EPA Rates Nissan Leaf at 99 MPG

The electric Leaf uses no gas, but for comparison's sake, the EPA approves a fuel-economy rating of 99 MPG
By Lindsay Chappell of AutoWeek

Nissan's electric Leaf sedan will display a fuel economy rating of 99 mpg when it goes on sale next month, even though the car uses no "gallons" and, indeed, no fuel in the traditional sense.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved the rating after months of research into how to compare a battery-powered electric to a traditional gas burning car for the sake of consumer comparisons.

The battery-powered Leaf uses no gas or oil, and has no combustion engine or fuel tank.

The EPA also surprised Nissan North America Inc. officials by anointing the Leaf "best in class" for mid-sized vehicles, while saying the car's range is less than Nissan has stated.

Until now, Nissan has been presenting the Leaf as a compact vehicle. But the EPA measurement of the model's passenger and trunk space bumped it into the mid-size category.

"We're happy to be considered a mid-sized car," said Mark Perry, the Nissan North America product planning director for the Leaf. The larger segment means the electric Leaf will show up in shopping comparisons against more expensive competitor models, including the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord.

But the EPA's new data, which must be displayed on its Monroney vehicle window sticker, also indicated that the Leaf's battery range is lower than Nissan officials have been claiming publicly.

Nissan has said for more than a year that the Leaf will get up to 100 miles of driving on a full charge of its lithium-ion battery. But EPA testing has put the range at only 73 miles.

Perry said Nissan stands by its 80-100 mile battery range claims, and said he did not believe the EPA calculation will chill consumer enthusiasm for the car.

He said the battery range varies depending on driving conditions. High-speed highway driving and cold weather driving with a heater turned on drain the battery faster than low-speed driving in temperate climates.

He said the EPA test is biased toward highway driving and higher speeds, while the Leaf will be marketed more heavily to consumers for city commuting use. Nissan arrived at its own 80-100 mile range based on testing that used the so-called LA4 driving cycle test. That test is biased toward urban driving conditions and lower speeds.

He said that Leafs will feature a second window sticker from the Federal Trade Commission, which other alternative-power vehicles also display. The FTC sticker will tell consumers that the battery range is 96-110 miles.

"There is a range of ranges, based on driving behavior, temperature, speed and other issues," Perry said of the difference between the FTC and EPA estimates.

"The car does 100 miles on the LA4 test. Nothing has changed. There are just different drive cycles. The challenge is get one repeatable cycle to represent the average driver, and that's hard."

The Leaf goes on sale next month in five states. The announced retail Price is $25,280, after a federal tax refund of $7,500 is figured into the purchase.

Nissan expects to expand the launch nationwide over the next six months.

2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet - "Innovation for Fun" Leads Design of World's First AWD Crossover Convertible

-Bold Expression of Nissan's Commitment to Design and Innovation Goes on Sale in Early 2011, Offered in One Luxurious All-Wheel Drive Model-

As the world's first all-wheel drive crossover convertible, the 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet breaks new ground in both the crossover SUV and convertible segments. With its never seen before design and custom boutique style, the Murano CrossCabriolet is unlike anything on the road - blending all of the things people love in a crossover with the open air enjoyment of a convertible. Making its world debut at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, the Murano CrossCabriolet is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in early 2011.

"When people think of a crossover, they think of a combination of when the driving sophistication of a sedan with the utility of a sport utility. This new Murano CrossCabriolet adds an unexpected third element, the ability to make everyday activities more exciting with open air driving," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "However, with its extraordinarily engineered convertible top, standard all-wheel drive and room for four adults plus cargo, the CrossCabriolet is not just for cruising South Beach or Malibu. It's a vehicle to take to lunch, running errands or on a long ski weekend in any part of the country.

Possibilities Await: Murano CrossCabriolet Design Concept

The impetus behind innovation is often as simple as asking questions not posed before, such as how do you overcome the functional limitations of a convertible? "Everyone loves the convertible experience, no one loves the convertible reality - compromised trunk space, a cramped back seat or none at all, and a lack of flexibility for everyday life," said Castignetti. "The Murano CrossCabriolet is the reinvention of versatility, encouraging people to rethink what a convertible can be."

The all-new Murano CrossCabriolet overcomes these obstacles, combining elegant design and state-of-the-art engineering. Of the priorities in the convertible top design was the retention of the traditional Murano silhouette with the top up, and a luxurious, sophisticated appearance with the top down.

The transformation of the Murano body from Crossover to CrossCabriolet and from 4-door to 2-door meant more than just removing the top. Along with creating new front doors (7.9 inches longer than 4-door Murano front doors) and eliminating the B-pillars, the structure has been reinforced from the A-pillar rearward. The cloth convertible top also includes a rear glass skylight, helping create a wide-open interior environment even with the top in the closed position. Dual Pop-up Roll Bars are also standard. The coefficient of drag remains close to that of the hardtop Murano, just 0.39 Cd versus 0.37 Cd.

One of the keys to the CrossCabriolet's designs success is the convertible top's exceptionally compact size when stowed, which allows both additional interior and cargo volume (normally taken up by a traditional convertible stowage design). The hydraulically operated top mechanism includes an automatic power latch/unlatch system. Operation switches are located on the center console and driver's door handle. With the top down, the stowed size is similar to that of a conventional 2-seat roadster. Trunk capacity with the top down is 7.6 cubic feet, enough to fit two sets of golf clubs or two carry-on suitcases. With the top closed, cargo capacity extends to 12.3 cubic feet.

Along with the unique convertible top appearance, the Murano CrossCabriolet exterior also includes High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon projector headlights with auto on/off function, front fog lights and Nissan 370Z-inspired LED taillights.

Six exterior colors are available: unique Murano CrossCabriolet colors Sunset Bronze and Caribbean, plus Merlot, Platinum Graphite, Super Black and Pearl White.

A Highly Rewarding Interior

The luxurious Murano CrossCabriolet interior starts with a foundation of the top-of-the-line Murano LE and takes it to the next level of standard features and convenience items. The tall windshield and A-pillar design combines with the body's high beltline and high rear seat shoulders to help reduce conventional interior air turbulence with the top down, allowing conversation between occupants.

Premium materials are used throughout the interior, with the standard leather-appointed seats available in a diagonally quilted premium leather, double-stitched pattern for added elegance. The interior's curving, sculpted lines, half-matte chromed trim finish and unique wood-tone trim, tuned to match each of three available interior colors, add an additional rich, quality feel. Interior colors include Black, Cashmere (light brown) and Camel (brown).

The Murano CrossCabriolet comes fully equipped, with a long list of standard features including 8-way power heated driver's seat with power lumbar support, 4-way manual heated front passenger seat with easy entry function, heated steering wheel, 2-position driver's seat memory system for seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors, passenger seat easy entry release button on instrument panel for driver access, driver and front passenger seatback pocket, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition.

Every CrossCabriolet also comes with a standard Nissan Hard-Drive Navigation System with 9.3GB Music Box hard drive and XM NavTraffic (XM subscription required, sold separately). Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, HomeLink Universal Transceiver and RearView Monitor.

