NISSAN BLUEBIRD SYLPHY
We have produced a car with classic beauty, high glamour and ultimate design quality. In creating the new Sylphy, Nissan started with a concept: a luxury mid-sized sedan built with hospitality and care in mind. The result embodies the following three alluring themes:
The most arresting feature of the new Sylphy is its undeniable beauty inside and out, shaped by Nissan's distinctive S-motion design theme. The elegant S of the dash board serves both the driver with functionality and the front passenger with openness. Taut surfaces draw the graceful curves into a lyrical body shape.
The large, shell-shaped seats embrace passengers in relaxed luxury. The rear compartment has legroom of 680 mm, more space than many Japanese luxury sedans. The super-multiconsole, with its 9.7-liter compartment, is just one of the Syphy's many new convenience features. Nissan's 'smart' air-conditioning system monitors air quality, mixing in outside air to constantly refresh the cabin. At 1,876 mm, the Sylphy's cabin is the longest in its class. Its trunk is also the largest in its class at up to 504 liters (VDA) on two-wheel-drive models.
The electric powered driver's seat is the first of its kind in the class, automatically adjusting seat and mirrors to the specific driver identified by the Intelligent Key. The MR20DE engine furnishes 90% of maximum torque at 2,000 rpm, the most frequently used engine speed in daily driving, resulting in better fuel efficiency.
In combination with the MR20DE engine, Nissan's Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) allows the quick response and smooth, powerful acceleration needed in daily driving along with fuel-efficiency equivalent to that of a 1.5-Liter engine.
The all-aluminum HR15DE engine furnishes firm torque at medium and low speeds in a quieter and even more fuel-efficient package. The power steering system also fine-tunes the controls in response to speed, creating a close-to-natural feel in turns and wheel centering. The chassis consists of a strut suspension system at the front of the car and an H-shaped torsion beam suspension system at the rear.
A preloading mechanism has been added to the valves in both the front and rear shock absorbers. This mechanism improves ride quality by reducing the damping force in the piston's high speed range, while maintaining the same level of force in the low speed range. The suspension system also incorporates internal rebound springs and ripples control shock absorbers and are optimally tuned, enabling the Sylphy to provide superb handling and stability combined with supple ride comfort.
The Sylphy is attains greenhouse emissions 75% below the 2005 government standard, winning it certification as a super-ultra-low-emission vehicle (SU-LEV), eligible for green tax advantages. The Sylphy was the first vehicle to receive SU-LEV certification in Japan in 2003.
Origin of the NAME
The word 'Sylphy' was coined from the sylph, the elemental spirit of air that consorts with those of earth, fire and water. Combining this image of clean, natural quality with the confidence and reliability of our venerable Bluebird brand, its name states the car's fundamental qualities: Bluebird Sylphy.
**Source: Nissan Motor Company.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Headlights of a motor vehicle.
Night driving has long been dangerous due to the glare of headlights that blind drivers approaching from the opposite direction. Therefore, headlights that satisfactorily illuminate the highway ahead of the automobile for night driving without temporarily blinding approaching drivers have long been sought. To correct this problem resistance-type dimming circuits, which decreased the brightness of the headlights when meeting another car, were first introduced. This gave way to mechanical tilting reflectors and later to double-filament bulbs with a high and a low beam, called sealed-beam units.
There was only one filament at the focal point of the reflector in the double-filament headlight unit of necessity. Greater illumination required for high-speed driving with the high beam, consequently, the lower beam filament was placed off center, with a resulting decrease in lighting effectiveness. From the 1950s, manufacturers equipped their models with four headlights to improve illumination.
In some cars, dimming is automatically achieved. This happens by means of a photocell-controlled switch in the lamp circuit that is triggered by the lights of an oncoming car. Larger double-filament lamps and halogen-filled lamp bulbs with improved photometrics permitted a return to two-headlight systems on some cars. At many places the law limits the total intensity of forward lighting systems to 75,000 candlepower (800,000 lux).
In most new automobiles, lowering front hood heights for improved aerodynamic drag and driver visibility reduces the vertical height available for headlights. Due to this, lower-profile rectangular sealed-beam units and higher-intensity bulbs, in conjunction with partial parabolic reflectors with reduced vertical axis, were adopted in the 1970s. In some cases, models featured full-size concealed headlights that were not visible until turned on. An electric motor linkage was used to rotate the lamp housing or a housing cover into proper position to supply lighting. Aerodynamic benefits were provided by this system only when the headlights were concealed.
