In 2006, Nissan was the only import brand in the United States to offer a FFV with the introduction of the E85 ethanol capable Nissan Titan pickup. For 2007, the full-size Nissan Armada SUV joins the Titan in offering FFV technology in certain markets. (Pictured is the 2006 Armada.)
“Our lineup attracts drivers who expect their vehicles to deliver on all counts. We’ve proven our desirability in terms of style, performance and convenience,” said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. “And now, we’re meeting the demands of consumers seeking environmentally sound transportation solutions with decreasing vehicle emissions and reduced reliance on foreign oil supplies.”
Flexible Fuel Technology Offered in Two Award-Winning Packages
In an effort to take two popular Nissan full-size vehicles to a wider audience, the rugged Nissan Titan truck and adventure-ready Nissan Armada SUV are now available with Flexible Fuel Technology as a no-cost option.
This technology enhances the Titan and Armada’s already enormous appeal to the consumer – both vehicles were ranked number one in their respective segments in the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study.
Nissan’s Flexible Fuel Technology allows a common gas tank to be capable of running the Armada and Titan’s advanced 5.6-liter DOHC Endurance V8 on traditional gasoline or E85, a combination of 85 percent ethanol with 15 percent gasoline, or any mixture in between. The ethanol/gasoline mixture not only reduces the amount of pure gasoline consumed, but since ethanol burns cleaner than gasoline, vehicle emissions are reduced.
“Flexible Fuel Vehicle technology is the perfect environmentally-minded option for Titan and Armada buyers,” said Bosley. “E85 enables both full-size vehicles to maintain their full power and rugged capabilities along with reduced emissions, while ethanol is a domestically available and renewable fuel, assisting the reduction of the reliance on foreign oil.”
In 2007, up to 20,000 FFV capable Titans and 55,000 FFV capable Armadas will be produced. The number of FFV capable Nissan vehicles offered in the U.S. is expected to double by 2010 from today’s level.
2007 Altima Hybrid
For 2007, Nissan introduces advanced gasoline/electric hybrid drive technology in its best-selling sedan with the Altima Hybrid. The Altima Hybrid combines a 158-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with a Sealed Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery-powered 650 Volt AC synchronous motor.
“The Altima Hybrid provides V6 levels of performance with 4-cylinder fuel economy,” said Bosley. “Combined with the standard eCVT, this new vehicle – Nissan’s first entry into the hybrid segment – produces an environmentally friendly package with everyday usability.”
The Altima Hybrid will be available in early 2007, following the launch of the gasoline-powered lineup of next-generation 2007 Altimas in November 2006.
Nissan Xtronic CVT
In addition to the FFV Titan and Armada, Nissan’s 2007 model lineup offers the performance and economy of an Xtronic CVT as standard equipment in every Murano and Maxima. The advanced Xtronic CVT is also available in the all-new 2007 Altima (non-Hybrid models), Sentra and Versa.
The Xtronic CVT differs from conventional automatic transmissions by featuring a near-infinitely variable gear ratio between its lowest and highest gears. By electronically controlling the powerful engines in these vehicles to work in concert with the CVT, the engines can work within their maximum power and efficiency ranges, providing superior throttle response, fuel economy and lower emissions.
By the end if 2007, Nissan expects to be producing one million CVTs annually worldwide.
“Nissan has a long history of innovation,” said Bosley. “Our commitment to finding cleaner, more efficient ways to deliver driving exhilaration is clearly evident in 2007.”
Via Nissan Motor Co.