2009 Nissan Cube

2009 NISSAN CUBE SET FOR SPRING U.S. DEBUT; NEW ENTRY-LEVEL COMPACT COMBINES FASHION WITH FUNCTIONALITY

Small But Substantial, Spirited But Economical, All-New Third Generation Cube's Asymmetrical Design and Lounge-Style Interior Provide Únexpected Charm and Útility

Huey Lewis once sang 'It's hip to be square.' Few believed him. Mathletes wax poetic about the superior geometric efficiencies of a cube in terms of volume v. surface area. And get little respect. Cavemen discovered that a round stone rolls better than a square one. And, as a consequence, gave birth to the traffic jam. In 1998, Nissan introduced the original Cube, an aptly named box-on-wheels, to minor consumer interest. Perhaps, like homo erectus, the Cube was simply ahead of its time.

But times change, and so did the Cube. In 2002, an all-new second generation Nissan Cube was introduced in the Japanese market. More spacious inside, more glass outside, more power under the hood and, more importantly, a few more angles and curved surface details added to its compact, slab-sided exterior. Quintessentially Japanese, this new Cube took Tokyo by storm. A pocket-sized fun-and-function cocktail mixing the charm of Godzilla and the wit of Mothra, buyers were smitten. And so, it turns out, Huey was right after all.

Like the Nissan GT-R before it, the Nissan Cube soon found an audience outside of Japan – not in person, but through its exposure in fashion and automotive magazines, videos and on the Web.

Reboot to today, more than 10 years since its original appearance, and the Nissan Cube is ready to meet the world in person, coming to America in spring 2009 in an all-new, dramatically rethought third generation design that is clever, quirky, witty, fun and uniquely functional. And still totally square.





'The designers, engineers and planners' effort and passion in creating the next generation Cube was unheard of – perhaps only exceeded in recent memory by that of the Nissan GT-R development team,' said Castignetti. 'They were constantly drawing, cartooning, adding thoughts and ideas, which is how the image of the bulldog emerged and evolved. This was not a traditional development process.'

Along with its stance, the 'incognito canine' look is aided by the wide headlights and grille treatment, the small but substantial body proportions and the short 'tail' section. In the rear, the bar-type taillights reinforce the wide, anchored feel. The Cube's creators also sought to maintain a sense of 'pure design,' reducing the number of character lines to give simplicity and freshness to the styling.

Another unique aspect of the Cube's exterior is the greenhouse. The A-pillars are positioned far outward and relatively upright, giving a wider range of forward visibility. The front door windows utilize a 'photo frame' design patterned after a personal photo frame, while the asymmetrical wraparound side/rear window creates enhanced rear diagonal visibility for lane changes and reverse parking.

'The ‘geometric circle shape in the square' rear window is Cube's signature,' said Castignetti. 'Though there are D-pillars on both sides of the Cube, the visual effect of the narrower passenger-side pillar is quite remarkable in the overall appearance, a look aided by the asymmetrical back door.'

Únlike typical top-hinged or clamshell-style utility rear doors, Cube features an easy-access refrigerator-style opening, which makes it possible to open or close it even if parked tight against other cars in parallel parking spaces or when backed in against a wall or other obstacle.

The back door opens fully when space allows for loading groceries, luggage or large-sized objects – or to a limited-access position (about eight inches) when space is restricted for retrieving or loading a backpack or other small objects. The one-hand door handle operation is designed for easy use, even while carrying things in the other hand or arm.

The 2009 Nissan Cube is available in eight mild-to-wild exterior colors: Chrome Silver, Steel Grey, Bitter Chocolate, Scarlet Red, Caribbean Blue, Moss Green, Super Black and White Pearl.

A 'Casual Lounge' Interior
The centerpiece of the new Cube's universal appeal is its 'social space' – the surprisingly roomy interior that offers room for five in a lounge-like comfort. 'Cube is not wasteful in terms of its footprint, carbon or physical. It creates a third space, in addition to home and school, for interacting with friends. It's a space that is highly changeable and adaptable to owners evolving lives, with plenty of room for personalization,' said Castignetti.