In the 1960s, signal lamps and other special-purpose lights were increased in usage. Amber-colored front and red rear signal lights are flashed as a turn indication; all these lights are flashed simultaneously in the "flasher" system for use when a car is parked along a roadway or is traveling at a low speed on a high-speed highway. The law requires that marker lights that are visible from the front, side, and rear be also present. Red-colored rear signals are used to denote braking, and, on some models, cornering lamps to provide extra illumination in the direction of an intended turn are available. These are actuated in conjunction with the turn signals. To provide illumination to the rear when backing up, backup lights are required.
There was only one filament at the focal point of the reflector in the double-filament headlight unit of necessity. Greater illumination required for high-speed driving with the high beam, consequently, the lower beam filament was placed off center, with a resulting decrease in lighting effectiveness. From the 1950s, manufacturers equipped their models with four headlights to improve illumination.
In some cars, dimming is automatically achieved. This happens by means of a photocell-controlled switch in the lamp circuit that is triggered by the lights of an oncoming car. Larger double-filament lamps and halogen-filled lamp bulbs with improved photometrics permitted a return to two-headlight systems on some cars. At many places the law limits the total intensity of forward lighting systems to 75,000 candlepower (800,000 lux).
In most new automobiles, lowering front hood heights for improved aerodynamic drag and driver visibility reduces the vertical height available for headlights. Due to this, lower-profile rectangular sealed-beam units and higher-intensity bulbs, in conjunction with partial parabolic reflectors with reduced vertical axis, were adopted in the 1970s. In some cases, models featured full-size concealed headlights that were not visible until turned on. An electric motor linkage was used to rotate the lamp housing or a housing cover into proper position to supply lighting. Aerodynamic benefits were provided by this system only when the headlights were concealed.
In the 1960s, signal lamps and other special-purpose lights were increased in usage. Amber-colored front and red rear signal lights are flashed as a turn indication; all these lights are flashed simultaneously in the "flasher" system for use when a car is parked along a roadway or is traveling at a low speed on a high-speed highway. The law requires that marker lights that are visible from the front, side, and rear be also present. Red-colored rear signals are used to denote braking, and, on some models, cornering lamps to provide extra illumination in the direction of an intended turn are available. These are actuated in conjunction with the turn signals. To provide illumination to the rear when backing up, backup lights are required.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Ten most popular passenger cars on MSN Autos!
The list of the ten most popular passenger cars on MSN Autos is based on visits to the site's vehicle research pages during the third quarter of 2007. Here is the complete list:
1. Honda Accord
The Accord received a redesign for the 2008 model year and one of the first things that stand out about is its size and styling. Thanks to a 3-inch increase in length, 1.1-inch in width and a 2.3-inch longer wheelbase, the new Accord sedan edges past the midsize car classification according to the EPA. Revamped with European-like styling, it is designed to drive and feel of a European sedan with a firmer ride. The coupe version is a few inches shorter than the sedan but offers sportier styling. Prices start at around $20,000 for the 2008 Accord sedan.
2. Honda Civic
There aren't many automakers that can get away with having four different versions of one model and be successful with them but Honda has done just that with the Civic. Available in sedan, coupe, hybrid and high-performance Si, the Civic appeals to a large number of buyers from singles, coupes and families. The Civic has attractive styling, excellent fuel economy, a spacious interior and more standard safety features than its predecessor. With the Fit as the new entry-level vehicle, the Civic no longer has the lowest starting MSRP in the Honda lineup with prices starting just under $15,000.
3. Nissan Altima
As Honda and Toyota are already probably aware, the Nissan Altima has been taking a big chunk of their sales in the past few years. It has thrived in popularity since it was redesigned five years ago and for 2007, the sedan received updates to the exterior and interior. But the big news this year is the debut of the Altima coupe for the 2008 model year. Based on the sedan, the Altima coupe is attractive, sporty and comes with a number of standard convenience and safety features with a choice of a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine or a 3.5-liter V6. The Altima is also available as a hybrid which is currently only available in eight states.
