With all apologies to the ferociously fast Nissan GT-R, it’s the Altima sedan that will battle to uphold “supercar” honors for the company this weekend. When Australia’s V8 Supercars Championship series holds its first-ever U.S. race, it will feature four Nissan Altima race cars on the starting grid. With the retail Altima currently built in Tennessee for American customers, the event represents a homecoming of sorts for the Nissan teams.

“It’s pretty cool to be a part of the V8 Supercars racing in North America, especially with Nissan in what is the ‘home’ of the Altima,” said Michael Caruso, who drives the #36 Norton 360 Nissan Altima. “It’s great that we get the opportunity to race in front to a crowd where the car is pretty well known.”

Added Todd Kelly, who pilots the #15 Jack Daniels Nissan Altima: “It has always been a dream of mine to race in America, and for the life of me, I never thought we’d have the opportunity to take our own cars over there. … There will be a bit of pressure, and as always, we’ll be pushing as hard as we can to get the cars up the front.”

For those new to the V8 Supercars scene, it’s similar to the NASCAR series, featuring vehicles based on everyday family-style sedans. But the Australian contests are held strictly on road courses, such as the new Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, where the series will visit from May 17-19, 2013.

The action opens with qualifying on Friday, followed by two full days of racing.

For more info or to purchase tickets, check out http://circuitoftheamericas.com/v8-supercars.

It seems there was just one problem with the “Bolt Gold” GT-R that was auctioned for charity late in 2012: Just a single high-performance, 545-horsepower super coupe was produced. This meant gold-medal-winning sprinter Usain Bolt—a Nissan brand ambassador who inspired the creation of the limited-edition vehicle—wasn’t able to bring one home for himself. Nissan solved the problem by presenting the world’s fastest man with the world’s second Bolt Gold GT-R.

The new version was worth the wait, too. Because Bolt’s personal GT-R is based on the 2014 model, it benefits from more power than ever before. Thanks to its most recent updates, the GT-R can unleash 545 horsepower and 463 lb.-ft. of torque to run from 0-60 in under three seconds. Further, the suspension benefits from Nissan Motorsports’ recent efforts to improve performance.

“With the entry into an actual 24-hour racing competition, GT-R’s unique development process not only took an incredible step into a new dimension, it did so under the eyes of 100,000-plus spectators,” said Pierre Loing, vice president of Product and Advanced Planning and Strategy for Nissan North America. “The development of a super high-performance vehicle demands testing your own limits as well as the vehicle’s, which was the case at Nürburgring and will certainly pay off in our GT-R customers’ enhanced driving enjoyment.”

As for Bolt, he’ll enjoy unique features such as the white interior, premium Bose audio, and 10-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels from Rays—all of which he helped select for the special-edition GT-R himself.

While Nissan has no current plans to extend production of the Bolt GT-R beyond two units, the production model is now available in three configurations for 2014, including the GT-R Premium ($99,590); GT-R Black Edition ($109,330); and the ultimate choice for enthusiasts, the GT-R Track Edition ($115,710).

As if its significantly improved efficiency and radically reduced pricing weren’t enough to satisfy drivers of the 2013 Nissan Leaf, the increasingly popular EV also boasts award-winning safety. In fact, after once again being honored with top scores in all phases of testing, the 2013 Leaf was recently named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. This recognition only goes to vehicles that receive the highest possible scores in IIHS evaluations for side, front, and rear crash protection, and also ace the institute’s roof-strength test.

Certainly helping matters are the many standard safety features of the Leaf, ranging from its array of advanced air bags to more active measures like Nissan’s vehicle dynamic control and traction control systems. In addition, as explained by Robert Yakushi, director of product safety for Nissan: “The IIHS ‘Top Safety Pick’ recognition speaks to the ‘zone body construction’ design from Nissan’s Safety Shield Concept to help protect occupants in a wide variety of crash scenarios.”

Underscoring the importance of safety, Erik Gottfried, Nissan’s director of electric vehicle sales and marketing said, “Driver and passenger safety are top priorities for Nissan and the ‘Top Safety Pick’ designation by IIHS reflects the design and innovation that have gone into this car to make it a practical, no-compromise electric vehicle. The new, U.S.-assembled 2013 Nissan Leaf provides customers with a remarkable level of value, comfort and security at prices competitive with gas-powered cars in a fun-to-drive package.”

Remember, value proposition is higher than ever for the current model year, since the Leaf S is now offered from $28,800—which, after a $7,500 federal credit, translates into a net cost to consumers of just $21,300. Further, the Leaf’s increased efficiency and range means that it also costs less to drive the car. Consider: The EPA has rated this year’s Leaf capable of 75 miles of all-electric travel with efficiency grades of 129 MPGe city/102 MPGe highway/115 MPGe combined. That represents jumps of 23 MPGe/10 MPGe/16 MPGe.

