With improved fuel economy on its agenda, Nissan has stripped some 302 pounds from its 2012 Versa, updated its continuously variable transmission, put in a smaller engine and added some aerodynamics.
The result? The 2014 Versa Note hatchback with
continuously variable transmission is rated at 35 miles per gallon
combined city/highway fuel economy, 31 miles per gallon city and 40
miles per gallon highway.
Nissan senior manager of product planning John Curl says
in addition to an overall weight loss, this latest Versa is powered by a
small four-cylinder engine (1.6-liter versus a 1.8-liter in its 2012
counterpart) with dual fuel injection.
“Dual port-injected fuel injection is very unusual,” Curl says. “It creates smaller droplets of gas for a more efficient burn.”
And because the smaller, lighter engine is more
efficient, Nissan could downsize the fuel tank on the Note, saving space
and, presumably, weight.
Curl says the improved continuously variable
transmission, which has been available on the Versa sedan beginning with
the 2012 model year, is smaller and lighter than the former CVT in the
Versa. It features a wider gear ratio, smaller pulleys and a design
change that has reduced pulley friction by 30 percent.
The U.S. was among the first markets to get the dual
fuel-injected engines, he says. The Note has been available in other
regions including Japan prior to its U.S. debut about a month ago.
Baffles ahead of the fuel tank, air deflectors at the
front tires and taillights with air vents have improved the car’s
aerodynamics. An active grille shutter to increase airflow over and
under the car is available for the 2014 Versa Note.
As for the weight loss, Curl suggests that lighter cars
can be more maneuverable and fun to drive. Especially past filling
stations.
For more information visit http://PPMSuperSale.com
No comments:
Post a Comment