Best Haldeman Nissan New-Car Leftovers for 2012

Most savvy car shoppers know that September — the traditional end of the model year — means great bargains on car lots. But the truly advanced shopper knows that even better deals are available for those who are willing to buy a model that is about to be discontinued or redesigned.

Why are these vehicles so cheap? Well, if you buy a model that will be redesigned or dropped for the next model year, you will be driving a car that's visibly outdated. It's like buying a dress or suit that was hot last year, but has been eclipsed by newer styles. But even if you're the pragmatic type whose decisions aren't driven by fashion, this is your chance to score a new set of wheels at a low price.

Besides good, old-fashioned discounts, the cars featured in the list below are likely to carry hefty incentives and rebates to sweeten the deal. Check to see what is available in your area — many such offers are regional. To correctly apply incentives, remember to negotiate your lowest price first and then deduct any rebate. And if there is a choice between low-interest financing and cash back, run the numbers to see which will save you the most.

One note of caution for bargain hunters, though. When car makers introduce a model redesign, the prior model depreciates more quickly and reselling it might be more difficult. However, if you're going to keep the car for a long time, depreciation will have little effect on you.

These are vehicles that are just about to be replaced by new-generation models, yet represent excellent value and performance:

2012 Nissan Altima
Nissan is rolling out the first redesign of its Altima sedan in six years for 2013, making the still-attractive 2012 a sweet deal. Check incentives, particularly leasing specials.

2012 Nissan Pathfinder
The Pathfinder has long been a hit for Nissan, but the 2013 model year brings the introduction of an all-new generation with better mileage. Anyone willing to buy the 2012 can leverage incentives such as rebates, low-interest financing and lease specials on all trim levels.

LeafLink a more functional remote-charging smartphone app for Nissan Leaf

By  Danny King RSS feed

Posted Oct 18th 2012 5:56PM

If Nissan wasn't going to figure out how to create a remote-charging app for owners of Leaf electric vehicles, someone else was sure to do it.

In this case, the result is a free, third-party app called LeafLink. While Nissan's official Carwings app lets folks set charging times from inside the car, LeafLink lets people do it remotely, in addition to pre-setting climate controls and other goodies, according to Green Car Reports. For a $9.99 upgrade, LeafLink lets Leaf owners program a future charging time, with the information being stored on a secure server.

Those captivated by such possibilities can check out the LeafLink app page here.

Nissan previews production steer-by-wire system

By  Jeffrey N. Ross RSS feed

With as far electric power assist steering (EPAS) has come in recent years, it was only a matter of time before an automaker came up with a fully electric steering system. Nissan has developed such a system that replaces the mechanical steering linkage of today's cars with a "wired" steering column that uses drivers inputs to steer the front wheels via electronic controllers, and this type of system could be found on Infiniti models within the next year.

This type of system could be found on Infiniti models within the next year.

As bad as the feedback is on some current EPAS cars, we're a little skeptical about how such a system would feel, but Nissan says that not only will feedback be more direct, it will also be adjustable. Nissan's independent control steering technology will allow drivers to choose between "Sport" and "Standard" modes depending on what type of roads and driving condition they face. An added benefit of this system is that the steering wheel will be completely isolated from the rest of the steering system to reduce road vibrations felt by the driver.

In the event of power loss, there is a clutch that can engage a backup mechanical link to allow the driver to control the front wheels.

This system also uses a camera to help keep the car driving in a straight line, meaning that drivers won't have to make constant small corrections, which Nissan says will reduce driver fatigue, and it can also auto correct in the event of crosswinds. As a safety precaution, Nissan's new steering system uses three redundant engine controllers to prevent any loss of steering, but in the event that the car loses total power, there is a clutch that can engage a backup mechanical link to allow the driver to control the front wheels.

Nissan is also working on an autonomous emergency steering system that seems to operate in the same vain as auto brake in some newer cars. If the car detects a possible collision, it will initially warn the driver with an audible tone and display. If this is ignored, it will then proceed to auto brake in an attempt to slow the car down. If a collision is still imminent, the car would then automatically swerve to avoid an accident. There are also sensors that can detect if a car is next to or coming head on with the vehicle to prevent an even worse collision.

Scroll down for Nissan's press releases on this new technology.

The Future: Today in Norway

 

OSLO, Norway – Nissan's Future: Today exhibition opened this week in the Norwegian capital, with a gathering of Nissan LEAF owners due in the city's main square on Friday night for a special event.
Check out the video for a behind-the-scenes look at the event.