The Nissan 370Z Nismo undergoes a few changes for the 2014 model year, most of them cosmetic.

On the outside, Nissan’s tuning arm adds a new shade of dark gray. Nismo drops Magma Red from the available exterior colors and replaces it with Solid Red. The new paint choices now are Gun Metallic, Magnetic Black, Pearl White, as well as the previously mentioned Solid Red. Nismo adds an exclusive pinstripe accent design to the sports car’s spoiler, side mirrors, lower side sills, front grille, and front and rear bumpers.

Inside, Nismo adds red accents and Alcantara (artificial suede) elements to the steering wheel. A new tachometer completes the update. Says Pierre Loing, vice president, Product and Advanced Planning and Strategy of Nissan Americas: “The 370Z Nismo, since its introduction as part of the original Nissan 350Z lineup, has embodied the spirit of Nismo—race-proven engineering that is attainable. With the enhancements for the 2014 model year and the addition of the new Juke Nismo, we’re unifying the look and feel of these distinctive Nismo models and paving the way for additional Nismo vehicles to follow.”

The 2014 Nissan Nismo 370Z goes on sale this summer. A potent 3.7-liter V-6 continues to be the only power plant. A sports car through and through, the 370Z Nismo comes with a six-speed manual transmission. Together, this combo gushes 350 horsepower and 276 lb.-ft. of torque.

Written by Joel Arellano.

Nissan introduced the Versa sedan as an all-new 2012 model. Updates in 2013 included the addition of a new trim and a more fuel-efficient powertrain. It’s not surprising, then, that the compact sedan carries over virtually unchanged into the 2014 model year. This includes pricing, which is identical to last year’s figures.

The few changes Nissan did make are mostly cosmetic. Most of the changes are cosmetic. The Versa’s B-pillar, which is the vertical pillar between the front and rear doors, receives a high-glossy black finish on the higher SV and SL trims. The top-of-the-line SL now comes with standard 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. All trims get more upscale interiors.

Other alterations involve the Versa’s features. The base S trim now comes with a tachometer and low-rolling resistance tires. The SV comes equipped with a remote trunk release and 60/40-split fold-down rear seats as standard. Speaking of seats, Versa SV and SL trims also get more comfortable cushions as well as revised option packages. Finally, Nissan revamped the steering and suspension in all Versa models.

Written by Joel Arellano.

When it comes to increasing fuel economy and reducing emissions, it’s hard to beat the advantages of an all-electric vehicle like the Nissan Leaf. In fact, it’s impossible, at least according to the efficiency experts at Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com website. They just selected the 2013 Leaf for the No. 1 spot on their honor roll of 10 Best Green Cars of 2013.

Nissan’s EV seemed to have an easy time of it, too, with editors saying that, “You won’t find an all-electric car that offers a better balance of range, practicality, refinement and value than the Leaf.”

That’s especially true for the new model year, since Nissan slashed some $6,000 from its MSRP, improved its all-electric driving range to 75 miles, and delivered a significant boost in energy efficiency. Consider: With EPA ratings expected to reach 130 MPGe city/102 MPGe highway/116 MPGe combined, the 2013 Leaf owns advantages of 24/10/17 as compared to the 2012 model. Also, about that range, Nissan notes that it represents performance “…at a blended (or ‘average’) 90 percent charge, and customers who fully charge may get up to 83 miles of range.”

“The 2013 Nissan Leaf marks a turning point in the electric vehicle movement with increased content at a reduced price that makes the vehicle competitive with traditional cars in its segment,” according to Erik Gottfried, Nissan’s director of electric vehicle sales and marketing. “We’re seeing buyers diversify beyond early adopters, and, as the global leader in electric vehicles, Nissan is committed to providing affordable zero-emission options for the mass market.”

The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder was redesigned inside and out for the current model year, but it’s the exterior that’s in the spotlight today. The award-winning crossover is now a new member of the 10 Best Interiors honor roll, presented annually by Ward’sAuto World.

“Nissan really did its homework in developing the all-new interior for the Pathfinder CUV, which is far more comfortable and generously equipped than the truck-based SUV version it replaces,” according to the Ward’sAuto experts. “Capable of seating seven people comfortably, the Pathfinder is warm, inviting, spacious and ready for anything, thanks to the ‘Latch and Glide’ second-row seats that offer easy back-row access.”

Also coming in for praise from the publication were amenities like the Pathfinder’s thick Berber carpet floor mats and dual panoramic sunroof.

Said Jon Brancheau, vice president of Marketing for Nissan North America: “The completely-redesigned Pathfinder is Nissan’s most innovative Pathfinder ever. Combining the capability of an SUV with the comfort of a sedan for the entire family, the 2013 Pathfinder offers a tremendous amount of interior room and amenities to keep passengers of any age comfortable. Nissan is honored to receive this prestigious award and thanks to WardsAuto World for the recognition.”