Cube's clever, inspired and surprisingly open occupant space was conceived with a 'Jacuzzi Curve' layout and 'floating meter pod' driver's area. It combines 'casual lounge'-style passenger seating with a relaxed driving experience. The interactive interior is anchored by its curve-themed architecture, such as the subtle wavy shaping of the instrument panel, door panels, seat shapes, armrests and the iconic circular/oval shapes of elements ranging from air conditioning vents, door pulls and climate controls.

The comfortable Cube seating includes 6-way manual driver's seat and 4-way manual front passenger's seat, along with a 'lounge sofa' style sliding rear bench seat.

The reclining rear seat can be adjusted to three positions – full rearward (providing ample legroom), mid-position (3.9 inches forward) or front position (6.0 inches forward). The rear seat also is positioned higher than the front seats, theater style, enhancing rear passenger comfort and visibility.

'In some ways, the Cube is like the big cardboard appliance boxes you used to play in as a kid – they could be clubhouses, race cars, forts, whatever your mood and imagination wanted at the time,' said Castignetti. 'The new Cube's interior leaves room for imagination and personalization, yet also starts with a solid functional purpose.'



'The interior concept is really about the Cube conforming to the users' needs, rather than the other way around – you can put your favorite items anywhere you want, not where the vehicle tells you to,' said Castignetti. 'The designers demanded that every aspect of the Cube interior be delightful, as well as functional.'

The Cube interior design also incorporates a series of subtle 'Water Drop' concentric circles, inspired by nature and the calming way that ripples move outward from a drop in water. The circles can be seen in items ranging from the roof headliner to the cupholders to the climate control design.

A Wide Range of Available Features
Cube's heating and cooling system provides quiet, efficient operation with easy to recognize and use knobs and switches. Other standard equipment offered on the 2009 Nissan Cube includes power windows with driver's side one-touch auto down feature, Remote Keyless Entry system, power door locks with auto-locking feature, variable intermittent windshield wipers and intermittent rear window wiper, rear window defroster with timer, cargo area courtesy light and hooks, 12-volt power outlet and adjustable front seat belt upper anchors.

Available Cube technology features include Nissan Intelligent KeyÔ with Push Button Ignition, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, Rockford Fosgate subwoofer with six speakers, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately), Interface System for iPod® and a rear sonar system.

The Cube interior is offered in two color environments, Wall Gray and Graphite. Wall Gray, available in a quilted suede-like fabric with special 'natural wave' stitching only, is designed to create a relaxing contrast between the warm, light gray upholstery and warm off-black interior accents. The warm off-black Graphite interior, available in two cloth grades, provides a combination of relaxation and more traditional 'driving enjoyment' attitude.

'The Cube interior is a great example of how an inexpensive, high value vehicle can be done well – quality design, quality materials and the features and equipment that the user needs with room for personalization, rather than forced customization,' said Castignetti.

Únexpected Power and Driving Ease
Just as Cube has its own unique take on styling and interior design, the engineering team took a fresh approach to performance – creating a vehicle that is easy to drive and easy to handle in traffic.

The emphasis for Cube's performance credentials is squarely on fun-to-drive, rather than exhilaration. Cube combines an advanced 122-horsepower 1.8-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder with a new-generation Nissan Xtronic CVTÔ (Continuously Variable Transmission) for good acceleration response, smooth operation and fuel efficiency. Torque is rated at 127 lb-ft.

The MR18DE engine, also utilized in the popular Nissan Versa, is designed to be powerful and responsive, while also delivering excellent fuel economy. Fuel economy is projected to be over 30 miles per gallon Highway with the CVT transmission (actual EPA fuel economy unavailable at this time).

The Xtronic CVT, unlike conventional stepped gear automatics, operates as essentially 'one gear' through use of a belt and two pulleys. By infinitely varying the working diameters of the two pulleys, the transmission eliminates the 'steps' between gears, resulting in a smoother, more efficient operation by keeping the engine in its optimum power range under a variety of driving and load conditions.

