Passport Nissan

Children's National Medical Center, locally referred to as Children's Hospital, is the only exclusive provider of pediatric care in the Washington, Metropolitan area.

Many children in the hospital require fresh blood or special rare types of red blood cells. Red blood cells, platelets, and plasma are in constant demand for victims of accidents, cancer treatments, blood diseases, and many types of surgery.


Please take a few minutes from your busy schedule and donate lifesaving blood for the patients at Children's National.

• Location: Passport BMW
  
• 4730 Auth Place, Marlow Heights, MD 20746
  
• Date:  Thursday, December 23rd, 2010
  
• Time:  10 am - 3pm

To schedule an appointment, contact: Andrea Wolschleger at awolschl@cnmc.org or call (202) 476-3306

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See the all-new Juke, Nissan's Turbocharged Sport Cross. This Nissan Insider video walkaround covers Juke's unique blend of SUV and sports car characteristics including rally style headlights, hidden rear door handles, torque-vectoring All-wheel Drive, DIG turbo-charged engine and a sports-bike inspired interior.

Edmunds.com has just identified the top cars in each class for the True Cost to Own Awards for model year 2010. These winning vehicles are the value leaders of Edmunds cost-of-owning estimates.

After gathering data from July 2009 through April 2010, Edmunds applied its True Cost to Own algorithms to estimate the five-year cost of owning each model year 2010 new vehicle currently on the market. From there, Edmunds.com separated vehicles into comparable segments, according to their body type and average MSRP.

Costs used by Edmunds included financing, depreciation, taxes and fees, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs and any federal tax credit that may be available. Adding all of these together can give a more accurate picture of which cars cost less overall.

The awarded vehicles include Nissan's Cube model. It is highest on the list for lowest overall ownership costs in its respective segment. From data collected, the Cube has consistently maintained the lowest cost of ownership and gives smart consumers the best value for their money.

Cure for the Common Camry
By: Josh Sadlier, Edmunds.com

So, first things first - don't let the new name fool you. The 2010 Nissan Altima 3.5 SR is basically the same as the outgoing sport-tuned 3.5 SE model, albeit with the refreshed styling and technology bits common to all 2010 Altimas. But at the same time, don't let this model's advancing years put you off. The 3.5 SE was the sports car of family sedans when it debuted for 2002, and the 3.5 SR carries on that tradition, even as the current-generation Altima enters its fourth year of production.

Of course, a few challengers have appeared in the intervening years. The Ford Fusion Sport provides similar power and handling. The Mazda 6 combines entertaining athleticism with American-size dimensions. The Subaru Legacy boasts all-wheel drive and a capable chassis. But with the exception of the manual-transmission-only Legacy GT, there's still no family hauler that's as gratifying to drive as the taut and tossable Altima 3.5 SR.

Yet there's much more to this Nissan's appeal than its appetite for tight corners. The powertrain is a revelation, a blissful marriage of broad-shouldered V6 thrust and seamless CVT (continuously variable transmission) oversight. The interior materials are Infiniti-grade - few cars in this class can compete. And the technology is top-notch, including updated optional navigation and sound systems with real-time traffic and Bluetooth streaming audio.

There are still nits to pick with the Altima 3.5 SR. The relatively low rear-seat cushion, for example, forces longer-legged passengers to ride with their knees in the air. Also, Nissan makes you pay through the nose for desirable option packages. But if you appreciate the Altima's sporting character, these burdens will be easy to bear. The 2010 Nissan Altima 3.5 SR is proof positive that family-minded consumers still have the option of enjoying the drive.

Performance

The 2010 Nissan Altima 3.5 SR is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 rated at 270 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The CVT is now mandatory, as the formerly available six-speed manual has been discontinued for 2010. EPA fuel economy estimates are 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined. At the test track, our Altima hit 60 mph in 6.8 seconds en route to a 14.8-second quarter-mile at 97.5 mph - healthy numbers for a V6-powered family sedan. Brake testing returned a respectable stopping distance of 123 feet from 60 mph.

The 3.5 SR's powertrain is quite simply one of the best in the business. A CVT doesn't have gears, so there's none of the occasional thumping and lurching while the right cog is selected. Instead, opening the throttle in this Altima sends the engine speed zinging up to 4,000 rpm - the beginning of the V6's sweet spot - at which point it slowly progresses toward the 6,500-rpm redline.

Nissan also provides a manual mode with six simulated gears, but we usually just left it in Drive and let this preternaturally smooth transmission work its magic. As for the VQ-Series V6, it pulls hard and sounds great here, with none of the coarseness that plagues the 370Z's 3.7-liter version.