Of course, this is just the latest in a growing collection of kudos for the Pathfinder. The vehicle was also named Motorweek‘s Best Large Utility of the year at the Chicago Auto Show and was honored as the “Most Versatile” choice in the Popular Mechanic‘s 2013 Automotive Excellence Awards. Which probably helps explain why the Pathfinder grew sales by a staggering 177.1 percent last month on a March record 9,071 deliveries.

Nissan is tapping both social media and Hollywood with its latest marketing campaign, “Impress with Sentra.”

Here’s how it works: Participants upload their videos to the ImpressWithSentra.com website, which is located on Facebook. Omar Epps, actor of such hit shows as “House, M.D.,” and star of the movie, “Love & Basketball,” will provide the videos’ intro. He will talk them up, portraying the participating “actors” as adrenaline junkies, business dynamos, or incurable romantics. Says Jon Brancheau, vice president of marketing over at Nissan, “Who doesn’t want to turn heads and get noticed when making a first impression? We’re giving everyone a chance to look their best, with a little help from Nissan and the power of social media.”

According to the automaker, the campaign was inspired by the Sentra itself. Now in its seventh generation, the compact sedan is all-new, with a revamped body style, front grille and headlamps. The more fuel-efficient 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine offers plenty of power with the FE+ trim getting an estimated 30 mpg city, 40 mpg highway, and 34 mpg combined. Nissan says the Sentra is aimed at those buyers looking for a more “premium” vehicle than those offered by the competition.

Speaking of competition, the “Impress With Sentra” campaign is also a contest. Prizes include:

• A $1,000 gift card to the online Great American Days gift company
• A $1,000 gift card to clothiers Brooks Brothers or Nordstrom
• A romantic dinner and evening for two at a high-end hotel and restaurant

“Impress with Sentra” has already started, and interested parties can upload their videos any time. The contest ends on May 1 at 8:59 p.m. PST.

Written by Joel Arellano.

When developing ideas for new vehicles, automobile designers take advantage of the latest computer graphics technology. But when it comes to visualizing their creations in the real world, they turn to a decidedly low-tech solution: clay. At Japan’s Nissan Technical Center, clay modelers start with auto design sketches and transform them into three-dimensional objects.

The first models are created at one-quarter the size of the real thing. These diminutive versions show the different directions a particular design might take. Each is studied carefully in a series of meetings, and then given a thumbs up or thumbs down. The best designs are created full-size in clay.

Naoki Maekawa helped create the models for the Nissan Note (known in the United States as the Versa). “I’m really proud to see the model on the road,” he said. “If the person who rides in the model looks comfortable, it’s really good.”

While automakers have been using clay for decades, the development of CAD programs has led to a workflow where 3-D computer renderings are produced side by side with clay models. Designers render the vehicle’s parts on the screen, while at the same time, the clay modelers turn them into physical objects.

Once the model is completed, it’s covered with special plastic sheeting that makes the clay look like painted metal. The end result looks so much like an actual car that it would fool anyone who saw it sitting in a parking space.

According to Maekawa, the process is a melding of art and engineering. “There are two types of clay modelers here,” he said. “One type is an engineer and one type is a sculptor. A sculptor can make it cool. I want to become a sculptor, I’m trying.”

Written by Marc Librescu.

Lake Baikal in Siberia, Russia, has long been known as the deepest and biggest freshwater lake (by volume) in the world. Now, thanks to the Nissan GT-R, you can also call it the fastest. That’s because racecar driver Roman Rusinov recently drove an unmodified Nissan GT-R to a speed of 183 mph on the lake’s frozen surface, setting a Russian national record in the process. Perhaps the most amazing part of the achievement, which was supported by Nissan of Russia and that country’s LAV Productions: Even though the GT-R did wear winter rubber from Bridgestone, all four tires were unstudded, with the car relying on its near-perfect weight distribution and balance for record-setting control even on the ice.

Of course, also helping more than slightly was the GT-R’s hand-built 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine. In addition to making short work out of Lake Baikal, the 2014 model’s powerplant also makes 545 horsepower and 453 lb.-ft. of torque. ‘That’s a few more horses than offered up in the Russian record setter—actually a 2012 GT-R—and enables a top speed of 196 mph (on dry land). The power is then distributed to all four wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and ATTESA’s E-TS all-wheel-drive system.

The 2014 GT-R offers even better high-speed handling, too, thanks to a retuned suspension and lowered center of gravity. At the same time, those same changes provide improved ride comfort. Also enhancing the cabin environment for the new model year is the available Premium Interior Package that caters to the driver and front-seat passenger with hand-stitched Amber Red semi-aniline leather appointments.

The 2014 Nissan GT-R is on sale now with a starting price of $99,590.