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Sun Favor Solar Car

Throwback Thursday: Sun Favor Speed

Happy Throwback Thursday all! Still looking for that perfect "storm Area 51" vehicle? Well look no further than this odd looking Nissan concept car known as the Sun Favor. The Sun Favor was a solar car, powered by the energy of the sun's rays. Solar cars are the ultimate in "clean cars" since they emit no exhaust gases. Companies, universities and research institutes from countries around the world are now working on solar car R& D. It used advanced technology such as monolithic silicon solar cells and a primary battery employing silver oxide zinc technology. It achieved second place in the FIA Electro-Solar Cup in Suzuka 1992, received the "Most Outstanding" Award at the Asahi Solar Car Rally in Kobe 1992, and it came in twelve place at the 1993 World Solar Challenge (WSC) in which it traversed the Australia continent from north to south.

First Generation Greatness : Nissan Altima

Throwback Thursday: First Generation Greatness

Happy Throwback Thursday everyone! Today we are taking a look at the first generation Nissan Altima, which debuted back in 1993. With the 2020 Altima coming this year, let's take a look back at this iconic vehicle and what it meant for Nissan.The name "Altima" originally referred to a trim line of the Nissan Laurel mid-size car sold in Central America and the Caribbean before 1992. In 1993, Nissan discontinued the Stanza line, replacing it with the U.S.-made Altima. The very first Altima rolled off the assembly line in Smyrna, Tenn., in June 1992, as a 1993 model. All Altima models used Nissan's 150 hp straight-4 DOHC engine mated to a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. Suspension was composed of struts with stabilizer bars at both ends and was noted for providing sporty, satisfying handling. Trim lines consisted of the entry level XE, mid-line GXE, sporty SE, and luxury GLE. Read more below to learn about the available trim levels and their features! Did You Know? The base XE (rare) had manual windows. The mid-line GXE had power windows, a power retracting antenna, pass thru rear armrest, digital clock in dash, and color matched plastic speaker grilles for the rear 6-inch speakers. The XE and GXE models only had the fixed intermittent wiper switch. In addition to the GXE features, the SE had a stiffer suspension, fog lights, 3-leg mount rear spoiler, side skirts and sport seats (plus a standard sunroof in 1994-1995). It also had 4-wheel disc brakes, which came on the other trim lines when antilock brakes were ordered. The GLE's enhancements included a digital head-up display (1993 and 1994 only), which displayed speed in mph or km/h, turn signals, and various warning lights on a unique mirrored patch made into the windshield. Other features included a coin holder built into the fuse panel cover (1993 and 1994 only), adjustable lumbar support on the front seats, automatic digital climate control, keyless entry with alarm (optional), floor mats, color matched side mirrors, cornering lights, sunroof, and a higher-powered six-speaker cassette/CD stereo which included 6X9 rear speakers with black metal "active speaker" grilles. For 1997 it gave up all of the above in exchange for standard leather (previously optional). All SE and GLE models had alloy wheels and variable intermittent wipers. The 1993 Altima came with a rosewood colored dash trim and only had a driver's side airbag coupled with automatic shoulder belts. The 1994 Altima gained a darker burl wood dash trim, a flush mount passenger airbag and regular seatbelts. The 1995 model year also brought a new venetian blind-like grille, new taillights (red and clear), and a new 2 leg mount spoiler with a red LED brake light for the SE. Nissan added new wheel covers for base models in 1996. In 1997 the GXE gained a new "Limited Edition" package including alloy wheels, keyless entry, alarm, floor mats, and a Limited Edition sticker on each side near the front wheels. The majority of final-year Altima models were dubbed "1997.5" models, signifying the added crash protection necessary to meet 1997 side-impact standards.

