2007 nissan auto shows - Part 2

NAIAS, Detroit, Jan. 8-10, 2006
 

Nissan Press Conference Release
2007 Nissan Sentra Photo Library
2007 Nissan Sentra Product Guide
2007 Nissan Versa Photo Library
2007 Nissan Versa Product Guide
URGE Concept Photo Library
URGE Concept Product Guide
Carlos Ghosn Remarks
Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn Unveils All-New 2007 Nissan Sentra, Versa and URGE Concept at NAIAS


DETROIT (Jan 9, 2006) – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. President and Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn today introduced three new Nissan vehicles at the 2006 North American International Auto Show – the all-new 2007 Nissan Sentra sedan, the all-new 2007 Nissan Versa and a dynamic sports car design exercise, the Nissan URGE.


The new, sixth generation Sentra is scheduled to go on sale in fall 2006. The new entry-level Versa is offered in two models – the 5-door Hatchback, which will be available in early summer 2006, and the 4-door sedan, which follows in late 2006.


In creating the URGE concept, the designers at Nissan Design America, Inc., targeted young, first-time car buyers with a gamer’s sense of adventure. URGE emerged as a minimalist sports car – pure Nissan in its look, innovative features, spirited performance and in its sports car heritage.


The Nissan URGE concept, with its motorcycle-inspired body, caged interior, integrated gaming system and quick, agile performance, is a spirited, high excitement sports car for a new generation of youthful Nissan drivers,” said Mr. Ghosn.


Brief overviews of the three vehicles follow.


Mr. Ghosn also provided a brief update on Nissan’s continuing success in the United States market. Nissan and Infiniti combined sales passed the one million mark in calendar year 2005, with the total of 1,076,670 units representing an increase of 9.6% over calendar year 2004.


Since 1999, Nissan has increased U.S. market share by over two points – from 4.0% to 6.3% – while increasing total vehicle sales by 58%.


Mr. Ghosn also expanded on Nissan’s commitment to the application of fuel-efficient, smooth-performance Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs). In North America in the near future, all of Nissan’s front engine/front-wheel drive vehicles except for Quest and some Versa models will come equipped with CVTs – including 100% of Sentras, Altimas, Maximas and Muranos sold with automatic transmissions.


Clearly a SHIFT has been made, but our job is only just beginning, said Ghosn. SHIFT means Nissan does things differently, but only for the sake of better performance.


2007 Nissan Sentra


The all-new 2007 Nissan Sentra represents a revolution in the advancement of Nissan’s popular compact sedan. This new, sixth generation Sentra is unlike any that has come before – with more style, space, quality, performance and interior flexibility for active lifestyles.


Built on Nissan’s new C platform, the 2007 Sentra features an all-new, standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, standard 6-speed manual transmission or fuel-efficient Nissan Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) and responsive handling.


Inside the spacious cabin are thoughtful and useful innovations, including a 60/40 split double-fold rear seat, available hidden trunk storage compartment and available integrated overhead compact disc holder. The new Sentra is also available with a wide range of unexpected amenities, ranging from the luxury of leather-appointed seating to the convenience of Nissan’s Intelligent Key keyless entry system.


The 2007 Sentra is scheduled to go on sale in fall 2006 and is expected to have a MSRP starting at around $15,000 (nicely equipped with power door locks and windows, side-impact curtain air bags and air conditioning).


2007 Nissan Versa


The all-new 2007 Nissan Versa represents a dynamic new alternative to current entry-level hatchbacks and sedans. Built on Nissan’s proven B-platform, the stylish new Versa offers a spacious cabin with exceptional rear leg room, a high quality interior and comfortable, stress-free environment. Versa is available with a standard 120-horsepower (estimated) 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine and a choice of three transmissions, including Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) that provides smooth shifting and enhanced fuel efficiency.


