2001 Nissan Quest Gxe on 2040-cars

Auto blog

AAA ranks Tesla Model S P85D best green car of 2015, Versa is best value

Reviewers from all parts of the automotive world just seem to love the Tesla Model S, whether it's the pragmatists at Consumer Reports or the enthusiasts at Car and Driver. You can add one more to that list because the 2015 P85D grabs the top spot in AAA's fifth annual Green Car Guide, after Tesla's win last year too. The organization's ranking of 88 green models also names the 2014 Nissan Versa SV as the best value in the segment. To take the victory, the P85D had to score the most points over 13 categories, including emissions, acceleration and cargo capacity, and it won handily with 94.87 points. There was nearly a tie for second place, though. The 2015 Volkswagen e-Golf SEL Premium scored 85.5 points, and the 2014 BMW i3 narrowly came in third with 85.4. The best value award is based on the as-tested price per point scored. So while the Versa SV only had 64.5 points overall, its low price meant that each one cost just $249. Second place went to the Versa Note SV with 64.63 points at $260 each, and third was the Hyundai Accent GLS with 61.1 points for $269 each. Keep in mind, AAA's ranking doesn't attempt to find the most environmentally friendly vehicle, rather it tests the green car segment to give recommendations to buyers. Battery electric powertrains, compressed natural gas, clean diesel, hybrids, partial zero-emissions vehicles, and simply models with high fuel economy are all counted by the organization. The results are published in a 160-page magazine, which you can read here. It also offers suggestions on economical driving and explains some of the fuel-saving tech currently available. Related Video: Top Green Vehicle is a 2015 Tesla, According to Fifth Annual AAA Green Car Guide ORLANDO, Fla., April 20, 2015 The 2015 Tesla Model S P85D earned the top score in the 2015 AAA Green Car Guide, the motor club announced today. The Palo Alto-based automaker's car is featured with more than 80 other green vehicles in the 2015 AAA Green Car Guide. The best green car value award went to the 2014 Nissan Versa SV. To help those in the market for a green car or truck, the 160-page, comprehensive fifth annual AAA guide reviews 88 battery electric vehicles, compressed natural gas-powered (CNG) vehicles, clean diesels, hybrids, partial zero emission vehicles (PZEVs), and vehicles with high fuel economy.

Nissan Leaf resale value expected to take a hit

Nissan Leaf resale values may take a tumble, according to Kelley Blue Book. The vehicle evaluation resource said the 2013 Nissan Leaf will retain around 35 percent of its MSRP after three years; that's down five percent from what KBB gave the 2012 Leaf at the end of 2011. Automotive News reports KBB adjusted the EV's residual value prediction because the used transaction prices for the 2011 model have stuck around 35 percent for the past few months due to relatively cheap gasoline, not to mention the fact that Nissan trimmed the electric's MSRP from $36,050 to $29,650 before the $7,500 tax credit.
Since used buyers are often motivated by more practical buying concerns than early adopters or those wanting to curb their carbon emissions, they may not be willing to pay more for an EV. Meanwhile, early Leaf models are now coming to auction, abandoned by rental car companies after customers shunned them in favor of traditional internal-combustion vehicles. Many of those at auction have less than 10,000 miles and carry an average transaction price of just $13,700.

Nissan announces limited-edition 2014 GT-R in Midnight Opal

Nissan has unveiled the 2014 GT-R Special Edition. Finished in Midnight Opal paint, the GT-R SE will be limited to just 100 units worldwide, with 50 earmarked for the US.
With sales slated to start this fall, the Special Edition of the 545-horsepower GT-R tacks $6,000 on to the $105,590 price of a GT-R Premium. The hand-applied Midnight Opal paint isn't the only special item, though. Forged RAYS wheels are included in a ten-spoke design that's never before made it to American shores, and there's a dry carbon-fiber rear spoiler, similar in design and appearance to the one found on the GT-R Black and Track Editions. Finally, a gold-plated plaque has been fitted to single out the GT-R Special Edition from the very fast herd.
US sales of the GT-R SE are slated to begin in September. Scroll down for the official press blast.