On our slalom course, the Altima 3.5 SR's sport-tuned suspension contributed to an average speed of 66.1 mph, trailing only the gonzo manual-only Legacy GT (67.7 mph) and the Mazda 6 s Grand Touring (66.4 mph) in this segment. In the real world, the Nissan makes an even better showing.

Unlike the supersized Mazda, the 2010 Nissan Altima evokes a bygone era when family four-doors were compact enough to feel nimble. It tackles tight corners with sport-sedanlike grace, and its steering is extraordinarily tight and responsive. Only advanced (or foolhardy) drivers will encounter the understeer that surfaces as the 3.5 SR's limits approach.

Comfort

The Altima 3.5 SR's cabin is hushed at highway speeds, but there's no doubt that the sporty suspension has an effect on the car's ride quality. Those looking for Camry-style cushioning over broken pavement should head straight for their local Toyota dealers. Still, this Altima's suspension is by no means harsh; it just provides less isolation from the road below, a trait that the target audience actually might appreciate. The rival we're most reminded of in this respect is the Honda Accord, though it lacks the 3.5 SR's overt athleticism.

The Altima's thin-rimmed leather-wrapped steering wheel fit our hands nicely, and we appreciated the substantial armrest padding all around. Our leather-trimmed tester's front seats provided good long-haul support, but their lateral bolstering was curiously conservative given the Altima's impressive performance envelope. As noted, the rear-seat cushion is mounted low, which may provoke complaints from lanky passengers. Average-size rear riders will have no gripes, however.

Function

The Altima's primary gauges are crystal-clear, and the control stalks on the steering column move through their detents with uncommon refinement. Our 2010 Nissan Altima had the optional touchscreen navigation system, which proved easy to use and delivered sharp graphics to boot. This system includes 9.3 gigabytes of music storage and Bluetooth audio streaming for the digital generation. The 6.5-inch display also manages the iPod interface (part of the pricey Premium package), which our editors applauded for its straightforwardness.

The Bose stereo, which also comes with the Premium package, is one of the better-sounding factory systems to bear the audio company's name (we've been less impressed with its setups in Mazda's lineup). In the 3.5 SR, the Bose system delivers crisp highs and smooth lows. Don't turn it up too loud, though - the rear deck is rattle-prone even with the bass on its neutral setting, an issue we've noticed on other Altimas of this generation.

In real-world usability testing, the Altima's average-size 15.3-cubic-foot trunk made quick work of our standard golf bag and suitcase, and our rear-facing child seat slipped easily into the backseat.

Design/Fit and Finish

The Altima received a mild exterior styling refresh for 2010, and our staff is split on whether it's an improvement. In any case, the current Altima has always been a good-looking car, and nothing about the new tweaks changes that.

Inside, the Altima continues to boast segment-topping sophistication, from the extensive use of rich soft-touch materials to the classy and restrained aesthetic. Like the related Murano SUV's interior, this one wouldn't look out of place in an Infiniti. Build quality on our test car was without fault.

Who Should Consider This Vehicle

The 2010 Nissan Altima 3.5 SR is a top choice for family-sedan shoppers who like to drive but don't want to sacrifice the practicality and comfort for which this segment is known. If the Camry's appliancelike ethos isn't for you, Nissan has the antidote.

Funky, fun, and futuristic.

Beauty? Nope. Not a trace. Elegance? Sorry, that was left out. Originality? Well, yes and no. This is the third coming of Nissan's Cube - even though it is the first iteration developed to accommodate left-hand drive for worldwide distribution - so its uncompromising shape is not exactly a surprise. And compared with the Honda Element and the Scion xB, it's a latecomer to the self-propelled packing-box category in this country. So why is it our 2010 Design of the Year? In a word, charm.

You'll probably start to smile as you approach the Cube. It's funny-looking, yes, but in an especially agreeable way. Its prognathous chin is not the least bit aggressive, each side window is inset from the nominal surface with a nice chamfer around it, and, of course, there is the startling asymmetrical rear with the side-hinged door for access to the minuscule luggage space. It's surprising that the trunk is so small, because the interior gives you a sense, if not the fact, of unlimited space. The amount of headroom, elbow room, and legroom makes the Cube feel more like a limo than the upmarket economy car it actually is.

Feng shui - the art of arranging interior environments to promote health, harmony, and general well-being - is an ancient Chinese conceit, but one can wonder whether Nissan consulted an expert in the art when it created the interior of the Cube. Sitting in it immediately gives one a sense of well-being, and that feeling does not go away as the miles accrue. The wave across the instrument panel (echoed in the carpet design), the concentric rings radiating out from the dome light in the molded headliner (mimicked in the door speakers), and the shaping of buttons and switches to please the hands that touch them all work together to make driver and passengers alike content to be in the Cube.

