Will be joined by all-new Murano and BladeGlider concept in their Canadian debuts
Mississauga, Ontario – The production version of the all-new Nissan Murano crossover and BladeGlider electric concept will make their national debuts at the Montreal International Auto Show on January 15. Murano exemplifies the evolution of Nissan's breakthrough design and purposeful technology, while Bladeglider provides a glimpse into the future of the brand in the electric vehicle (EV) segment.
"Nissan is revered for pushing the boundaries, and our highlights at the 2015 Montreal Auto Show are sure to provide excitement on the show floor. Those who have never seen the all-new Murano, with its daring and futuristic design, might mistake it for a concept vehicle. In fact, it is already headed to showrooms," said Christian Meunier, President, Nissan Canada Inc. "Nissan is the world's leading electric vehicle manufacturer, and we just recently achieved sales of 1,000 units for Nissan LEAF in Canada for 2014. I am delighted to bring a fearless vision of Nissan's EV future, the BladeGlider concept, to Quebec."
In October, Nissan announced the launch of the 2015 Nissan Micra Cup racing series and is excited to present the public debut of the Nissan Micra Cup race car at the Montreal Auto Show. This exciting, one-of-a-kind racing series offers the lowest running cost of any Canadian series and features Canada's most affordable vehicle, the 2015 Nissan Micra, which has a starting price of $9,998. The Nissan Micra Cup's inaugural season will take place in Canada's motorsport fan hub - the province of Québec - over six weekends starting in May 2015. The Montreal Auto Show marks the first time the general public will see the Nissan Micra Cup race car up close.
"The all-new Nissan Micra has been tailored specifically for Canadians and launched in the spring of 2014 with great success, especially in the province of Quebec," continued Meunier. "We're delighted to bring a vehicle that represents another very exciting, all-Canadian endeavour to the Montreal Auto Show – the Nissan Micra Cup racing series. The Micra Cup race car will be on full-display, signalling that a new era of affordable motorsports is upon us."
About the Nissan BladeGlider Concept
More than a concept, Nissan BladeGlider is both a proposal for the future direction of Nissan electric vehicle (EV) development and an exploratory prototype of an upcoming production vehicle from the world's leading EV manufacturer. BladeGlider was developed with form following function. Nissan crafted the vehicle's unique architecture to give the driver and passengers "sustainable exhilaration" -- a fresh electric vehicle driving experience based on peerless technology and exotic styling.
With its narrow, 1.0 meter lightweight front track and wide, stable rear track, BladeGlider looks as if it could have sprung from a "skunk works" project. But the radical architecture all boils down to aerodynamics and balance. Having the front wheels close together reduces drag and enhances maneuverability for high G cornering power, assisted by its 30/70 front/rear weight distribution ratio. Aerodynamic downforce is created by the highly rigid yet lightweight carbon-fiber underbody, hence the lack of drag-inducing wings.
To power the electric motors, BladeGlider employs Nissan's innovative lithium-ion battery technology, proven in Nissan LEAF. Battery modules are mounted low and toward the rear to enhance stability and handling.
About the Nissan Micra Cup
Sanctioned by Auto Sport Québec (ASQ) and presented by JD Motorsport Organization with the support of Nissan Canada, the Nissan Micra Cup exclusively features the stock Micra 1.6 S M/T model with minor modifications, including NISMO suspension - to render it race-ready.
Unlike most motorsport events, each competing Nissan Micra race vehicle will have the exact same specifications, resulting in a competition that truly reveals the most skilled drivers. The Nissan Micra Cup race vehicles remain equipped with the Nissan Micra's stock 1.6-litre DOHC 4-cylinder engine with dual fuel injection and Twin CVTC (Continuously Variable Timing Control) and stock 5-speed manual transmission. More than 25 Nissan Micras will compete on each race weekend which will include two hours of track time consisting of: a 30-minute trial, a 30-minute qualifying session and two 30-minute races.
Young karting drivers, the average Canadian looking for an entry point into motorsport competition, or anyone who wants to experience the rush of adrenaline inherent with racing cars are all well-suited to this series. In summary, the Nissan Micra Cup is for people who are passionate about motorsports, want to experience all the fun and thrills of racing, but without spending staggering amounts of money.
To learn more about the Nissan Micra Cup, and place your order through JD Motorsports, visit:ww.nissan.ca/micracup
About the all-new 2015 Nissan Murano crossover
The 2015 Nissan Murano's new magnetic exterior design projects a sense of refined intensity, creating an immediate "wow" response. As the halo vehicle for Nissan's expanding range of bold crossovers and SUVs, the latest Murano also expresses a new Nissan design direction – including its V-motion front end, LED boomerang lights and the unique "floating" roof. The breakthrough exterior design carries into the interior, which offers an engaging social lounge feel through features such as the refined instrument panel, low center console, advanced Zero Gravity front and outboard rear seating, and the airy atmosphere created by the large windows and oversized Power Panoramic Moonroof.
Standard technology features include: Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Ignition, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, NissanConnectSM with Navigation and Mobile Apps, 8-inch colour display with multi-touch control. Available features include: Around View® Monitor, 8-way power driver's seat with power lumbar support, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), iPod® interface, and 11-speaker Bose® premium audio system.
Responsive driving is provided by a standard 3.5-litre DOHC V6 rated at 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. The standard Xtronic transmission offers sporty response and smoothness and includes a new D-step Logic Control that simulates shifts, giving a more natural acceleration feeling without holding a high rpm constant. Murano is available in front-wheel drive or Intuitive All-Wheel Drive.
The all-new 2015 Murano is offered in five well-equipped models: S FWD, SV FWD, SV AWD, SL AWD, and Platinum AWD. It is assembled in Canton, Mississippi.
About Nissan Motor Co.
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 244,500 employees globally, Nissan sold almost 5.2 million vehicles and generated revenue of 10.5 trillion yen (USD 105 billion) in fiscal 2013. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of more than 60 models under the Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun brands. In 2010, Nissan introduced the Nissan LEAF, and continues to lead in zero-emission mobility. The LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle launched globally, is now the best-selling EV in history with almost 50% share of the zero-emission vehicle segment.
For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.
About Nissan Canada
Nissan Canada Inc. (NCI) is the Canadian sales, marketing and distribution subsidiary of Nissan Motor Limited and Nissan North America, Inc. With offices in Vancouver (BC), Mississauga (ON), and Kirkland (QC), NCI directly employs 250 full-time staff. There are 187 independent Nissan dealerships, 38 Infiniti retailers and 45 Nissan Commercial Vehicle dealers across Canada. A pioneer in zero emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades including the prestigious 2011 European Car of the Year and World Car of the Year awards.
More information about Nissan in Canada and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.nissan.ca and www.infiniti.ca.
The Nissan Micra Cup car, with JF Dumoulin at the wheel:
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