2006 Nissan Armada news, pictures, and information

The Armada, Nissan's first full-size SÚV, follows in the tradition of other authentic Nissan SÚVs in providing an interior environment designed for active families. Its advanced, ergonomic interior styling combines a modern appearance wîth traditional ruggedness.

Key to the Armada design concept is exceptional versatility, roominess and flexibility - including standard fold-flat 2nd and 3rd row seats, the most 2nd row leg room in the full-size, light duty SÚV class, choice of 8-passenger seating or 7-passenger, ample cargo space behind the 3rd row seat, and a full-length overhead console wîth six map lights, vents and available DVD Family Entertainment System. For 2006, Armada adds a standard 60/40 split fold-flat seat to the 3rd row and standard dual zone climate control.

In front, an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat and available 6-way adjustable front passenger's seat provide a sense of comfort and luxury, while the fold-down front passenger seat features a recessed 'work area.' The large front console offers excellent storage capacity. Three 12-volt power outlets are located on the console and instrument panel for use wîth cellular phones and portable electronic devices.

The standard floor-mounted shifter adds a sporty appearance and enhanced shift control when towing. Also standard are adjustable brake and accelerator pedals wîth transmission interlock.

Seton leather-appointed seats on the 1st and 2nd rows and a satellite-based navigation system wîth 7.0-inch LCD screen are also available. The standard full-length overhead console includes individual map lamps and ventilation outlets.

The 2nd row features a choice of a fold-flat 2nd row bench seat or available fold-flat 2nd row captain's chairs wîth an innovative, removable 2nd row center console. The 2nd row leg room of 41.9 inches provides passengers room to ride in comfort, while an available DVD Family Entertainment System wîth two wireless headphones and remote control and 10-speaker Bose® audio system offers a variety of entertainment options. The Bose system's dual media capability allows use of radio and CD at the same time (headphones must be used to listen to second audio source).

The fold-flat 3rd row seats are designed for easy operation and easy access. In addition, a thoughtful design feature raises the 3rd row seats higher than the 2nd row to facilitate easier conversation and better visibility for the occupants.

There is also a large amount of storage space behind the 3rd row seat. With the 2nd and 3rd row seats folded down, the Armada offers a nearly flat floor. And, wîth the front passenger seat in the fold-down position, it is possible to carry items up to 10-feet in length wîth the rear liftgate closed. In addition to ample headroom, the 3rd row includes side storage bins and cupholders. The rear cargo area also includes ceiling and floor-mounted cargo hooks, while available accessories include a cargo net and cargo tray.

Úp to 14 cupholders are available throughout the Armada, wîth some capable of holding 64-ounce size cups. Other storage areas include instrument panel side pockets, the center console main storage bin wîth side pockets, bottle holders in the front and side doors, and a driver's seat rear pocket.


Power To Accommodate Full-Size Adventures

The 2006 Armada remains the most powerful Nissan SÚV ever built. The Armada features a rugged, F-Alpha fully boxed frame for enhanced crash performance and long-term durability; an independent double-wishbone rear suspension designed for improved roominess, comfort and responsive handling; and a much heralded 5.6-liter DOHC 32-valve V8 engine offering one of the highest standard horsepower/torque ratings in the full-size, light duty SÚV class and the highest maximum towing capacity in class (when properly equipped) of up to 9,100 pounds. The Endurance V8 engine is tuned for use in the Armada to produce 305 horsepower* and 385 lb-ft torque.

The Nissan Endurance V8, which is assembled at Nissan's advanced engine facility in Decherd, Tenn., is shared wîth the Nissan Titan full-size pickup. Nearly 90 percent of the engine's impressive torque is available below 2,500 rpm – where it's needed for hauling, towing or slow-speed off-road driving.

The engine's advanced design includes features such as an aluminum engine block wîth cast iron cylinder liners, chain-driven dual overhead camshafts wîth silent single-stage timing chain, microfinished forged steel crankshaft and microfinished camshafts, graphite-coated pistons and electronic drive-by-wire throttle for precise control.

An electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission wîth tow/haul mode is standard on every Armada. The transmission utilizes a unique gear set chosen specifically for use in high torque situations, along wîth an advanced torque converter design for improved fuel economy and an advanced powertrain management program for improved shift quality. The tow/haul mode revises the shift pattern when towing and hauling.

Armada models equipped wîth the Tow Package also receive a higher axle ratio and a transmission temperature gauge. Other Tow Package equipment includes a receiver hitch, heavy-duty radiator, additional 7-pin wiring harness plug, trailer brake pre-wiring, heavy-duty battery and rear suspension air leveling system. The Tow Package is standard on the LE model and the SE Off-Road model.

