Tips for Saving Fuel

If you're not ready to buy a more efficient car can save money in a number of ways in any car you drive. Cars.com provides the tips and dispels the myths.

Revitalize Classics

The biggest fuel savings comes not from hybrid technology but from the old standards: carpooling and public transportation. If you and a trade fair friend or neighbor to travel to and from work, you can reduce your fuel consumption by about 50 percent. No other step will save you much money. So if you have two cars in the car park of the family, leaving a thirst in the garage as often as possible.

Transit saves fuel, and perhaps. It also reduces congestion, saves all fuels. Help yourself and everyone else to be part of the solution.

Get him out

Weight is fuel economy's natural enemy, so removing unnecessary items - or people - from your car can translate into actual fuel savings.

Get the Leadfoot Out

You can save fuel immediately what is going to easily run the pedal. Jack rabbit starts and full-throttle acceleration to significantly increase fuel consumption. It 's all a matter of degree: Light acceleration saves more than moderate acceleration.

Top speed also plays a part. Most vehicles are most efficient when cruising in top gear for their relatively low speeds. For example, a machine for the five-speed transmission would be more effective than the fifth gear is 40-55 mph. air resistance increases exponentially with speed, so you increase the pace at this stage, fuel economy drops dramatically. On the train trip computer that shows the instantaneous and average fuel economy are extremely accurate. Watch this and learned to ride a penny-pinching ways.
An ounce of prevention

Keep your tires properly inflated and your engine right is essential for the effective conduct. Under-inflated tires can reduce your fuel consumption by full miles per gallon. (Get the tire pressure from the sticker on your car's doorjamb or the owner's manual, not the sidewall.) Even if your car seems to work well, confusion Check Engine light could represent a dead oxygen sensor or other emissions control problem that causes the vehicle to waste several miles per gallon.

Open windows or air conditioning?

It is an ancient mystery. (Unlike a car heater, which uses free engine heat to warm the cabin, air conditioner robs engine power and reduces fuel consumption.) So, which approach is better? Sorry, but it is not as simple as one of them.

If your car has been sitting in the sun and is warmer than the air outside, lasting a few minutes with the windows open to cool it. So if you click on the highway, close 'em up and turn the A / C. Aerodynamics are more important at high speeds, so if you are not over 35 or 40 mph, open windows will not make much difference. It also depends on the vehicle. Detriment to drive with the windows down is greater, said in a Chevy Corvette, which has excellent aerodynamics, than in a Hummer who ... no. The same applies to convertibles, you will burn less fuel with the top up.
Keep It Smart

Speaking of aerodynamics, roof carriers and bike racks and ski racks do not do any favors - even if they are empty. If you keep all your cargo inside the car, you can slip through the wind better. It also eliminates its after-market add-ons such as drivers and bug window and sunroof cuffs. By design, these work items, empty the aerodynamics. Sure, bug entrails is a windshield are gross, but are not known to pay for fuel.

Premium or regular?

Reduced costs less octane, but you must use it? Most modern cars that require premium fuel can run on regular gasoline without knocking or a long sentence. Technically, it makes the car less efficient, but not to the point, cancel the cost savings from the cheaper fuel quality. NOTE: This is true of cars for which premium is recommended, not required. If in doubt, search for terms such as "Best Performance" and "recommended" versus "only" or "necessary." If your car has a turbocharger or a compressor, you should probably stick with premium fuel. Of course, if your car calls for regular gasoline, there is no reason to run it on something more octane.

Hybrid and Electric Powered Cars, Now and in the Future

Now, in 2011, the Chevrolet Volt and 2011 Nissan Leaf arrives at dealerships and homes set of owners, the Renaissance electric vehicle officially begun.

recently bought a volt for a long term test at any time of year to address the questions many consumers have to live with this kind of long-term vehicle. You can follow our coverage here.

There is currently a high demand for leaves and Volt, leaving many potential buyers sitting on the sidelines wondering how they can participate in the race for electric cars. If you have $ 100,000 for an all-electric Tesla Roadster, you can buy one today. Do not worry - options more convenient and less expensive would join these cars this year, including an electric version of the new Ford Focus. But it will still take some time before electric cars are so easy and common to buy a hybrid is typical today.