Compare: Altima coupe vs. Altima sedan
4. Toyota Camry
The new Camry may very well be on its way to be the best-selling car in America again. Redesigned for 2007, the Camry looks more upscale than its predecessor and for the first time, a gas-electric hybrid version is available. The Camry Hybrid has an estimated fuel economy rating of 40 mpg in the city and 38 on the highway. In gas powered or hybrid form, the inside of the Camry has a modern look with more user-friendly buttons and knobs designed to give a sense of quality and luxury. Under the hood is a choice of a 158-horsepower 2.4-liter 4 cylinder or a 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 that's borrowed from the larger Avalon sedan. Prices start at under $19,000 for the base CE with a 4-cylinder engine and manual transmission.
5. Toyota Corolla
Corolla has remained unchanged for several year, but the popular Toyota is set to get a transformation soon as Toyota unveiled the all-new 10th-generation 2009 Corolla at the 2007 SEMA show. The new sedan will be nearly 3 inches wider and an inch shorter than its predecessor but the length and wheelbase will remain the same. And to bring the Corolla further upscale, it will be available with such items as a touch-screen navigation system, real-time traffic updates via XM NavTraffic and a JBL audio system with Bluetooth connectivity.
6. Nissan Maxima
Nissan's near-luxury midsize car got a major facelift for 2007 with changes to the grille, hood, bumpers and headlights. The 255-horsepower 3.5-liter engine is a carryover from the previous generation and is now avalialble exclusively with Nissan's Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), which is designed to be more fuel-efficient than the traditional automatic transmission. The estimated fuel economy for the Maxima is 19 in the city and 25 on the highway.
7. Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen's small sedan may not seem so compact anymore because it has grown in size over the years. But this latest-generation Jetta is designed to be a nimble performer and a sporty commuter car. For 2008, the trim levels have been renamed to S, SE and SEL but the GLI remains as the top-of-the-line version. The 2.5-liter engine also gets an upgrade from 150 horsepower to 170 while torque has been increased by 7 lb-ft to 177. Inside, the interior is comprised of upscale materials and the nicely designed dashboard has easy-to-read gauges, large climate controls and highly place sound system controls. Prices start at just under $17,000 for a 2008 Jetta.
8. Toyota Yaris
Toyota's entry-level model has one of the lowest starting prices for a car and is one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid vehicles in America. Available as a 3-door hatchback or a sedan, the Yaris gets an estimated 34/40 mpg with the manual and 34/39 with the automatic transmission. Power comes from a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 106 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque. Neither the hatchback or sedan looks particularly flashy but for 2008, shoppers can opt for the new Sport Grade package that features front and rear spoilers, amber optitron meter, leather steering wheel and shift knob and S badging.
9. Toyota Prius
The world's best-selling hybrid still holds the title as the most fuel-efficient vehicle but new EPA fuel economy ratings designed to be more realistic put the Prius at 48/45 mpg on city/hwy. It has a higher mpg rating in the city than on the highway because the hybrid system can shut off the gasoline engine at speeds below 35 mph. The 1.5-liter engine has a rating of 76 horsepower and 82 lb-ft of torque but it is supplemented by electric motors that produce 67 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Inside the Prius is a spacious cabin with plenty of room to fit five adults comfortably. The rear seats have a 60/40 split and the liftback makes loading and unloading an ease. Prices start at under $21,000 for a 2008 Prius.
10. Mitsubishi Lancer
The new Lancer is a significant improvement in just about every way compared to its predecessor. Its styling is much more attractive and the more rigid platform gives it better ride and handling. Power comes from a 152-horsepower 2.4-liter engine with fuel economy at an estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway with the manual and 22 and 29 with the CVT. The rear seats are fairly roomy for a compact car and the trunk has lots of cargo space. Prices start at under $14,000 for a base model Lancer.
1. Honda Accord
The Accord received a redesign for the 2008 model year and one of the first things that stand out about is its size and styling. Thanks to a 3-inch increase in length, 1.1-inch in width and a 2.3-inch longer wheelbase, the new Accord sedan edges past the midsize car classification according to the EPA. Revamped with European-like styling, it is designed to drive and feel of a European sedan with a firmer ride. The coupe version is a few inches shorter than the sedan but offers sportier styling. Prices start at around $20,000 for the 2008 Accord sedan.
2. Honda Civic
There aren't many automakers that can get away with having four different versions of one model and be successful with them but Honda has done just that with the Civic. Available in sedan, coupe, hybrid and high-performance Si, the Civic appeals to a large number of buyers from singles, coupes and families. The Civic has attractive styling, excellent fuel economy, a spacious interior and more standard safety features than its predecessor. With the Fit as the new entry-level vehicle, the Civic no longer has the lowest starting MSRP in the Honda lineup with prices starting just under $15,000.
