Consumer Reports: 2009 Nissan Titan SE 4x4 Crew Cab Is Best American-Made Deal

Quoted from Edmunds.com:

Report: 2009 Nissan Titan SE 4x4 Crew Cab Is Best American-Made Deal

YONKERS, New York — The 2009 Nissan Titan SE 4x4 Crew Cab, with a potential savings of 25 percent below its $33,200 MSRP, is the best American-made car deal at the moment, according to a new study by Consumer Reports. The consumer watchdog issued a list of the Top 40 best American-made car deals in time for the Memorial Day weekend shopping period.

Coming in second is the 2009 Ford Focus SES sedan, with a potential savings of 20 percent below its $17,865 MSRP. The 2009 Ford Focus SES coupe came in third, with a potential savings of 20 percent below its $17,865 MSRP.
Ford had the most models on the list with 10, including the 2009 Ford Mustang GT Premium coupe in the fifth spot. This version of the Mustang has a potential savings of 20 percent below its MSRP of $29,160.
To make the list, a vehicle must have performed well in Consumer Reports' testing, have average or better reliability and good overall safety. "Also factored into the overall analysis were customer rebates and hidden dealer incentives," said Consumer Reports in a statement.
The entire list can be seen at Consumer Reports' Web site.

More Cube Wallpapers!

I got these great Cube wallpapers from annakarenine, a friend of ours on Twitter. If you like them and download them, be sure to tell her thanks!

iPhone cubicorn wallpaper

1280x800 cubicorn wallpaper

1280x1024 cubicorn wallpaper

1680x1050 cubicorn wallpaper

iPhone cubicherry wallpaper

1280x800 cubicherry wallpaper

1280x1024 cubicherry wallpaper

1680x1050 cubicherry wallpaper

iPhone cubetini wallpaper
1280x800 cubetini wallpaper
1280x1024 cubetini wallpaper
1680x1050 cubetini wallpaper

A Murano CONVERTIBLE?

I found this article on Truck Trend. Sounds crazy to me, but could be quite a cool car if it's done right. Let me know what you think.

2011 Nissan Murano Convertible Will Reportedly Hit Dealers by Summer 2010
May 14, 2009
By Benson Kong

A Nissan Murano convertible made news tickers nearly 9 months ago, but little has been heard about it since that last summer. Reportedly, it is still in the works and is slated for a release by the summer of 2010 as a 2011 model. It will be released in limited numbers and is targeted at empty-nesters who want a fun ride for the grandkids with all the amenities. Similar to the current 370Z, the Murano convertible will use a soft top to keep the weight and cost down.

In addition to the soft top, the 2011 Nissan Murano convertible will use a two-door configuration, and be powered by the current 3.5L V-6 with 265 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. The transmission is expected to be Nissan's CVT, which will be linked to either front or all-wheel drive.
Source: Motor Authority

Use Cruise Control to Increase MPG? It Really Depends on Your Personality

From Cleancartalk.com:

Advices abound about how you can improve your car’s mileage or miles per gallon (MPG) by using the cruise control. Essentially by using your car’s cruise control, you are telling the car to travel at a constant speed regardless of road conditions. It’s a very nice feature originally offered to allow driving on long trips without getting fatigued.

Here are a few ideas and advices from eZinearticles.com , ecomodder.com and Daily Fuel Economy Tip. There are countless others if you google for them.

By definition, cruise control keeps your car at a constant speed. Manufacturers build some “smart” into the system by allowing cruise control activation only above a certain speeds, typically around 25-30 miles per hour (mph) for most cars. This means you can’t use cruise control in relatively low speed stop and start driving, or in other words, most city driving. The system is not designed for such driving environment.

In city driving where sometime you can get up to 40 mph, I find it’s more of a hassle to put on cruise control than it’s worth. This is because, more than likely, you wouldn’t be able to drive at that speed for too long before having to slow down again. So for most city or stop-and-go driving, cruise control does not do anything for you in terms of fuel economy.

Cruise control really shines when it comes to long trips. That’s what cruise control was originally built for anyway. In more environmentally conscious times like now, this little invention can also save you real dollars. If you do it right, that is.