Open-air road tunes are provided by a Bose AM/FM/CD audio system with 8-speakers including subwoofer, automatic audio adjustment for soft-top up/down position, integrated Interface System for iPod, speed-sensitive volume control and auxiliary audio input jack. XM satellite Radio (XM subscription required, sold separately) is also standard.

"The interior of the Murano CrossCabriolet provides a custom boutique feel. With numerous color combinations offered between the exterior, interior and convertible top, owners can express their own distinctive sense of style," added Castignetti. "It's a rare convertible that allows four passengers to feel equally comfortable, which this stunning new design absolutely does - as well as equally indulged."

Under the Skin: Pure Murano

Open air driving is not the only emotional reward the Murano CrossCabriolet provides - it also offers a secure, rewarding driving experience. Its no-compromise drivetrain is shared with the all-wheel drive hardtop Murano, starting with the proved "D" platform (also utilized on Maxima and Altima sedans) ans standard 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 producing 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. The engine design includes the Nissan variable Induction Control System (NICS), twin knock sensors, low exhaust pressure, a 10.3:1 compression ratio, and 6,000 rpm redline.

The engine is mated to a standard second-generation Xtronic CVT with Adaptive Shift Control (ADC) for sporty response and smoothness, which utilizes and advanced, sport-tuned controller with adaptive logic for driving comfort or driving performance as conditions require. The advanced all-wheel drive system connects the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system, yaw sensors and steering angle sensors to distribute torque according to driving conditions.

The Murano CrossCabriolet's lightweight 4-wheel independent suspension features MacPherson struts in front, a milti-link rear design, cradle-type front subframe and front and rear stabilizer bars. Also utilized are dual flow path shock absorbers for responsiveness and reduced ride harshness.

Steering is provided by a twin-orifice vehicle-speed-sensitive power-assisted steering system, while the braking system includes 4-wheel vented disc brakes with Anti-lock Brake System (ABS). Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and G-sensor. Every CrossCabriolet comes with 20-inch split 5-spoke titanium finish aluminum-alloy wheels with P235/55R20 Toyo Proxes A20 all-season tires.

Standard Murano CrossCabriolet safety features include the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and an occupant classification sensor and door-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor, along with front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, Zone Body Construction with front and rear crumble zones, front seat Active Head Restraints, Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), Vehicle Security System (VSS) and Dual Pop-up Roll Bars.

One Fully Equipped Model

The 2011 Murano CrossCabriolet is offered in one fully equipped model. Along with the many items previously mentioned, standard features include power front windows with one-touch up/down and auto-reverse feature, Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control, and a 7-inch color display for audio, climate control, fuel economy, maintenance and comfort and convenience systems.

Also included are highly functional storage systems, including a two-tier center console storage box with fold-out function, cell phone holder, dual seatback pockets, Fine Vision gauges and driver instrumentation with white backlighting, illuminated steering wheel controls, auto door lock feature, four cupholders, tilting and telescoping steering column, auto-dimming rearview mirror, cruise control with illuminated steering wheel mounted switches, front door map pockets, and Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system.

Only two options are available with specific exterior colors - a Camel interior with an upgraded leather and the black top, and the Brown top/Cashmere interior combination (with upgraded leather).

"The versatility and functionality of a true all-wheel drive crossover, the unique open air driving experience of a pure convertible - the Murano CrossCabriolet is a breakthrough in concept, design and execution," said Castignetti. "Innovation meets Murano with stunning results."

2011 Infiniti G25 Test Drive

This 29-mpg sport sedan packs a sweet-sounding V6

Napa Valley, Calif. - As surprising as it may sound, in the world of luxury sport sedans, power takes a backseat to price. It's true. The lower horsepower (and less expensive) offering in a sport sedan lineup invariably constitutes the majority of sales. In some cases, the less powerful version is close to 80 percent of the mix.

Armed with this intelligence, Infiniti decided it was time the G sedan received a less expensive, less potent entry to compete with the BMW 328i, Lexus IS250 and Audi A4. So Nissan's luxury brand slipped a 2.5-liter V6 into the G sedan to create the $31,835 G25. How does this mild-mannered version of Infiniti's sporty G sedan handle the competition? Let's find out.

The Specs

Raise the hood of the G25 and you'll find the 218 hp 2.5-liter V6 that Nissan calls the VQ25HR. This V6 also comes in the Japanese market Nissan Skyline 250GT sedan - the workingman's version of the G25. In U.S. spec, the V6 makes 187 lb-ft of torque and comes paired solely to an automatic with either rear-wheel or, in the case of the G25x, all-wheel drive. The seven-speed automatic in the G25 has slightly taller ratios in every gear, yet the final drive ratio of 3.357:1 remains the same.

The new G25 won't be available with the same extensive options as the G37. The only upgrade aside from all-wheel drive is the $1400 Journey package that adds a rear view parking monitor, auto headlights, heated seats and mirrors, dual zone climate control, a USB port for your iPod and a sunroof for an additional $1000.

The smaller V6 weighs marginally less than its bigger bore brethren. At 3552 pounds, a G25 equipped with the Journey package is 66 pounds lighter than a G37 Journey. That's not nearly enough of a diet to make up for the 110 horsepower deficit in therms of acceleration, but of course less weight is always welcome on curvy roads.

The G25 uses the same basic suspension tune as the G37 and wears the same 12.6-inch front and 12.1-inch rear brakes. And most will ride on 225/55R17 all-season tires.

The Drive

If we're honest, the thought of a G sedan with substantially less horsepower is not particularly appealing. After all, who prefers a slower car? But the real-world experience was surprising, at least in one respect. True, the G25 will never catch a G37 in a drag race. But if we judge performance on sound alone, if we could choose one engine over the other to listen to - we'd pick the G25's 2.5-liter V6.

The Nissan and Infiniti 3.5-liter V6s from a generation ago always sounded better than the competition. There was a throaty growl at the low rpm range, and an exceptionally distinct wait as the revs climbed. The recent 3.7-liter V6s, however, are more course sounding. These engines make their peak horsepower at 7000 rpm - yet they don't really sound happy at that speed.

The 2.5-liter V6 makes noises more like the old engine. It sounds refined and tight. And at peak horsepower, which occurs at an engine speed of 6400 rpm, the 2.5-liter V6 sounds like it could hang there all day.

So it sounds good, but how does it drive? Well, theG25 is far quicker feeling than we expected. And because it retains the same brilliant sport sedan chassis as the G37, this car is still fun to drive.

Infiniti had a Lexus IS250 on hand for comparison. The IS makes 204 hp - 14 fewer than the Infiniti. And you feel the deficit. The Infiniti seems quicker and sprightlier in the corners, though the interior is less posh. The Lexus was fitted with a nav system as well as heated and ventilated seats. Perhaps Infiniti will offer a more extensive list of luxury features in the future.

The Bottom Line

At less than $32,000, the G25 is a good deal. It undercuts many of its competitors - including Lexus - by more than $1000. And though the 2.5-liter V6 requires premium fuel, Infiniti says it will deliver 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg highway. If fuel prices spike again, a sport sedan that can approach 30 mpg will sound even more appealing.

