2010 Nissan 370z Nismo Twin Turbo on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Ghosn: Nissan Leaf can sell 50,000 units in US a year

For the Nissan Leaf, last year was good. So far this year, not so much. In the future, possibly much better, with a little help from the public sector, Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn says. Speaking at the New York Auto Show earlier this month, Ghosn was bullish on potential US sales of the country's best-selling electric vehicle, saying they had the capacity to reach 50,000 units a year, according to Automotive News. The key, Ghosn said, is that federal and local governments will have to do a better job ensuring there is a sufficient network of plug-in vehicle charging stations. That would make the Leaf's 84-mile single-charge range far less of an issue than it appears to be now. It would also give Ghosn a better chance of a decent return on the $5 billion Nissan and sister company Renault have invested in electric-vehicle technology. Last year, Nissan boosted Leaf sales in the US by 34 percent to 30,200 units, and earlier this year surpassed the 75,000-unit threshold for Leaf sales since its late-2010 US debut. So far this year, though, things are slipping, as sales through the first quarter were down 21 percent compared to 2014 to 4,085 vehicles. That's an awful long way from 50,000, but Ghosh didn't say which year he expects Nissan to sell those 50,000 Leafs. Related Videos:

Nissan Skyline Nismo gets a more powerful Z engine

Recent rumors claim the Nissan Skyline will morph into an electric crossover in the coming years. Regardless of whether or not they're true, the company isn't done with the current, gasoline-powered Skyline yet and it launched a limited-edition, Nismo-branded model in Japan. If you're experiencing deja vu, it's likely because the Nissan Skyline is sold as the Infiniti Q50 in the United States. We even get a range-topping, performance-oriented trim level, the 400-horsepower Red Sport 400. The Skyline Nismo goes further, though, by adopting an evolution of the twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter V6 that powers the Red Sport 400 and the Z coupe. It's rated at 414 horsepower and 404 pound-feet of torque. For context, the Q50 and Z pack 400-horsepower and just 350 pound-feet of torque. The Nismo's engine spins just the rear wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission, whereas America's Red Sport 400 is available with all-wheel drive. Nissan didn't settle for adding a few horses to the cavalry, slapping a couple of "Nismo" emblems to the body, and calling it a job well done. Its engineers redesigned the Skyline's suspension system, installed fade-resistant brake pads and recalibrated the various vehicle control systems, including the ABS, to deliver a sportier driving experience on and off the track. The brand even went as far as securing the windshield and the rear window with a type of adhesive normally reserved for the GT-R Nismo to improve rigidity without adding weight.  Visual updates are part of the Nismo package as well, including 19-inch Enkei wheels wrapped by tires that are wider than the ones worn by the regular-production model, an old-school "GT" emblem on each fender, and a body kit that includes a front splitter and side skirts. These updates aren't just for show: Nissan notes the redesigned grille opening helps channel additional cooling air to the radiator and the oil cooler. The Nismo treatment also permeates the cabin. The front passengers sit on Recaro sport seats with red inserts, while the driver faces a steering wheel with a red 12-o'clock mark as well as a new-look tachometer with a red ring and a small "Nismo" logo below the needle. Enthusiasts who want an even rarer version of the current-generation Skyline can try their luck at scoring the Nismo Limited.

Infiniti ESQ is a Chinese Nissan Juke Nismo

Take a Nissan Juke Nismo, replace all of its suede and Alcantara interior with leather and cross-stitching, replace all of its badging with the words "Infiniti ESQ," and boom! You've got a made-for-China crossover aimed at "the new millennials." Infiniti teased the coming of the ESQ last month, and today, we're treated to pictures taking it in from various toothsome angles.
Whippersnappers with anywhere from 200,000 yuan ($33,507 USD) to 300,000 yuan to spend will get the same 197 horsepower, 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, sport-tuned CVT and all-wheel drive that we know in the Juke Nismo. We haven't tracked down any other official information about it yet, but potential buyers will get their first look at it during the Chengdu Motor Show that opens later this month, where it will share market-specific notes with Infiniti Q50 L.