The 2003 New York International Auto Show might as well be called the "Nissan Auto Show, NY" as Nissan continues its product offensive here in America. We see the introduction of the latest iterations of the Titan platform, the Titan Crew Cab and the Pathfinder Armada full-size SUV. Of this latest wave of "hamburger-badged" products, the new 350Z Roadster likely carries the highest emotion-to-dollar quotient. Based on the red-hot 350Z coupe (which, by the way, Nissan says is the top selling sports car in the industry), Nissan hopes this new roadster will keep the buzz going.
350Z Roadster "The Z has always been Nissan's halo car, representing the heart, soul and passion of the company," said Bill Kirrane, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America. "The addition of the Z Roadster further expresses Nissan's commitment to offering bold, exciting, performance vehicles."
As one might expect, the Z Roadster shares much in common with its hard-top brethren. On the outside, the "fuselage" design of the 350Z is further emphasized now that the greenhouse has been hacked off. The suspension, engine, and FM chassis are pretty much the same as before. That means this chop-top is powered by a 287bhp-version of Nissan's famed 3.5L VQ family V6 engine powering the rear wheels. Structural reinforcements were made, however, to combat the loss of rigidity you normally see when you take the top off of a vehicle. These enhancements include a center floor V-shaped cross bar connecting the side sills and a front A-shaped cross bar reinforcing the front end. Additionally, the doors openings were reinforced, along with a "triple member" added to the seating area connecting the sides to the floor structure to beef up rigidity.
Much engineering was done to provide a seamless transition from hard- to rag-top. Obviously, Nissan worked hard to eliminate or minimize the negative aspects of roadster ownership. The power operated cloth top (with heated glass rear window) opens simply by depressing the brake and pushing a button just west of the steering column. It hides neatly under a sculpted tonneau cover. To hold the top securely in place, a unique three lock, single latch is located above the middle windshield area. Nissan says the three lock, single latch system provides a better seal while simplifying the closing process. Hours were spent in the wind tunnel in an attempt to minimize the dreaded cabin buffeting. The result is a tempered glass wind blocker between the seats that directs wind up and out of the cabin. An intriguing feature is the optional "Burnt Orange ventilated net seats" that made with woven seat cloth inserts and an opening in the seatbacks that allow the driver "to feel a wind flow during top-down
driving."
"The Z Roadster was designed and engineered with the objective of making the best possible convertible sports car on the road," said
Kirrane. "Attention to every little detail has been designed for the low interior noise, an easy, effortless latching system, high chassis rigidity, powerful driveline and head-turning looks to name a few. Objective met."
Titan Crew Cab
Next up on the debut list is the Titan Crew Cab. We've already seen the same essential package before, in the Titan King Cab that marked the debut of Nissan's first-ever full-size truck a few months ago at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Just add to that two full-size, front-hinged doors and more interior volume.
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Sentra
The facelifted Sentra is also on display. Essentially, this model isn't all that different than the one it replaces. It's got new wheels, larger headlights, a Z-ish hood, a larger grille with Nissan's trademark split design, a Quest-esque front lower facia, and new taillights. The model designations have been changed, with the 1.8 replacing the XE, the 1.8S replacing the GXE, and the 2.5S replacing the 2.5 Limited. SE-R and SE-R Spec-V remain. One interesting feature offered on the SE-R Spec-V is the Brembo Brake package, which like the name says, adds gold-painted Brembo 4-piston front calipers, 12-inch Brembo vented front discs and 10.9-inch rear discs. Also new is a trip computer and revised Rockford-Fosgate audio system.
"The 2004 Sentra continues to set the pace in the very aggressive small car segment," said
Kirrane. "With the new exterior and interior enhancements and more available options, we are confident the 2004 Sentra will again exceed customers' expectations of performance, quality and value."
Pathfinder Armada
We'll save the biggest news for last - the new full-size Pathfinder Armada SUV. There are certainly a lot of high hopes riding on this heavy-duty hauler. With the Pathfinder Armada, Nissan is entering into a segment of the North American market that it has never competed in before. We all know the names of non-luxury full-size SUVs. There aren't many. Expedition, Sequoia, Tahoe, Yukon, etc. Unlike, say, the midsize sedan segment, there aren't a whole lot of competing models yet. But they do have a very loyal group of buyers, and this segment's profit potential is very tempting.
For that very last reason alone, Nissan created the Pathfinder Armada. Yes the name is long, but don't expect it to stay so for very long. In an attempt to lend credibility to a new type of Nissan never before seen by consumers, they attached the Pathfinder moniker to Armada. Eventually, insiders say, the Pathfinder badge will be dropped in favor of just Armada. Anyone remember the Stanza Altima? Still, we can't help but think anti-SUV environmentalists might have fun coming up with ways to use the Armada tag to parody it and its large SUV brethren.
But enough about names, lets look at her curves. And the roofline certainly has an interesting one. The A-pillar curves up, and then down slightly towards the C-pillar, creating almost a sort of detachment of the first two rows of seats from the rear cargo area/third row seating section. Love it or leave it, it is certainly unlike any SUV we've seen lately.
"Along with improved driving dynamics and more functional flexibility, one of the key unmet needs of the segment is uniqueness and distinctiveness," said Kirrane. "Buyers are ready for something new and different - not just another generic SUV."
Inside, there is a mix of Titan interior design cues and Quest versatility. The dashboard and doors look like they were likely taken directly from the Titan, which is not at all a bad thing for many. Like the Quest, Pathfinder Armada has standard fold-flat second row and third row seats. You can order up a 7-passenger configuration with second row captain's chairs (with an interesting removable center console) and a third row bench, or an 8-passenger version with second and third row benches. Also like the Quest is the available overhead console stretching the entire cabin. It, of course, houses the optional DVD entertainment system, HVAC vents, storage compartments, and map lights. Other interesting notes include the optional satellite-based navigation system, first-in-class floor mounted shifter, folding front passenger seat, optional power liftgate, and best-in-class second row legroom. Considering this is a vehicle designed for Americans, it has upwards of 14 cup holders, some of which large enough for 64-ounce drinks. It is interesting that a vehicle that can seat 7 or 8 people has double (or close to it, depending on configuration) that amount in cup holders.
Since the Pathfinder Armada is based on the Titan, you know this vehicle has a fairly chassis and powertrain. That includes the "300-plus bhp/375-plus ft-lbs of torque" 5.6L "Endurance" V8 and 5-speed automatic transmission. Like the Titan, it has an all-steel front double wishbone suspension, but it ditches the Titan's more traditional rear suspension in favor of an independent double wishbone rear setup (with optional air leveling system for the towing package).
"The all-new 2004 Pathfinder Armada enters the full-size SUV market with a proud heritage and a laser-like focus on innovative solutions to customer needs," said Kirrane. "Its standout design, unique features, advanced performance and safety technology, built on a foundation of exceptional performance, create in the Pathfinder Armada a vehicle that's ready for anything - a worthy flagship among Nissan's full line of adventurous SUVs."
As you can see, Nissan shows no sign of letting up anytime soon. Overall, these new vehicles look pretty good on paper, though some editors reserve judgment on matters of styling. As is always the case there, we'll let you decide. Still, we can't help but expect a flood of new buyers to soon walk through the showroom doors at Nissan dealers across North America.
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