The front-wheel drive Versa will be available in two body styles, a 5-door hatchback and 4-door sedan. Both will be offered with a long list of standard and available equipment, including available Intelligent Key, Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System, satellite radio and Rockford Fosgate-powered subwoofer. The Versa is expected to have a MSRP starting at around $12,000.


Nissan URGE


The Nissan URGE concept is pure, quick, agile, and easily understandable at first glance – merging technology, performance, adventure and safety with pure fun. It offers freedom and excitement, along with the flexibility of two + alpha seating – with a unique third SEAT tucked behind the driver and passenger.


The URGE exterior is highlighted by an extensive aluminum “cage” structure, which includes an aluminum center structure that runs from the engine bay to the interior center console.


The body itself features aluminum/composite construction, a glass hood for a view of the quick, small-displacement high-revving engine, 4-bar hinge scissor doors, see-through door panel cutouts, and a collapsible canvas top.


The URGE interior features lightweight mesh bucket seats, compact F1-style steering wheel, a driver information monitor with five customizable screens and a built-in gaming system, powered by Xbox 360, with fold-down display and steering wheel/pedal controls. In addition to the responsive engine mated to a 6-speed manual sequential gearbox, URGE performance features include lightweight 9-spoke spun aluminum-alloy wheels, 350Z-style Brembo® brakes and 19-inch front/20-inch rear wheels and tires.


The Nissan URGE Takes The Stage
The Nissan URGE concept is pure, quick, agile, and easily understandable at first glance – merging technology, performance, adventure and safety with pure fun. It offers freedom and excitement, along with the flexibility of two + alpha seating – with a unique third SEAT tucked behind the driver and passenger.


Carlos Ghosn and the Nissan URGE
Mr. Ghosn stands next to the dramatic new URGE concept, The URGE interior features lightweight mesh bucket seats, compact F1-style steering wheel, a driver information monitor with five customizable screens and a built-in gaming system, powered by Xbox 360, with fold-down display and steering wheel/pedal controls.


Carlos Ghosn at 2006 NAIAS
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. President and Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn today introduced three new Nissan vehicles at the 2006 North American International Auto Show – the all-new 2007 Nissan Sentra sedan, the all-new 2007 Nissan Versa and a dynamic sports car design exercise, the Nissan URGE.


Carlos Ghosn Discusses CVT Details
Mr. Ghosn provides details of Nissan’s expanded commitment to the application of fuel-efficient, smooth-performance Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs). In North America in the near future, 100% of Sentras, Altimas, Maximas and Muranos sold with automatic transmissions will come equipped with CVTs.


2007 Nissan Sentra Makes World Debut
This new, sixth generation Sentra offers more style, space, quality, performance and interior flexibility for active lifestyles. Built on Nissan’s new C platform, the 2007 Sentra features an all-new, standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, standard 6-speed manual transmission or fuel-efficient Nissan Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) and responsive handling.


2005 NISSAN AUTO SHOWS


[2004 Auto Shows]
NDA Farmington Hills Grand Opening, Mar. 17, 2005
NYIAS, New York, Mar. 23-24, 2005
NAIAS, Detroit, Jan. 9-11, 2005


Nissan Debuts Sport Concept with Urban Culture Backdrop
 

Event Photo Library
Urban Culture at NYIAS


Visitors to this year’s New York International Auto Show have the opportunity to take in a bit of urban culture at the Nissan display. A group of New York-based artists are painting a 40-foot mural, inspired by Nissan’s newest vehicle, the Sport Concept. To view photos of the creation of this creative backdrop, click on the photo below.


Nissan Design America, Farmington Hills Grand Opening— Mar. 17, 2005
 

NDA Farmington Hills Overview
NDA Farmington Hills Fact Sheet
Vice President, Design Bruce R. Campbell Biography
Senior Vice President, Design Director Shiro Nakamura Biography
NDA Farmington Hills Photo Library
Shiro Nakamura Remarks
Bruce Campbell Remarks
Nissan Design America Opens $14 Million Studio in Farmington Hills


Iconic design and cutting-edge technology are the hallmarks of Nissan Design America-Farmington Hills, the newest chapter in Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.’s expanding global design footprint. The new studio, which represents a $14 million investment, officially opened today in Farmington Hills, Mich., on the grounds of Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc. The facility, a sister studio to Nissan Design America, Inc. (NDA) in San Diego, Calif., represents a tripling in size over the previous studio space – to 50,912 square feet. Unique to the facility is “The Egg,” a 15,000-square foot outdoor viewing courtyard.
 

