Coverage: Nissan Carnival, Buddh International Circuit


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350Z

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It's been 10 Years since Nissan officially commenced its operations in India and therefore to mark this significant milestone, last weekend it organized a fun-filled and exciting event labeled as "Nissan Carnival" at campus of Buddh International Circuit. The Automotive India was invited for the same on media day, i.e. 23rd March.

The Concept:
The primary purpose of this event was to celebrate Nissan’s landmark achievement in India as well as to offer the customers a unique experience of the abilities of their cars which one usually can’t experience on public roads. The overall event was split into the following courses:

  • CVT Zone: To put the Micra and Sunny CVT as well as MT to test through sharp chicanes and slalom on a custom-made track.

  • Green Zone: To test the sheer driving dynamics of the zero-emission Leaf electric vehicle on a wide and curvy specially designed track.

  • Off-Road Zone: Unarguably most thrilling of all. Off-road course included two zones: Purpose built track and a real off-road course to test Terrano and Patrol.
Note that a professional motorsport driver accompanied as a co-driver with each participant to guide and share a basic know-how during all the courses.

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The Cars:
All four cars from Nissan India’s current lineup were part of the show…

  • Terrano

  • Micra CVT + MT

  • Sunny CVT + MT

  • Evalia (as cabs :biggrin:)
However, two new models were the major limelight:

  • Leaf: Super quiet and zero emission, fully-electric motor driven car that delivers 254 Nm of torque straight from 0 RPM.

  • Patrol: A mammoth of SUV, also known as ‘Hero of all terrains’. Powered by an exhilarating 5.8L, V8 engine producing 400 BHP through 4x4 drivetrain.
These cars were brought all the way down from Dubai exclusively for this event. And strategically too considering Nissan India is keenly studying the public reaction about them as asked to us in a survey conducted by their R&D Team (including that of X-Trail and Pathfinder Hybrid). Otherwise I'd have preferred a 370Z though. :smile:

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Miscellaneous Points:

  • Nissan's presence in India has indirectly created over 40,000 jobs.

  • It's the 3rd largest exporter in Indian market with 100k vehicles per year.

  • The company has invested upto Rs.45 billion over last seven years in India.

  • The vehicle localization in Chennai plant is now at 92% for the core models.

  • Nissan's R&D facility in Chennai plays a key role in local product development

  • Guillaume Sicard believes that the brand value of Nissan is gradually increasing in India.

  • Over 1,60,000 units of the Nissan Leaf all-electric car have been sold worldwide so far.

  • Nissan claims that its market-ready autonomous driven car will be a reality sooner than expected. It'll be ready by 2020.

  • The company has already signed an agreement and working on its development with NASA. This project is being worked upon in Silicon Valley, USA.
 
Thread Starter #2

350Z

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Present at the occasion was Nissan India’s new president, Guillaume Sicard, who briefed us about the journey of Nissan in India so far.

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Although the event was held inside Buddh International Circuit campus, the actual track wasn’t utilized.

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Historical timeline of landmark achievements by Nissan Motor Corporation (click to enlarge).

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The cars from current stable were showcased as well to grab attention of prospective customers.

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Head to head comparison: Nissan Micra Active vs New Nissan Micra

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Paint my “caaar” corner. Nissan Sunny at service for you to demonstrate your graffiti skills.

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4th and 5th generation Nissan Patrol: Oldies proudly stand upright with laurels amidst their newer counterparts.

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Thread Starter #3

350Z

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Famous motorsport professionals, Hari Singh and Armaan Ebrahim to name a few, served as our friendly co-drivers in different courses.

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That's how a typical Monday morning is supposed to be for a petrolhead. I admit, it was simply sheer fun tossing the li’l Micra around corners.

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The customized track included tight chicanes, slalom and high speed braking test.

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Nissan Sunny CVT proving its mettle. Engineers who personally worked on the car were also present to brief us on the technicalities.

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350Z

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Green Zone: Nissan Leaf

Young Indian motorsport driver Armaan Ebrahim accompanied us as our co-driver in Nissan Leaf.


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Not many know, Leaf is a backronym that stands for Leading, Environmentally friendly, Affordable, Family car.

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Leaf purely runs on 110 BHP electric motor yet; it’s highly refined and drives like any other normal car.

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Zero emission means no pollution (neither noise nor air).

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In Nissan’s words, you feel a “zen-like” environment when inside this car. True that, thanks to great NVH and a super-silent motor.

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The electric motor is prompt to respond to foot command, which means it can quickly cover 0 – 100 Kmph within 11.8 seconds.

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Leaf handles rather decently. The company is seriously exploring a possibility of bringing this car into Indian market (timeline still undecided).

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Although there’s practically no competition and a very thin market currently for Leaf in India. But if it does arrives, it’ll indirectly target Toyota Prius and likes.

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350Z

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Purpose Built Off-Road Track: Nissan Terrano

The off-road tracks were the real deal and most thrilling out of all three courses.


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There were two off-road zones. First, an artificially designed (to test Terrano and Patrol). Second, a natural off-road terrain exclusively for Patrol.

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First zone incorporated several challenges such as steep inclines, mud track, pot holed track, braking test etc which Terrano conquered surprisingly well.

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350Z

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Purpose Built Off-Road Track: Nissan Patrol

Two mammoth Nissan Patrols were exclusively brought from Dubai for this event.


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This beast runs on a gas-guzzling 5.6 liter, V8 (Petrol) producing 406 PS and 560 Nm torque, with 7 speed auto gearbox.

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Thread Starter #7

350Z

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Natural Off-Road Track: Nissan Patrol

Pictures say it all. It's needless to mention that almost any terrain is a cakewalk for this heck of an SUV.

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Akash1886

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You're the man Vibhor![:)]. Looking at pics I am sure it would have been a enthralling experience. A Monday morning like this would surely be a pleasure for me too. I envy you!:biggrin:!

Thanks for the exclusive updates on Patrol and Leaf!

Regards

Akash
 

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