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YOKOHAMA, Japan – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today kicked off a new era for NISMO, confirming it as Nissan’s exclusive global performance car and motorsports brand and officially opening the new NISMO global headquarters and development center in Yokohama, Japan.

NISMO is already well-known to motorsports and performance car enthusiasts in Japan and to millions of global gaming enthusiasts. Now, NISMO is poised for accelerated global impact, enhancing Nissan’s reputation for innovation and excitement with a new line-up of sporty Nissan production vehicles.

In a special ceremony today, Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn declared the new headquarters open and explained how NISMO will play an even more prominent role for the company’s performance car and motorsports activities.

“NISMO will democratize performance and bring new excitement to the Nissan portfolio with a broader range of affordable and innovative performance models for more markets and more people,” said Mr. Ghosn. “Whether it’s a small car or a sports car, if it’s wearing the NISMO badge it offers something special – quality, functionality, and efficiency, with NISMO’s distinctive styling, sporty handling and dynamic performance capabilities.

The first new Nissan production vehicle to get the NISMO treatment, the Juke NISMO, is already on sale in Europe and Japan and launches in the United States in the spring.

A new version of the 370Z NISMO for European markets is the next NISMO vehicle, which made its world debut earlier this month and builds on the platform of Nissan’s most popular and accessible sports car. The 370Z NISMO is now in its second generation in the U.S., with a revised 2014 370Z NISMO set for sale this summer. 

Nissan is promising a rapid pace of introduction of even more NISMO models – at least one model every year during the Nissan Power88 period, encompassing the breadth of the Nissan model range. This will include the flagship of Nissan’s performance and technology efforts, the Nissan GT-R. 

“It would be unthinkable for us to develop a range of NISMO road cars without including the GT-R,” said Mr. Ghosn. “The standard production model is a global supercar and the GT-R’s performance on track reflects the passion and talents of the NISMO team. The GT-R NISMO will be special and I can’t wait to drive it.”

A New Home for NISMO

Nissan has invested in an entirely new facility for NISMO’s operations, redeveloping a former production site to give it the resources for expanding beyond motorsports engineering to encompass performance car development alongside Nissan. The new headquarters facility allows the NISMO team to be co-located in one place, bringing together the functional areas for NISMO’s key activities and technical and competition expertise under one roof.

The 180-strong team is now located inside Nissan’s Powertrain Engineering complex. The workshop, engine shop, rooms for fabrication, grinding and carbon composite processes are consolidated into the same floor space along with the parts warehouse. A new larger showroom allows up to eight vehicles to be displayed, while the retail area is now almost twice the size of the previous store in the Omori factory.

“This is a great move for NISMO as we can now shift gears to operate more efficiently and expand the brand globally,” explained NISMO President Shoichi Miyatani.

“NISMO is a key element in Nissan’s future global vehicle and motorsports strategy and we will quickly establish it as Nissan’s exclusive performance brand,” he added. “This is the first time that all of our team has been located together, and the entire facility will become a hothouse of passion and performance.”

The NISMO Spirit

At the heart of each new NISMO model will be a consistent DNA focused on delivering quality, functionality, and efficiency in everyday driving with NISMO’s distinctive styling, sporty handling and dynamic performance capabilities.

Nissan’s new range of NISMO performance models will be built on the same production lines as their standard counterparts, which combined with inspiration taken from decades of racing and tuning expertise means that the NISMO brand ensures fully integrated performance enhancements.

Every modification NISMO makes to a production car will be functional and targeted to improve on-road performance and presence. The spirit of NISMO relies on its proud motorsports heritage and a maverick engineering philosophy. This spirit will be reflected in every new NISMO model with efficient performance, accessible and advanced technology, and bold, smart design, all of which embody Nissan’s philosophy of “innovation that excites.” 

You know, I really want to be able to embrace EVs (electric vehicles) – I do, but sometimes they can be their own worst enemy.

Hybrids I get – although, not immediately. When Honda introduced the Insight to the United States in late 1999 and Toyota with the first generation Prius world wide a few months later it became apparent that they were not going to vanish as if driven off an incomplete freeway. More and more major manufacturers have embraced the premise and there is now a thriving market for those vehicles that are the ultimate crossover when it comes to power – battery and internal combustion. Heck, some manufacturers have upped the ante and introduced turbo-charged hybrids! 

General Motors (GM), once the single largest manufacturer of cars, trucks and many other means of transportation threw their slightly tattered hat into the EV ring with the introduction of the MY11 Chevrolet Volt. Introduced initially in the United States in mid-December 2010, the Volt was one technological solution devised by GM to meet stringent fuel efficiency and emissions rules. And, it was marketed as an everyday city runabout. A bold marketing move.

Let’s take a quick look at the specs; the Volt has a battery-only range of 40 – 80 kilometres with another 500 kilometres available from the battery-charging gas motor on board. The vehicle looks pretty good and, for the most part, performs as advertised.

And here is where one of the inherent issues with EVs lies. Its price. In Canada, the suggested MSRP is around $41,545 – plus, plus. If you purchase one in Ontario, the provincial government presently (I could not say currently!) provides a subsidy of $8,320. In addition, GM tells us that a Volt should run at about 1 – 2 cents per kilometre versus 6 – 8 cents for ‘normal’ gasoline powered vehicles – assuming gas is running at up to $1.30 per litre.

Like I said, price seems like a deterrent. Consider the Chevrolet Cruze by comparison. Starting with a suggested MSRP of $14,995, the Cruze can go as high as $26,445 – and up. And as an everyday commuter-type car, it delivers a claimed efficiency of 7.2 city, 4.6 highway L/100km.

The second strike? There is little to no infrastructure to support re-charging the Volt’s 400 pound, 288-cell lithium-ion battery. Again, we keep hearing this is changing – slowly. In fact, a Tim Hortons franchise in Oakville recently installed one charging station. Kudos. But how does that effect me in the drive-thru lane?

GM also went out on a limb when they made sales predictions for the Volt; 40,000 units to be sold in North America in 2012. A heady number to be sure. But again, this is GM and volume is practically their middle name.

The reality? GM sold 23,461 units. The winner of the steak knives? Toyota with the Prius plug-in at 12,750 units.

Don’t misunderstand. The Volt is a good car. I have driven one on a short test and plans are in the works for a longer test over a one week period. However, as can only be expected, the price tag and lack of feasible infrastructure don’t make things easy. Of course, you can add a charging station in your garage at home. At additional cost.

While electricity is still the least expensive viable fuel option today; taking full advantage comes at a price.

And now, almost rubbing salt in everyone’s wounds comes the announcement made in January at the Detroit auto show of the sexy, sleek-looking Cadillac ELR which GM advises will be available in limited dealerships starting in late 2014.

Could this be the Chevy Volt 2.0 with a premium badge on the hood?

Let’s hope that’s not the case. You have to admire GM’s tenacity. Introducing a new luxury vehicle when generally, austerity still abounds. At the end of the day, it’s a Volt internally but an extra 61 horsepower has been wrung out of the borrowed drivetrain/power plant. And that’s also not a bad thing.

But here’s what I, personally do not understand. This is a Cadillac. It’s a coupe. And it’s an EV.

If sales faltered for the Volt, how can a luxury brand hope to succeed? And, let’s be honest, coupes are NOT volume sellers in any market. And then this good-looking car is “hobbled” as an EV? 

With the recent success of the Cadillac ATS, this ELR introduction seems almost awkward and hesitant. Cadillac successfully misdirected the general public and the ATS deservedly continues to receive awards and accolades.

The ELR, because it’s a coupe will likely have less cabin space than the Volt – and is only accessible by two-doors. OK, so GM has money invested in this model, going as far back as 2009 when the Cadillac Converj was presented in Detroit as a concept car.

But still, that does not make the decision to produce a niche car, for a limited demographic at a likely high price (estimates put that at around, conservatively, the $70,000 mark – and up). And here’s another kicker; the Ontario government’s subsidy will be the exact same as the Volt.

Thing is, there is no reason that EVs should not be represented by luxury brands – look at Tesla and Fisker.