NYIAS, New York— Mar. 23-24, 2005
 

Sport Concept Overview
Sport Concept At-A-Glance
Sport Concept Photo Library
X-TRAIL FCV Display Release
X-TRAIL FCV Photo Library
Nissan Sport Concept Brings Nissan Sports Thinking To Small Car Segment in New York Auto Show Debut


The Nissan Sport Concept, which makes its world debut at the 2005 New York International Auto Show, is the latest in a series of dynamic performance/youth concept vehicles from Nissan Design, following the Nissan Actic and Nissan AZEAL concepts. The Nissan Sport Concept is a dynamic two-door hatchback with a dramatic four-SEAT interior.


The story behind the development of the Sport Concept, AZEAL and Actic is that Nissan is thinking big about the small car segment,” said Mark McNabb, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. “With these three design explorations, we’re focusing on how we can bring Nissan’s heritage of innovation, sportiness and driving pleasure to a category of vehicles that traditionally lack design excitement and strong visual appeal.


The Nissan Sport Concept offers the look and feel of a grand touring car, yet is conceived as an affordable, attainable vehicle for buyers entering the new car marketplace for the first time.


The exterior combines shapes and forms that are both geometrical and mechanical in feel, creating a sense of acceleration and kinetic energy. The dynamic fender forms give the special Pearl White-painted body a look of pure, almost animal performance. Its athletic roofline is marked by a large rear roof-mounted spoiler, while its bold surface composition, robust fender character lines, deep front spoiler and side sills, and large wheels and tires provide an animated, video game-like stance.


The body construction utilizes both metal and carbon-fiber components. The 20-inch six-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels feature a machined and lustrous paint finish surface treatment. The Sport Concept’s headlights and rear combination lights utilize small lamps with multi-layered reflectors.


The interior of the Nissan Sport Concept is designed to fit four comfortably, yet with an emphasis on the front two seats – with every element of the design existing to enhance the vehicle’s engaging driving experience.


The deep, body-wrapping front bucket seats are covered in Wolf Gray leather with double-layered pearl suede inserts and feature formed head restraints and integrated 4-point SEAT belts. The instrument panel includes integrated tachometer and gauges and a distinctive center cluster. The Sport Concept interior also offers a three-spoke steering wheel and solid-appearance center console with the emergency brake lever integrated into the console lid.


In the rear of the cabin, independent rear SEAT cushions, also covered in a combination of leather and suede, offer true four-place seating. Like in front, the 4-point SEAT belts are integrated into the SEAT design. Other features include center console-mounted support grips, large blue-cone speaker and woofer in the rear parcel shelf and dark finisher trim.


The Nissan Sport Concept is as close to performance art for the street as you can get – modern, cool, ready to run,” said McNabb. “When it comes to the next wave of small car design, a SHIFT_ is about to be made. And Nissan is making it.”


Also on display at the auto show is Nissan’s complete lineup of powerful new trucks and SUVs, including the full-size Titan pickup and Armada SUV and the first New York Auto Show appearance of the all-new 2005 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier and Xterra. The Nissan AZEAL sports coupe concept will also be shown, along with a special Nissan Fuel Cell Vehicle display featuring the Nissan X-Trail FCV.


Nissan Exhibits X-TRAIL Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) Display at 2005 New York International Auto Show


A cut-away display of the X-TRAIL FCV high-pressure hydrogen-powered vehicle, part of Nissan’s ongoing fuel cell vehicle (FCV) development efforts, will be shown at the 2005 New York International Auto Show.