Cube's new generation CVT adopts a new CVT oil warmer for enhanced warm-up performance in cold conditions (reducing friction). It also includes an advanced Adaptive Shift Control (ASC), which detects the driving situation and style (economy, normal, sports) and communicates with the engine control – helping optimize both fuel economy and driving pleasure.

The 2009 Cube is also offered with a 6-speed manual transmission with a new shift control system, triple cone synchronizers (1st and 2nd gear) and reverse synchronizer system. The 6-speed manual is available with Cube 1.8 and Cube 1.8 S models.

'The Cube has a strong power-to-weight ratio, which combined with the advanced CVT, gives it a surprisingly spirited driving feel. Throw in the small turning radius, good outward visibility and the smooth suspension feel and you have the perfect formula for navigating through traffic with confidence and ease,' said Castignetti.

Cube's suspension combines an independent MacPherson strut front design with stabilizer bar with a torsion beam rear with integrated stabilizer bar. Its comfortable, flat ride is a result, in part, of the 'Ripple Control' shock absorbers and the high body stiffness. Other standard equipment includes vehicle-speed-sensitive electric power-assisted steering, power-assisted front disc/rear drum brakes and 15-inch wheels with P195/60R15 tires.

Cube's long list of standard safety features includes the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), seat-mounted driver and front-passenger side-impact supplemental air bags, and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection.

Cube also offers standard front-seat Active Head Restraints, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS), along with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

Three Well-Equipped Models
The 2009 Nissan Cube is offered in three well-equipped models: Cube 1.8, Cube 1.8 S and Cube 1.8 SL.

A full range of dealer accessories allows buyers to expand their Cube world with items such as an illumination kit with 20 selectable colors, illuminated kick plates, rear cargo organizer, pet blankets, wheels, aero kits and more.

'We know that self-expression is important to many potential Cube buyers, so we've provided the room and accessorize to help with personalization,' said Castignetti. 'However, Cube is far from a blank or empty canvas that buyers must equip on their own. Cube is a different kind of box than other vehicles on the market, with an abundance of personality right off the assembly line.'

Smart Simplicity
'Economical, affordable, functional and adaptable, the 2009 Nissan Cube offers an unmatched sense of ‘smart simplicity.' It builds on a Cube DNA of distinctive spirit and non-automotive style, and adds an enhanced level of humanistic charm and clever design,' said Castignetti. 'If cars could talk, Cube would be likely to say, ‘Nice to meet you.' Come this spring, America gets its chance.'

Source - Nissan

NISSAN ANNOUNCES 2009 CUBE® Krom, CUBE® STARTING PRICE OF $13,990 AND ACCESSORIES PROGRAM

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced that the all-new 2009 Nissan cube® 1.8 will feature a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* of $13,990 when it goes on sale in early May. Nissan also debuted a specialty vehicle model – the cube® 1.8 Krom. The new cube® Krom, developed by NNA's new Specialty Vehicles Group, features exclusive exterior and interior treatments, elevating cube®'s unique styling to a sportier, more aggressive dimension. The 2009 Nissan cube® will now be offered in four versions, cube® 1.8, cube® 1.8 S, cube® 1.8 SL and cube® 1.8 Krom.

In addition, Nissan announced that the cube will be available with more than 40 individual accessories, ranging from a unique 20-color interior illumination kit and 'shag carpeting' instrument panel inserts to aerodynamic body kits and custom 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels – allowing cube owners to personalize their vehicles to reflect their own tastes and personalities.

A new 'Reserve Your cube' program, which allows consumers to research and reserve the cube of their choice, will begin later in the month, following the release of complete cube model and option package pricing.