Many people dislike CVT gearboxes, but we think the Cube's optional transmission is just right for the car's mission: to be the thoroughly practical, no-nonsense urban vehicle of the early twenty-first century. The Cube isn't intended for high speeds, but it acquits itself surprisingly well during 75-mph highway drives, with less wind noise from its blunt shape than we have observed in cars with much more aerodynamic forms.

It's funky, fun, and just generally fine. Don't believe us? Just try it.

Consumer Reports magazine has just announced its new automobile Top Picks for 2010. These are the best models of the year based on performance, reliability and safety.

The best all-around model in the Family Sedan category is the Nissan Altima. The Altima is recognized as an exceptional vehicle that excels in a number of areas. It met stringent road test, reliability and safety requirements and scored at the top of its category.

The Altima has an appealing balance of comfort and performance. The cabin is roomy, well finished, and quiet. It has spirited acceleration and secure handling, plus, it gets some of the best fuel economy in its class: 26 mpg overall in four-cylinder models and 24 mpg with a V6.

For 2010, electronic stability control comes standard in all Altima trim lines. It's a proven lifesaving safety feature.

Right now, customers can lease a 2010 Altima Sedan 2.5S with CVT for only $199 per month, or the 2010 Altima Coupe 2.5S CVT for only $269 per month. If purchasing, get 0.0% APR financing for up to 36 months, 1.9% APR financing for up to 60 months, or 3.9% APR financing for up to 72 months, OR $1,000 cash back on all 2010 Altima sedans and coupes.

Come test drive the Nissan Altima Sedan today and see why it's a Top Pick Car for 2010.

This story comes from the 12/28/09 issue of AutoWeek magazine.

Square cars are nothing new to the United States, with the Scion xB and the Honda Element being available for a number of years. We even lived with an Element in our long-term fleet back in 2003, but we haven't had the urge to get another such vehicle since. That is, until the very weird Nissan Cube, with its asymmetrical design, caught our attention.

This brings us to the bitter-chocolate example you see here. We opted for a 1.8 SL model with Nissan's intelligent-key system, push-button ignition, satellite radio, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, upgraded speakers with Rockford Fosgate subwoofer, Bluetooth, rear parking sensors and fog lights. On top of that, we selected the Ginormous package (yeah, that's what it's called), which adds a body kit, chrome fascia trim, a 20-color interior accent-lighting system and stainless-steel illuminated kick plates.

In addition, an Interior Design package includes carpeted floor mats and cargo mat, a shag dashboard topper and front-door bungees. We also sprang for optional 16-inch gunmetal alloy wheels and an alarm impact sensor system, bumping the price of our Cube from the $17,510 base price to $22,780.

Power comes from a 1.8-liter I4 with 122 hp and 127 lb-ft of torque connected to the optional continuously variable transmission. While the standard six-speed manual looked mighty appealing, we believe testing a car with a CVT into which Nissan continues to put much faith would be more newsworthy.

Out at the track, the Cube sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 9.8 seconds, making it a second slower than the Element. Covering the quarter-mile in the Nissan took 17.6 seconds at 78.9 mph, while the more powerful Honda again claimed bragging rights with a 16.6-second run at 85.3 mph. In brake tests, the Cube took 132 feet to stop from 60 mph; the Element needed 137 feet.

In the slalom, the Nissan put in a respectable 40.9-mph performance through our 490-foot course, compared with the Honda's 40.4-mph speed. Around the skidpad, the Cube pulled off a result of 0.79 g, again eclipsing the Element, which managed only 0.73 g. In both exercises, the Cube exhibited moderate understeer.

Initial Cube impressions around the office are positive. The quirky styling has resonated well with the staff, and the interior has received applause for its comfort and stellar headroom. "Inside, the upright seating is comfy and easy to adjust to a pleasant driving position, with headroom for a 10-gallon hat to spare," said an editor. Ride quality gets a passing grade, with a suspension that handles rough roads well, without the float and body roll common in other boxy cars.

For now, we're enjoying the odd and sideways looks this car gets from other motorists. However, the real test is seeing whether the Cube's novelty wears off during the year. It also will be interesting to see if it takes six years for another square car to land in our long-term garage after the Cube leaves.