On my many long drives between San Diego and Los Angeles, a very hilly drive along the California coast, the best mileage I get has been with my foot regulating the speed, no cruise control. I regularly achieve around 29 mpg in “manual” (foot) mode, while could only squeeze around 25 mpg with the cruise control on most of the trip. On the other hand, for the relatively flatter drive from Southern California to Las Vegas, for example, cruise control can really show its benefits. For the typical driver I think it will boil down to a combination of 3 things: convenience (long drive with less work on the pedal), fuel economy (get the best mpg with or without cruise control), and habits (subconscious actions without special awareness). No matter what camp you are from, here’s the reality.
On a given long-distance drive you can encounter a combination of flat, hilly and stop-and-go driving conditions. If you want to arrive with great feelings and no foot/leg fatigue, then go cruise control the whole way, except of course during very steep hills and in heavy traffic. If you’re more about getting there with the least fuel consumed, then set cruise control for long stretches of flat highway but take more active role to regulate speeds during hilly portions and stop-and-go traffic. Finally if you don’t care, then of course do what you want and just enjoy the trip.

There you have it. It’s really up to each of us to do the right thing, for us and for the environment. Take your pick.

Nissan Cube Desktop Backgrounds!

Here are a few cool cube backgrounds we found here. We hope you enjoy!

The ALL NEW cube is ON SALE NOW!

From The Auto Channel:

May 10, 2009: The all-new 2009 Nissan CUBE went on sale last week at Nissan dealers nationwide, sporting an engaging asymmetrical exterior design, socially oriented lounge-style interior, a powerful and fuel-efficient 1.8-liter engine, six standard air bags, a full catalog of innovative accessories, a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* of $13,990 and one other thing – an innovative marketing campaign centered around a downloadable-content-rich “cube® Mobile Hub.”

“A vehicle as unique as the new Nissan cube® deserves an equally breakthrough launch,” said Christian Meunier, vice president, Nissan Marketing, NNA. “We envision owners using their cubes® as one of their essential mobile devices, connecting with friends, sharing music and sharing fun. It’s a natural extension to have our marketing be just as involving – giving owners and prospective buyers alike a variety of ways to interact with and learn more about this unique new vehicle.”

Access to the “cube® Mobile Hub” will be available (beginning May 15) through a shortcode or “text to” number incorporated into the traditional marketing media mix, including television, print, direct mail and interactive. Once at the Mobile Hub, users will have the opportunity to download unique content, such as wallpapers, videos, music, ringtones and a link to the nissanusa.com mobile site.

The iPhone® app, “cube® Party Roundup,” is scheduled to go live on June 15 and will be available for play in single-player and multi-player modes (up to eight friends). The personalizable, mission-based driving app sends the player around a city picking up friends, ice, music and other items before a party.

Additional levels allow the player to pick up dates, go to concerts and other activities, all the while navigating around various obstacles to complete the mission. A Facebook version of “cube Party Roundup,” where users will be able to share their progress with friends, will go live in early July.
In addition to the “cube® Mobile Hub,” customers can research information on the new cube®, read product reviews, locate local Nissan dealers and even order custom cube? t-shirts at www.NissanUSA.com/cube.

2009 Nissan cube Pricing The dramatically styled Nissan cube® has a starting MSRP of $13,990 for the cube® 1.8 equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission. Three other models are also offered: cube® 1.8 S, priced at $14,690 with the 6-speed manual and $15,690 with the Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission); cube® 1.8 SL, priced at $16,790; and the cube® 1.8 Kr?m specialty vehicle, priced at $19,370. Both the cube® 1.8 SL and cube® 1.8 Kr?m come with standard Xtronic CVT®.
In addition, cube® is available with more than 40 individual accessories, ranging from a unique 20-color interior illumination kit and “shag dash topper” to aerodynamic body kits and custom 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels – allowing cube® owners to personalize their vehicles to reflect their own tastes and personalities.

About the 2009 Nissan cube® The 2009 Nissan cube® is designed to meet the practical needs of today’s active, environmentally aware drivers, providing a small footprint with a large interior space. The front-wheel drive cube® is built on Nissan’s proven B-platform and is available with a standard 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine and a choice of Nissan’s advanced, smooth shifting Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission) or 6-speed manual transmission.

Cube®’s long list of standard safety features includes the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), seat-mounted driver and front-passenger side-impact supplemental air bags, and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection.

