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2014 Nissan 370Z Nismo

Michigan is one of those places where we can sub-divide the seasons into good and bad portions, with each producing a noticeable shift. The week prior to my time in the 2014 Nissan 370Z Nismo, it was 65 to 70 degrees and sunny, all week long. Anyone care to guess what the following week was like?
Windy, cold and damp weather typified my week in the Z, with temps hovering around 55 degrees and several days of showers. Yes, I got the first week of the bad part of fall. The Z was hardly happy during its time with me, but we both persevered, and I made a point of sprinting out to the garage anytime the ground seemed remotely dry enough to test this striking two-seater. That enthusiasm waned quickly, though, as the week wore on.
By all accounts, the Z is a car that I should like. It's an uncompromising sports car, but as I discovered during my travels, sometimes a little compromise is welcome, and living with a car like the Z - particularly the angrier, Nismo-tuned model - quickly becomes a case of too much of a good thing.

Recharge Wrap-up: Nissan Leaf brake investigation, EV market will grow in China

Electric vehicles are expected to significantly cut into the gasoline-powered vehicle market in China. According to analysts at Frost & Sullivan, gas vehicles will drop to 94.9 percent of the market, while EVs will reach 4.2 percent by 2020. China's EV incentives, as well as a push in technology innovations, are credited for the rising popularity of plug-in cars. Despite awareness issues and supply shortages holding EVs back, "the Chinese powertrain market will remain buoyant, with increased customer purchasing power and self-esteem needs triggering vehicle sales," according to Frost & Sullivan researcher Ming Lih Chan. The big winners in this equation will be the suppliers of EV components in China. Read more in the press release below. The Canadian government is investigating possible brake failure issues with the Nissan Leaf. The Transport Canada investigation will look at 2013 to 2015 models, which could be experiencing brake malfunctions in severe cold weather. In the US, drivers have reported problems such as aggressive response to driver input and jerky braking, with some problems going away when the weather got warmer. NHTSA hasn't begun an investigation of its own, so far. Read more at Hybrid Cars. Sunspeed Enterprises has started an Indiegogo campaign to fund the installation of EV chargers along the Pacific Coast Sun Trail. As part of creating a 700-mile network of EV Infrastructure along the Pacific Coast Highway, this particular campaign is helping pay for a charging hub powered by renewable energy at the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, California. Donors will receive rewards such as shirts and mugs, as well as charging credits and discounts. At the highest level, a $10,000 donation will net the donor free charging for life at any Sunspeed charging hub. Learn more at Indiegogo. Featured Gallery 2013 Nissan Leaf View 55 Photos News Source: Frost & Sullivan, Hybrid Cars, Transport Canada, Indiegogo Green Recalls Nissan Safety Electric recharge wrapup

Infiniti teases November debut of new QX55 crossover-coupe

Infiniti will officially unveil its new QX55 crossover-coupe via social media on Nov. 11, Nissan's luxury subsidiary announced early Wednesday. Infiniti is calling it a return to the segment which the company helped pioneer when it launched the FX crossover back in 2002.  "With a roofline and visual elements inspired by the iconic Infiniti FX, the QX55’s provocative design will fuse the stance and versatility of a premium midsize crossover with the sleek profile of a sports coupe," Infiniti's announcement said. "Beyond its provocative looks, the QX55 will also feature innovative technologies designed to empower, engage and connect luxury customers to the road ahead." The announcement was accompanied by the above teaser image, which depicts the QX55's tapered liftgate. It's quite a bit more conservative than the previously released design sketch suggested, but certainly looks the part.  The QX55 is one of five new vehicles Infiniti plans to launch in the next three years. It was first teased last August during Monterey Car Week. While Infiniti has been leaning heavily on the heritage of the original FX (which later became the QX70) since releasing that first design sketch, the QX55 will actually have little in common with its spiritual ancestor. While they may share fastback SUV looks, the QX55 will be based on the QX50 — a modern, front-wheel-drive crossover with small, efficient engines. The FX was derived from Infiniti's sport sedans and coupes, and even boasted a V8 option for much of its existence. Production of the new crossover-coupe was slated to begin in June, but was reportedly pushed back due to complications at its production facility in Aguascalientes, Mexico. The facility is a joint-venture project between Mercedes-Benz parent company Daimler and Nissan, and produces several other front- and all-wheel-drive vehicles for both companies.  Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.