered air conditioning system that continues to provide cooling when the gasoline engine is stopped," sez Nissan.

The 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid is currently available at Nissan retailers in the eight states that use California's emissions regulations: California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont.

[Source: Nissan North America]

Much has been said regarding lithium ion batteries throughout the last twelve months or so. Most of what has been said is that automakers need to invest research, development, time and money into them to be sure that they are reliable and ready for mass consumption. Along with that mass consumption should come pretty large price decreases. In theory at least, until all that testing is done. What type of testing are we talking about here? Well, besides the standard battery (pun intended... sorry) of tests such as power-cycling, power-draining, charging and the like, there are vibration, high heat and freezing cold temperatures to consider. This type of testing is taking place for Nissan at their new technology center in Japan. Remember that Nissan recently announced that they have partnered with NEC to produce lithium ion batteries for themselves and for other automakers, should they be interested. Expect these batteries, assuming they pass the tests, in upcoming Nissan hybrid models which will not be using technology licensed from Toyota.

Related:

• Nissan and NEC to start lithium ion battery joint venture
• NEC in talks to partner with Nissan on lithium ion batteries
• In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid

[Source: Detroit News]

Click on the photo for the gallery from our recent review

The Nissan Altima Hybrid has only been available for a few months and you can only buy one in eight states that use the California emissions standards but the price is already going up. Nissan just announced a $590 increase to the base price of the Altima to $24,990. On the other hand the Altima is eligible for a federal tax credit of $2,350 so that will take away some of the sting. If you're interested in whether the Altima Hybrid is for you, check out our recent review of the Altima.



[Source: Nissan]

Click on the image for a gallery of high-res live and studio shots of the Bevel concept.

Nissan revealed a new concept utility wagon at the Detroit Auto Show called the Bevel. It's designed for more mature, empty-nesters that need some real utility, but also want efficiency. It can seat up to five but all the seats can fold down flat to create a van-like flat floor. Overall dimensions are comparable to a mid-sized car like the Altima.

The shape of top of the doors is curved before ending in a horizontal roofline at the back, echoing the profile of the humongous Armada SUV. The power-train is a hybrid, featuring a 2.5L V-6. Aside from confirming that it does have a Nissan designed hybrid drivetrain, Nissan Design Manager John Cupit, wouldn't reveal any other details including battery technology, other than that it is a runner. The roof of the car is also covered with solar cells that provide power for accessories. The full details and press release are after the jump. There is also a gallery of 36 high-res press shots and live shots from the show floor that can be found by clicking the images above or below. The images are downloadable for your personal use. Read the rest of AutoblogGreen's NAIAS coverage here.

When Nissan announced the Altima hybrid back in April, it let it be known that the car will only be sold to the eight states that have adopted California's strict emissions standards. So it makes sense that California will soon host the first public unveiling of the Altima hybrid at the Orange County Auto Show in earlly October. More precisely, the Altima hybrid will have its world debut at 10 am on October 4 at the Anaheim Convention Center. We already know some things about the Altima, like that it is a full hybrid that uses Toyota's hybrid technology and has been designated an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle.

A bit later in the day, the California Fuel Cell Partnership will offer their plans to further the commercialization of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and will offer eight hydrogen fuel cells for media members to test drive.

Related:

• Nissan Hybrid coming in 2007
• Nissan to bring a hybrid to market

[Source: Orange County Auto Show]