Cube® also offers standard front-seat Active Head Restraints, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS), along with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

Along with the long list of standard features on the cube® 1.8, the cube® 1.8 S adds body-colored outside mirrors, premium grade fabric, cruise control, cargo area cover and more. The cube® 1.8 SL adds standard CVT, 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, auto on/off headlights, Automatic Temperature Control, Interface System for iPod?, six speakers and more. The uniquely equipped cube® 1.8 Kr?m includes an exclusive integrated body design, Kr?m 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, sporty interior treatment, Rockford Fosgate subwoofer, Xtronic CVT® and much more.

Available cube® technology includes the Nissan Intelligent Key™ with Push Button Ignition, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, Rockford Fosgate subwoofer with six upgraded speakers, XM? Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately) and Interface System for iPod®.
About Nissan North America In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at http://www.nissanusa.com/ and http://www.infiniti.com/.

The 2009 Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR is Coming!

Nissan has released a great new trim level for the 2009 Sentra. Stephen Wade Nissan has a few on the way! Call Josh Manwaring for details at (435) 705-9243.

From Auto Spectator:

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) announced an expansion of the popular Nissan Sentra line-up with the addition of a sport-styled Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR model. The Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan retailers nationwide beginning on April 17, 2009. The 2009 Nissan Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* of $17,760, the same price as the Sentra FE+ 2.0 S model.

2009 Nissan Sentra SR: Created in response to customer demand for a sportier looking Sentra without going all the way up to the high-performance Sentra SE-R and Sentra SE-R Spec V models
The full 2009 Nissan Sentra lineup now features seven models, ranging from the entry-level Sentra FE+ 2.0 to the performance-oriented Sentra SE-R Spec V.

“With so much attention being paid to high value, high mileage vehicles like Sentra today, we want to offer customers a range of choices within the lineup – so they can find the perfect level of equipment, sportiness and performance to fit their needs and budgets,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, NNA.

The new Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR was created in response to customer demand for a sportier looking Sentra without going all the way up to the high-performance Sentra SE-R and Sentra SE-R Spec V models. The “SR” starts with a standard Sentra 2.0 S and adds sport-inspired exterior enhancements, including SE-R-style front and rear fascias, side sills and rear spoiler; sport grille; dark chrome bezel headlights and dark smoked bezel taillights; 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; exhaust finisher; and “SR” trunk lid badge. It is available in six exterior colors, including the limited Sentra SE-R/SE-R Spec V colors, and will be offered with a Charcoal cloth interior.

Along with a range of models, the 2009 Sentra is available with a choice of two engines and two transmissions. All models except the SE-R and SE-R Spec V are equipped with a fuel-efficient 140-horsepower (135 hp CAL emissions) 16-valve 2.0-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine. Estimated fuel economy is 34 mpg Highway/26 mpg City (Sentra FE+ 2.0-liter with CVT).

The 2009 Nissan Sentra SE-R and Sentra SE-R Spec V models feature sporty styling, enhanced performance and additional standard equipment (versus non-SE-R models) and a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (rated at 177 horsepower in the SE-R and 200 horsepower in the SE-R Spec V). Available Sentra transmissions choices (depending on model) are the advanced Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission) and 6-speed manual.
“We’ve been inviting customers to take a closer look at Sentra for its value, style and performance. Now we’re adding one more reason – more choice,” said Castignetti.

Additional images from the 2009 Nissan Sentra SR Photo Gallery<--Click here.

* MSRP excludes applicable tax, title and license fees. Dealer sets actual price. Prices and specs are subject to change without notice.
About Nissan North AmericaIn North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at NissanUSA.com and InfinitiUSA.com.
Source: Nissan

Nissan Hybrid Joins Alliance To Build Nissan Zero Emission Hybrids

Unfortunately, Nissan Hybrids aren't available for sale in Utah, but I thought I'd share this article anyway. I think it's great that Nissan is playing their part in helping to protect our environment:

From NewsOXY.com:

The new 2010 Nissan Hybrid cars are part of a new alliance with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee. The laboratory is the nation's largest energy-research center as it plans to help develop hybrid zero emission Nissan vehicles in 2010.

By: Rob Adams
Published: Apr 28, 2009
Updated: Apr 28, 2009

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd has announced plans to partner with the nation's largest energy research center to help build zero emission hybrids in 2010. The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) will play a key role in developing new hybrid technologies. The car maker is working with other partners that also share the belief in future electric vehicles.