Six Hot New Electric Cars Soon to Hit Showrooms

Analysts predict many of us will be driving electric vehicles in the near future. Much-anticipated models are coming from Nissan, Ford, Chevy, Fisker and others.
By Jim Motavalli of The Daily Green

The electrics are coming! By the end of the year, at least six battery-powered vehicles will be on the U.S. market. The cars will finally go from revolving on show stands to dealer floors, and we'll finally know if consumers mean it when they say in opinion polls that they'll consider an EV for their next purchase. Most of these cars will charge in five or six hours on 220-volt home current, and overnight on 110. Fifteen-minute fast charging (480 volts) may be available at some public stations, maybe even at your favorite big-box store.

Here's a rundown of the cars headed for showrooms, some from major manufacturers and others from ambitious startups. Four are battery-only cars, one is a plug-in hybrid and the sixth (the Chevrolet Volt) is a unique combination of the two.

Nissan Leaf

"This is the new paradigm of the car, and it will change our industry," said Carlos Ghosn, the chairman of Nissan, introducing the battery-powered Leaf in Los Angeles. "It will also change the way people use and power their vehicles."

The Leaf, an all-new design, has a range of 100 miles on a single charge of its lithium-ion batteries. Nissan is unique among carmakers in also partnering with charging companies and municipalities to make sure the Leaf will have public places to plug in. Even though the car hasn't been priced yet (it could be $23,000 plus batteries), 25,000 "handraisers" have said they're willing to buy one. I drove a "mule" version of the Leaf, and found it great fun - the electric motor gives it great performance right off the line. Available at the end of the year at a Nissan dealership near you.

Chevrolet Volt

The Volt is not only a huge departure for usually conservative General Motors, it's also a giant leap for cars in general. The all-new Volt sedan is unique: Its li-ion battery pack offers go-power for 40 miles of electric range, but then a small gasoline engine kicks in as a generator to supply electricity to the motor. That sets you up for longer trips, because the gas engine will keep the car going for a total of 400 miles.

The Volt will sell for around $40,000, but a federal tax incentive will reduce that to the low $30s. I drove a pre-production Volt and this is not grandpa's Chevy: Like the Leaf, the Volt is loads of fun to drive and explodes off the line. The first Volts will arrive at the end of the year, as 2011 models.

Ford Focus

Ford has a multi-channel approach to EVs (eclectic vehicles). This year it will roll out an electric version of the Transit Connect van, and for 2011 we'll see a limited production, battery-powered version of the new Focus, with the drivetrain engineered by Canada's Magna International. As with many other EVs, it will have a 100-miles range on lithium-ion batteries. Ford is being conservative with the electric Focus, and will probably only make less than 5,000 annually in the first year or two.

For 2012, the carmaker will roll out a plug-in hybrid, possibly based on the Escape. There is a small fleet of electric Focus cars being tested now, and two of them are in the hands of Jay Leno, who's been using them on his test track for the "Green Car Challenge." I tried on out there, but Drew Barrymore had a faster time than I did.

Coda Sedan

Coda is based in California, but its electric car is an international citizen, based on a Chinese design but with a battery-based drivetrain sourced from all over. The Coda, many of whose creators have Goldman Sachs Connections, stands out because of the unusual attention to detail that went into it. To ensure a battery supply, CEO Kevin Czinger formed a joint venture with a Chinese Company. His packs are unlikely to suffer from cold-weather performance problems (as some of BMW's Mini Rs have) because the Coda has a system to both heat and cool them.

The Coda isn't as snazzy looking as the Volt or the Leaf, but it's equally willing on the road - as a recent dash around the leafy lanes of Greenwich, Connecticut proved. The Coda will be available, initially in California only, later this year. The price is around $40,000, but that goes down to $32,500 with the federal tax benefit.

Fisker Karma

This is the glamor boy of the coming EVs, and it's a plug-in hybrid. What's that, you say? Think of a Toyota Prius, but with a larger battery pack and the ability to recharge from a wall socket. Other plug-in hybrids are coming from Ford and Toyota. The Karma is as sexy as the Tesla Roadster, but with four doors and a gas engine for longer trips. Journalists haven't actually driven the Karma yet, but it's supposed to have 50 miles of all-electric range and a zero to 60 time of 5.8 seconds.

As with the Tesla, you pay for that rip-roaring ability: the Karma (which has a more expensive convertible version) will sell for $87,900 when it reaches showrooms in September. Fisker got a controversial $529 million Department of Energy loan to build its next-generation car, the Nina, and recently announced that it is consolidation all of its operation in California (and closing down in Pontiac, Michigan).

Think City

This cute little bugger has an interesting history. The company is Norwegian, and for a few years (1999 to 2003) it was owned by Ford, which did a lot of engineering work on the car but conspicuously failed to sell very many of them. Now Think is preparing to build its two-seat City, with U.S. battery supplier Ener1 as a partner, in hard-hit Elkhart, Indiana.

The car I drove in Detroit, built in Norway, was quick off the line but a bit noisy and with heavy steering - both things that will be fixed before it hits the American market for less than $20,000 (minus batteries and including federal tax credit) later this year.

Gov. Rell, CL&P Welcome Nissan Leaf All-Electric Car to Connecticut

Gov. Rell signs agreement to advance electric vehicle use in Connecticut.

Signaling the state's readiness for environmentally clean transportation, Governor M. Jodi Rell welcomed the all-electric Nissan LEAF to Connecticut with the signing of a collaborative agreement to help advance electric vehicles in the state.

With Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) President Jeff Butler and representatives of Nissan North America on hand at a ceremony at the Connecticut Science Center, Rell lauded the launch of Nissan's battery-powered car. The Nissan LEAF goes on sale in limited markets in December and will be available nationwide some time in 2011.

"The inclusion of Connecticut in the launch of the Nissan LEAF recognizes our commitment to clean energy and the culmination of our work to prepare the state for the next generation of electric vehicles," said Gov. Rell.

As a member of the Governor's Electric Vehicles Infrastructure Council, CL&P has been studying and testing charging infrastructure and encouraging automakers to include Connecticut in their electric vehicle launch plans.

"With electric vehicles, our existing electric system offers our customers an alternative fuel source for a more sustainable transportation solution," said CL&P President Jeff Butler.

"Nissan is a leader in electric vehicles, and the state of Connecticut has shown similar leadership through its progressive policies and focus on clean energy," said Tracy Woodard director of government affairs, Nissan North America. "Nissan and the state will work together to help Connecticut be ready for electric vehicles and the 2011 introduction of the Nissan LEAF to the region."

The Nissan LEAF is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack instead of an internal combustion engine. There are no tailpipe emissions, and the vehicle can get up to 100 miles on a single battery charge for far less than the cost of gasoline.

CL&P is currently studying the integration of electric cars like the Nissan LEAF with its electric distribution system. The utility has prototype vehicle charging stations installed at its Berlin campus and the Hartford headquarters of its parent company, Northeast Utilities. Through NU, CL&P is a member of the Regional Electric Vehicle Initiative (REVI), a collaborative effort by utilities in New England to share information to ensure the smooth introduction of EV technology to the regional electric system.

For more on the Nissan LEAF, visit http://www.nissanusa.com/. To view the final report of the Governor's Electric Vehicles Infrastructure Council, go to www.ct.gov/dpuc/evic.

