Nissan-ZEOD

Nissan-ZEOD

The Nissan ZEOD RC is a hybrid electric racing car which will compete in the 2014 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
The ZEOD RC is designed by Ben Bowlby, who previously created the 2012 Garage 56 entry DeltaWing which had also been backed by Nissan. The ZEOD RC will utilize a hybrid electric drivetrain with lithium ion battery packs in a chassis similar in design to the DeltaWing. The ACO announced during 2013 that Nissan Motor Company had been granted the Garage 56 entry for 2014. Nissan unveiled the car, known as the ZEOD RC, during the 2013 24 Hours of Le Mans weekend.

With its triangular shape and fuel-efficient powertrain, the Nissan ZEOD RC shows that racers can save the environment and capture the imagination.
Nissan first showed the ZEOD at the 2013 24 Hours of Le Mans back in June, or rather it said the car existed. Four months later, Nissan has revealed the complete car.
ZEOD stands for Zero Emissions On Demand, and Nissan hopes to campaign it at next year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans. While Nissan refers to it as an electric car, the version that will actually hit the track next year will have a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine – based on the powerplant used in the Juke NISMO and Nissan-powered DeltaWing racer – supplemented by two electric motors.

We’ll see how this unusual racer stacks up against conventional designs at the 2014 24 Hours of Le Mans. The ZEOD will be the year’s Garage 56 entry, occupying a special spot on the grid reserved for experimental vehicles. Because of their experimental nature, Garage 56 entries are considered unofficial, and don’t compete for the podium.
The first Garage 56 entry was the DeltaWing: a Nissan-sponsored car that the ZEOD borrows heavily from. The DeltaWing reportedly performed well at the 2012 Le Mans race, but it was knocked out of contention after a Toyota TS030 Hybrid collided with it.
If the ZEOD doesn’t meet the same fate, Nissan hopes to apply its tech to a top LMP1-class car, and try for an overall victory.

 The updated Nissan ZEOD RC benefits from a more streamlined shape with optimized cooling and improved aerodynamics. Although billed as an electric vehicle and not a hybrid, the ZEOD RC pairs a 1.6-liter turbo four with a pair of electric motors. Its regenerative braking system is derived from the Leaf RC, and after 11 laps, it's said to be capable of taking another around the Circuit de la Sarthe under electric power alone, making it the first racecar capable of doing so. Nissan has further stated that it hopes the lessons it garners from this project will help in its development of a new LMP1 to challenge for overall victory at Le Mans in the near future.

 Nissan unveiled the groundbreaking, innovative ZEOD RC - the world's fastest electric racing car that will reach speeds of more than 300km/h with electric technology at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

The ZEOD RC (Zero Emission On Demand Racing Car) will make its race debut at next year's Le Mans 24 Hour. The global leader in electric vehicles for the road, Nissan will trial variants of new electric drive train technologies as part of its intended future return to LM P1 competition to challenge for overall victory at the world's most prestigious endurance race.

Nissan's invitation from the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) to compete in the 2014 Le Mans 24 Hours was announced by Nissan Chairman and CEO, Carlos Ghosn in Japan in February. The car will compete under the ACO's 'Garage 56' entry - an additional spot on the grid for vehicles that showcase new and innovative technology.

Infiniti-FX

Infiniti-FX

The nameplates FX35 and FX45 refer to the two available engines. The FX35 is available in two drivetrains, the RWD and the AWD, which are both fitted to a dual overhead cam 3.5-liter 24-valve V6 VQ35DE gasoline engine, with aluminum-alloy block and heads, electronically controlled throttle system, and low-friction molybdenum-coated pistons that makes use of the continuous variable valve timing which in part optimizes the opening of intake valves. This is also coupled with an electronically controlled super-wide ratio five-speed automatic with a manumatic shift mode that includes the option of sequentially selected manual gearshifts and downshift rev matching.
The FX45 incorporates a 4.5-liter (4,494 cc) 32-valve V8 DOHC VK45DE gasoline engine with four valves per cylinder, microfinished camshafts with aluminum-alloy block and heads, low-friction molybdenum-coated pistons, titanium intake and exhaust valves, modular cylinder heads, microfinished crankshaft, lightweight pistons, super-silent single stage cam drive chain, and a Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System that optimizes opening of intake valves. Development began in 1999 under newly appointed CEO Carlos Ghosn's NRP. Design work was completed in rapid succession in early 2001, for late 2002 production. Designed in 2000 under the "Bionic Cheetah" theme, the 2001 Infiniti FX45 Concept was introduced at the NAIAS in January 2001 to publicly "test the waters" of a sports-crossover. From mid-2001, a new concept based on the production design was developed and completed in late 2001. Sketches were first released in late November 2001. The second-generation 2002 FX45 Concept was introduced in January 2002 at the NAIAS '02 as a thinly-veiled production FX(S50) and planned production was announced for early 2003. In January 2003, the 2003 FX45 made its debut at the 2003 NAIAS and went on sale January 24, 2003.