3. Nissan Altima
As Honda and Toyota are already probably aware, the Nissan Altima has been taking a big chunk of their sales in the past few years. It has thrived in popularity since it was redesigned five years ago and for 2007, the sedan received updates to the exterior and interior. But the big news this year is the debut of the Altima coupe for the 2008 model year. Based on the sedan, the Altima coupe is attractive, sporty and comes with a number of standard convenience and safety features with a choice of a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine or a 3.5-liter V6. The Altima is also available as a hybrid which is currently only available in eight states.
Compare: Altima coupe vs. Altima sedan
4. Toyota Camry
The new Camry may very well be on its way to be the best-selling car in America again. Redesigned for 2007, the Camry looks more upscale than its predecessor and for the first time, a gas-electric hybrid version is available. The Camry Hybrid has an estimated fuel economy rating of 40 mpg in the city and 38 on the highway. In gas powered or hybrid form, the inside of the Camry has a modern look with more user-friendly buttons and knobs designed to give a sense of quality and luxury. Under the hood is a choice of a 158-horsepower 2.4-liter 4 cylinder or a 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 that's borrowed from the larger Avalon sedan. Prices start at under $19,000 for the base CE with a 4-cylinder engine and manual transmission.
5. Toyota Corolla
Corolla has remained unchanged for several year, but the popular Toyota is set to get a transformation soon as Toyota unveiled the all-new 10th-generation 2009 Corolla at the 2007 SEMA show. The new sedan will be nearly 3 inches wider and an inch shorter than its predecessor but the length and wheelbase will remain the same. And to bring the Corolla further upscale, it will be available with such items as a touch-screen navigation system, real-time traffic updates via XM NavTraffic and a JBL audio system with Bluetooth connectivity.
6. Nissan Maxima
Nissan's near-luxury midsize car got a major facelift for 2007 with changes to the grille, hood, bumpers and headlights. The 255-horsepower 3.5-liter engine is a carryover from the previous generation and is now avalialble exclusively with Nissan's Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), which is designed to be more fuel-efficient than the traditional automatic transmission. The estimated fuel economy for the Maxima is 19 in the city and 25 on the highway.
7. Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen's small sedan may not seem so compact anymore because it has grown in size over the years. But this latest-generation Jetta is designed to be a nimble performer and a sporty commuter car. For 2008, the trim levels have been renamed to S, SE and SEL but the GLI remains as the top-of-the-line version. The 2.5-liter engine also gets an upgrade from 150 horsepower to 170 while torque has been increased by 7 lb-ft to 177. Inside, the interior is comprised of upscale materials and the nicely designed dashboard has easy-to-read gauges, large climate controls and highly place sound system controls. Prices start at just under $17,000 for a 2008 Jetta.
8. Toyota Yaris
Toyota's entry-level model has one of the lowest starting prices for a car and is one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid vehicles in America. Available as a 3-door hatchback or a sedan, the Yaris gets an estimated 34/40 mpg with the manual and 34/39 with the automatic transmission. Power comes from a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 106 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque. Neither the hatchback or sedan looks particularly flashy but for 2008, shoppers can opt for the new Sport Grade package that features front and rear spoilers, amber optitron meter, leather steering wheel and shift knob and S badging.
9. Toyota Prius
The world's best-selling hybrid still holds the title as the most fuel-efficient vehicle but new EPA fuel economy ratings designed to be more realistic put the Prius at 48/45 mpg on city/hwy. It has a higher mpg rating in the city than on the highway because the hybrid system can shut off the gasoline engine at speeds below 35 mph. The 1.5-liter engine has a rating of 76 horsepower and 82 lb-ft of torque but it is supplemented by electric motors that produce 67 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Inside the Prius is a spacious cabin with plenty of room to fit five adults comfortably. The rear seats have a 60/40 split and the liftback makes loading and unloading an ease. Prices start at under $21,000 for a 2008 Prius.
10. Mitsubishi Lancer
The new Lancer is a significant improvement in just about every way compared to its predecessor. Its styling is much more attractive and the more rigid platform gives it better ride and handling. Power comes from a 152-horsepower 2.4-liter engine with fuel economy at an estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway with the manual and 22 and 29 with the CVT. The rear seats are fairly roomy for a compact car and the trunk has lots of cargo space. Prices start at under $14,000 for a base model Lancer.
