I know some of these threads have spun out of control with theories and assumptions. Here are some of my thoughts that I've been wanting to put down on paper for a while.
1. The 2013 Leaf is more than a "mid-cycle" refresh. I mean, it is a mid-cycle refresh, but not in your typical automotive world fashion. There is real engineering here. I drive a 12 G37. The car was launched as on 07. The 07-08 were the same. For 09 they upped the engine size a tiny bit and added VVEL and went from a 5sp to 7sp auto. These aren't major feats. In 10' they tweaked the styling in and out...and thats it. 11, 12, 13...all the same. Take the Altima, they run that line (huge seller so no pressure) 5-6 years, and after three, they might up the hp a bit (ECU style tweak) and change the bumpers. With the leaf they've given us more price points/option levels, lightened the weight, upped the charging speed, increased efficiency and made connivence additions like an electric door for the charge port with light.
2. Not sure why all the hate towards the slight reduction in torque. Since the car has dropped LBS, even with the reduction in torque, the Japan spec graphic shows an actual IMPROVEMENT in zero-60.
3. Reduced motor whine. Nice touch.
4. More cargo space in the rear. Nice touch.
5. Faster charger. This is moot for home...but HUGE for public charging. 20-30 minutes at supermarket Level 2 charger will add some real miles.
6. There seems to be some discussion that the 13' wont be rated for more range. I can't see how. Since it's lighter, better overall regen braking, tweaked motor. I would imagine that will be released on Monday at Detroit.
7. B-Mode...cool, another nice touch.
8. Eco/B-Modes engaging on steering wheel, nice touch.
9. Nav/Carwings improvements, nice touch.
All this things add up to a significant step in the right direction. If all this can be accomplished in 24 dinky months, the future is looking good. On ANY message board there is always going to be the "I see no reason to upgrade my 11 or 12 mentality". And thats fine. You're right. Most folks aren't going to go out and trade their 306HP 08' G35 for a 328HP 09' G37 (I'm talking as if this is the year 2009). BUT for folks on the sideline, the changes to the 13' Leaf are SIGNIFICANT. Not that the 13' was meant to be a secret, but in the rapidly changing electric car market, buying a 12' now is like buying an iphone the week before the next one comes out..yearly. In the regular car market, change is happening more slowly, so there is less waiting.
Now...will Nissan let me trade in our Altima lease (18 months left) if I agree to lease a new 13' Leaf!?LOL.....I know, 18 months is too early.
Mike S.
1. The 2013 Leaf is more than a "mid-cycle" refresh. I mean, it is a mid-cycle refresh, but not in your typical automotive world fashion. There is real engineering here. I drive a 12 G37. The car was launched as on 07. The 07-08 were the same. For 09 they upped the engine size a tiny bit and added VVEL and went from a 5sp to 7sp auto. These aren't major feats. In 10' they tweaked the styling in and out...and thats it. 11, 12, 13...all the same. Take the Altima, they run that line (huge seller so no pressure) 5-6 years, and after three, they might up the hp a bit (ECU style tweak) and change the bumpers. With the leaf they've given us more price points/option levels, lightened the weight, upped the charging speed, increased efficiency and made connivence additions like an electric door for the charge port with light.
2. Not sure why all the hate towards the slight reduction in torque. Since the car has dropped LBS, even with the reduction in torque, the Japan spec graphic shows an actual IMPROVEMENT in zero-60.
3. Reduced motor whine. Nice touch.
4. More cargo space in the rear. Nice touch.
5. Faster charger. This is moot for home...but HUGE for public charging. 20-30 minutes at supermarket Level 2 charger will add some real miles.
6. There seems to be some discussion that the 13' wont be rated for more range. I can't see how. Since it's lighter, better overall regen braking, tweaked motor. I would imagine that will be released on Monday at Detroit.
7. B-Mode...cool, another nice touch.
8. Eco/B-Modes engaging on steering wheel, nice touch.
9. Nav/Carwings improvements, nice touch.
All this things add up to a significant step in the right direction. If all this can be accomplished in 24 dinky months, the future is looking good. On ANY message board there is always going to be the "I see no reason to upgrade my 11 or 12 mentality". And thats fine. You're right. Most folks aren't going to go out and trade their 306HP 08' G35 for a 328HP 09' G37 (I'm talking as if this is the year 2009). BUT for folks on the sideline, the changes to the 13' Leaf are SIGNIFICANT. Not that the 13' was meant to be a secret, but in the rapidly changing electric car market, buying a 12' now is like buying an iphone the week before the next one comes out..yearly. In the regular car market, change is happening more slowly, so there is less waiting.
Now...will Nissan let me trade in our Altima lease (18 months left) if I agree to lease a new 13' Leaf!?LOL.....I know, 18 months is too early.
Mike S.