Increasingly in cars, either complete or hybrid electric plug-ins, coming on the market.

EVS is not a new concept: they were among the first cars on the roads. versions gasoline has slightly due to a century of cheap oil, battery technology and low long-distance road travel. Despite a slight recovery in California in the 1990s, the electric car was more a myth than a reality over the last 20 years. The recent volatility in gasoline prices helped revive interest in EVs.

Tomorrow RSV is not limited to small sports cars like the Tesla Roadster. "Different people need different types of vehicles," said Sherry Boschert Vice President of Plug-in America, non-profit advocacy group EVS. The reason is that companies will auto build a plug-in cars, commercial vans, SUVs and sedans.

A major obstacle to electric vehicles is the fear - the fear that the electric car can not be everywhere you need, or at least there. Some automakers, including GM, were added to board or ethanol gas generators in their electric vehicles. "The internal combustion engine is like a security policy that makes [drivers] feel safe," said Bosch. The gasoline engine kicks in when the batteries are running out of juice.

new battery technology that will ensure a longer range, can make electric vehicles more attractive to consumers. lithium-ion batteries are relatively new, but their chemical composition will be used in all future plug-in. Why? "You get the same amount of energy with only half the weight of nickel-metal hydride batteries. They are smaller and have higher power density," says Nick Cappa, spokesman for Chrysler in advanced technology. nickel-metal hydride batteries used in many hybrid cars today.

To help offset the cost of electric vehicles, the federal government offers tax credits for the purchase of $ 2.500 $ 7.500 EV. Nissan Sheet "red" price with the tax credit instead of $ 7500 MSRP. Most electric vehicles should be eligible for the maximum credit.

Here is a list of models supported by the EV car manufacturers, investors and companies. Four models of the road at this time, many more to come soon. In today's economy, some machines are designed to fail from the capital and consumption continues to slow.

"A lot can happen between now and then," Boschert said. "I know from experience that seeing is believing. Until you can go out and buy a [EV], it is not safe."

Developed electric vehicles already on the way

Tesla Roadster: This two-seater sports roadster is the poster child revolution RSV and sporting a stylish-looking machine is a range of 244 km. When the Fed $ 7,500 tax credit Tesla Roadster MSRP is $ 101,500.

Chevrolet Volt: This compact, four-passenger vehicle uses an electric motor to power the wheels with onboard gas generator to recharge the battery. V, can drive up to 40 km of electricity-only travel 400 miles between the gas station filling up.

Nissan leaf blade is an all-electric sedan to five seats that are available in selected markets and will be widely available in 2011, according to Nissan. Unlike the Volt, the sheet does not use a motor-end extension to charge the battery. With a full charge, the range of the sheet is estimated at 100 miles, top speed is said to be over 90 miles per hour.

Electric Ford Transit Connect: Designed for professional use, utility van Transit Connect, Ford's first electric car battery with a range of about 80 miles. Ford he drove last year only a few commercial fleets, but it should be offered to regular users of this year.

Electric vehicles on the horizon

Production for the following vehicles may change based electrical product development and other conditions. The year is the date of the planned sale of detail.

Ford Focus Electric, 2011: The biggest competitor for the Volt and Leaf will be the electric version of strong-looking new Ford Focus compact car. It has a scope similar to that of leaves, but promises to reduce charging time by half. Expect to wait until the end of this year to go on sale.

CODA Sedan, 2011: This is one of a number of small companies on our list have problems getting production started. Several executives have left the company, put anything SR $ 44.900 in doubt, despite the fact that the vehicle has an approval for the tax credit the government $ 7,500.

Fisker Karma 2011: The four-passenger plug-in hybrid luxury sports sedan will have a range of 50 miles, the power, the company said. Is expected to be available in March 2011. Like the Volt, the Karma uses a motor range expansion to increase the range of 300 miles. The hybrid combined to propel the vehicle from zero to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds.

Fiat 500 EV, 2012, petrol Fiat 500 hits the U.S. this year, and fully electric version in 2012. 500 Chrysler EV uses the technology and its electronic programming, although many important details, including vehicle range, and the price will remain confidential.