Customer Service Department of the Automakers ! !
Customer Service department of your car's automaker.
See the list below for contact information:-
BMW: 800-831-1117 or
www.bmwusa.com/Contact/ContactBmw.htm
Buick: 800-521-7300 or
www.buick.com/contactus/contactusemail.jsp
Cadillac: 800-333-4CAD or
www.cadillac.com/cadillacjsp/footer/emailus/emailus_owners.jsp
Chevrolet: 800-263-3777 or
www.chevrolet.com/contactus/
Chrysler: 800-992-1997 or
www-5.chrysler.com
Dodge: 800-992-1997 or
www-5.dodge.com
Ford: 800-392-3673 or
www.fordvehicles.com/help/contact/
GMC: 800-462-8782 or
www.gmc.com/contactus/emailus_owners.jsp
Honda: 800-999-1009 or
automobiles.honda.com/info/customer_relations.asp
Hyundai: 800-633-5151 or
consumeraffairs@hmausa.com
Jeep: 800-992-1997 or
www-5.jeep.com
Lexus: 800-255-3987 or
owners.lexus.com/lexusowners/nonauth/nonssl/ContactLexusPreview
Lincoln: 800-521-4140 or
www.lincoln.com/help/contact_us.asp#
Mazda: 800-222-5500 or
www.mazdausa.com/contactMazda.action
Mercedes: 800-367-6372 or
www.mbusa.com/contact-us/email-us.do
Mercury: 800-521-4140 or
www.mercuryvehicles.com/help/contactus.asp#
Nissan: 800-647-7261 or
www.nissanusa.com/form/1,3402,action-contactus,00.html
Pontiac: 800-762-2737 or
www.pontiac.com/divisional/contactus/contactus_owners.jsp
Saturn: 800-553-6000 or
www.saturn.com/saturn/footer/contactus/index.jsp
Subaru: 800-782-2783 or
www.subaru.com/tools/contactus/index.jsp
Toyota: 800-331-4331 or
toyota.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/toyota.cfg/php/enduser/ask_intercept.php
Volkswagen: 800-822-8987 or
www.vw.com/contactus/contact_us.html
Volvo: 800-458-1552 or
customercare@volvocars.com
See the list below for contact information:-
BMW: 800-831-1117 or
www.bmwusa.com/Contact/ContactBmw.htm
Buick: 800-521-7300 or
www.buick.com/contactus/contactusemail.jsp
Cadillac: 800-333-4CAD or
www.cadillac.com/cadillacjsp/footer/emailus/emailus_owners.jsp
Chevrolet: 800-263-3777 or
www.chevrolet.com/contactus/
Chrysler: 800-992-1997 or
www-5.chrysler.com
Dodge: 800-992-1997 or
www-5.dodge.com
Ford: 800-392-3673 or
www.fordvehicles.com/help/contact/
GMC: 800-462-8782 or
www.gmc.com/contactus/emailus_owners.jsp
Honda: 800-999-1009 or
automobiles.honda.com/info/customer_relations.asp
Hyundai: 800-633-5151 or
consumeraffairs@hmausa.com
Jeep: 800-992-1997 or
www-5.jeep.com
Lexus: 800-255-3987 or
owners.lexus.com/lexusowners/nonauth/nonssl/ContactLexusPreview
Lincoln: 800-521-4140 or
www.lincoln.com/help/contact_us.asp#
Mazda: 800-222-5500 or
www.mazdausa.com/contactMazda.action
Mercedes: 800-367-6372 or
www.mbusa.com/contact-us/email-us.do
Mercury: 800-521-4140 or
www.mercuryvehicles.com/help/contactus.asp#
Nissan: 800-647-7261 or
www.nissanusa.com/form/1,3402,action-contactus,00.html
Pontiac: 800-762-2737 or
www.pontiac.com/divisional/contactus/contactus_owners.jsp
Saturn: 800-553-6000 or
www.saturn.com/saturn/footer/contactus/index.jsp
Subaru: 800-782-2783 or
www.subaru.com/tools/contactus/index.jsp
Toyota: 800-331-4331 or
toyota.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/toyota.cfg/php/enduser/ask_intercept.php
Volkswagen: 800-822-8987 or
www.vw.com/contactus/contact_us.html
Volvo: 800-458-1552 or
customercare@volvocars.com
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
