2006 Nissan Titan Se 4x4, Procomp Lift, Magnaflow Exhaust *52k Miles* on 2040-cars

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Nissan tests 'self-cleaning' paint on Leaf models in Europe

Once upon a time, self-cleaning ovens were all the rage. Now, Nissan thinks the concept may apply to its vehicles. And the Japanese vehicle maker is testing it out on some of its Leaf battery-electric vehicles Europe, no less. Nissan says its trying out what's called a "superhydrophobic and oleophobic" paint on Leaf battery-electric vehicles for testing and demonstration purposes. The paint, produced by UltraTech International Inc., is designed to repel splats of liquid such as oil or standing water away from the car's surface. The paint, called Ultra-Ever Dry, does this by creating what Nissan says is a layer of air around the vehicle surface. We imagine there's a detailed chemical explanation for this phenomenon that would better explain this process, but that's the best way we can explain it. Right now, Nissan is pitching the product testing as a way to further the Leaf's reputation as what the automaker calls "the world's cleanest car." That said, the paint hasn't been tested in North America, and no plans have been made to add the feature as either a standard or optional goodie for the battery-electric vehicle. Still, go ahead and check out Nissan's press release on the magic paint below. Nissan Creates "World's Cleanest Car" – a Zero Emissions Nissan LEAF with Self-Cleaning Nano-Paint Technology For LEAF owners who never qualify for gas stations' "Free Car Wash with Purchase" offers, this technical study might be the perfect solution July 09, 2014 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--What do you get when you combine the world's best-selling zero emission vehicle with innovative paint technology that repels mud, rain and everyday dirt? Answer: A very special Nissan LEAF electric vehicle that might just be the "world's cleanest car." "No matter what the road throws at this LEAF, its Ultra-Ever Dry® exterior coating will throw right back" Created to demonstrate its potential use in future production vehicles, this Nissan LEAF's exterior was treated with a specially engineered superhydrophobic and oleophobic paint that is designed to repel water and oils. The "self-cleaning" paint, called Ultra-Ever Dry®, creates a protective layer of air between the paint and environment, effectively stopping standing water and road spray from creating dirty marks on the LEAF's surface. Nissan is one of the first carmakers to apply this technology to a vehicle.

Infiniti puts EV plans on hold again

Think of it as the green-automotive industry's version of Groundhog Day. Nissan's Infiniti division is putting plans for its first mass-production electric vehicle on hold. Again. The Infiniti LE, whose concept version was unveiled 2012's New York Auto Show, is again being put up on the proverbial blocks, USA Today says, citing a presentation by Infiniti executive Michael Bartsch at a recent company event in Detroit. Essentially, the Nissan division has bigger fish to fry, in the form of boosting overall Infiniti sales, and doesn't yet want to put the effort into introducing the Infiniti LE. The Infiniti EV plans were first postponed by then-Infiniti President Johan de Nysschen during the summer of 2013, as de Nysschen wasn't quite buying into Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn's ambitious electric vehicle sales projections. De Nysschen resigned last summer to join General Motors' Cadillac division. One issue may be the fact that the Infiniti wouldn't be all that different from the Nissan Leaf. Despite the fact that US sales of that EV surged 34 percent last year compared to 2013, to 30,200 vehicles, an Infiniti version was apparently not enough of a selling point within the company. While the Infiniti is sportier looking than the Leaf and would boast inductive, wireless charging, it would have a similar power output and single-charge range as the Leaf.

This tiny 1.5L engine from Nissan makes 400 horsepower

Back in 2012, Ford packed its tiny 1.0-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder in a carry-on suitcase, destined for use in the Fiesta here in the US. In June, Nissan will pack its tiny new three-cylinder engine in a 24 Hours of Le Mans racecar. Nissan's don't-call-me-DeltaWing ZEOD RC racecar will still be able to tackle a single lap under full electric power, but the rest of the time it will be powered by the new 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine.
Holding the lightweight engine (at right) is Nismo president Shoichi Miyatani, and he's likely smiling because that 40-kilogram (88-pound) engine packs quite a punch with 400 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Nissan would like to take a moment to point out this engine's power-to-weight is better than the engines currently used in Formula One racecars. Scroll down for more information on this new race engine, which we'll see in action at Le Mans in June.