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Nissan Altima getting major refresh for 2016?

Nissan hasn't let the latest Altima languish since introducing the midsize sedan. In the last two model years, the company has improved the vehicle's infotainment system and slightly bumped the V6's fuel economy, among other tweaks. But the upcoming mid-cycle refresh may bring the most drastic changes yet, according to the company's product planning exec. Nissan styling boss Shiro Nakamura previously suggested that the refreshed Altima might take some design inspiration from the latest Murano and the Sports Sedan Concept. The move would give the midsize sedan a sportier look and presage an even more aggressive shape for the next-gen model. Nissan North America product planning boss Pierre Loing confirmed to Automotive News that some styling changes are on the way for the Altima for the 2016 refresh, and the sedan is getting updated tech, too. He even hinted that the model's already impressive 38-miles-per-gallon highway fuel economy may see a bump, as well. "We're going to do something significant for the Altima for the midcycle," said Loing to Automotive News. Although, the updates might not go as far as the updated 2015 Toyota Camry's roughly 2,000 new parts, he suggested. The decision to put so much work into the updated Altima comes partially from its position in the midsize market. While the sedan segment is losing ground to crossovers, it's still a big part of the industry, and the Altima is gaining steam. The Nissan's sales were up 4.7 percent to 335,644 units in 2014, according to Automotive News, compared to 388,374 for the Honda Accord and 428,606 for the Toyota Camry. News Source: Automotive News - sub. req.Image Credit: Nissan Design/Style Nissan Sedan refresh

Nissan Altima takes first V8 Supercars win

The V8 Supercars championship used to be strictly a contest between Holden and Ford. But just as BMW crashed the Audi and Mercedes party in DTM, so has Nissan (and for that matter, Mercedes) pushed past the door into Australia's popular touring car series. And like BMW, Nissan hasn't waited long before notching its first victory.
Nissan claimed the checkered flag this weekend in the first of three races at Winton, the ninth stop on the calendar. And what a spectacular win it was: not only did Nissan take the checkered flag, they finished one-two. James Moffat drove his Altima to the finish line just ahead of teammate Michael Caruso. It was Caruso who lead the first half of the race after qualifying just behind defending champion (and current points leader) Jamie Whincup, who suffered a gearbox malfunction and retired on only the ninth lap.
Of course that's just one race out of 27 so far and 37 scheduled this season, so that won't be elevating Nissan or any of its drivers to the lead the same way that BMW did upon its return last season to DTM, but it's a good start and a cause to celebrate for Nissan. Mark Winterbottom (Ford) and James Courtney (Holden) won the following two rounds at Winton as Jamie Whincup (Holden) leads Will Davison (Ford) in the standings.

NHTSA opens investigation into 130k Nissan Versas for breaking springs

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a preliminary evaluation into a suspension problem that could affect an estimated 130,000 Nissan Versas from 2008-2010. According to the government agency's documentation (here as a PDF), there have been 93 complaints of the front coil springs fracturing while driving in these vehicles. Based on reports so far, it appears to NHTSA that this problem can happen at any speed and without warning. When the spring breaks, the pieces can also puncture a tire or brake line. A preliminary evaluation sets out to investigate "the scope, frequency and safety-related consequence" of the potential problem. According to a portion of a statement from the automaker to Autoblog, "Nissan is cooperating fully to answer the agency's questions regarding this issue in a timely manner." INVESTIGATION Subject : Front Coil Spring Fracture Date Investigation Opened: MAY 13, 2015 Date Investigation Closed: Open NHTSA Action Number: PE15019 Component(s): SUSPENSION All Products Associated with this Investigation Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s) NISSAN VERSA 2008-2010 Details Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc. SUMMARY: The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 93 complaints (VOQs) alleging incidents of front suspension coil spring fracture in model year (MY) 2008 through 2010 Nissan Versa passenger cars. Preliminary analysis of the complaints indicates that the coil spring failures occur without warning and can happen at any speed. One complaint (VOQ #10663102) reported the passenger-side coil spring fractured while traveling at 65 mph and caused a sudden tire failure by cutting the inner sidewall 360 degrees. Another complaint ( VOQ #10680740) reported the passenger-side coil spring fractured while traveling 40 mph and result in tire puncture and brake line failure. ODI has also received EWR field report information relating to coil spring failures in the subject vehicles. A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and safety-related consequence of the alleged defect.