Nissan recently announced two significant advances in its FCV program – the design and development of its first in-house (by Nissan Technical Center) fuel cell stack and a new high-pressure hydrogen storage system. These new technologies significantly improve the performance potential of FCVs, including enhanced acceleration and driving range.


The X-TRAIL FCV is a vital component to the Nissan Green Program 2005, an action plan for the company’s efforts in technology development, recycling strategy and many other initiatives. The X-TRAIL FCV is based on the Nissan X-TRAIL sport utility vehicle (SUV) sold in Japan, Europe and Canada. It employs elements of a variety of technologies, including electric vehicle (EV) technology, hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) technology, and compressed natural gas vehicle (CNGV) technology.


Nissan is actively engaged in the development of many clean technologies, such as hybrid vehicles and fuel cell vehicles,”said Jack Collins, vice president, product planning, Nissan North America, Inc. Fuel cells hold the promise of high efficiency while creating zero emissions, making them a clean power source for the future. The latest advances in Nissan’s fuel cell technology are aimed at improving the practicality of fuel cell stacks for future vehicle applications.


Nissan Fuel Cell Stack


A fuel cell stack is the power unit of an FCV. Fuel cells generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. Because they emit only water as a by-product, FCVs are considered to be among the most environmentally friendly vehicles.


Nissan Technical Center has developed its own fuel cell stack that adopts a “thin separator” that narrows the cell spacing (pitch) by 40% compared with Nissan’s previous stack (which was provided by an outside supplier).


At the same time, the plumbing components inside the stack case have been integrated, and the peripheral control devices have been built into the case to achieve a substantial reduction of size and improvement of performance.


As a result, Nissan has succeeded in increasing power output while achieving a more compact design than the previous stack. The volume of Nissan's new stack is reduced by approximately 60% of the previous stack while providing the same level of power.


Improvements made to the electrode materials more than double the service life of the new stack compared with Nissan's previous stack.


This technology will be applied to the 2005 Nissan X-Trail FCV test fleet.


70 MPa High-Pressure Hydrogen Storage System


By using higher pressure to increase the compression of the hydrogen, Nissan is able to increase an FCV’s hydrogen storage capacity by approximately 30% without changing the outer dimensions of the storage tank. The 70MPa (10,154 psi) high-pressure hydrogen storage tank is the same size as the previous 35MPa tank, but can use the increased capacity to extend the driving range of future FCVs considerably.


The new high-pressure hydrogen storage tank is made of an inner aluminum liner and an outer shell of several wound layers of a high-strength, high-elasticity carbon fiber. The winding pattern of the string-like carbon fiber has been optimally designed to achieve high strength for withstanding the extreme pressure.


The storage system has been certified by the High Pressure Gas Safety Institute of Japan (KHK) as a 70 MPa high-pressure hydrogen storage tank.


This technology is now under development to apply to future Nissan FCVs.


X-TRAIL FCV


The Nissan X-TRAIL FCV, which has already proven itself in extensive public road testing in the U.S. and in Japan, delivers clean power, without harmful emissions. The 5-passenger X-TRAIL FCV achieves a top speed of 90 mph (145 km/h) and a driving range of over 215 miles (350 km). Passenger comfort is maintained by a freon-free full-automatic air conditioning system that uses CO2 as the refrigerant. The Nissan-developed 85 kW electric motor is powered by the fuel cell stack and a compact, high-performance lithium-ion battery pack.


Nissan has been a pioneer in applying lithium-ion batteries to vehicles. As a result of long-term research, Nissan has succeeded in obtaining exceptionally high output characteristics and in developing a laminated lithium-ion cell in place of the conventional cylindrical shape.


The laminated cell design reduces the weight and volume by half, compared with the conventional cylindrical type. In addition, the thin cell construction improves cooling efficiency dramatically and also allows excellent vehicle packaging, making it possible to achieve a low, flat floor.