Toyota Prius plug-in, 2012: A plug-in version of its popular Prius sedan will go on sale in the first half of 2012, Toyota said. He will be able to Run 13 miles on the battery to a speed of 60 km / h. Because of this limited range before the gas hybrid system takes over, charging the car takes only 1.7 hours on a 220 volt. It will be offered in 14 states with the most current Prius units sold in 2012, with the rest of the country had to wait until 2013.

Mitsubishi i-MiEV, 2011-12: A small four-seater electric car is 80-100 km. I-MiEV is expected to go on sale in the United States in March 2012, the Northeast and across the country by the end of 2012. Waiting for prices on this car at about $ 30,000 before tax incentives, says Mitsubishi.

Highway Speed ​​EV Miles, TBD: Miles EV says its five-seat sedan is electrical safety test. It should be 100 kilometers. However, no mention of the date of sale has been deprived of its website.

Think City, to determine: This European company is waiting for the loans the U.S. Department of Energy before starting production. The city will be built in Elkhart, Indiana, designed for urban environments, the electric city small first to see the use in New York. Its range is about 100 miles, and says its Think City can reach highway speeds.

Tesla Model S, 2012: Tesla wants to keep track of its roadster with a five-passenger sedan EV. Sedan had a 240-mile range with an expected price around $ 60,000, according to Tesla. The company has delayed the original target date to at least the 2012th

2012 Nissan Versa sedan

While American consumers continue to prefer larger vehicles, both domestic and foreign car manufacturers are convinced that the steep price of gas will finally convince buyers to take on a more compact models and fuel consumption. 2011 New York Auto Show marks the debut of the latest collection of compact cars in 2012 Nissan Versa Sedan, which is trying to attract buyers with a low fixed price of $ 10,990 and the promise of reasonable cost of ownership.

2012 Nissan Versa sedanHot heels of Northern Versa sedan 2012, first American in New York, the Japanese brand has released a new video circulating in the four-door model that will go on sale in the U.S. this summer.
2012 Nissan Versa sedan sedanThe model is based on Nissan's global "V" of the platform also supports the door Micra subcompact, a car with which the components of the Versa 2012 actions, including the board layout table.
2012 Nissan Versa sedan ethers is a single engine choice for buyers in the United States, a revised version of the unit of 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 109 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque at 4400 rpm min, with the base model comes with a five-speed manual and the rest of the range with Xtronic CVT transmission.
2012 Nissan Versa sedanAs fuel efficiency, Nissan has said that preliminary estimates of 30mpg city, 37mpg highway and 33mpg Together with the models with CVT and 27mpg city, 36mpg highway and 30 mpg combined for the base model with S 5SP manual.a

2011 Nissan Altima Sedan

Nissan says that 9.7 shares per cent of the market in the U.S. in March has reached the highest single month in its history. In addition to the intoxicating part-number is a market share of 9.3 percent for Nissan in the first quarter of 2011. This represents a gain of 0.3 parts per cent of the market, based on 2010 of 0.4 percent.

March also saw the Nissan Altima to take the title of best-selling sedan in America, another company first. The Altima contributed 32,289,121,141 units of a total of Nissan cars that nearly 27 percent hit in March last year figures. It is not immediately clear what the incentives for Nissan cars had during the months of March and helps sales, but currently, the Japanese manufacturer of cars with zero-cent financing for up to 60 months or 1.9 per cent in April financing up to 72 months or $ 1,250 cash back.
He had sufficient numbers? Too bad, Nissan is not quite finished. Monthly sales of 28.4 percent for the division posted another record, and Infiniti has seen a sales increase of 13.5 percent in March. With this large number, Nissan is looking for an excellent year.

Nissan Compact Sport Car concept

PRODUCER Japanese automakers, Nissan has just unveiled a new design study this year by showing a concept car a sporty little. Sport Compact Car called this concept appears in the event the Shanghai Auto Show 2011.

The car that has a base of the Nissan March is 3.482 meters long and 1.444 meters high. Compact Sport Concept, designed in a global design center based in Japan and working with design studios in China. This little concept car designed to target young customers in developing countries, cited Okezone from Autoeblog, Wednesday (04/27/2011).