Alex Buncombe: Nissan's Secret Weapon

ROLLE, Switzerland – Since its formation in 2008, Nissan's GT Academy has grown into one of the best driver selection and development programs in the world. The stakes are raised each year making the competition harder and making sure that only the best talent rises to the top.
Something that has remained constant since 2008 is the involvement of RJN Motorsport and Alex Buncombe, who has been each of the graduate's first professional team mate.  It was 'Al' who partnered Lucas Ordonez in 2009 and 2010 and Jordan Tresson in 2011 and it is Al who has raced the Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 so strongly in its development season with Jann Mardenborough in this year's British GT Championship.
Next week Al will be continuing his official Nissan Europe driver role when he races the Greaves Motorsport Zytek-Nissan LMP2 at one of the best sportscar races in America: Petit Le Mans.
Nissan's Darren Cox has seen Al work quietly alongside the GT Academy graduates and believes it is the turn of the man from Somerset to step into the spotlight.
"GT Academy is a success story," he commented. "The doubters have long been proved wrong as we have continued to turn out truly talented racing drivers through the GT Academy selection process and the following driver development program.  All of our graduates have made the grade and become fully-fledged racing drivers. We're not running a nursery though.  Failure to perform at any stage will be treated in the same way as in any top competition and the drivers all know this.
"Alex Buncombe's role in the GT Academy family is to set the benchmark for each of the graduates when they embark on their racing careers," Cox continued. "His job is to calmly help them realize what steps they need to genuinely become a professional driver after the bubble of Race Camp, the initial phase of the Driver Development and the Dubai 24 hours. Being alongside Al and being looked after by Bob Neville and the team from RJN Motorsport is the perfect environment for these fresh new talents. There are no egos, just racers. Al is often overlooked when the plaudits are given out. I am happy to give him this drive and am confident he will do a solid job. His lack of seat time will mean he will be playing a supporting role – something he is used to doing of course – but sometimes it's the quiet ones you have to watch out for!  His peerless performances and multiple wins in historics this year are a little hidden, but show what a versatile a professional driver he has become."
Q&A with Alex Buncombe
What did you think when you got the call up to race at Petit Le Mans?
"One word: amazing! I had to pinch myself. I am so pleased to get this fantastic opportunity.  This will be my first time at Road Atlanta and the first time I have raced an LMP car for eight years so I can't wait.  I know Tom (Kimber-Smith) as we both raced in the 'Champions' Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 in Dubai earlier this year and I'm sure I'll get to know everyone else very quickly."
What are your expectations for the race?
"I really want to do a good job for Nissan and for Greaves. I need to learn the car and the circuit but you never know what is going to happen in endurance races. A podium finish in LMP2 would be awesome."
This year you have taken wins at the Monaco Historic, Le Mans Classic and Goodwood Revival in a Jaguar C-Type, you are the 2012 E-Type Challenge Champion and you won the British GT race at Brands Hatch in the Nissan GT-R.  What are the chances of adding a win at a modern day classic track like Road Atlanta?
"The Greaves Zytek Nissan is a very competitive car and we have a great driver line up. If we have a clean race with no problems who knows where we might end up."
Your relationship with Nissan goes back a number of years. When did you first get involved?
"My first race for RJN and Bob Neville was the 2007 GT4 race at Spa where I had two fantastic second place finishes. We then had many race wins from there on and the rest they say is history."
What is your racing background, prior to joining RJN Motorsport?
"My racing career before 2007 with RJN was very mixed. I did Formula Renault in 2001, 2002 and 2003, some of which were not complete seasons because of budget problems. I really saw myself as a GT driver though and in 2005 I competed in the first round of the Vodaphone Maserati Trofeo cup at Monza where I won the one hour race by 35 seconds."
As the first team mate to the first GT Academy winner, Lucas Ordonez, what did you really think of it all back then?
"I must confess I was a little worried about Lucas in 2009 with it being the first year of GT Academy. Could he really step from the virtual world to the real racing world? After the first race though my feelings changed. These guys are fast! I can't wait to see Lucas race Nissan DeltaWing at Road Atlanta. He did this race last year and has good experience of the circuit and the car and I think he will do a great job."