Nissan is engaged in wide-ranging research and development activities aimed at popularizing the use of FCVs and has been conducting public-road driving tests in the U.S. since April 2001 using prototype FCVs, and in Japan since December 2002. Nissan began leasing its X-TRAIL FCV to a limited number of customers, starting with oil refiner Cosmo Oil Co. in March 2004, then with Yokohama City and Kanagawa Prefecture in April 2004.
 

NAIAS, Detroit— Jan. 9-11, 2005
 

Nissan AZEAL Concept Product Guide
Nissan AZEAL Photo Library
2005 Nissan Pathfinder Photo Library
2005 Nissan Pathfinder Product Guide
2005 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab Photo Library
2005 Nissan Frontier King Cab Photo Library
2005 Nissan Frontier Product Guide
2005 Nissan Xterra Photo Library
2005 Nissan Xterra Product Guide
2005 Nissan Armada Photo Library
2005 Nissan Armada Product Guide
2005 Nissan Titan Crew Cab Photo Library
2005 Nissan Titan Crew Cab Product Guide
2005 Nissan Titan King Cab Photo Library
2005 Nissan Titan King Cab Product Guide
2005 Nissan Truck and SUV Photo Library
Nissan's F-Alpha Platform Provides Strong Foundation for 2005 Lineup of Nissan Full-size and Mid-size Trucks and SUVs
Nissan Press Conference 2005 North American International Auto Show
Nissan Debuts AZEAL Coupe Concept; Displays 2005 Lineup of Trucks and SUVs at the 2005 NAIAS


DETROIT (Jan 9, 2005) – Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today unveiled the dynamic AZEAL Coupe Concept, which is designed to be an affordable, performance-oriented entry-level coupe with the style and personality to match the lifestyles of its young, active target buyers. Also sharing the stage was the 2005 lineup of Nissan full-size and mid-size trucks and SUVs built on the strong foundation of Nissan’s advanced F-Alpha platform.


On stage in Detroit, we saw a glimpse of the future with the AZEAL Coupe Concept design exploration and also the current Nissan vision with the truck and SUV family lineup – including the Titan and Armada and the all-new 2005 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier and Xterra,”said Mark McNabb, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division.


AZEAL Coupe Concept:


The Nissan AZEAL Coupe Concept is a fresh interpretation of the classic sports coupe. The essence of the AZEAL is its clean, straightforward, agile exterior combined with a modern, driver-oriented, highly interactive interior.


AZEAL features an aggressive body design with wide fender flares, short overhangs and a sharply sloped rear roofline with integrated active airfoil. The interior combines a dark, industrial metallic instrument panel appearance contrasted by Wasabi Chartreuse fabric seats and an open greenhouse with glass-panel roof.


The AZEAL design exercise is the first concept car created by Nissan Design America’s (NDA) new studio in Farmington Hills, Mich.


The idea behind the AZEAL is that an entry-level vehicle doesn’t have to look entry-level. Though AZEAL has the compact dimensions of a small coupe, it projects a much larger presence in terms of style, personality and desirability,bsaid Bruce Campbell, vice president, design, NDA.


The front-wheel drive AZEAL utilizes a turbocharged version of Nissan’s 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. It rides on 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with a unique sandblasted and painted surface treatment.


F-Alpha Family


Just two years ago at the 2003 North American International Auto Show, Nissan unveiled its first full-size pickup. In a shot heard around the domestic truck industry, Nissan’s new full-size Titan pickup was exactly that – conforming to the definition of “titan” as a thing of great size and power. And, by every measurement of current competitive pickups, it certainly qualified as “full-size.”


Today, on the same stage, the Nissan Titan again took the spotlight, only this time with company – the four other Nissan full-size and mid-size trucks and SUVs that now share Titan’s innovative F-Alpha truck platform: Armada, Pathfinder, Frontier and Xterra. Three of the five, Pathfinder, Frontier and Xterra, have been completely redesigned for the 2005 model year.