PRICING & OPTIONS

Base (includes $720 delivery): $17,510

As-tested price: $22,780

Options: Ginormous package, with aero kit, 20-color interior accent lighting, illuminated stainless-steel kick plates, custom grille, hood accent molding, cargo area protector, interior trim appliqués ($2,550); SL Preferred package, with intelligent key, push-button ignition, steering-wheel audio controls, leather-wrapped steering wheel, fog lights, Bluetooth, rear sonar system, XM satellite radio, six upgraded speakers with Rockford Fosgate subwoofer ($1,600); 16-inch gunmetal alloy wheels ($790); Interior Design package, with carpeted floor mats, carpeted cargo-area mat, shag dash topper, front-door bungees ($230); vehicle alarm impact sensor ($100)

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase (in): 99.6

Track (in): 58.1 front, 58.3 rear

Length/width/height (in): 156.7/66.7/65.0

Curb weight/GVWR (lb): 2,884/3,858

ENGINE

Front-transverse 1.8-liter DOHC I4

Power: 122 hp @ 5,200 rpm

Torque: 127 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm

Compression ratio: 9.9:1

Fuel requirement: 87 octane

DRIVETRAIN

Front-wheel drive

Transmission: Continuously variable

Final drive ratio: 5.473:1

SUSPENSION

Front: MacPherson struts with coil springs, twin-tube gas-charged shock absorbers, antiroll bar

Rear: Torsion bar with coil springs, twin-tube gas-charged shock absorbers, antiroll bar

BRAKES/WHEELS/TIRES

Vented discs front, drum rear, ABS; aluminum 195/55R-16 Toyo A20

FUEL ECONOMY

EPA combined: 30 mpg

TRACK TEST DATA

STANDING-START ACCELERATION

0-60 mph: 9.8 sec

0-quarter-mile: 17.6 sec @ 78.9 mph

BRAKING

60-0 mph: 132 ft

HANDLING

490-ft slalom: 40.9 mph

Lateral acceleration (200-ft skidpad): 0.79 g

INTERIOR NOISE (DBA)

Idle: 41

Full throttle: 78

Steady 60 mph: 67

Funky, fun and futuristic

Beauty? Nope. Not a trace. Elegance? Sorry, that was left out. Originality? Well, yes and no. This is the third coming of Nissan's Cube - even though it is the first iteration developed to accommodate left-hand drive for worldwide distribution - so its uncompromising shape is not exactly a surprise. And compared with the Honda Element and the Scion xB, it's a latecomer to the self-propelled packing-box category in this country. So why is it our 2010 Design of the Year? In a word, charm.

You'll probably start to smile as you approach the Cube. It's funny-looking, yes, but in an especially agreeable way. Its prognathous chin is not the least bit aggressive, each side window is inset from the nominal surface with a nice chamfer around it, and, of course, there is the startling asymmetrical rear with the side-hinged door for access to the minuscule luggage space. It's surprising that the trunk is so small, because the interior gives you a sense, if not the fact, of unlimited space. The amount of headroom, elbow room, and legroom makes the Cube feel more like a limo than the upmarket economy car it actually is.

Feng shui - the art of arranging interior environments to promote health, harmony, and general well-being - is an ancient Chinese conceit, but one can wonder whether Nissan consulted an expert in the art when it created the interior of the Cube. Sitting in it immediately gives one a sense of well-being, and that feeling does not go away as the miles accrue. The wave across the instrument panel (echoed in the carpet design), the concentric rings radiating out from the dome light in the molded headliner (mimicked in the door speakers), and the shaping of buttons and switches to please the hands that touch them all work together to make driver and passengers alike content to be in the Cube.

Many people dislike CVT gearboxes, but we think the Cube's optional transmission is just right for the car's mission: to be the thoroughly practical, no-nonsense urban vehicle of the early twenty-first century. The Cube isn't intended for high speeds, but it acquits itself surprisingly well during 75-mph highway drives, with less wind noise from its blunt shape than we have observed in cars with much more aerodynamic forms. It's funky, fun, and just generally fine. Don't believe us? Just try it.

According to the article: "It's not the world's first electric car, but the Nissan Leaf, launched in August, is the first fully electric vehicle built for mass production for the global market. To help drivers shift their thinking from gas to green, Japan's third largest automaker has about 30 partnerships worldwide focused on developing an infrastructure of battery-recharging stations to keep electric vehicles on the roads. The car's top speed is more than 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h), and its range is 100 miles (160 km) on a full charge. When it moves, it makes a futuristic sound like the flying cars in Blade Runner. Nissan will produce 50,000 Leafs each year at its Oppama plant, southwest of Tokyo, starting in the fall of 2010."

The Nissan Cube has earned a 2010 Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. The Top Safety Pick award recognizes vehicles that provide superior overall crash protection among vehicles in their class and only includes vehicles with available electronic stability control. The cube comes standard with Nissan's electronic stability control system, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC).
 
