Nissan's 3-pronged MPG Attack Plan

[AZhitman]

According to our sources at Nissan, three underlying goals will drive development of the upcoming new Nissan models for the next 3-5 years:

* Improved aerodynamics
* Weight reduction
* Friction reduction

The new Altima is the first model to implement all three goals, and it paid off: It gets 20% better fuel economy than the outgoing model (despite being a larger, more luxurious car).

That's a win for anyone shopping the midsize sedan segment. There's really no competition at that price point for a smart shopper - the Altima wins, hands-down.

Next on the agenda are the new Sentra, Pathfinder, Versa, Rogue and Z.

I'll be bringing you guys an in-house look at the new Sentra (attending the unveiling this coming weekend). The Z is slated to get smaller (think BRZ-size) and lighter, with similar-to-current horsepower.

This, coupled with Nissan's rapid return to motorsports, all bodes well for a lineup that's fast, efficient, and fun to drive. Stay tuned!

[Jesda]

I want a Mazda CX5. Weighs very little for a CUV, has more room than the CX7 it replaces, and gets 40+ mpg.

Looking forward to Nissan's implementation on the Juke, Rogue, and Murano.

[Mr1der]

Not looking forward to a Z with a cut.

[300ZXttZMAN]

+1 ^ Z should stay the same and bring the tried and true S chassis back to compete with the BRZ.

[RicerX]

The original Z was a tiny car. If Nissan approaches it correctly, it can be done well. I'm just not sure how I feel about it not being a six cylinder, but look what Nissan has done with its V8, V10, and V12 competition with the V6TT of the GT-R. They may just break all the rules and conventions. If they're going to do that with any car at all, it needs to be done with the Z. To me, the Z is the symbol of Nissan. They can't diet down too much with it.

The Rogue needs to be properly slammed against the Mazda CX-5. That car is very well done. Was looking at those when I bought my Speed3.