Second Opinion: 2011 Nissan Leaf

Motor Trend Magazine took the Nissan LEAF out for a spin to find out whether it is "a green car or a real car." Read their thorough review and share your thoughts.

By: Frank Markus

Note: Public test drives on the "drive electric tour" begin soon.

I just had the chance to drive an early-bird Leaf here in Michigan on a brief route near Nissan's Technical Center. A thorough evaluation will have to wait a few more weeks when the Leaf gets its shot at possibly becoming Motor Trend's first ever fully electric Car of the Year (Editor's Note: We have just learned that Nissan will not be able to provide cars to us for this year's event), but this drive was sufficient to answer the question: Is it a real car?

Well, it certainly feels like a real GREEN car. From the driver's seat, the general ambiance and feel of the controls reminds me a lot of the plug-in Prius. Various dashboard screens and readouts bombard the driver with copious data to help eke the most distance out of the least energy possible. For their size, each feels heavy (the Leaf weighs 3600 pounds, 600 of which is the battery pack). Engage Drive via a peculiar shifter in either, and it will accelerate bunny-quick off the line; but launching like that feels so naughty that you reflexively engage the ECO mode (by moving the shifter down to the Drive spot again) for the rest of the trip, allowing the electronics to impose Puritanical patience on your progress unless you floor the pedal. In both cars, the electric power steering renders the same pinky-finger parking assist and provides the same rheostatic lack of road-feel at any speed.

The Leaf's low center of gravity keeps the cornering reasonably flat, and while the low-rolling-resistance tires give up their grip at modest cornering loads, at least they do so without much squealing. I was pleased not to notice any transition from regenerative to hydraulic braking. The faint whistling noise the car makes to warn blind pedestrians of its approach was inaudible until I lowered a window. I could just faintly hear the beeping in reverse with the radio off.

To this double-sheepskinned car geek, the Leaf's various displays aimed at range maximization are a constant source of inspiration and amusement. Up in the top left corner of the upper display, there's an electronic gauge that lights up more elements the more gently you drive. Keep up the good work, and you gradually grow a pine tree. Continued parsimonious (and not too traffic-inhibiting) driving regrows that tree three more times, leaving a forest of small trees next to the gauge.

Down in the main cluster viewed through the steering wheel, you have an arc of circles that light up to show how much power is being expended or regenerated, a voltmeter, and a traditional "fuel gauge" display with an inset showing miles remaining. When this drops to four kilowatt-hours left (16-20 miles of range), the nav screen switches to show all nearby quick-charge stations and output steps down to preserve range. climate control output is curtailed, top speed is reduced, and the driver is unmistakably notified that it's almost time to juice up.

The list of available charging stations will be updated periodically via Nissan's own satellite service called Carwings, which runs kind of like OnStar (with a headquarters in Japan beaming info through leased satellites pointed at this continent). The only station that showed up on our suburban-Detroit map was the one at Nissan's Tech Center, but there will soon be 3670 of them in California, 1464 in Washington, 1350 in Tennessee, and 1150 each in Oregon and Arizona. These are the states in which the Leaf launches first this December, followed by Texas and Hawaii in January, seven Gulf and Atlantic states in April, and nationwide by fall 2011. Nissan claims there should be 12,000 quick-charge stations up and running by the end of the year, but clearly the goal is for people to install charging stations at home for regular daily charging (eight hours with the 220-volt line, considerably longer with the 110-volts), and for these quick-charge places to serve only in case of emergency. Nissan says battery damage can occur is the car is "quick-charged" more than twice per day, so this ain't the rig for a non-stop California-to-Washington state drive, even is the I-5 corridor is eventually covered with sufficient charging stations.

Speaking of battery damage, Nissan envisions a 10-year useful life, after which only 70-80 percent of its original capacity remains. At that point, the packs will be dismantled and the flat, laminated cells reassembled into larger 100-kWhr or more) packs for power companies to store wind and solar energy in. Nissan also claims it can economically replace defective cells in the Leaf's 24 kWhr pack.

Other cool Ev-only features accessible on the Nav screen include a map showing two circles around the car -- one of which is the radius you can reach with enough juice to return and other the no-return range. There's a screen that shows instantaneous kilowatt usage of the motor, the climate control system, and all other systems, so you can see the impact of changing your temperature or fan settings. Hypermilers will no doubt Rain-X their windshields so as to avoid the parasitic loss of the windshield wipers. Then there are the typical graphs indicating instantaneous and historical "economy" in miles/kWhr. Then there's a screen for scheduling recharges via timer. There will also, of course, be smart-phone apps for monitoring all of this and more, and for "preconditioning" the cabin while plugged in.

The rest of the car is pretty darned carlike. The rear seat is commodious, but the floor feels high (the batteries are down there remember). which forces my knees up higher than I'd like and limits thigh support. Fold the seatbacks down and there's a rather high pass-through to the cargo area (the onboard charger lives just behind the folded seatbacks), but there's room for two sets of golf clubs (not that I'm inferring the Leaf is a glorified golf cart, mid you!).

Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn sure hopes regular folks find the Leaf normal enough to buy 550,000 of them by 2013, because the company is constructing and repurposing plants around the world to provide that many. Certainly the price seems reasonable, at $32,780 list for the base SV, which still gets navigation, Bluetooth, and everything you really need. That's before the $7,500 federal tax credit (applicable to anyone filing a normal tax return with at least $7,500 of tax liability) or state credits as high as $5,000 (California and Oregon). Don't want to fuss with tax forms? Lease it and Nissan claims the credit, rolling it into the $349/month price. Given the low operating costs (with no oil, filters, timing belts, etc. to maintain) and comparatively low energy cost (national average electricity pricing equates to roughly $1.10/gallon gas), it seems a fairly compelling value. After all, the 19,000 folks who have reportedly put deposits down can't ALL be Ed Begley/Al Gore acolytes.

2011 Nissan Leaf

Base price: $32,780

Vehicle layout: Front-engine, FWD, 5-pass, 4-door hatchback

Motor: 108-hp/206-lb-ft AC electric

Transmission: 1-speed automatic

Curb weight: 3400 lb (mfr)

Wheel base: 106.3 in

Length x width x height: 175.0 x 69.7 x 61.0 in

Installation: Front, transverse, front-drive

0-60 mph: 11.5 sec (mfr est)

EPA city/hwy fuel econ: 350 mpg (est)

CO2 emissions: None

On sale is U.S.: Fall 2010

America's Most Stolen Cars

Here are the new cars that thieves target the most, according to an analysis by the Highway Loss Data Institute.

1. Cadillac Escalade

Annual claim frequency: 10.8 of every thousand

Once again, the high-profile Cadillac Escalade SUV is the car that thieves love to steal, according to the Highway Loss Data Institute.

Each year, 10.8 out of every thousand late model Escalades end up getting stolen, broken into, or having parts ripped off. That's the highest rate of theft claims of any vehicle in America. The Escalade has topped the list since 2002. you may have heard that a lot of Toyota Camry's get stolen. They do. But it's only 1.6 out of every thousand.

The institute looked only at cars from the most recent three model years. These cars all have the latest anti-theft technologies, including immobilizers that prevent hot-wiring.

"That won't stop a determined theif from loading a car on a flat-bed truck," said Russ Rader, the institute's spokesman.