 The Infiniti QX70 (called the Infiniti FX from 2003 through 2013) is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV produced by the Nissan-owned Infiniti luxury vehicle brand since the 2003 model year. The FX replaced the QX4 as Infiniti's mid-size luxury-type SUV, although the QX4 was smaller than the FX. It was released at the same time as its competitors, the Porsche Cayenne and Volvo XC90. It shares the same FM platform as the rear-wheel drive Nissan 370Z, and it "made no claims of climbing mountains...Rather, its aggressive shape promised style and quick handling, whereas the similarly sized Nissan Murano is based on the same D platform as the front-wheel drive Nissan Altima. The FX and QX56, whose platform is shared with the Nissan Armada, are not sold in Japan.

 he FX series was updated for 2006 with new options and standard features. The updates included an exterior facelift with new grille, bumper, wheel design and three new exterior colors, and inside a revised center console with new color screen. Many features previously optional were made standard, including the 300-watt Bose audio system, RearView Monitor, 7-inch color display, Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), leather seating surfaces with heated front seats, ten-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support and eight-way power passenger’s seat.
The FX45 featured additional upgrades, including new 20-inch wheels, leather-appointed seats, a revised sport-tuned four-wheel independent suspension with new dampers, a Bluetooth system, and the Premium Package became standard..

FX35:

• 0-60 mph (97 km/h): 7.1 seconds
• 0-100 mph (160 km/h): 17.5
• 1/4 mile: 15.5 seconds at 91.0 mph (146.5 km/h)
• 200 ft (61 m) Skidpad: .79 g
• Top speed: 137 mph (220 km/h) (drag limited)

FX45:

• 0-60 mph (97 km/h): 6.3 seconds
• 0-100 mph (160 km/h): 16.5 seconds
• 1/4 mile: 14.8 seconds at 95.1 mph (153.0 km/h)
• 200 ft (61 m) Skidpad: .82 g
• Top speed: 145 mph (233 km/h) (electronically limited)

The redesigned 2009 Infiniti FX was officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show on March 4, 2008, and went on sale in June 2008. The V6 model is still called the FX35 with the VQ35HR V6, however the V8 model has been renamed FX50 in recognition of its 5-liter engine with the newly developed VK50VE.
The exterior retains some of the first generation's "Bionic Cheetah" look and "giant scarab" profile, while incorporating new styling cues. Some of the most distinct features of the new FX are the longer, sharklike sculpted headlights, a large trapezoidal grille filled with horizontal dark-chrome waves, and completely functional side air vents. The overall size and dimensions of the new model, both external and internal, remain similar to the previous model.
The interior was completely redesigned to bring the FX up to the level of luxury found inside of other Infiniti models like the G37 and EX35. Features include stitched leather seats, stained maple wood or piano black finishes, and matte-finish surfaces.

