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Nissan 370Z Nismo freshening coming tomorrow

Nissan is set to bring a special to the Fairlady faithful at the annual ZDAYZ fest. Based on the sole teaser and the event it's being unveiled at, it's pretty clear that Nissan is going to be issuing some kind of update to the Nismo version of its 370Z.
What that update is, though, is unclear. We can see a few small visual tweaks, like the horizontal LED running lights and their associated vertical vent. The grille looks reformed as well. Beyond that, though, it looks like we're stuck waiting for the full details until tomorrow afternoon. Until then, take a look below for the world's shortest press release.

Infiniti replaces Americas chief

The Nissan-Renault alliance has been something of a revolving door for high-level executives of late, and the latest shakeup comes at its luxury unit, Infiniti, where Michael Bartsch (shown above) has been replaced as vice president of its Americas division by Randy Parker. Bartsch had a short tenure – he only took the helm in September 2013. In a press release, Infiniti said he was leaving to "pursue other interests." Bartsch, a veteran of more than 30 years in the auto industry, came to Infiniti from Porsche. Parker comes from within the Nissan empire, formerly heading up the company's sprawling west region, including its marketing, distribution and dealer network. Before that, he served stints at GMAC and General Motors. Bartsch isn't alone in leaving Renault-Nissan recently. Ex-Renault COO Carlos Tavares took the top spot at Peugeot, Infiniti boss Johan de Nysschen left for Cadillac and Nissan executive vice president Andy Palmer took over at Aston Martin. Scroll down for the full press release from Infiniti. Feb. 17, 2015 Infiniti Motor Company announces leadership change at Infiniti Americas NASHVILLE - Infiniti Motor Company, Ltd. today announced a leadership change at Infiniti Americas aimed at growing the brand's presence in the U.S. Randy Parker is appointed Vice President, Infiniti Americas, effective immediately. He succeeds Michael Bartsch who will leave the company to pursue other interests. Most recently, Parker, 48, was Vice President, Nissan West Region, Nissan North America, Inc. "Randy has been a key contributor to the growth of Nissan in the United States," said Jose Munoz, chairman, Management Committee, Nissan North America and executive vice president, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. "He has overseen strong growth for the Nissan brand in our western region, and we look forward to the skills that he will bring to Infiniti." "It is our pleasure to welcome Randy Parker to Infiniti," said Roland Krueger, president of Infiniti Motor Co., Ltd. "Randy will be responsible for accelerating Infiniti's progress in our largest worldwide market and driving our brand transformation as we execute an expanded product portfolio of premium luxury products." Most recently, Parker was responsible for regional marketing, distribution, dealer network development and financial controls for Nissan's largest U.S. regional operation.

NHTSA opens investigation into 130k Nissan Versas for breaking springs

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a preliminary evaluation into a suspension problem that could affect an estimated 130,000 Nissan Versas from 2008-2010. According to the government agency's documentation (here as a PDF), there have been 93 complaints of the front coil springs fracturing while driving in these vehicles. Based on reports so far, it appears to NHTSA that this problem can happen at any speed and without warning. When the spring breaks, the pieces can also puncture a tire or brake line. A preliminary evaluation sets out to investigate "the scope, frequency and safety-related consequence" of the potential problem. According to a portion of a statement from the automaker to Autoblog, "Nissan is cooperating fully to answer the agency's questions regarding this issue in a timely manner." INVESTIGATION Subject : Front Coil Spring Fracture Date Investigation Opened: MAY 13, 2015 Date Investigation Closed: Open NHTSA Action Number: PE15019 Component(s): SUSPENSION All Products Associated with this Investigation Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s) NISSAN VERSA 2008-2010 Details Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc. SUMMARY: The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 93 complaints (VOQs) alleging incidents of front suspension coil spring fracture in model year (MY) 2008 through 2010 Nissan Versa passenger cars. Preliminary analysis of the complaints indicates that the coil spring failures occur without warning and can happen at any speed. One complaint (VOQ #10663102) reported the passenger-side coil spring fractured while traveling at 65 mph and caused a sudden tire failure by cutting the inner sidewall 360 degrees. Another complaint ( VOQ #10680740) reported the passenger-side coil spring fractured while traveling 40 mph and result in tire puncture and brake line failure. ODI has also received EWR field report information relating to coil spring failures in the subject vehicles. A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and safety-related consequence of the alleged defect.