The line looks unique design of this car with the bumper, headlights airscoop and rounded to make this car look simple young man typical.

For sources of power, this car uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter gasoline engine capable of developing power up to 188 bhp.

The machine was then mated with a six-speed automatic transmission that has a manual mode. Entry into the cabin, it will feel different shades. Because the interior of the Nissan Sport Compact Concept is kept simple but very powerful ejects modern and futuristic aura.

Unfortunately, Nissan is not planning to produce this little car.

New York International Auto Show

Auto show New York International Auto Show is held again. The exhibition was followed by a number of producers otomitif world.

Nissan Skyline R35 GT-R

Nissan Skyline R35 GT-R

Sideswiped Nissan Altima at Maaco Fremont

Maaco Fremont's Car of the Day is a 2006 Nissan Altima that was sideswiped. A big crease ran front to back on the car and the mirror was torn off. Maaco repaired the dents, replaced the mirror and duplicated the original factory paint. The work includes our lifetime warranty against fading, peeling & loss of gloss.

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NISSAN ELLURE CONCEPT – THE SEDAN RE-IMAGINED

As a longtime industry innovator in sedan design, notably the original Datsun 510 and numerous generations of Nissan Maximas, Altimas and Sentras, Nissan has always had an affinity for both the form and its buyers. So it should come as no surprise that in an environment where traditional sedan buyers have been migrating toward coupe and crossover SUV alternatives, along comes the engagingly seductive Nissan Ellure Concept, which makes its world debut at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show.

“While not intended as a preview of any upcoming production model, Ellure confirms Nissan’s intention to be a strong player in the sedan segment for many years to come,” explains Shiro Nakamura, senior vice president and chief creative officer, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (NML), who supervised the global design effort. “As an expression of our long-term vision for the next generation of great Nissan sedans, Ellure allows us to introduce a new sedan concept – one that honors the sedan’s unmatched daytime functionality, yet has a more emotive, almost hidden ambience that comes to life after dark. It’s an ideal fit for the needs of its projected owners, women in their ‘30s and ‘40s with a sense of sophistication and rebellion.”

A Simple Yet Provocatively Modern Exterior

The Ellure exterior expresses the warmth of a sculpture, but is defined by the solid movement of the shapes – and the control of light and dark in a way that is sophisticated yet rebellious. Its designers sought to shift the balance between rational values and emotional ones, expressing both intelligent, sustainable design qualities and a sense of passion and fun. The proportions of the new Ellure respect the basic layout and dimensions of a traditional mid-size sedan, while taking advantage of a next-generation compact hybrid powertrain. This allows the wheels to be pushed out to the corners, creating a stable stance and ample interior room, as well as a highly functional trunk – despite the smooth aerodynamic form.

The exterior projects a sense of strong mass, with a refined contrast between broad planes and strong shoulders. Rather than trying to hide its front-wheel drive dynamics, the body forms drape over the front wheels and radiate outward toward the sides and rear.

The bending of the sheet metal is utterly simple but dynamic – sheer and taut like a shock wave. Ellure is not designed to hide its “sedan-ness,” as some so-called 4-door coupes do, but to honor the form with the way light transitions like a ribbon or wave from the bold front grille and lights, through the sculpted shoulder lines and on to the full glass roof and strong rear end. It’s all about using a sense of tension and release to keep the shape interesting and the viewer interested.

While not intended to project an obvious “eco” image, the Ellure design includes serious elements of efficiency. The deeply skirted front fascia and bold solid-transparent front grille with small openings direct the wind over and under the body. Ellure also features a full underbody pan, molded side rearview camera housings (utilized in place of traditional outside mirrors), small wheel openings and full transparent covers over 21-inch 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels mounted with low-rolling resistance Michelin tires.

“Aerodynamics has become a critical element of design for all vehicles today, not just hybrids or EVs. We’ve used Ellure to explore subtle ways to reduce or eliminate body openings that can cause drag, such as the solid yet transparent coverings on the wheels and grilles, without impacting the beauty of the vehicle,” said Nakamura.