“Nissan, through the Renault-Nissan Alliance, has committed to being a global leader in zero-emission vehicles,” Dominique Thormann, senior vice president, administration and finance, Nissan North America, said in a statement. “Nissan in Tennessee is working with partners that share in the belief that the introduction and expansion of electric vehicles is one of the best solutions to reducing CO2 emissions. It’s only through collaborative efforts such as this that we can make zero-emission mobility a reality,” Thormann said.

The first introduction of Nissan zero-emission vehicles will be in 2010 with a mass global market available in 2012. The automaker has been working on a new EV Prototype model which has been part of a coast-to-coast tour. The automobile uses a lithium-ion battery pack and a zero-emission electric motor.

Nissan will be part of the Deparment of Energy's largest multi-purpose research lab to participate in a hybrid project.

As part of the ORNL, this does separate Nissan from other hybrid car manufacturers. The partnership is a $400 million research lab which develops energy-related projects. The current project is to develop an eco-friendly vehicle that produces zero emissions as well as longer battery life breakthrough technologies.

Nissan Joins Hybrid Electric Car Network:
TVA is the nation's largest public power supplier which is helping to lead the way in research into making a new transportation infrastructure. The power system will be a complete electric car charging network. The infrastructure is made up of solar energy and other natural resources.

Z-Car, the Max Headroom Edition

Article from The New York Times:

Is it real? Yes, and no surprise there. With the coupe making its debut about a year ago, the roadster’s arrival was inevitable.
What they said: “The new 370Z Roadster lives in the same sweet spot of performance, style and value that the Z Coupe does,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager of Nissan division. “Open-air driving just begs for open roads and the new 370Z convertible is the perfect companion.”

What they didn’t say: The Roadster seems to have put on a few pounds. Quite a lot of structural reinforcement was needed to achieve the necessary chassis stability and body rigidity. The hood, door panels and trunk lid are aluminum to help offset some of that bulk.

What makes it tick? The same 332-horsepower 3.7-liter V-6 in the coupe, mated to a 7-speed automatic or a SynchroRev Match 6-speed manual. The Roadster gets 25 m.p.g. on the highway, a slight drop from the 26 m.p.g. coupe.

How much, how soon? No pricing yet, but convertibles usually carry a premium of about $6,000 above the coupes, which now start at $30,000. It’ll be at dealers in time for fall-color drives.

How’s it look? A topless Z? The premise sounds tantalizing. But a soft top is hard to execute without spoiling the coupe’s synergistic shape. This version does a better job than previous iterations of the Z convertible. To be safe, stylingwise, just leave the top down.

The CUBE is Coming in May!

We are going to receive our first shipment of the ALL NEW Nissan Cubes in May! If you're not quite familiar with the Cube, here's a little clip from www.NissanUSA.com/Cube to help:

*Click the full screen button on the bottom right for easier reading.

Nissan Cube from Armstrong White on Vimeo.

For details or to reserve you very own Cube today, Call, text or email Josh Manwaring @ (435) 705-9243 or joshm@stephenwade.com.

GT-R UPDATE!

We have officially ordered our first 2010 model GT-R!

The details for the car are as follows:

Color: Gun Metallic with Charcoal interior
Options: Premium package, iPod interface, Floor mats

MSRP: $84,720

ARE YOU READY FOR THE GREAT NEWS?

The General Sales Manager has agreed to sell the GT-R AT MSRP for Stephen Wade Nissan's internet customers. To take advantage of this great deal on one of the most amazing supercars ever built, Call JOSH MANWARING at (435) 705-9243.

Rockin' Red Tag Sale!!!

THE HOUSE IS ROCKIN' SO COME ON IN!!

This weeked ONLY (March 13-14th) Stephen Wade Nissan will pay your sales tax!!

That's right,
WE PAY YOUR SALES TAX

On any used car purchase for THIS WEEKEND ONLY!! So hurry in this weekend and get a great deal on a CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED vehicle. Over 200 cars to choose from! Call Josh at (435) 705-9243 for details.

LOOK CLOSER, Nissan Delivers!

Great News! Nissan is currently running one of their most agressive sales events ever! With 0% financing on select models and rebates up to $5,500!! Come in quick and take advantage of the great deals before they're gone! See JOSH MANWARING for details. For questions, call (435) 705-9243.

Nissan Cube

Stephen Wade Nissan will have 2 Cubes available in May!!!

Call JOSH @ (435) 705-9243 for details. Reserve yours today!

Water.... or Stephen Wade Nissan? Hmmmm.

The Stephen Wade Experience.... It's THAT Good!