However, for Cadillac, might a more practical vehicle be more marketable – like a CUV-type vehicle on a SRX platform?

Would that not make more sense?

GM and Cadillac specifically need the general public to get behind this vehicle. It is NOT a concept. It is a production vehicle slated to hit winter 2014. The Cadillac ELR was introduced with enormous fanfare in Detroit. Auto journalists practically clambered over one another to see it. The ELR made no appearance in Montreal later that week. It was presented on media day in Toronto for the 40th anniversary of the Canadian International AutoShow – and was then quietly shipped out later that very same day to Chicago. 

If the public does not see the car, how will they know they want or even need one?

I admit it; I admire anyone who boldly goes where no man, etc. – however, I hope that the powers that be who “sold” the ELR to Cadillac left themselves a trail of breadcrumbs to find their way home. Unless there is a major change, the Cadillac ELR may soon claim fairy tale status.

And that would, indeed, be a bad day for the automotive industry generally.

How do you make Canada's favourite cup of coffee even better? Add a chance to win one of 40 all-new, Canadian-made RAV4s.

For this year’s RRRoll Up The Rim To Win® Contest – which starts today – Toyota Canada and Tim Hortons are teaming up for their eighth year of Canada's favourite coffee contest.

“The 2013 Toyota RAV4 is built right here in Canada, and it’s designed to get Canadians to the fun activities they love – whether it’s to the hockey rink, on a camping trip, or anywhere else their leisure time takes them,” said Stephen Beatty, Managing Director of Toyota Canada Inc. “That makes the RAV4 a perfect fit for this contest, because there’s also nothing more Canadian than stopping at a Tim's along the way.”

The new 2013 Toyota RAV4, with its bold and athletic design, is the fourth generation of the world’s original compact sport utility vehicle. Canadian drivers will be able to enjoy more time at play thanks to the RAV4’s winning combination of a fun-to-drive spirit, versatility and efficiency.

With a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, new six-speed transmission, available dynamic torque control, two-row seating for five, and a host of available in-cabin technologies, the RAV4 offers a nuanced balance of performance and all-around capability, including class-leading cargo capacity with rear seats folded down, class-leading eight standard airbags, a premium interior and a compelling array of standard features.

The RAV4 for this contest will be the AWD LTD model. The vehicle will be featured on RRRoll Up The Rim To Win® cups, in television and radio advertising, on outdoor advertising such as billboards and transit shelters, and on in-store displays at participating Tim Hortons locations across Canada. 

There are many things that influence our decisions on what vehicle we ought to buy. Perhaps it’s the vibrant colours and perfect lighting on automobile brochures. Maybe the slow motion special effects found in website videos that best display a new vehicle design feature.  Looking beyond marketing fluff, many consumers are drawn to the reviews by experienced automotive journalists.

Automotive Journalists are initially attractive options as they share their “expert opinions” and details about a particular vehicle in their reviews that a consumer might not know. Their reviews might help consumers determine whether that vehicle is best suited for them and their lifestyle.  Other times you might come across reviews in which the opinions and views expressed about the vehicles are based mainly on key performance numbers and how it runs on a high speed track.  An exhilarating description of pushing the car to its limits can potentially be what reviewers and journalists determine to be a great car. Unfortunately, what’s often overlooked are the basics of a great car – manufactured quality, economy and cost of living, as well as the handling and comfort of daily driving. This begs the question, what really makes a great car? 

This question can be answered in a variety of ways, but in my opinion, the first thing that should be looked at is the manufacturing quality. It’s the first thing you see and it’s the first thing that catches your eye. If you discover a flaw, it’s like an itch that won’t go away. Quality and precision are integral to getting great consumer ratings – it’s what drives people to invest in vehicles again and again. Sadly, consumers aren’t focused on these key facts, because they’re bombarded with vehicle numbers, such as how the engine is built and how fast it can go. Vehicle numbers are flashy and exciting, but manufacturers can always construct a quick car with minimal quality placed in the actual mechanics of the vehicle. Paying more money for faster, sexier looking cars at the further cost of expensive parts and maintenance are not qualities of a great car. Speed means nothing when the vehicle breaks down on a constant basis and end up costing you more in the long run.

