Nissan May Delay the Introduction of the Diesel-Powered Maxima

In 2008 Nissan confirmed that the Maxima would receive a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel, that was developed by Renault for the US market. The original plans saw the introduction of the diesel-powered Maxima being released later this year. But now it looks like those plans have either been delayed or scrapped altogether.

A Nissan spokesman told AutoObserver there is "no official word yet," regarding Nissan's maintaining the U.S. launch for diesel-powered 2010 Maxima. The spokesman would also not deny that it was being in fact delayed or that if it was actually being canceled.

"We're reviewing our mid-term product plans right now [some to be delayed, some potentially canceled], but nothing in concrete as yet," the spokesman added, saying the company's U.S. arm "should have some clarity in the coming weeks."

Other automakers have also recently announced plans to delay or cancel their own diesel programs in the US. Acura has delayed, possibly indefinitely the diesel-powered TSX. GM also announced plans to discontinue development on a new V8 diesel that was to be used in light trucks and SUVs.

Related posts:

• Bummer
• LA Auto Show: 2009 Nissan Murano Officially Unveiled
• (JDM, with U.S. tease). originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Nov ...
• Nissan, Chrysler team up for compact car and pickup
• Swimming With Sharks: Driving a GT-R on the LA Freeway

Related posts:

• VIDEO: We wonder if this voids the warranty
• AutoblogGreen for 12.17.08
• Commenter Of The Day: Man In The Box Edition [Commenter Of The Day]
• Commenter Of The Day: Władysław Podkowiński Edition [Commenter Of The Day]
• AutoblogGreen for 12.30.08

Read More!

Is Algae BioFuel Ready to Hit the US Market?

There are many alternative fuels and fuel sources that are all vying to become the next gas giant. Some people champion turning corn or sugar cane or other cellulostic crops into ethanol. Some diesel owners are happy to scrape used vegetable oil to run as fuel in their car. Some government officials and industry leaders would still like to see coal and oil sand converted into gasoline as a means of supplanting foreign oil dependency. However, with each of the above alternatives there are significant hurdles.

In most cellulostic ethanol production a strain is placed on the food crops that are being used that have resulted in higher prices for products like corn. Free, used vegetable oil used in older diesels is a great free alternative fuel if you do not have to drive very far or fast. Vegetable oil does not produce the same horsepower/torque as fossil fuel diesel and can turn an 80-hp Mercedes into a real slow dog. And those who tout the vast supply of coal and oil sand of North America as the next great fuel supply forget that part of the reason we are pushing alternative fuels is to reduce our CO2 output. Unless all car manufacturers can convert their products to PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicles) coal-to-fuel and oil sand does not improve our situation.

As a result and after much reading and consideration we see Algae BioFuel, in a closed water system, may be the best alternative we have going right now. Currently there are two means of Algae production that are heading into mass production in the coming months. (more…)

Related posts:

• AutoblogGreen for 12.09.08
• Kicherer Racer: A Mercedes CLK63 AMG Black Series with 573-hp
• Mercedes-Benz to buy Chrysler Pacifica Advance Design Center
• Mercedes Gullwing
• The new E-class design will mimic the S-class’ wheel-arch extensions, rising ...

Related posts:

• Tag Heuer SLR Laptimer Chronograph
• Ozzie & Harriet
• Commenter Of The Day: Cooter Edition [Commenter Of The Day]
• Alfa Romeo Will Return to the U.S. in 2008 with the 8C Competizione!
• And while this 740HP pickup definitely isn’t slow, it sure as hell ...

Read More!

Chrysler Exec Points Out the 5 Road Blocks for Alternative Fuels

Chrysler’s Senior Manager of Energy Planning and Policy, Loren Beard, describes the five anti-alternative forces that are seeking to stymie the fuel alternatives. For years people have blamed the auto industry for being part of the problem by being in cahoots with the oil barron’s. Beard’s remarks bring all the obstacles together to point out that, as would be expected, everyone seems to be looking out for their own interests.

Follow the leap to learn what the 5 obstacles to alternative fuel solutions are.

Related posts:

• $1,000 to Woo Sedan Owners to Chrysler Sebring
• Tata and Chrysler's GEM plan electric delivery vehicle
• Nissan, Chrysler team up for compact car and pickup
• Should the auto union die?
• Chickens Now Roosting in Auburn Hills, MI

Related posts:

• What’s safer: a 1966 Cadillac or a 2009 Civic?
• Weekend dreamin’: Long-gone deals on Jensens, Lancias, Packards and Willyseses
• Yet Pontiac is the company with the slogan of “game changing performance.” ...
• As the President has previously said, all stakeholders must come together ...
• Wake Up, Folks, We’re Going to Have an Auto Industry

Read More!