Exclusive Nissan cube® Krom Model
While every 2009 Nissan cube makes a bold statement against the backdrop of look-alike entry-level vehicles, the cube Krom is a standout with exclusive exterior and interior treatments designed to add character without overwhelming the innovative cube design. The cube Krom starts with the extensive list of cube 1.8 S model standard features, then adds a 3-bar chrome grille, 2-bar chrome front bumper grille, fully integrated front and rear fascias, body side sills, unique rear roof spoiler, exclusive 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and Krom rear emblem.
Inside, the cube Krom offers Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, leather-wrapped steering wheel, woven black and gray seat cloth, an upgraded audio system with six speakers and Rockford Fosgate subwoofer, Interface System for iPod®, Titanium interior trim accents, sporty aluminum trimmed pedals, Automatic Temperature Control, interior illumination system and more.

Like every cube model, the cube Krom offers unexpected power and ease of driving provided by an advanced 122-horsepower 1.8-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder with a projected fuel economy of 30 mpg Highway. The cube Krom comes with a standard new-generation Nissan Xtronic CVTÔ (Continuously Variable Transmission) for good acceleration response, smooth operation and fuel efficiency.

'The cube Krom is unmistakable, with its unique exterior treatments and interior enhancements, it takes the already standout cube and raises the 'cool' factor even more,' said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, NNA. 'For those consumers that love the cube but are looking for a little something extra, the cube Krom offers that and then some.'

The cube Krom was developed by Nissan North America's Specialty Vehicles Group, which also developed the sporty Nissan NISMO 350Z. Krom models are converted in a unique area of the cube assembly facility.

A 'Personalized' Approach to Accessories
Inside and out, the new Nissan cube offers an inspiring canvas for personalization. A centerpiece of the new cube's appeal is its 'social space' interior that offers room for five in a lounge-like comfort. Along with its open occupant space, 'floating meter pod' driver's area and 'lounge sofa' style sliding and reclining rear bench seat, the cube interior is available with a long list of innovative accessories.

Among the items designed to accentuate cube's unique design approach are 'shag dash topper' instrument panel inserts, which fit into the top center of the instrument panel; 'Front Door Bungees,' which are colorful elastic straps that slip into cutouts on the door armrests to secure items such as maps and photos; and an Interior Illumination Kit, which provides a changeable 20-color palette of accent lighting under the instrument panel and in the center console cupholder.

Source - Nissan

Nissan Cube Comes To Europe

The All-New Third Generation Cube's Asymmetrical Design and Lounge-Style Interior Provide Únexpected Charm and Witty Functionality
Nissan today held the European unveiling of the all-new Cube at its London, England, based European design headquarters. The car will go on sale in the primary markets of Western Europe in late 2009. Already an icon in its home market of Japan, the new Cube has been developed as a global model and from early next year, will also go on sale in North America.

Characterised by its rounded-off squared dimensions, it's easy to see how Cube got its name. Boasting bags of character, Cube also sports an asymmetric rear design, with a wrap-around window at the rear on the passenger side, and a pillar on the driver's side, giving a distinctive, striking design signature which is carried over from the previous generation of Cube.





'The designers, engineers and planners' effort and passion in creating the next generation Cube was unheard of - perhaps only exceeded in recent memory by that of the Nissan GT-R development team,' explains Pierre Loing, Nissan's European Vice President for Product Planning. 'They were constantly drawing, cartooning, adding thoughts and ideas, which is how the image of the bulldog emerged and evolved. This was not a traditional development process.'

Along with its stance, the 'incognito canine' look is aided by the wide headlights and grille treatment, the small but substantial body proportions and the short 'tail' section. In the rear, the bar-type taillights reinforce the wide, anchored feel. The Cube's creators also sought to maintain a sense of 'pure design,' reducing the number of character lines to give simplicity and freshness to the styling.

Another unique aspect of the Cube's exterior is the greenhouse. The A-pillars are positioned far outward and relatively upright, giving a wider range of forward visibility. The front door windows utilize a 'photo frame' design patterned after a personal photo frame, while the asymmetrical wraparound side/rear window creates enhanced rear diagonal visibility for lane changes and reverse parking.

'This ‘geometric circle shape in the square' rear window is Cube's signature,' said Loing. 'Though there are D-pillars on both sides of the Cube, the visual effect of the narrower passenger-side pillar is quite remarkable in the overall appearance, a look aided by the asymmetrical back door.'