The Ellure grille, with its large polished Nissan badge, was inspired by “Kamishino” Samurai formal coat. Like all of the major chrome accents on the vehicle, the grille slats combine brushed edges and bright surfaces to add a polished, almost jewel-like surfacing. The headlights and taillights incorporate an effect like the layering of fins or wings of a bird – condensed in some areas and spread out in others.

A nod to traditional Japanese design can also be seen in the Ellure’s rear end, which is inspired by a “Torii” Shinto shrine gate. The sides of the vehicle are dominated by large 90-degree opening doors with rear-hinged rear doors for full panoramic interior access and easy ingress/egress.

Ellure’s full tinted glass roof with integrated interior nighttime accent lighting caps the “duality” of design – transitioning from sophisticated in daylight and a somewhat wilder expression of light and movement at night.

The final accent to the Ellure exterior is the paint treatment. The “Geode” White tri-coat mica paint features pearlescent/gold flake with a blue aspect that varies in appearance by tone and temperature of light.

A “Molten” Interior That Turns Up the Heat

Inside, Ellure’s fluid movement of shapes, and control of light and dark, continues with its highly emotive environment. It is one space with two feelings – tailored by day, intimate and inviting by night. The high-contrast, energized warmth of the space imparts an almost molten, thermal energy, which is also captured in the tri-color scheme of “Molten Ice,” “Molten Steel” and “Molten Gray.”

Picking up the “shock wave” theme of the Ellure exterior, the dramatic instrument panel design flows from door-to-door, seamlessly integrating with the door panels and blending into the lounge-like rear seat to wrap the driver and passengers in an elegant and passionate space. With clean, intuitive touch interfaces, the wide display panel screens present information in a two-level layout, with information arranged by priority of use. The chrome-free leather (eco tanning process) on instrument panel offers a color gradation and use of heat repellent pigment to help reduced glare and air conditioning compensation. The special truncated shape of the steering wheel provides a clearer view of the instrument panel and display screens.

The front seats are covered with a black eco-suede utilizing recycled fibers (100% post industrial PET ultra microfiber). The seat design itself uses transparent red acrylic seatback panels and low shoulder height to reduce the usual “wall” between front and rear passengers. The front passenger seat design includes a forward-facing ottoman, and both front seats include elegant “floating headrests.”

The “showpiece” of the interior is the “floating” center console with a sculptural, see-through effect, white leather covering and backlit red nighttime lighting. A console-mounted central controller provides intuitive control for HVAC, audio, navigation and other functions. The all-glass ceiling is embedded with special red mood lighting.

The three-person rear seat, covered in gray ultra-suede, provides the roominess of sedan but the feeling of coupe. The “shock wave” carpeting design, with rings of color radiating from center out, follows the topography of the interior. The carpeting itself is made from handmade strips of 100% wool felt, which is naturally water repellent.

Other interior features include hidden audio system speakers embedded in doors and headrests, interior “alcove” style, recessed lighting design and armrest touch controls with haptic feedback.

“We’ve provided a private and passionate inside space that the owner can feel is completely her own. Not a hangout space in itself, we see the Ellure interior as mobile social space hosted by the driver,” adds Nakamura.

A Proposed Eco Drivetrain

Along with displaying Nissan’s future sedan design language, the new Ellure presents a conceptual preview of how future Nissan sedans can balance the conflicting desires for fun-to-drive performance, ample passenger/luggage utility and sustainable mobility.

The Ellure drivetrain is conceived as a supercharged 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder with Intelligent Dual Clutch Control (one motor/two clutch design with lithium-ion battery) and 25 kW electric motor, matched with an Xtronic CVT™ and front-wheel drive. It would also include an independent suspension, regenerative braking, and advanced drive-by-wire electric/hydraulic steering to make sure the driving experience is as dynamic and rewarding as Ellure’s physical properties.

Ellure also wears a “PURE DRIVE” badge, indicating it would be part of Nissan’s range of low CO2/low fuel consumption internal combustion engine or hybrid vehicles.

