Massive Nissan Recall Covers More Than 700,000 Cars

TOKYO — Nissan is expanding a recall of Altima and Sentra sedans to correct a faulty crankshaft sensor that could cause the engine to shut down. The recall now covers nearly 714,000 cars sold in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Nissan said the models affected are equipped with 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines and were made in 2002 and 2005-’06.

The crankshaft sensor on some engines is susceptible to overheating, which in some cases can cause the engine to quit working.

Most of the cars — more than 650,000 — were sold in the U.S.

2009 Nissan Murano – At 2007 LA Autoshow

 

 

PRESS RELEASE:

All-New 2009 Nissan Murano Crossover Offers New Design, Advanced Technology and “Business Class” Features

The original Nissan Murano, launched in 2003 as a 2004 model, set new standards for style and sportiness in the expanding mid-size crossover sport-utility vehicle marketplace, becoming, in essence, a “class of one.” The all-new, second generation 2009 Murano elevates that unique position through a “super evolution” of the original design – with a new exterior, interior and enhanced technology. Murano’s new premium driving feel results from a combination of a new advanced platform, continued refinement of Murano’s standard V6 engine and new, second-generation Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission).

“The 2009 Murano is an upgrade, not just compared to the previous generation vehicle, but the entire crossover SUV segment,” said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. “With its unique combination of modern design, dynamic performance, new ‘business class’ interior and overall refinement, Murano continues to stand out as the most distinctive, refined vehicle in class.”

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2007 Lincoln Navigator Test Drive

For 2007, the original full-size luxury sport utility vehicle gets bolder looks with more ‘bling’, a smoother and more refined ride, extra length with the new ‘L’ stretched model, and more standard luxury features.

The statement of its power and presence begins with the bold chrome grille. The newly designed horizontal and vertical lines are inspired by the Lincoln star, detailed with sharp surfaces. The precision of the grille extends into the HID headlamps and also carried into the chiseled chamfers that define the prominent powedome hood, all reinforcing Navigator’s look. The lower grille carries through the theme, housing the integrated fog lamps. Some may say that Lincoln is going too far with the ‘cheese grater’ design but upon closer inspection, it all seems to fit in place. The Navigator’s profile is defined by clean, sheer, tapered surfaces. That design language is consistent throughout the vehicle, from the smooth quarter panels to the chiseled side mirror shells. A Lincoln-signature chrome strip highlights the beltline, while chrome body-side trim extends from the front wheel well to the back for a tailored appearance. The stance is further punctuated by the 18X8in. standard or 20X9in. chrome wheels wrapped with all-season radial tires.

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2007 Mercury Milan AWD V6 Test Drive

If you are looking to purchase an entry-level, mid-size sedan, get ready to choose from the largest segment of the industry with the greatest number models.

Often overlooked, Mercury, the dress-up division of Ford Motor Company gets little attention from the press and sadly, not much advertising on TV or the newspapers, but the all-new Milan is worth your time to check out for a test drive. It is thoroughly modern in every respect, is very versatile for the growing and active family with fold-flat rear seats/front passenger seatback, and is easy and fun to drive.

I recently tested the Milan all-wheel-drive with the V6 engine and came away very impressed and disappointed that more isn’t known about this very reasonably priced sedan. I wasn’t the only as the all-new 2007 Mercury Milan won J.D. Power’s 2007 Award as the sedan with the highest rating for initial quality.

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2007 Chevrolet HHR Panel LT

Even though the HHR debuted in 2006 with four doors and four side windows, Chevy designers already had the panel model with filled-in windows and shaved door handles on the rear doors ready to market. Keeping the good vibrations going is the new 2007 HHR panel that is a blank canvass for enthusiasts who want to personalize their HHR with custom paint and graphics. This outstanding small retro-modern panel truck can also be used

for commercial purposes by businesses that don’t need the larger size of a van or even a mini-van. The HHR panel is the perfect small work vehicle.

The unique good locks are augmented with convenience and versatility. Both of the side doors pop-open with a push of a button located on the dashboard. The driver’s side has two buttons and the passenger has one button to open the door right behind. This makes loading and unloading smaller items easy. The front seat-back folds flat to increase the length of stored items that can easily be loaded or unloaded from the rear liftgate.

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2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid – Recap

source: cars.com

Competes with: Lexus RX 400h

Looks like: A regular Escalade with the word HYBRID plastered all over it

Drivetrain: 2-Mode Hybrid system with 332 hp 6.0-liter V-8 engine and electric motor

Hits dealerships: Summer 2008

There is one thing that holds a lot of people back from buying a big, bold SUV like the Cadillac Escalade: They don’t want to be a pariah for hurting the environment. The new 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is the third full-size hybrid SUV from GM, following the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon which go on sale later this year.

The Escalade has a bigger engine, though, which not only has the assistance of a hybrid powertrain, but also features active fuel management so that when the SUV is cruising at highway speeds four of the eight cylinders shut off. Along with the regenerative braking system and other fuel-saving technologies, GM says the mileage for the hybrid Escalade will improve by 50% over its gas counterpart. That means the Escalade should get 18 mpg, up from 12, using the new EPA estimates. The government hasn’t given official numbers yet, but we’d expect the Escalade to follow the other 2-mode SUVs which have highway mileage identical to the gasoline-only versions. That would mean the Escalade’s would likely stay close to the 18 and 19 mpg for AWD and 2WD models respectively.

The Escalade will start from a dead stop, and drive at low speeds, entirely on electric power. It will also roll on 22-inch wheels.

We’ll have more photos of the Escalade Hybrid later today. Until then, tell us if you think this is a good idea for Cadillac.

You can Google at the gas pump

SAN FRANCISCO, California (AP) — Lost drivers in the United States soon will be able to Google for help at the pump.

As part of a partnership to be announced Wednesday, the online search leader will dispense driving directions at thousands of gasoline pumps across the country beginning early next month.

The pumps, made by Gilbarco Veeder-Root, include an Internet connection and will display Google’s mapping service in color on a small screen.

Motorists will be able to scroll through several categories to find local landmarks, hotels, restaurants and hospitals selected by the gas station’s owner. After the driver selects a destination, the pump will print out directions.

Eventually, Gilbarco Veeder-Root hopes to enable motorists to type in a specific address and get directions.

“We think the service will create more customer loyalty for retailers,” said Gilbarco Veeder-Root spokeswoman Lucy Sackett.

Greensboro, North Carolina-based Gilbarco Veeder-Root will initially offer the Google service in about 3,500 gas pumps and expand based on retailer demand.

Unlike most of Google’s services, this one will not include ads bringing the company income. But participating retailers will be able to make extra money from other merchants that offer coupons on the service.

SEMA 2007 – Cars and Girls footage – Show Highlights

SEMA 2007 – Cars and Girls footage – Show Highlights

Enjoy!

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