Únlike typical top-hinged or clamshell-style utility rear doors, Cube features an easy-access refrigerator-style opening, which makes it possible to open or close it even if parked tight against other cars in parallel parking spaces or when backed in against a wall or other obstacle.

The 2009 Nissan Cube is available in several eye-catching colours, with evocative names like Witty Military, White Pearl, Sea Turquoise and Bitter Chocolate.

And that's not all. Customers will be able to personalise their Cube, with designs available for the glass roof and also body stickers.

A 'Casual Lounge' Interior
'The centrepiece of the new Cube's universal appeal is its surprisingly roomy interior that offers room for five in a lounge-like comfort. It creates a highly changeable space - for interacting with friends. It's a space that is highly changeable and adaptable to owners' evolving lives, with plenty of room for personalisation,' said Loing.

Cube's clever, inspired and surprisingly open occupant space was conceived with a 'Jacuzzi Curve' layout and 'floating meter pod' driver's area. It combines 'casual lounge'-style passenger seating with a relaxed driving experience. The interactive interior is anchored by its curve-themed architecture, such as the subtle wavy shaping of the instrument panel, door panels, seat shapes, and the iconic 'Water Drop' that can be seen in the cupholders and the climate control design. They are inspired by nature and the calming way that ripples move outward from a drop in water.

The comfortable Cube seating includes individual driver's and passenger seats, along with a 'lounge sofa' style sliding rear bench seat.

The sliding rear seat can be adjusted to three positions and is positioned higher than the front seats, theatre style, enhancing rear passenger comfort and visibility.
'The new Cube's interior leaves room for imagination and personalisation, yet also starts with a solid functional purpose,' explained Loing.


Stress-Free Driving, Room For Personalization
Cube's stress-free driving experience is the result of a number of factors: a tall seating position made possible by the tall body height, an extremely short hood 'invisible length' (the area of the hood panel that the driver is unable to see) and the good rear visibility for parking and reversing.

The Cube's interior also benefits from its large sunroof, giving a light and airy atmosphere. As well as the traditional blind to prevent heat build up on sunny days, there is a shoji shade, inspired by traditional Japanese shades made of rice paper which can be drawn across the sunroof, allowing light to enter but minimising heat build up!

Other interior features include the 'floating pod' instrument panel with asymmetrical light blue and white gauges, which are designed to make it easier to distinguish between the speedometer and the tachometer. The gauge needles 'sweep' when the engine is started to add a sense of flair, while the gradation effect gives a natural ambience similar to the glow of the white moon and the blue earth.

Convenient storage spaces and cup/bottle holders are abundant throughout the Cube interior. There are also detachable multi-hooks for holding bags or hats, which can be moved from place to place - including the instrument panel and rear doors.

The 'shelf expression' concept features two 'shelves' located on top centre and passenger side of the instrument panel. The shelves can be personalized with accessory wood-like trim or shag carpeting. Cube's 'Magic Rubber Bands,' another clever Cube accessory item, are colourful rubber straps (red, yellow, orange or silver) that slip into cutouts on the door armrests to secure items such as maps, nametags, photos, towels or small stuffed animals.



Petrol and diesel engines for Europe
In Europe, the Cube will be offered with a double engine offer, with both 1.5-litre diesel and 1.6-litre petrol powertrains in the European line-up. Full details to follow.

Smart simplicity
'Distinctive, enjoyable and adaptable, the Nissan Cube will offer an unmatched sense of ‘smart simplicity'. It builds on a Cube DNA of individuality and non-automotive style, and adds an enhanced level of humanistic charm and clever design,' said Loing. 'We know there will be a community of car-buyers in Europe who will really identify with Cube and will fall for its practicality, as well as its personality.'

Cube will appeal to customers who perhaps aren't passionate about cars, but are passionate about being individuals. Cube isn't a fashion statement, it's a mission statement: I'm serious about enjoying my life.

Cube will offer car buyers something unique, distinctive, friendly and fun - a car as a true extension of its owners' personality.

Source - Nissan