2012 Nissan Pathfinder Concept

'Nissan is in a great position today. Sales are up, market share is increasing and our dealers have a great selection of 2012 Nissan cars, trucks and SÚVs in inventory,' said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. 'This new Pathfinder Concept is just the beginning of a far-reaching wave of new products on the horizon for Nissan. By the end of 2012, more than 70 percent of our sales volume will be all-new or redesigned.'

While the Pathfinder Concept making its world debut in Detroit provides a full glimpse of the exterior design direction the production vehicle will take, details on the interior and technology inside will have to wait. It is safe to say, however, that the next-gen Pathfinder's roomy cabin will deliver innovation and class-above craftsmanship – with excellent legroom in all three rows and ample cargo room behind the 3rd row. Additional information will be available soon.

'As Nissan has expanded its range of adventure-ready SÚVs to include Armada, Xterra, Murano, Rogue and JÚKE, Pathfinder maintains its very important position in the heart of the lineup and the market – as a right-size, 3-row/7-passenger SÚV with the seating and cargo capacity that growing families need,' said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. 'As families spend more time in their SÚVs everyday as well as on weekends, the next-gen Pathfinder is stepping up with enhanced comfort, innovative technology, increased fuel efficiency, and most importantly, more flexibility for the family.'

A Mid-Size SÚV with Full-Size Comfort
As previewed in the Pathfinder Concept, one of the biggest changes to the upcoming Pathfinder design is the return to a unibody platform (also utilized on the second generation Pathfinder), which offers numerous benefits including a flat floor for enhanced interior packaging flexibility.

The look is adventure-ready with wheel-oriented muscular fenders and a strong, stable stance. The upper body features an open cabin with a low beltline and thin A- and D-pillars, which flow smoothly into the rugged, durable-looking lower body. The Pathfinder Concept utilizes front and rear spoilers, rear tire deflectors and rear suspension fairings to help achieve what is expected to be among the best aerodynamic performance in the segment. In one other important measurement, the next-gen Pathfinder is expected to weigh substantially less than the previous body-on-frame design, which helps contribute to the enhanced fuel economy performance.

Other exterior details include a wide chrome grille and large aerodynamic headlights, recessed front windshield wipers, chrome door handles and large rear combination lights. A panoramic dual-panel moonroof, with sliding opening front panel and fixed rear glass panel which extends over the 2nd and 3rd rows, combines with the large windows to create an open, airy interior environment.

'Even as Nissan has expanded its range of adventure-ready SÚVs to include Armada, Xterra, Murano, Rogue and JÚKE, Pathfinder has maintained its very important position in the heart of the lineup and the market,' said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc.

'The next-gen Pathfinder is stepping up with new and unique features and technologies designed to enhance comfort, increase fuel efficiency, and most importantly, add flexibility for busy, everyday family lives,' he continued.

A Mid-Size SÚV with Full-Size Comfort
As a right-size, 3-row/7-passenger SÚV with the seating and cargo capacity that growing families need, one of the biggest changes to the upcoming Pathfinder design is the return to a unibody platform (also utilized on the second generation Pathfinder), which offers numerous benefits including a flat floor for enhanced interior packaging flexibility and more space. Overall interior roominess has been increased versus the 2012 Pathfinder design.

'The Pathfinder Concept demonstrates that when it comes to modern interior design, you can have it all - SÚV capability, roominess, premium features, versatility and user-friendly technology,' said Castignetti. 'By giving equal priority to both the driver and each and every passenger - including those in the 3rd row - we've created a premium driving experience and environment for all.'

Starting with a look at its premium features, the Pathfinder Concept's quiet, comfortable interior includes rich leather-appointed seating surfaces, heated and cooled front seats, heated 2nd row seats, heated steering wheel, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, Nissan Intelligent Key™ with Push Button Start and multiple user memory settings, and an advanced Bose® Audio System with 13 speakers.

The Pathfinder Concept's unique versatility comes to life in the design of the 2nd and 3rd rows with exceptional 3rd row access - thanks to large rear door openings, 5.5 inches of 2nd row seat travel, and forward folding seat design for ease of entry and exit to the 3rd row. The 60/40-split 2nd row features an innovative 'child seat mode,' allowing forward movement and access to the 3rdrow with a child safety seat remaining securely in place (on the 40 percent split-fold side).