The Fast and the Fairlady :1972 Fairlady 240Z-G

Throwback Thursday: The Fast and the Fairlady

Happy Throwback Thursday everyone! Today we are taking a look at the 1972 Fairlady 240Z-G. The Fairlady Z was developed as the successor to the Fairlady 2000 (SR311). In late November 1969, the S30 (first-generation model) was launched. The first generation FairladyZ S30 (also known as Datsun 240Z) was developed as successor of Datsun Sports 2000 SR311 and released in December 1969 in Japan. At first, only a 2,000cc model was available, but two years later, in November 1971, the 240Z was launched in Japan, and was powered by a 2,400cc engine. It became a big hit not only in Japan but in countries such as North America because of the beautiful styling, improved driving comfort and safety, high performance engine, 4-wheel independent suspension, and the affordable price. This modified model pictured was the fastest grade 240Z-G that was used as a police car in the Kanagawa Prefecture, mainly on the highways.

The Power of Patrol : The rugged Datsun Patrol

Throwback Thursday: The Power of Patrol

Happy Throwback Thursday all! Today we are taking a look at the rugged Datsun Patrol, which debuted in 1951. The answer to the Jeep, the second-generation Datsun Patrol was sold in the U.S. for a short period of time. This generation featured a rugged leaf-spring suspension on a ladder-style frame, with a robust 4x4 system. Overseas, Patrols were used as safari conquerors, along with providing the base vehicle for fire engines, vans and ambulances. Today, the Nissan Patrol is available overseas in Australia, Central and South America, South Africa, parts of Southeast Asia and Western Europe as well as Iran and the Middle East. This is excluding North America where as of 2016, a modified version has been sold as what we know as the Nissan Armada.

Nissan Gloria Custom Deluxe, a 4 door sedan

Throwback Thursday: Combined Excellence

Happy Throwback Thursday all! Today we are taking a look at the Nissan Gloria Custom Deluxe, a 4 door sedan that launched in February 1971. Combining two creative vehicles, the Cedric and Gloria were integrated into one model to make this, the Custom Deluxe. The Cedric and Gloria then differed only in the hood panel/mascot, radiator grille and rear combination lamps and finisher, etc. In April of the same year, a 4-door hardtop version (without center pillar) was introduced, Japan's first in the 2-liter class. Following a minor change in April 1973, the Custom Deluxe was fitted with a heated rear window as standard.

Throwback Thursday: What's in a Name?

Happy Throwback Thursday everyone! Today we are taking back at the origin of the company. Nissan is an abbreviation for the original company stock market name Ni-San. It's also a combination of Japanese characters "ni" which means sun and "ssan" which means product or birth. Therefore, Nissan is a product of Japan, the land of the rising sun! #throwbackthursday #nissan

Nissan Titan

Throwback Thursday-Nissan Titan

Happy Throwback Thursday everyone! Today we are taking a look at the Nissan Titan, which debuted back in 2004. It was manufactured in the United States for the North American market. Beginning production in 1999, it was developed over the course of 5 years. The name Titan comes from the Titans of Greek mythology fame. #throwbackthursday #nissan

Nissan R380-II

Throwback Thursday-Nissan R380-II

Happy Throwback Thursday everyone! Today we are looking at the Nissan R380-II. As one of the very first Nissans to take to the track, the R380 -II set 7 international speed records in 1967 and paved the way for the rich and successful NISMO division, which was founded back in 1984. #throwbackthursday #nissan

Nissan Cedric

Throwback Thursday- Nissan Cedric

Happy Throwback Thursday everyone! Today we are taking a look at the Nissan Cedric(or Gloria) 430, which debuted on June 8th, 1979. This vehicle was a first, having a micro computer on board known as the ECCS or Engine Concentrated Control System. This contributes to better fuel economy and lower exhaust emission levels. #throwbackthursday #nissan

Nissan Xterra

Throwback Thursday-Nissan Xterra

Happy Throwback Thursday everyone! Today we are looking at the rugged Nissan Xterra. Debuting in 2000, this rough and tumble SUV quickly gained popularity with outside lovers for its broad exterior and many options. Though it was discontinued in 2015, they are still sought after by many customers.

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