The IIHS has expanded the criteria to earn a Top Safety Pick with the 2010 version of the award. In addition to earning a "GOOD" rating in each of the front, side, and rear impact tests performed by the IIHS, a vehicle must also earn a "GOOD" rating in their new roof crush evaluation.
 
About the safety features of the Nissan cube:

Cube's long list of standard safety features includes the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), seat-mounted driver and front-passenger side-impact supplemental air bags, and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection.

Cube also offers standard front-seat Active Head Restraints, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS), along with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

About IIHS

IIHS is a non-profit research institution funded by over 60 automobile insurance companies.  The Institute performs hundreds of tests every year in order to comparatively rate the safety and repair cost of the U.S. vehicle fleet.  For more information, please visit www.iihs.org.
 
Statement:

Nissan is pleased that its ongoing commitment to product safety is reflected in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's 2010 Top Safety Pick honors given to the Nissan cube.

We design all of our products to provide a high level of occupant safety in a wide range of real-world crashes. The cube offers a full complement of standard safety features, including vehicle dynamic control with a traction control system,  multiple standard air bags, featuring the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and an occupant classification sensor, roof-mounted curtain supplemental side-impact air bags for front-and rear-seat occupant head protection, along with a standard Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) and driver/passenger seat belt warning lamps. Also standard are front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) child seat anchors and tether system, front seats with active head restraints and Zone Body Construction with front and rear crumple zones to help dissipate crash energy away from the passenger compartment.

Stay tuned for more details and information on the 2010 Nissan Altima coming soon....

- Versa 1.6 Remains One of the Lowest Priced New Cars in the U.S. at $9,990 USD MSRP -

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced pricing for the new 2010 Nissan Versa, which is on sale now at Nissan retailers nationwide. The popular Versa 1.8 Sedan and Hatchback models receive significant exterior and interior enhancements, additional standard safety features and more standard equipment for the 2010 model year.

Prices for Versa Sedan, both 1.6 and 1.8 models, remain unchanged from the 2009 model year, including a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price* (MSRP) of just $9,990 USD for the 1.6 Base - retaining its position as one of the lowest priced new cars available in the United States market. Prices for the Versa Hatchback 1.8 S and 1.8 SL models increase just $40 USD and $200 USD respectively, despite the enhanced content value.

2010 Nissan Versa MSRPs (USD) include:

Model/Transmission	Sedan	Hatchback
Versa 1.6 Base 5MT	$9,990	-
Versa 1.6 5MT	$10,990	-
Versa 1.6 4AT	$11,990	-
Versa 1.8 S 6MT	$13,100	$13,150
Versa 1.8 S 4AT	$14,100	$14,150
Versa 1.8 SL 4AT	$16,100	-
Versa 1.8 SL CVT	-	$16,530

Versa 1.8 SL models are also offered with a new low-cost Navigation/Satellite Package (Jan. 2010 availability) with a 5-inch color monitor, XM® Satellite Radio and XM NavTraffic® with Real-Time Traffic Information (XM® subscription required, sold separately).

Along with the upgraded front grille, new interior fabric patterns, white-illuminated meter cluster and reddish orange interior illumination, other Versa 1.8 changes include new 15-inch wheel covers (1.8 S) and new optional 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (1.8 SL Hatchback).

New standard Versa 1.8 SL equipment includes an Interface System for iPod®, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS). In addition, the previous year's Sport Package body components (sport front and rear fascias, side sills, spoiler) are added as standard on the 1.8 SL Hatchback.

New or revised packages include a Power Plus Package, which combines the previous Power and Cruise Packages.

About the 2010 Nissan Versa
The Nissan Versa, now in its fourth year of production, continues its strong appeal in the marketplace among buyers seeking fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance or roominess. Versa again features one of the highest standard horsepower/torque ratings (Versa 1.8 models) and the largest interior in the entry-level segment.

Versa Sedan 1.6 Base and Versa Sedan 1.6 models feature a 107-horsepower 1.6-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine, while the Versa Hatchback and Sedan 1.8 S and 1.8 SL offer a standard 122-horsepower 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is now standard for 1.8 S models (remains standard on 1.8 SL).

Fuel economy for the 2010 Versa is rated at 26 mpg City/34 mpg Highway for the Sedan 1.6 equipped with the 5-speed manual transmission and 28 mpg City/34 mpg Highway for the Hatchback 1.8 SL with the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).

Versa 1.8 Hatchback and Sedan models are offered with a long list of standard and available equipment, including available Nissan Intelligent Key?, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System and XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately).