New Nissan models featured at CRC Speedshow

Friday 8 July 2011

The world’s first mass-produced ‘full size’ electric car and a stylish SUV-come-sports car are among the exciting line-up from Nissan at this year’s CRC Speedshow.

When the annual automotive and motorsport extravaganza opens at Auckland’s ASB Showgrounds on 23 July, the 100% electric Nissan Leaf and the all-new Nissan Juke present two exciting new products on offer from one of the world’s leading vehicle marques.

Part SUV, part sports car, the Nissan Juke provides a funky alternative to the conventional hatchback, says Nissan New Zealand brand manager Paul Sherley. “The Juke was previewed at the Nissan/Datsun festival NIZFEST at Hampton Downs last November, but CRC Speedshow represents the first time we’ve shown this great new model to a wider audience.”

Sherley says, design-wise, the lower portion of Juke is pure SUV: chunky wheels, extended ground clearance and a robust stance. “The Juke’s upper half is unadulterated sports car, with a high waistline, slim side glass and a coupe-style roofline. A powerful 1.6L engine and the latest XTRONIC CVT transmission give Juke performance to match its style.”

According to fellow Nissan brand manager Daniel Birch, the Nissan Leaf will change the way we build, drive and think about cars for years to come. “It’s not the same as any other vehicle in New Zealand. The Leaf is a 100% electric, zero emission full size car – it has no tail pipe. Its super quiet, has huge amounts of torque and more than enough power to get you moving quickly. The Leaf can be charged while you sleep, while you shop and even while you work, and it has numerous smart features such as being able to pre-set the internal temperature before you begin your journey.”

Sherley adds: “Both the Juke and Leaf will be on sale early next year so these are early displays of exciting new products that really showcase the Nissan product strengths of performance, design, and innovation.”

CRC Speedshow promoter Keith Sharp says: “The team from Nissan has also told me they’ll have their latest Nissan GT-R at Speedshow. There’s no doubt that these 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged supercars catch the attention of any car fan and we look forward to seeing the great Nissan line-up – highlighting numerous technologies and developments – at CRC Speedshow this year.”

Nissan is one of several new car marques at CRC Speedshow in 2011 which also features new motorcycles, classic cars and bikes, and numerous motorsport-related events, race series, vehicles and equipment. The Ezybuy Car Auctions live action arena, other interactive games, competitions and displays, food and refreshments, and children’s activities make the show a fantastic day-long attraction for the whole family.