2. Chevrolet Silverado

Annual claim frequency: 8.0 of every thousand

3. Dodge Charger

Annual claim frequency: 7.4 of every thousand

4. Chevrolet Avalanche

Annual claim frequency: 7.4 of every thousand

5. Infiniti G37 Coupe

Annual claim frequency: 7.1 of every thousand

6. GMC Sierra Crew Cab

Annual claim frequency: 6.7 of every thousand

7. Nissan Maxima

Annual claim frequency: 6.5 of every thousand

8. Hummer H2

Annual claim frequency: 6.2 of every thousand

9. GMC Yukon XL 4WD

Annual claim frequency: 6.0 of every thousand

10. Chevrolet Tahoe

Annual claim frequency: 5.8 of every thousand

Flops Then Collectible Now

Some cars, like Ferraris, are worth big bucks from the day they're born. Others, like classic muscle cars, always have a following but attain collectible status only later in life. But some truly special cars are total busts when they're new but go on, decades later, to find their place in the hearts of car collectors, especially those with a sense of humor.

McKeel Hagerty, president of Hagerty Insurance, which specializes in covering collectible cars, cites these examples as among his favorites flop-to-tops category.

Edsel (1958-60)

Value: Over $100,000 for convertible in good condition

The name Edsel, has become synonymous with "flop." When Ford developed the Edsel car line in the 1950s, it was intended to offer customers something a bit nicer and more distinctive than Mercury cars but not quite as luxurious as a Lincoln.

Ford spent about $400 million to develop the cars, or about $3 billion in today's money, according to Hagerty Insurance, a company that insures collectible cars. During Edsel's short life, only 118,000 cars were sold, about half of what Ford needed to break even.

Edsel's are valuable today in part simply because most cars from that chrome-and0fins era are increasing in value, said McKeel Hagerty, president of Hagerty Insurance. The more chrome and the bigger the fins, the better.

Amphicar (1961-68)

Value: $26,000 - $58,000

The German-made Amphicar, the only amphibious vehicle ever produced for the mass market, was a strange compromise between a road-going and water-bourne vehicle. It wasn't particularly good in either place.

Since fewer than 4,000 were sold -- much less than the 20,000 that had been anticipated -- their appeal as curiosities today far outstrips the number of working models available.

Other German-made cars from that time tended to rust easily, HcKeel Hagery said, but given that Amphicars appear regularly at collector car auctions, they seem to be holding up surprisingly well.

BMW Isetta (1955-62)

Value: $30,000 - $60,000

An early example of a microcar, or a city car, the Isletta fared even less well in the U.S. market than the Smart ForTwo, a modern example, has in recent years.

The ultra-tiny Isletta was actually a big hit in post-war Europe, where it fit the need for ultra cheap transportation that could run on narrow roads using very little fuel. In the United States however, it was a bust.

That only makes it more desirable today. For many buyers, the Isletta is a sort of "comic relief" in their collection of otherwise fine cars, Hagerty said.

Continental Mark II (1956-57)

Value: $40,000 - $90,000

Edsel wasn't the only new car brand Ford introduced in the 1950s. Wanting to stretch into the upper realm on the luxury class, Ford announced the creation of the Continental car line.

This car sold for about $10,000 in its day. Sounds dirt cheap but that was about the price of a Rolls-Royce in 1956.

"The Continental division was meant to compete independently in that super-expensive range," McKeel said.

The Continental was an impressive car -- and it still is -- but people weren't ready to spend that kind of cash for Detroit metal. About half of the 3,000 Continental Mark II's produced still survive.

Delorean DMC 12 (1981-82)

Value: $10,000 - $35,000

The Delorean factory was supposed to crank out 30,000 of these futuristic looking cars. Unfortunately, the cars turned out to be underpowered and overweight, Hagerty said.

Management troubles and drug trafficking allegations only added to the company's problems. As it turned out, only 9,000 were produced over two years.

The Back to the Future films cemented its place in the public consciousness.

Fiat Jolly (1958)

Value: $30,000 - $60,000

The Jolly, a modified Fiat 500 or 600, was intended for wealthy yacht owners who wanted a car they could carry from resort to resort on their boat. The seats were made of wicker and an optional fringe top protected occupants from sunburn. Not surprisingly, perhaps, it didn't sell well. That's why fewer than 100 exist today, a small supply that increases their value.

De Tomaso Pantera sold through Ford (1971-75)

Value: $42,000 - $65,000

The hot-looking rear0engined Pantera was sold at Lincoln-Mercury dealers, a rather incongruous retailing channel for a car like this. With its Ford engine, the Pantera was supposed to be easier to maintain than something with a finicky Italian engine. Alas, keeping a Pantera running wasn't so easy after after all. Despite impressive performance numbers, dependability problems and a generally poor early '70s market for performance cars -- including gas price spikes and rising insurance costs -- kept sales low.

2011 Infiniti QX Offers Bold Exterior, Powerful Yet Efficient 5.6-liter Direct Injection V8 and World-Class Luxury Interior

- All-New Second-Generation QX56 Full-Size Performance Luxury SUV Features Advanced Technology, Including Hydraulic Body Motion Control System -

It starts with a breathtaking presence, a calm strength derived of clean, fluid lines that attract and hold your attention. It continues with the highest level of luxury, not just for the driver and front seat passenger, but all occupants - world class, personalized control over their environments for passengers in every seat in the house. Add in an exceptional driving experience provided by a powerful, yet efficient V8 engine design and available Hydraulic Body Motion Control system. Then top it all off with intuitive functionality, which anticipates and responds to the users' needs and desires. Introducing the all-new 2011 Infiniti QX, the latest example of inspired design, performance, technology and craftsmanship from Infiniti. Available in two models, the QX56 2WD and QX56 4WD.

"Following closely on the introduction of the all-new 2011 Infiniti M, the 2011 Infiniti QX gives us an incredible presence in full-size performance luxury vehicles - perfect for buyers seeking style comfort, roominess and driving exhilaration," said Ben Poore, vice president, Infiniti Business Unit. "Like the new M, the QX offers a range of available innovative technology, including Blind Spot Warning and an advanced Hydraulic Body Motion Control system."

The second-generation Infiniti QX56 has been totally redesigned from the platform up. Its new high-stiffness frame structure enhances ride comfort while reducing noise, vibration and harshness. The new 5.6-liter V8 engine combines the responsive acceleration of Infiniti's VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) technology with the efficiency of Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) and 7-speed automatic transmission. With 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, the QX can handle tasks such as towing boats or trailers (8,500-pound towing capacity, when properly equipped), while also offering 14% better fuel economy (EPA Combined) than the previous generation QX.

Inside the distinctive QX body is an interior long on luxury, including standard Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System, Around View Monitor, Bose 13-speaker Premium Audio System, available perforated semi-aniline leather seating and an available Tri-Zone Entertainment System with dual 7-inch color monitors, which allows different sources to be played at the same time. The 2011 QX also offers ample 1st row and class-leading 2nd row roominess.

What Women Want -- In A Car

By Johnathan Walsh

Still irresistible after all these years, the Volkswagen Beetle is the top car among women. Following closely are the Nissan Rogue and Hyundai Tucson compact SUVs and Volkswagen Eos convertible, according to a new survey.