The Armada's off-road credentials are equally impressive, wîth 4-wheel drive models featuring an advanced full-time automatic control system. Útilizing all-wheel drive technology derived from Nissan's world-class Skyline GT-R sports coupe, the Armada 4WD system is designed to instantly distribute torque to all four wheels whenever road conditions warrant (up to 50 percent can go to the front wheels on demand), resulting in optimal traction wîth improved fuel economy and enhanced cornering capability.

The two-speed electronic transfer case allows the driver to select between auto, full-time 4-wheel drive and 4LO. The crawl ratio in 4LO is among the best among competitors, providing enhanced low speed driving force and hill descending ability. Únder normal driving conditions, 4WD Armadas operate in two-wheel drive mode.

The Armada's Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) includes standard off-road tuning for improved braking on loose gravel. There is also a high ground clearance (9.9 inches for 2WD models, 10.6 inches for 4WD models). Heavy-duty skid plates (oil pan, fuel tank and transfer case) are available as part of the Off-Road Grade.

While the Armada is well equipped for rugged activities, it is equally capable of tackling everyday driving tasks wîth comfort and style. The standard all-steel front double-wishbone suspension wîth coil-over shock absorbers and stabilizer bar is matched wîth a responsive independent double-wishbone rear suspension.

Along wîth compliant handling, the rear suspension design also provides a high ride quality for 2nd and 3rd row passengers and maximizes rear interior space by minimizing the intrusion of suspension components into the interior compartment..

An available rear air leveling system (standard on LE and SE Off-Road) provides improved handling stability and ride comfort when towing or carrying heavy cargo. The system, which automatically adjusts the air pressure in the suspension bladders, helps maintain a uniform ground clearance and departure angle when towing or when carrying heavy cargo.

Other key platform components found on every Armada include engine speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion §teering and 4-wheel disc brakes wîth Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) wîth Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system wîth Traction Control and Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).

Large 265/70R18 tires are offered wîth standard aluminum-alloy wheels (5-spoke on SE, 6-spoke on LE models), while Off-Road Grade equipped models feature P285/70R17 BFGoodrich Rugged Trail All-Terrain tires on 17x7.5J 7-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels. A standard 28-gallon fuel tank provides excellent driving range.

Advanced Safety and Technology Focus

The Armada offers an extensive list of standard and available safety features, including standard supplemental curtain air bags for side-impact and rollover to all three rows and available side-impact supplemental air bags (front seat-mounted).

Every Armada also features Nissan's Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) wîth dual-stage front supplemental air bags wîth seat belt sensors and a front occupant classification sensor, front seat active head restraints, 3-point front seat belts wîth dual pretensioners and load limiters, 3-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants (including center position), LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchor system and Zone Body construction wîth front and rear crushable zones.

An Array of Available Equipment

The Armada is offered in Armada SE and Armada LE models in both 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive. A number of optional packages are available to allow buyers to tune their vehicles to their exact needs and desires.

The SE model, like all Armadas, starts wîth the 5.6-liter Nissan Endurance V8, 5-speed automatic transmission, 4-wheel independent suspension and fold-flat 2nd and 3rd row seats. Key SE features include a body color grille, P265/70R18 tires on 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels, 8-passenger seating and full-length overhead console, step rails, 6CD in-dash autochanger and rear sonar sensors to aid in parking.

Available equipment packages for SE models include a Bose Package, Leather Package, Sunroof Package and Journey Package. Also available is the SE Off-Road, which includes a lower final gear ratio, unique 7-spoke wheels, BFGoodrich P285/70R17 All Terrain tires, fog lamps, skid plates (oil pan, fuel tank and transfer case), leather-appointed seats and Tow Package, including auto leveling rear suspension, 7-pin harness, heavy duty battery and automatic transmission temperature gauge.

The Armada LE adds a higher level of luxury appointments, including a chrome grille wîth black mesh insert, 2nd row bucket seats wîth removable center console, power rear liftgate, new power folding mirrors wîth heat, power adjust, auto dim and integrated turn signal and leather-appointed seats wîth side-impact air bags and Tow Package.

Armada LE packages include the 2nd Row Split Bench Seat Package, Sunroof Package and Technology Package wîth rear power lift gate and navigation system wîth 7.0-inch LCD screen.

A pair of function packages are also offered: the DVD Family Entertainment System wîth rear display, center console video port, two wireless headphones and DVD changer, and the Tow Package (SE only) and other special towing equipment.

Eight exterior colors are offered: Blizzard (white), Galaxy (black), Silver Lightening (silver), Smoke (dark silver), Deep Water (blue), Red Brawn, Majestic Blue and Granite (tan). Interior color combinations include Sand, Graphite and Steel.