PURE DRIVE vehicles use Nissan’s most advanced technologies to deliver to customers an optimal balance of top-level fuel consumption and value. Nissan seeks to provide the right solution tailored to market circumstances and customer needs.

The Sedan Re-imagined

With lines that gain energy as they move through the exterior, an interior that is as engaging as it is inviting, and effortless technology embedded with intuitive intelligence, Ellure stands as Nissan’s latest expression of innovation for design.

“When all is said and done, the sedan will always be core to the Nissan product portfolio. Our goal is to rejuvenate the sedan’s attractiveness to buyers who might have migrated to other segments, or who are coming reluctantly into the category,” adds Nakamura. “By respecting its strengths, while recognizing that emotion is as critical as function, Ellure could well be the wave, or more correctly the ‘shock wave,’ of future sedans.”

Nissan Leaf Car of the year 2011

The Nissan Leaf was named 2011 World Car of the Year at the New York International Auto Show, taking the top spot ahead of the BMW 5-Series and the Audi A8. It is the second important award for the Japanese automaker’s all-electric car after being voted 2011 European Car of the Year.
Here's how the World Car Awards jurors justified their vote:
“The Leaf is the gateway to a brave new electric world from Nissan. This 5-seater, 5-door hatchback is the world's first, purpose-built, mass-produced electric car. It has a range of over 100 miles on a full charge claims Nissan, takes around 8 hours to recharge using 220-240V power supply and produces zero tailpipe emissions. Its low center of gravity produced sharp turn-in with almost no body roll and no understeer. The good news? It feels just like a normal car, only quieter.”
Launched in 2004, the World Car of the Year competition assesses cars with the help of a panel of automotive journalists from Asia, Europe and North America.
“This accolade recognizes Nissan LEAF, a pioneer in zero-emission mobility, as comparable in its driving performance, quietness and superb handling to gas-powered cars,” said Nissan Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn. “And it validates Nissan’s clear vision and the values of sustainable mobility that we want to offer to customers around the world.”
Currently available in Japan, the United States and select European markets, the Leaf will be launched in other global markets in 2012. The EV is built at Nissan’s Oppama plant in Japan, with U.S. and UK manufacturing to follow in late 2012 and early 2013 respectively (in Smyrna, Tennessee and Sunderland).

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2012 Nissan Versa

It looks like the Chinese market Nissan Sunny, revealed in December 2010, to the North American 2012 Versa, was spot on, as these photos clearly prove. Nissan’s new entry in the affordable small sedan segment is a very awkward looking proposal (to say the least…), which probably stems from the fact the Versa / Sunny is based on the Micra’s V-platform architecture, hence the odd proportions of the body.
“The new Versa Sedan stands out as the only expensive looking car in the segment – with a lot of eye power,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America.
“Its sculpted, dynamic proportions are modern without being gimmicky, projecting a much higher sense of design value than you might expect in a vehicle with a $10,990 starting M.S.R.P."
We’ll disagree with Castignetti assessment on the Versa’s exterior, but feel free to express your own opinion in the comments section below. Now, moving on to the interior, the Versa’s dashboard appears to be lifted straight off the Micra supermini with only some minor changes to the instrument panel layout and the switchgear.
While retaining the same 102.4-inch wheelbase and 66.7-inch width as the previous generation Versa Sedan, Nissan’s newcomer is 1.2 inches lower in height (59.6 inches) and 0.6 inches shorter in overall length (175.4 inches). According to Nissan, the Versa has more legroom than some mid and large size sedans such as the Lexus LS460, BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class., while offering a trunk volume of 14.8 cubic feet.
Power for the new Versa comes via a second-generation 1.6-liter HR16DE 4-cylinder engine rated at 109 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 107 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. Buyers can choose between a 5-speed manual transmission (1.6 S model only) and a next-generation Xtronic CVT transmission.
Nissan says fuel economy for the 2012 Versa Sedan is estimated at 30 mpg City, 37 mpg Highway and 33 mpg combined with the CVT transmission, and 27/36/30 mpg with the 5-speed manual gearbox.
As mentioned previously, the 2012 Versa Sedan will be priced from $10,990 (about €7,700 at the current exchange rates), with sales set to start in the summer.

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