Auto industry researcher TrueCar today released a demographic study that looked at more than 13 million vehicle registrations from the past two years. Beyond determining which cars women buy most often, it found "there is still a sizable gender gap when it comes to vehicle registrations," says Jesse Toprak, TrueCar's vice president of industry trends and insights. "Of the more than 200 models we examined, only nine were registered by more women than men and none of the brands had a registration rate that was higher for women," he says.

According to the study more men than women - at a rate of 64% to 36% - register vehicles in the U.S., even though females make up 51% of the U.S. population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Surveys like these are tricky because you can slice the data several ways. The number of women buying cars differs from the number of women driving and registering them. The TrueCar survey looks at the gender of the name on the registration alone.

Here are the nine vehicles on TrueCar's list that were more popular among women than men, and the percentage of women registering them:

Volkswagen Beetle 56.1%

Nissan Rogue 53.5%

Hyundai Tucson 53.0%

Volkswagen Eos 53.0%

Volvo S40 51.9%

Honda CR-V 51.3%

Kia Sportage 50.5%

Toyota RAV-4 50.4%

Nissan Sentra 50.1%

Top 10 brands among women are Kia, Suzuki, Mini, Subaru, Nissan, Hyundai, Honda, Volvo, Lexus and Mitsubishi. For these car makers the percentage of registrants to women ranges from 45.8% for Kia to 41.5% for Mitsubishi.

Girl drivers gone wild

Long considered more responsible than boys behind the wheel, a growing number of girls admit speeding and aggressive driving. And their insurance rates are rising.
By The Wall Street Journal

Some big auto insurers are raising the rates they charge to cover teenage girls, reflecting the crumbling of conventional wisdom that girls are more responsible than boys behind the wheel.

In a survey of teenage drivers, Allstate Insurance found that 48% of girls said they were likely to drive 10 mph over the speed limit. By comparison, 36% of the boys admitted speeding. Of the girls, 16% characterized their own driving as aggressive, up from 9% in 2005. And just more than half of the girls said they were likely to drive while talking on a phone or texting, compared with 38% of the boys.

The results were "a surprise to many people," says Meghann Dowd of the Allstate Foundation, an independent charitable organization funded by Allstate that sponsored the survey.

While teens 'fessed up about their own bad behavior, they said their friends drive even worse. Sixty-five percent of the respondents in the study, male and female, said they were confident in their own driving skills, but 77% said they had felt unsafe when another teen was driving. Only 23% of teens agreed that most teens are good drivers. This suggests teens recognize in their friends the dubious and dangerous behavior they won't admit to indulging in themselves.

The data were gleaned from online interviews with 1,063 teens across the country. It was conducted in May 2009 for the Allstate Foundation by Tru, a youth research and marketing firm in Chicago.

The survey relied on what teens reported about themselves, and Dowd says that means the results could have been affected by how forthcoming individuals were when answering the survey questions.

Ten Tips to Lower Driving Expenses

It's getting more expensive to own a car, and spiking oil costs are the primary culprit. Besides downsizing and driving less, there are ways drivers can ease the pain.
by JOHN ADAMS, ForbesAutos.com

Study Depreciation Rates
A vehicle's depreciation rate can be a better indication of long-term value than its sticker price. "What you pay for a vehicle doesn't matter. It's how much the car depreciates," says Michael Calkins, manager of approved auto repair for AAA in Heathrow, Fl.

Spending more upfront for a vehicle that holds its value better can save you money when it comes time to sell. Check Consumer Reports for depreciation ratings. BankRate.com is another resource for this topic.

Use Regular Gasoline
"A lot of cars recommend premium fuel but run fine on regular," AAA's Calkins says. But be warned: Using regular gasoline instead of the recommended premium could rob the engine of some performance."

If you don't need maximum performance, go down one or two grades in fuel," he says. "If the car runs fine, it's a good way to save 10 cents to 20 cents per gallon."

Optimize Insurance Coverage
"Do you have the right insurance for your life situation? You don't need collision coverage for a 15-year old vehicle," Calkins says. "And you might also be able to raise the deductible of some coverage to reduce costs."

Check Interest Rates
"Rates are low right now, so if you can come down a point or two and have three or four years left on your loan, it might make sense to refinance," Calkins says. Car loans don't have all the set-up costs of a home loan, so any rate drop you can get is worth going for."

Check with your bank, credit union or other financial services provider about refinancing your auto loan at a lower interest rate. Online resources like LendingTree.com could also prove helpful.

Specific Vehicles for Specific Tasks
Households with multiple vehicles can cut costs by using the smallest, most fuel-efficient vehicle whenever possible, such as when one or two people are running an errand or commuting to work. "If you're taking a discretionary trip, take the car that gets the best mileage if you can," says Steve Polzine, a director and analyst at the Center for Urban Transportation Research in Tampa, Fla.

Save the larger car, van, SUV or truck for when they're really needed, like when carrying many occupants and towing or hauling heavy loads.

Shop for the Best Maintenance Rates
"Don't over-maintain. You don't have to change your wiper blades if they're still successfully clearing the window."

A new website called RepairPal.com can help drivers assess maintenance and repair expenses.

Lengthen the Time Between Oil Changes
Ford, General Motors and Toyota have all suggested lengthening the mileage between oil changes on their vehicles from the traditional 3,000 miles to about 7,500 miles. This is partly because today's engines are more robust and have tighter tolerances than those of the past.

Most new vehicles now offer automated systems that alert drivers when it's time to change the oil, rather than forcing drivers to manually count mileage between oil changes, which typically cost about $50 per change.

Car Pool or Use Mass Transit
Car pooling is as old as cars themselves, but it's worth remembering that there's economy of scale in sharing rides to work, school and Little League. And most cities have some form of mass transit that might not be an all-out substitute for a private vehicle but could be used for some routine trips.

"All of those things can add up over time," Polzine says.

Downsize
By going down a bit in size, it's possible to own a less expensive vehicle without giving up a lot of space. AAA found that consumers can save a great deal by going for a smaller vehicle: The ownership cost for the average small sedan is $6,320 per year, but for a larger sedan, the cost jumps to $9,769.

AAA compared minivans and SUVs separately and found that consumers can save almost $2,000 per year by driving a minivan instead of an SUV.

Change Driving Habits
AAA's Calkins says that by anticipating stops it's possible to brake slowly, which reduces wear and tear on braking components and can help brake shoes and fluid last longer.

"Also, let the car coast as much as possible," he says. That and accelerating smoothly rather than abruptly can reduce fuel consumption, prolong brake life and reduce stress on other components like the transmission.

Nissan, Ford, Chrysler lead U.S. industry to 20% April gain

DETROIT -- Nissan Motor Co., Ford Motor Co., and Chrysler Group led the U.S. industry to a 20 percent sales gain in April as demand continued to recover from last year's collapse.

Overall sales rose to 982,302 from 819,692 a year earlier. The seasonally adjusted annual sales rate was 11.5 million, the second strongest of the year behind March's 11.7 million.