Model	Years	Type/code	Power, torque@rpm
FX35	2009-	3,498 cc (213.5 cu in) V6 (VQ35HR)	303 hp (226 kW; 307 PS)@6800, 36.2 kg·m (355 N·m; 262 lb·ft)@4800
FX37	2009-	3,696 cc (225.5 cu in) V6 (VQ37VHR)	320 hp (239 kW; 324 PS)@7000, 36.7 kg·m (360 N·m; 265 lb·ft)@5200
FX50	2009-	5,026 cc (306.7 cu in) V8 (VK50VE)	390 hp (291 kW; 395 PS)@6500, 51.0 kg·m (500 N·m; 369 lb·ft)@4400

diesel engines

Model	Years	Type/code	Power, torque@rpm
FX30d	2010-	2,993 cc (182.6 cu in) V6 (V9X)	240 hp (179 kW; 243 PS)@3750, 56.1 kg·m (550 N·m; 406 lb·ft)@1750

Lotus Elise

Lotus Elise

The Lotus Elise is a two seat, rear-wheel drive, mid-engined roadster conceived in early 1994 and released in September 1996 by the English manufacturer Lotus Cars. The car has a hand-finished fibreglass body shell atop its bonded extruded aluminium chassis that provides a rigid platform for the suspension, while keeping weight and production costs to a minimum. The roadster is capable of speeds up to 240 km/h (150 mph).The Elise was named after Elisa, the granddaughter of Romano Artioli who was chairman of Lotus and Bugatti at the time of the car's launch.

111R / Federal Elise

This Series 2 Elise model comes in European 111R version or a version sold in North America, called the Federal Elise. It is powered by the all-aluminium 189 horsepower (141 kW) 1.8L DOHC Toyota ZZ engine with a Yamaha designed twin-cam head offering variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust valvetrain, and a 6 speed manual Lotus gearbox. The Series 2 model is acclaimed as the best version of the Elise to date, with tremendous performance numbers. Many tests show 0–60 miles per hour (97 km/h) in approximately 4.9 seconds, or 4.7 seconds with the Sport Package. The engine management computer is a Lotus programmed unit.

The 2005 Lotus Elise was the first to be sold commercially in the United States, in the summer of 2004. Approval for the Elise, however, required intervention by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) who provided a three-year exemption for the car, as it had failed to meet US bumper and headlight regulations. All Lotus Elise cars manufactured after January 1, 2007 include the new headlights and 2.5 mph (4.0 km/h) bumpers, although they are hidden in the front.
This model has been followed up by the 2006 Model Year Elise 111R and SportRacer models. Lotus made a limited edition (50 in the US) version of the Lotus Elise as well, called the Lotus Sport Elise.
2006 models also differ from the 2005 models in a few aspects. 2006 models sport LED tail lights, drive by wire (an updated ECU), improved fuel consumption, and more comfortable ProBax seats.
For the 2007 model year Lotus there were several further minor changes made. The LOTUS decals on the rear of the vehicle, which was previously flat stickers, was changed to raised lettering. The headlamp units were sealed. Also, in order to comply with US Federally mandated bumper restrictions, the frontal crash structure was slightly changed and rear bumperettes were added next to the licence plate mount. Approximately 100 2007 model year "launch" cars were shipped to the US without these bumper changes. Also in 2007, the Elise S was released and the 111R renamed Elise R.
The Elise S is the new base model with a Toyota sourced 1.8 L engine replacing the previous models K series Rover engine. The 2ZZ-GE engine produces 189 bhp (141 kW; 192 PS) at 6,200 rpm (a considerable increase over the 120 bhp or 89 kW; 122 PS of the Rover engine). The inclusion of airbags, ABS brakes, electric windows, and carpet in addition to the new heavier engine has increased the base weight to 860 kg (1,896 lb) (approximately 85 kg or 187 lb higher than the previous S model).

The Elise's successor, the third generation of Elise, first appeared at the 2010 Paris Motor Show as the "Lotus Elise Concept" in the autumn of that year, and is set to be launched within the next couple of years, heavier and with a considerably more powerful 2.0-litre engine.

