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48-MPG Nissan X-Trail Hybrid comes to Japan

Next month, Nissan will start selling a hybrid version of its X-Trail compact crossover in Japan. While the Japanese automaker is touting all the bells and whistles like "Intelligent Parking Assist," the model really makes its mark in fuel economy figures. The marquee number is 20.6 kilometers per liter, or about 48 miles per gallon. This is using the more lenient Japanese driving cycle, but it's still something to be proud of. The model also delivers more torque than that typically generated by a 2.5-liter engine while cutting nitrogen oxide emissions by 75 percent relative to the standard gas-powered version. In fact, the X-Trail Hybrid will generate tax exemptions because of its high fuel economy. The model's price in Japan will range from about $23,300 for the base two-wheel-drive version to about $27,000 for the top-of-the-line all-wheel-drive version. The Nissan X-Trail Hybrid goes on sale in Japan May 13. We'd first reported on the X-Trail when it was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2013, noting at the time that the car's styling was identical to that of the Nissan Rogue. Take a look at Nissan's press release for the X-Trail is available below. Nissan Releases New X-TRAIL HYBRID YOKOHAMA, Japan (April 7, 2015) - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the launch of the new Nissan X-Trail Hybrid, which goes on sale on May 13, 2015 at Nissan dealers throughout Japan. The current generation X-Trail has garnered good reviews from customers for its excellent driving performance, realized by features such as its ALL MODE 4X4-i system and advanced chassis control technologies that have been adopted as world-firsts – as well as a variety of safety features such as Emergency Brake and Around View Monitor with Intelligent Parking Assist. Equipped with the 2.0-liter MR20DD hybrid engine that enables both driving and environmental performance, the new X-Trail Hybrid delivers a comfortable driving experience with its powerful acceleration and remarkable quietness, which eclipse those of typical 2.5-liter gasoline engines. In addition, all the grades achieve tax exemptions. In addition, the new X-Trail Hybrid will have Forward Emergency Braking as standard equipment, expanding its safety technology features. Nissan is planning to introduce Forward Emergency Braking as standard on major models in Japan, by the end of autumn 2015.

Nissan GT-R LM Nismo claws its way into Jay Leno's Garage

Nissan has taken a radical approach to its Le Mans entry, giving the GT-R LM Nismo an unusual front-engine, front-drive layout to challenge the mid-engine prototypes put forth by the likes of Audi, Porsche and Toyota. It's so unusual that Jay Leno just had to have it in his garage to get a good look at it – and fortunately he had the cameras rolling when he did. Nissan's LMP1 design will attempt to take advantage of the regulations that are more restrictive on the rear aerodynamics than they are on the front. So the Japanese automaker moved everything up front, including the engine, the driven wheels, and the bulk of the downforce. Whether it will pay off remains to be seen, but we'll be watching closely to see how it fares against the mainstream competition. In the meantime, you can scope out this special 24-minute episode of Jay Leno's Garage to see what Nissan is up to.

Carlos Ghosn to step down as Nissan CEO on April 1

Carlos Ghosn announced he will be stepping down as CEO of the Nissan on April 1, to be replaced by current Nissan co-CEO Hiroto Saikawa. The move comes after close to two decades of leadership and the rebuilding of a company that was close to disaster. Ghosn isn't finished with the company he helped rebuild, as he will remain on as chairman of the board and continue on as leader of the Renault-Nissan Alliance following the change of guard. In addition to running Renault-Nissan, Ghosn has taken over as chairman of Mitsubishi Motors after acquiring a 34-percent stake in 2016, a move he spearheaded. Ghosn stated, "I am confident that the management team I have developed at Nissan over the past 18 years has the talent and experience to meet the company's operational and strategic goals. Having recently taken on new responsibilities at Mitsubishi Motors, and taking into consideration the upcoming Nissan general shareholders meeting, I have decided that the time is right for Hiroto Saikawa to succeed me as Nissan's CEO." A release from Renault-Nissan said the move allows Ghosn to focus more attention on bringing together the three companies. Saikawa, his replacement, has been with Nissan since 1977 and has overseen operations in the company's markets worldwide. Related Video: Image Credit: Reuters Hirings/Firings/Layoffs Mitsubishi Nissan Renault ceo nissan renault