Ford said its retail sales rose 32 percent en route to a 25 percent overall gain, its fifth straight month of 20 percent or more. Toyota climbed sharply for the second straight month, again aided by no-interest loans and discount leases aimed at combating its recall crisis. Chrysler's 25 percent jump marked its first double-digit increase in almost five years. Nissan Motor was up 35 percent, and the Hyundai Group advanced 24 percent.

"We are putting the fundamentals together for a full-blown recovery," TrueCar.com analyst Jesse Toprak said, adding that April sales showed another month in a gradual return in consumer demand that was demolished in the past two years.

"It's slow, but we are on the right track," he said.

Today's results lifted year-to-date sales 17 percent above those of early 2009, when automakers battled the weakest demand in almost 30 years. General Motors Co.'s four surviving brands -- Chevrolet, GMC, Buick and Cadillac - recorded a combined increase of 20 percent. Overall sales for the automaker were up 7 percent.

Among smaller automakers, Subaru racked up a 48 percent gain in April and Volkswagen of America boosted its sales 39 percent. At the other end of the spectrum, American Suzuki's April sales fell 23 percent and Porsche lost 6 percent.

GM, Ford, Chrysler

GM has predicted U.S. sales this year will total 11.3 million to 11.8 million light vehicles. Although GM economist Ted Chu said he thinks the second quarter will continue its current pace, he predicted a one-million-unit increase in second-half sales compared with the first six months.

"Pent-up demand is building," Chu said. GM is winding down Hummer, Pontiac and Saturn and has sold Saab.

GM sold 9,150 Chevrolet Camaros, with about 7,800 of them going to individual customers. That's the highest retail total for the sports car since GM relaunched it in March 2009, said Steve Carlisle, vice president of U.S. sales operations.

Sales of the Chevrolet Silverado rose 12 percent, and the pickup saw its second consecutive monthly increase in sales to individual customers, Carlisle said. Its GMC Sierra sibling saw deliveries increase 13 percent, with a 19 percent increase in retail sales.

Ford's increase will be "good enough to gain market share," said Efraim Levy, a Standard and Poor's analyst, in a research not. "We like the mix improvement, with retail sales, pickups and utilities powering the volume forward. Residuals values reportedly advanced for Ford, outpacing the industry."

Ford was led by a jump of more than 42 percent in F-Series pickup trucks and a 41 percent rise in its Escape SUV. The automaker said fleet demand rose 13 percent, well below the 32 percent gain in retail sales.

Chrysler's 25 percent advance was the biggest since a 27 percent in July 2005, when U.S. automakers offered all buyers the same discounts as employees.

The average estimate for an industry sales pace of 11.4 million vehicles would compare with the 9.5 million of a year earlier, after the industry experienced the lowest U.S. demand in almost 30 years.

Consumer Confidence

Automakers were buoyed by consumer confidence that rose in April to its highest since September 2008, as measured by the Conference Board's monthly index.

Toyota began offering incentives on March 2 such as subsidized leases after worldwide recalls of more than 8 million vehicles to fix defects linked to unintended acceleration and to adjust brakes. The company probably spent an average $2,416 on incentives on each vehicle last month, according to TrueCar.com.

The industry average is about $2,798, TrueCar.com said. Incentives are down 4 percent from March 2009, when GM and Chrysler boosted spending ahead of their bankruptcy filings.

John McEleney who has a Toyota and a Buick, GMC and Cadillac dealership in Clinton, Iowa, said sales were up 30 percent at his Toyota store and increased about 20 percent among his GM brands.

"Sales were really pretty good, but not quite as good as March," McEleney said before today's results were released, adding that sales may keep gaining this year. "We're seeing a lot more showroom traffic and a lot more Internet activity. People are feeling better about their jobs, too."

The Wing is Back! Subaru Debuts New 4-door Impreza WRX STI Model for 2011

First Time Subaru Performance Flagship Offered in Two Body Styles

New WRX STI Four-door with Wide-Body Design

Returned Suspension for Even Sharper Handling

New York April 1, 2010 - Subaru of America today introduced a new 4-door version of its Impreza WRX STI performance flagship model. This will be the first time that the WRX STI has been offered in two body styles (5-door and 4-door). In addition to the new styling, the 2011 WRX STI features significantly revised suspension tuning and lighter 18-inch wheels for even sharper handling.

The WRX STI has been a recipient of continuous improvement since its introduction. Most recently, the 2010 WRX STI Special Edition previewed some of the suspension enhancements now migrated to the 2011 WRX STI. Thorough and painstakingly detailed chassis development, including testing on Germany's famed Nurburgring racetrack, has resulted in the best-handling Impreza WRX STI models Subaru has ever offered.

"The continuous evolution and development of the WRX STI is driven by the strong, loyal and vocal support from thousands of enthusiastic owners of this exciting high-performance vehicle," said Tom Doll, executive vice president and COO of Subaru of America, Inc. "The 2011 4-door WRX STI will expand the appeal of this iconic performance model to a wider range of driving enthusiasts."

New Designs for 2011

In front, the 2011 WRX STI models feature sharpened bumper corners and wider, blacked-out fog lamp nacelles to accentuate the "wide and low" profile. A jutting lip spoiler with three-dimensional detailing emphasizes the cars' sporty intent. They newly designed front grille with black base and blacked-out Subaru wing highlights the headlights' shape to give the entire front end a more powerful appearance, accentuated by larger grille and bumper intake openings.

For the 4-door models, newly designed wider rear fenders are stretched out on the side beyond the tail lamps, accentuating a look of power and stability. The new design details contribute to an improved drag coefficient.

New Chassis Tuning for 2011

The Subaru WRX STI was already a highly optimized performance machine. Specific chassis tuning. Aluminum front lower L-arms reduce unsprung vehicle weight. Major chassis tuning changes include a lowered ride height and new pillow-ball bushings in front and stiffer bushings for the rear subframe that supports the double-wishbone suspension - these improve camber and toe stiffness.

Both the front and rear suspension systems employ higher-rate springs and thicker front and rear stabilizer bars than the 2010 model: 21 mm in front and 19 mm vs. 18 mm in rear. Spring rates have increased by 15.6 percent in front and 53 percent in the rear.

New standard 18-inch aluminum wheels feature high-luster paint and weigh 17.6 lbs. less than the previous standard wheels. The optional 18 x 8.5-in. BBS forged aluminum-alloy wheels, which further reduce unsprung vehicle weight, are highlighted by silver high-luster paint for 2011.

Exclusive to the WRX STI, the Brembo Performance Brake System uses ventilated 4-wheel Super Sport anti-lock (ABS) disc brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Super Sport ABS can control the braking forces at each rear wheel independently, which optimizes braking during hard cornering to help reduce understeer.

The Ultimate Performance Subaru

The 2011 WRX STI continues as the ultimate-performance Subaru with its high-boost 305-hp turbocharged/intercooled 4-cyl. Boxer engine and 6-speed manual transmission. The STI also features Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with three "Auto" modes, as well as a manual mode with six driver-selectable differential locking settings.

The WRX STI is equipped with advanced dynamic control systems, as well: the Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system is standard and features a track performance-optimized mode; Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) technology allows the driver to tailor the car's driving characteristics by choosing from among three selectable modes - "Intelligent," "Sport" and "Sport Sharp" - using a rotary dial on the center console.

