Nissan DeltaWing Named to Popular Science's "2012 Best of What's New"

FRANKLIN, TENN. – The Nissan DeltaWing has been named one of Popular Science's "2012 Best of What's New" products and innovations in the magazine's December 2012 issue. The winners, presented across 12 categories, include 100 top tech innovations that represent significant advancements in their areas.

The Nissan DeltaWing debuted in France at the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race this summer. The most ground-breaking motorsport innovation of its time, the racecar features half the weight, half the horsepower and half the aerodynamic drag of a typical Le Mans sports car. Accordingly, Nissan DeltaWing only consumes about half the fuel of a typical Le Mans prototype car, as well.

The vehicle's unconventional specifications, which include four-inch-wide front tires, allow the 1,250-pound DeltaWing to reach 200 miles per hour with the same amount of power used in a high-end family sedan, versus the real world equivalent of 600 horsepower required by other Le Mans racers.

Darren Cox, Nissan's Global Motorsport Director, said: "The Nissan DeltaWing was designed and built with the initial aim of completing the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans using just half the fuel and half the tires of contemporary sports prototypes. This recognition from Popular Science is evidence that the Nissan DeltaWing is truly something different, and we're glad that its innovative contributions to racing have been recognized." 

Popular Science's editor-in-chief, Jacob Ward, added: "For 25 years, Popular Science has honored the innovations that surprise and amaze us − those that make a positive impact on our world today and challenge our view of what's possible in the future. The 'Best of What's New' list is the magazine's top honor, and the 100 winners − chosen from among thousands of entrants – are each a revolution in its field."

"One of the key elements to the success of the DeltaWing is its highly-advanced and hugely-efficient Nissan 1.6 engine," added Cox. "During the project, our engineers learned a lot about high performance, high efficiency engines as well as radical aerodynamics, advanced lightweight technologies and breakthrough chassis dynamics. All these things are important trends in road car development. Nissan used this project to fast track our learning."

In October, the DeltaWing scored its first-ever race finish, taking fifth place overall in the grueling 1,000-mile Petit Le Mans race at Road Atlanta in Georgia despite starting from the back of the grid of 42 endurance racers.

For those eager to see the innovative racecar up close, the Nissan DeltaWing will make its North American auto show debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, where it will be on display to the public from November 30 to December 9 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

About Popular Science
Founded in 1872, Popular Science is the world's largest science and technology magazine; with a circulation of 1.3 million and 6.8 million monthly readers. Each month, Popular Science reports on the intersection of science and everyday life, with an eye toward what's new and why it matters. Popular Science is published by Bonnier Active Media, a subsidiary of Bonnier Corporation.

About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 248,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4.8 million vehicles in 2011, generating revenue of 9.4 trillion yen ($118.95 billion US). With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of 64 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero-emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades, including the prestigious 2011-2012 Car of the Year Japan and 2011 World Car of the Year awards.

About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year in 2010, 2011, and 2012 by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the Americas media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.

For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.

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Media Contact:
Steve Yaeger
Nissan Product Communications
615-725-4443
steve.yaeger@nissan-usa.com