'One of the dilemmas facing families with both young children and infants/toddlers is getting the older kids in the 3rd row without having to remove a child seat mounted in the 2nd row. This innovative design solves that issue,' explained Castignetti. 'Plus, with the extensive 2nd row seat travel, it's easy to adjust legroom or accommodate cargo spontaneously as needed.'

The 3rd row seat is a 50/50 split folding design, offering added cargo flexibility, and it also reclines for greater passenger comfort - a feature not offered with other SÚVs in class. Both the 2nd row and 3rd row seats fold flat for optimal cargo capacity and there is additional under floor storage in the rear cargo area.

Thoughtful technology is also found throughout the Pathfinder Concept interior, starting with the instrument panel, which includes an advanced drive-assist display directly in front of the driver - along with a large multifunction IT display in the center of the dash, Nissan Navigation System with real-time traffic and weather information and Zagat Survey® restaurant guide, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth® and RearView Monitor.

The Pathfinder Concept also features Nissan's advanced, class-exclusive Around View™ Monitor, which shows the driver a virtual 360-degree image of the area around the vehicle. Other technology includes a tri-zone climate control system, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, power rear liftgate, iPod® integration, and tri-zone entertainment system with 2nd row headrest-mounted DVD display screens.

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) includes an individual tire pressure display and class-exclusive Easy Fill Tire Alert - similar to that introduced on the Nissan Quest - that provides both visual and audible signals to help owners conveniently maintain correct tire pressures without the use of a gauge. A remote engine start function allows the climate control system to warm up or cool down the interior prior to driving.

Stunning New Exterior Design, Enhanced Fuel Efficiency
Along with the enhanced interior flexibility, the new unibody platform provided the designers an opportunity to create a more aerodynamic exterior without compromising headroom or cargo capacity.

Moving upscale in appearance, the new exterior styling presents a smart fusion of signature Nissan styling cues and dynamic strength. The look is adventure-ready with wheel-oriented muscular fenders and a strong, stable stance. The upper body features an open cabin with a low beltline and thin A- and D-pillars, which flow smoothly into the rugged, durable-looking lower body.

The Pathfinder Concept utilizes front and rear spoilers, rear tire deflectors and rear suspension fairings to help achieve what is expected to be among the best aerodynamic performance in the segment. In one other important measurement, the next-gen Pathfinder is expected to weigh substantially less than the previous body-on-frame design, which helps contribute to the enhanced fuel economy performance. Other exterior details include a wide chrome grille and large aerodynamic headlights, recessed front windshield wipers, chrome door handles and large rear combination lights. A panoramic dual-panel moonroof, with sliding opening front panel and fixed rear glass panel which extends over the 2nd and 3rd rows, combines with the large windows to create an open, airy interior environment.

'With its new aerodynamically optimized shape, the styling is a major step forward in the evolution of the SÚV - retaining its people and cargo hauling utility without looking quite so utilitarian,' said Castignetti. 'It's fitting that a vehicle that tackles adventures in a whole new way also now completely looks the part.'

Addressing buyers' desire for more efficiency in every aspect of their lives, the Pathfinder powertrain utilizes a refined V6 engine mated to a next-generation Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) to provide a 25 percent*** increase in combined City/Highway fuel economy (over the previous V6-equipped model). The Pathfinder Concept also features an intuitive four-wheel drive system and standard 5,000-pound towing capacity.

The new engine and CVT combination offers improved efficiency, while maintaining nearly the same horsepower as the previous generation's larger displacement V6, and delivers responsive acceleration in a variety of conditions. It also retains its ability to tow boats, jet skis, trailers and a variety of other recreational gear, and its role as an excellent vehicle for unfavorable driving conditions with four-wheel drive.

'The new Pathfinder carries on the tradition of the previous generations of adventure-ready Pathfinders that have come before - offering a new level of family enjoyment and engagement that is just right for today's real-world, everyday uses,' concluded Castignetti. 'After more than 25 years, Pathfinder is ready to tackle new terrain and the new challenges of modern family lives.'

*Ward's Large Cross/Útility Market Segmentation. MY13 Pathfinder vs. 2012 Large Cross/Útility Class
**Parking aid/convenience feature. Cannot completely eliminate blind spots or warn of moving objects. May not detect every object. Always check surroundings before moving vehicle. Not a substitute for proper backing procedures. Always turn to check what is behind you before backing up.
***MY13 projected EPA estimate of 18 mpg/city compared to MY12 EPA estimate of 14 mpg/city. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions - use for comparison only.