The 2011 Impreza WRX STI models arrive in Subaru late this summer.

Sporty, Spacious and Versatile Interior

New for 2011, the WRX STI interior is finished in black and silver to highlight its sporty design. Trim panels, the steering wheel air bag cover and steering wheel switches are now dark cast metallic.

The standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel is a three-spoke, leather wrapped design embossed with the STI logo and features control switches for Bluetooth hands-free phone function. A new AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player features Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free calling, iPod control capability, a USB port, 3.5mm aux. input jack and XM/SIRIUS satellite radio (subscription is extra). An available navigation system integrates a vehicle information center and Bluetooth hands-free calling.

Nissan will Sell Electric Car for Just Over $25k

Nissan's new electric car will cost just over $25,000 when it goes on sale in the U.S. in December, aiming to bring gasoline-free technology within reach of mainstream drivers.

The Leaf, a four-door hatchback, will have a base price of $32,780, but it's eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit for electric vehicles. That will make it cheaper to buy than electric vehicles coming from rivals and may force competitors to cut prices. But the Leaf's limited range of just 100 miles per charge for its lithium-ion battery could be a deal breaker for some motorists.

"We want to make sure the car is affordable, ready for the mass market and has mass appeal," Mark Perry, director of product planning and advanced technology at Nissan North America Inc., said in an interview.

Customers can start reserving a Leaf in the U.S. on April 20 and Nissan is aiming for 25,000 orders by December. It hopes to build ans sell 50,000 of the cars around the world during the first model year. Production is starting at an existing factory in Oppama, Japan, south of Tokyo, and will expand to Nissan's factory in Smyrna, Tenn., in 2012.

Christopher Richter, an auto analyst at CLSA Asia Pacific Markets in Tokyo, predicted the car will prove popular among "people who want to be green, people who love technology and people who are status-conscious."

Sales during the first year will be limited to about 20 large cities in the U.S., including New York, Seattle and Atlanta, Perry said. He said Nissan hopes to expand Leaf sales nationwide by the end of 2011.

The Leaf's relatively low starting price -- as well as an option to lease the vehicle for $349 a month -- could touch off a price war among rivals. A spokesman for General Motors Co., which will begin selling its Chevrolet Volt electric car later this year, said it will look at Nissan's pricing before announcing its own closer to its December sales date.

The Volt is widely expected to cost around $35,000 before the $7,500 tax credit. Unlike the Leaf, the Volt is not a pure electric car. Instead it's propelled by electricity stored in a battery for up to 40 miles, at which point a gasoline engine kicks in, giving it hundreds of miles more in range.

Perry said the Leaf's 100-mile range is more than adequate for the distance driven by most Americans in a given day. Still, analysts say the psychological effect of so-called range anxiety might be an obstacle for the Leaf. The Volt's internal combustion engine eases that concern by allowing drivers to continue going long after the electric charge is depleted.

"The Volt ... has a much larger appeal," said Aaron Bragman, an auto industry analyst with IHS Global Insight in Troy, Mich.

It will take about eight hours to recharge a Leaf using a 220-volt electric plug -- the kind used by most electric clothes dryers. Charging using a standard 110-volt outlet could take twice that. Nissan is giving Leaf customers the option of buying a home charging station at an estimated cost, including installation, of $2,200. That cost can be offset by a 50-percent tax credit up to $2,000.

At average electricity rates, charging the Leaf would cost about $2.80 per charge.

The Volt has a smaller battery than the Leaf and can't go as far on full electric power. But it can be fully recharged in eight hours on a standard 110-volt home outlet. Using a 220-volt outlet, it takes less than four hours.

The Leaf and the Volt will be the first among many electric cars due from mainstream automakers in the coming years. Until now, electric cars like the two-seater Tesla Roadster with a price tag of $100,000 have largely been playthings of the wealthy.

Tax credits for plug-in electric vehicles top out at $7,500. The size of the credit shrinks by automaker after it's sold at least 200,000 vehicles in the U.S. The credit then phases out over a year.

Nissan says the Leaf will cost 3.76 million yen ($40,000) in Japan. It will price the car lower in the U.S. because it wants to sell more of them in that market. But Perry said Nissan is confident the company will make a profit on each Leaf sold in the U.S. at a lower list price.

One reason is because Nissan owns the intellectual property to the battery, which was developed jointly by Nissan and NEC. "We control the battery costs," Perry said.

But Nissan may be deliberately setting the price low and may even lose money to establish itself as the market leader, said Erich Merkle, president of the consulting company Autoconomy.com in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Although the Volt can travel farther on a single charge, GM still has to compete with the Leaf on price, especially among motorists who have short commutes or a second car for long-distance travel, Merkle said.

So far, some 81,000 people in the U.S. -- where the Leaf went on a promotional 22-city tour earlier this year -- have said they are interested in the car via Nissan's Web site. In Japan some 9,300 people have signaled an interest.

Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn, who also heads France's Renault, has been a vocal proponent of electric vehicles, and predicts the segment will grow to about 10 percent of global sales by 2020.

Subaru's Environmental Policy

Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in cherry Hill, New Jersey, the company markets and distributes all-wheel drive Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories.

SOA understands its responsibility to the global environment, society at large, our customers, our distribution network and our employees. As we conduct our business operations into the future, we commit to establish and maintain an effective environmental management system that extends further than just meeting the stated environmental laws and regulations, and that encompasses the integration of sound environmental practices in all of our business decisions.

We commit to:
- Comply with all environmental laws and regulations and other requirements related to our business activities.
- Implement effective pollution prevention systems that protect our air, land and water.
- Conserve natural resources, by reducing, reusing and recycling materials.
- Continuous improvement of our Environmental Management System (EMS).
- Create employee awareness and commitment to SOA's Environmental Philosophy and Policy.
- Work with SOA's business partners to improve their operational impact on the environment.

Subaru of America, Inc. reaffirms our commitment to being a world-class leader in environmental performance.

The Subaru Clean Plant
Here's something to think about: next time you take out your trash at home for collection, you're sending more trash to landfills than the entire Subaru manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana (SIA) does in a year. The Subaru plant was the first auto assembly plant to achieve zero landfill status - nothing from its manufacturing efforts goes into a landfill. It's all reused and recycled. Each year, SIA actively recycles 99.3% of excess/leftover steel, plastic, wood, paper, glass, and other materials. The remaining 0.7% is shipped to the city of Indianapolis and incinerated to help generate steam. In 2006, SIA recycled 11,411 tons of scrap steel, 1,537 tons of cardboard and paper, and 963 tons of wood. That's equal to conserving 31,040 mature trees, 31,572 cubic yards of landfill space, 711,631 gallons of oil, and 10,759,000 gallons of water.

Congratulations Harte Nissan Inc!

The Small Business Commerce Association (SBCA) is pleased to announce that Harte Nissan Inc has been selected for the 2009 Best of Business Award in the Automobiles, new and used category.

The SBCA Best of Business Award Program recognizes the best of small businesses throughout the country. Using federal, state, city & county government data and other research the SBCA selection committee chooses the award winners that are believed to have demonstrated what makes small businesses a vital part of the American economy. Award winners are a valuable asset to their community and exemplify what makes small businesses great.