Nissan Announces U.S. Pricing for 2013 Quest

FRANKLIN, Tenn. – Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced U.S. pricing for the 2013 Nissan Quest minivan, which is on sale now at Nissan dealers nationwide.  The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) for the innovation-packed 2013 Nissan Quest are reduced $1,310 USD on the Quest SV and $980 USD on the Quest SL, making Quest more competitive than ever.  Pricing for the Quest S remains unchanged, while the Quest LE with added equipment increases just $290 USD.
Each of the four well-equipped Quest models comes with a standard 260-horsepower 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 engine and Nissan's advanced Xtronic CVT® transmission.
Enhancements for 2013 include the addition of standard Around View® Monitor on LE models, which utilizes four small superwide-angle cameras mounted on the front, side and rear of the vehicle to provide a virtual 360° view of objects around the vehicle, helping to maneuver it into tight spots.  The DVD Entertainment System is now available on SV and SL models (it remains standard on Quest LE and was previously offered as an option on SL).
Key available features include one-touch power-sliding doors, fold-flat 2nd and 3rd row seats, Advanced Climate Control System, standard permanent hidden storage and standard SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately).
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) for the 2013 Nissan Quest include:

Quest 3.5 S	$25,990 USD
Quest 3.5 SV	$29,740 USD
Quest 3.5 SL	$33,520 USD
Quest 3.5 LE	$42,640 USD

About the 2013 Nissan Quest
From its bold styling with full surround glass to its extensive list of family friendly innovations, the 2013 Nissan Quest "gets" parenting better than any other minivan.  With one-touch power-sliding doors, quick release fold-flat 2nd and 3rd row seats, Advanced Climate Control System and an always-available rear storage well, Quest provides the innovation to help make the impossible possible on a daily basis. 
Quest's sophisticated, modern exterior combines fluid sculptural elements with a dynamic mass and crafted details to provide a fresh take on minivan design.  In front, the bold bumper and horizontal grille and headlights blend into the side character line.  The bold door sections and surfaces flow seamlessly into the rear "boomerang" taillights and tailgate finisher, helping create a look as if Quest was carved from one solid piece of sculptor's stone.
Also, the sliding door step-in height is several inches lower than competitive minivans, which is helpful for small children or older adults getting into the 2nd or 3rd rows.  To assist entry further, the Quest's 2nd row features a standard walk-in device for easier access to the 3rd row.  A one-touch unlock/open power rear liftgate is standard on Quest SL and LE models.  Third row power return seatbacks are standard on Quest LE.
All 2013 Quest models feature a standard VQ-series 3.5-liter DOHC V6 rated at 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque, and an advanced Xtronic CVT® transmission that provides a smooth driving experience.  Fuel economy is estimated at 19 mpg City/25 mpg Highway.  Quest also features 4-wheel independent suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes and vehicle-speed-sensitive power steering.
Standard features include Nissan Intelligent Key® and optional one-touch power-sliding doors, which unlock and open the side door with the simple touch of a button; quick-release fold-flat 2nd and 3rd row seats – the 3rd row folds forward unlike any other minivan, so there is no stowing required; available Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with Plasmacluster® air purifier and Grape Polyphenol Filter, which works three ways to help reduce allergens and unwanted odors within the Quest cabin; and a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with a segment-first Easy Fill Tire Alert that lets owners know when the ideal inflation is reached with a beep of the horn.

As part of Nissan's "Safety Shield" concept, Quest incorporates a number of advanced safety systems, including the Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system, which is standard on Quest LE.  BSW helps alert the driver by illuminating an indicator light in the outside mirror if another vehicle is detected in the blind spot area.  If the driver then engages the turn signal, the indicator flashes and an audible alert sounds.
About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, design, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing.  Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010 and has been recognized as a 2010 and 2011 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency.  More information about Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.Infiniti.com.

About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second largest Japanese automotive company by volume, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan and is an integral pillar of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 150,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4 million vehicles in 2010.  With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of fuel-efficient and low-emissions vehicles under the Nissan and Infiniti brands.  A pioneer in zero emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades including the prestigious 2011 European Car of the Year award.
For more information on our products, services and commitment to Sustainable Mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.

Separating Fact from Fiction: The Truth About Electric Vehicles from the Renault-Nissan Alliance

PARIS - Some people have funny ideas. On the eve of the Paris Motor Show we asked a number of Parisians a few questions about electric vehicles. Their answers varied from the almost right to the completely wrong!

We decided the best way to get to the truth was to ask the experts. We've lined up Thomas Orsini and Olivier Paturet, electric vehicle specialists at Renault and Nissan respectively, to explode a few of the myths surrounding EVs.
We asked people when they thought we'd be able to buy an electric vehicle. Watch the video below to see whether electric vehicles are still science fact or whether in fact the future is here, now.