With every model in our lineup either all-new or completely redesigned in the past 18 months, we believe that Nissan has the newest, most advanced line of trucks and SUVs of any major auto manufacturer,” said McNabb. The F-Alpha platform was designed for the Titan and Armada applications and adopted for use with the mid-size Pathfinder, Frontier and Xterra – giving them the benefit of full-size ruggedness and strength.”


The fully boxed, all-steel ladder frame was created with wide applications in mind, not only in size of vehicle but in allowing the use of V8 and V6 engines and solid axle/leaf spring (Titan, Frontier, Xterra) or coil-spring independent (Armada, Pathfinder) rear suspensions. Frame-rail thickness, as well as overall dimensions, vary as appropriate for their specific segment applications but the F-Alpha floor layout, packaging and underfloor layouts are similar on all five vehicles.


All three of the new 2005 vehicles, Pathfinder, Frontier and Xterra, feature a new 4.0-liter V6 engine, advanced off-road systems and roomier interiors. Pathfinder went on sale in September, Frontier in late December and Xterra is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in February 2005.


Titan, which is on track to sell over 90,000 units in Nissan’s current fiscal year, is in a league of its own when it comes to capability and innovation – bringing a fresh alternative in the full-size truck category.


The full-size Armada is another full-size success story. Its bold, adventurous design defines the segment in terms of power, spaciousness and features. In the month of December, with sales in the full-size utility segment down, Armada recorded its best sale month ever.


When truck and SUV buyers think adventure, they now think Nissan, said McNabb. It all builds off a single-minded philosophy of offering the most powerful, most capable and most innovative vehicles in the industry – a philosophy made a reality with the foundation provided by the F-Alpha platform.


Nissan AZEAL Concept Stays Close to Home in Detroit Debut


Nissan’s AZEAL Coupe, the first concept car created at the new Nissan Design America, Inc. studios in Farmington Hills, Mich., is set to debut at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in early January. The AZEAL Coupe Concept is a fresh interpretation of the small sports coupe – an affordable, high performance entry-level coupe with an emphasis on personality and aggressive styling.


Nissan will also highlight its line-up of innovative trucks and SUVs built off the advanced F-Alpha platform: the Titan, Armada, Pathfinder, Frontier and Xterra. With every model either all-new or completely redesigned within the past 18 months, Nissan has the newest lineup of trucks and SUVs of any major automaker.


Nissan AZEAL Concept Debuts


Bruce Campbell, vice president, design, NDA, unveils the AZEAL Coupe Concept, which made its world debut at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The AZEAL Concept is designed to be an affordable, performance-oriented entry-level coupe with the style and personality to match the lifestyles of its young, active target buyers.


Entry-level vehicle doesn’t have to look entry-level


The Nissan AZEAL Coupe Concept is a fresh interpretation of the classic sports coupe. The essence of the AZEAL is its clean, straightforward, agile exterior combined with a modern, driver-oriented, highly interactive interior. AZEAL features an aggressive body design with wide fender flares, short overhangs and a sharply sloped rear roofline with integrated active airfoil. The interior offers a dark, industrial metallic instrument panel appearance contrasted by Wasabi Chartreuse fabric seats and an open greenhouse with glass-panel roof.


Jed Connelly Speaks at the 2005 NAIAS
Jed Connelly, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Nissan North America, Inc., speaks at the Nissan press conference at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Connelly said that combined Nissan and Infiniti 2004 sales increased 24% over 2003, the largest percentage increase of any major manufacturer in almost two decades.


Nissan Displays 2005 Lineup of Trucks and SUVs
With every model in our lineup either all-new or completely redesigned in the past 18 months, we believe that Nissan has the newest, most advanced line of trucks and SUVs of any major auto manufacturer,” said Jed Connelly, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Nissan North America, Inc. The F-Alpha platform was designed for the Titan and Armada applications and adopted for use with the mid-size Pathfinder, Frontier and Xterra – giving them the benefit of full-size ruggedness and strength.