2008 models

For 2008, there were several additions to the Lotus line-up. There are three versions of the Elise. Lotus continued to provide a naturally aspirated Elise producing 189 hp (141 kW). The second version is the Elise SC sporting a non-intercooled supercharger producing 218 hp (163 kW). 0-60 mph is reduced from 4.9 for the base Elise or 4.7 seconds for the Elise with Sport package to 4.3 seconds for the Elise SC. The NA Elise styling is similar to the prior model years. The Elise SC, however, is distinguishable from the NA version by a rear spoiler identical to the Type 72-D edition spoiler and new wheels. Weight remained a Lotus-claimed 1,987 lb (901 kg); just 3 pounds (1.4 kg) more than the previous year. Prior to the release of the 2008 Elise SC, the limited production California Edition arrived at dealerships. A total of fifty California Edition Elises were produced; 25 in Saffron Yellow and 25 in Ardent Red. The interiors of the Cali's were produced in a light two-tone leather (Biscuit) and the exterior modifications included a silver front grille (a nod to vintage-Ferrari), body-colored shutter grills on the side inlets and engine cover, enhanced 16-spoke wheels, and a large spoiler that covers the upper-rear deck (72-D style). The Cali's were intended to appeal to "the lifestyle market."In Europe, there are three models available; the Elise S with a 134 bhp (100 kW; 136 PS), 1.8L Toyota 1ZZ-FE engine and 5 speed manual gearbox (0-60 mph in 5.8 s, top speed 127 mph (204 km/h)); the Elise R with a 189 bhp (141 kW; 192 PS), 1.8 L Toyota 2ZZ-GE engine and 6-speed manual gearbox (0-60 mph in 4.9s, top speed 148 mph (238 km/h)); and the Elise SC with a 218 bhp (163 kW; 221 PS), supercharged, 1.8L Toyota 2ZZ-GE, 6 speed manual gearbox and a spoiler (0-60 mph in 4.3s, top speed 150 mph (240 km/h)).Several new colour options for 2008 were brought to the marketplace. These include new metallic colours (additional $590) Persian Blue and Liquid Blue; new Lifestyle colour (additional $1200) Isotope Green; new Limited Colour Level (additional $3,300) Candy Red, Ice White, and Burnt Orange; and the new Exclusive Colour Level (additional $5,100) Prism Green and Moonstone Silver. The following colours were discontinued for 2008: Nightfall Blue, Aubergine Purple, Magnetic Blue, Polar Blue, Autumn Gold, Chili Red, and Krypton Green. 

2011 models

Since April 2010, a facelifted version of the second generation Elise has been available. The new headlights are now single units; triangular in shape they are somewhat larger than the earlier lights. The cheapest version in Europe now has a 1.6 litre engine, with the same power output as the earlier 1.8 (136 PS or 100 kW; 134 hp).

• Special editions

• Sport 190
• Sport 135R
• Lotus Sport 111 (Track biased option for Australia, Hong Kong, Japan & Singapore)
• Type 23
• 50th Anniversary Edition
• 60th Anniversary Edition
• Jim Clark Type 25
• Type 25
• Type 49
• Type 72
• Type 79
• Type 99T
• Sports Racer
• Club Racer
•  California Edition
• Final Edition
• Purist Edition

Exige

The Series 2 Exige, comes with the same high revving Toyota 1.8L engine and six speed gearbox as the Elise 111R, replacing the Rover K-series engine of the previous Exige.
The Series 2 Exige has been followed up by the limited-edition Lotus Sport Exige 240R, incorporating a Lotus-developed supercharger atop the Lotus engine. The US Federalized version with the supercharger fitted is known as the Exige S 240.

Zytek Lotus Elise

The Zytek Lotus Elise is an electric sports car jointly produced by Lotus and Zytek, from 1998 and discontinued in 2003.

Its 70 kilograms (150 lb) extruded aluminium space frame and lightweight composite body shell are factors in its low curb weight of 875 kilograms (1,929 lb). 250 nickel-cadmium batteries provide 300 volts (at full charge) to two Zytek oil-cooled brushless DC motors, which deliver a total power of 150 kW (200 hp) and torque of 100 N·m (74 lb·ft). These motors are each mated to a single-speed, fixed ratio transmission with an aluminium gear. Its acceleration time from 30 to 70 miles per hour (48 to 110 km/h) is 5 seconds, and from 0 to 90 miles per hour (140 km/h), 11.2 seconds. The car is governor-limited to 90 miles per hour (140 km/h) to conserve charge. The range per charge is typically 100 to 120 miles (160 to 190 km) and the car can be re-charged within an hour.
There is an example of the Zytek Elise on display at the Heritage Motor Centre.