Quality of parts and the effort put into the manufacturing of the vehicle must be the paramount focus on what makes a great car. In turn, you will receive improved reliability that will add real value if you end up selling it down the road and that’s what truly determines a great car. Many consumers pay more for automotive parts, because they’re more durable and last longer.  It’s essential to do some research and find out about parts quality and what are the best parts for your vehicle. With a little research, you can instantly possess the knowledge and insight to spot flaws in certain vehicles and be more comfortable with your decision while negotiating at the dealership. 

Another major factor that reviews and commercials often look past are the costs to sustain these powerful motors throughout the year. Consumers receive no future insight into the operating costs to maintain the vehicle and minimal information on gas prices. These operating costs end up being the real cost of a vehicle and not just the final selling price. Fuel economy and the cost of fuel per month must be researched beforehand. A great website to visit is http://torontogasprices.com/TripCalculator.aspx to calculate the cost of fuel per trip and gas mileage of your vehicle at the current gas prices across Canada and the United States. 

I should point out that there are various reasons to buying a car. The focus of this article is not towards those individuals who are looking for a sporty third car that they can play with, but towards consumers who are looking for a vehicle that’s safe, attractive, affordable to purchase, economical to operate and can last them many winters – a worthwhile purchase in the end. It’s not easy to find a vehicle with all of those attributes, but the place to start is by looking at the longevity of a vehicle. Checking reviews from previous years are vital to see whether certain parts have held up or were required to be replaced. 

Handling and comfort is also vital when test driving your potential new vehicle. A skillful test driver on a high speed track will say it handles with some understeer or oversteer through the corners going 190 km/h. Those comments pay little attention to the actual comfort and atmosphere of the cabin on your everyday commute. What you need to look for are the parts of the review off the track in an everyday life setting. The exhilarating thrill of pushing a car to its limits does not make it a great car. The handling must be smooth and not performance-based. The cabin must be comforting and soothing, not made for the rough, agile lifestyles of race car drivers who must win at all costs. The goal is to overlook the smiles and thrilling screams of the commercials and track reviews and pay close attention when test driving a vehicle. You should feel comfortable sitting upright or slouching as you would after a long day. The handling shouldn’t differ on a rainy or snowy day. Test drive the car over bumpy and gravel filled roads and see if the vehicle loses control easily or if the suspension and quick response of the handling overcomes these obstacles. A vehicle might have great handling on a flat racetrack, but when taken to the practical streets of a city – does the verdict of the vehicle differ?

Now that you’ve learned what to look for in purchasing a vehicle, you still have to deal with the automotive dealership experience that can be an intimidating and time consuming process. Here are a few tips to alleviate some stress and allow you to be a more informed consumer. First and foremost ask the salesperson what the material of the body, chassis, and brake rotors are made out of, meanwhile already knowing what is best. If the answer you hear is opposite to the research you have done, you know there’s a red flag somewhere. 

Secondly, when taking the car for a test drive, look past the numbers of power and speed, but instead listen for engine noises, suspension and body sounds. Touch every button within the cabin and feel if it’s a cheap plastic or easily breakable by the way it has been installed. The lack of quality put into these parts may be done on purpose in order for you to buy replacement parts later. Are there gaps in between the plastic and sheet metal body of the vehicle, or has it been precisely put together with no trace of a faulty fitting part? These are the basics of quality manufacturing which shouldn’t be overlooked. These basics should be at the forefront of any vehicle purchase discussion ahead of ego-driven numbers of horsepower and torque.

The true essence of a great car should be based on the quality of how it feels on your local road and in your hands. Furthermore, it should be based on the cost of maintaining the vehicle on a daily basis and not the need to get the best lap time in tight fitting racing seats, impractical for an average lifestyle. In order to find the car for you read current and past reviews, and watch videos with a cautious eye. Once you’ve done your homework, head to the dealership for a test drive. Take away all the excitement and fluff, break down what parts are in the vehicle with all your newly added information and that will provide you with all you need to land a great car.