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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2013 |

Nissan has unveiled the 2014 Pathfinder Hybrid at the New York Auto Show, powered by a 2.5-liter supercharged four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor paired with a lithium-ion battery.

The hybrid’s 2.5-liter supercharged unit and the 15-kW (20-hp) electric motor together develop 250 horsepower and 243 lb-ft (329 Nm) of torque, nearly matching the 3.5-liter V6’s 260 hp and 240 lb-ft (325 Nm).

The hybrid system uses a Nissan Intelligent Dual Clutch System that manages power from both the electric motor and the gas engine. Both are linked to a next-generation Xtronic CVT gearbox. Batteries are stored under the 3rd row seat, preserving Pathfinder’s 2nd row sliding functionality and access to the 3rd row.

Combined fuel economy is estimated at 26 mpg (9 liters/100 km), which is 24 percent better than on the standard Pathfinder. Estimated city fuel economy is 25 mpg (9.4 lt/100 km), while highway mileage is estimated at 27 mpg (8.7 lt/100 km). Thanks to the 19.5-gallon (74-liter) fuel tank, the Pathfinder Hybrid has an estimated driving range of more than 526 miles (846 km).

The 2014 Pathfinder Hybrid is available either as front-wheel drive or with Nissan's ALL-MODE 4x4-i system, which has selectable 2WD, Auto and 4WD Lock modes. The SUV is also equipped with a standard Hill Start Assist system on both 2WD and 4WD models.

On the outside, the hybrid can be recognized by its LED taillights and specific badges. In the interior, the Pathfinder Hybrid benefits from the same features and space as the gasoline model, except specific readings in the Advanced Drive-Assist Display located in the center of the driver's instrument cluster, which show power flow from the electric motor and gas engine, along with power regeneration back into the battery.

The 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid will launch in the States in late summer 2013 and will be available in three trim levels – SV, SL and Platinum. The hybrid SUV is expected to cost around $3,000 more than Pathfinder 3.5-liter V6 model that starts from $28,650.

By Dan Mihalascu

PHOTO GALLERY

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FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2013 |

Buick’s redesigned 2013 Enclave luxury crossover is the brand’s best-selling model in the first quarter of this year, with retail sales almost 40 percent up. According to GM, many of the new model’s buyers are former owners of the previous-generation Enclave, with statistics showing that four in 10 owners trade-in their first-generation Enclave for the new model.

Buick says the Enclave is not only building loyalty for the brand, it is also attracting first-time Buick buyers. "In previous years we’ve talked about the new, younger, luxury-minded buyers coming to Buick for the first time," explains Tony DiSalle, vice president of Buick Marketing. "With the redesigned Enclave, we’re still seeing those new buyers, but we’re now also seeing the buyers who gave us a try with the first Enclave stay with us."

According to the company, when the first-generation Enclave launched in 2007, customer surveys revealed that the main reasons for which buyers were choosing Buick were “value/price” and “familiarity with dealer”. However, Buick says Enclave owners consistently list things like “overall quality of the vehicle”, “ride comfort” and “overall exterior styling” as their top reasons for purchase.

According to DiSalle, “If you want a bellwether for the where the Buick brand is heading, look no further than the Enclave. It’s a very modern, very smart crossover that delivers what our luxury-minded customers want.”

Since the new model landed in dealerships in November, Enclave had its best retail sales month on record in December, with retail growth in January and February standing at 57 percent and 22 percent respectively.

By Dan Mihalascu

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