The next Pathfinder - a crossover?

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Kyson
Posts: 31
Joined: Sat Jul 01, 2006 7:52 pm
Location: Austin, TX

The next Pathfinder - a crossover?

Postby Kyson » Sat Jan 19, 2008 9:05 pm

I read two articles this past week discussing the fact that Nissan is in the midst of determining what the next Pathfinder will be in terms of design, capacity, and layout. With the change in US market tendencies and looming fuel economy improvement mandates, Nissan is considering moving the PF over to a unibody, FWD/AWD crossover vehicle as it may better suit the majority of US buyers. They are considering keeping body-on-frame architecture for other parts of the world where it is used as a 4WD vehicle in harsh environs (such as Australia and Africa). They are expected to make the decision early this year.

Interesting, and not overly suprising. But they were sure headed in the right direction with the current one. A little more maximum axle articulation, 2nd row buckets, a tiny bit more room and a little nicer interior and the next bodystyle would be a natural trade-up for us. A second sunroof for the kids would be cool too, but would conflict with body-stiffening needs (to mitigate flex) if you were trying to make it a better off roader.

Conflicting with that is my wife's recent interest in the new GMC Acadia - interestingly enough with more room, 2nd row buckets, and in SLT leather trim, a very nice interior. Where we live in the country, AWD would work okay as we don't have many local off-roading opportunities and we could still haul bikes and kayaks, as well as camping equipment. I still like the rough and tumble nature of the PF, but a few more amenities would not be unappreciated. Seems Nissan is dead on with at least assessing buyer needs as we represent both types of potential future buyer.

At any rate, we are exceedingly happy with ours... it's taken us all over the country from Florida to WA state on many grand adventures. No plans to replace it, Just looking ahead as I always do.


Gray
Posts: 750
Joined: Sun Aug 26, 2007 12:39 pm
Location: xxx

Postby Gray » Sun Jan 20, 2008 2:28 am

Have a look at the following Zaroot and Terranaut concept vehicles from the Nissan Spain site;

http://www.nissan.es/home/vehicles/4x4/ ... ?ln=/es_ES

http://www.nissanterranaut.com/

http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/DESIGN/ ... index.html

This is likely the X-Overs that you are talking about though, the Nissan 'Forum' or 'Rogue' concept vehicles.

Image

Image

http://www.conceptnissan.com/2006.shtml

Or perhaps the Terranaut concept is already on the road in an extended X-trail version;

http://www.nissan.co.jp/EN/lineup.html

Image

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Kyson
Posts: 31
Joined: Sat Jul 01, 2006 7:52 pm
Location: Austin, TX

Postby Kyson » Sun Jan 20, 2008 9:16 am

I suspect if they do end up with a Pathfinder crossover it would enter the lineup certainly larger than a Rogue and probably larger than a Murano, with third seat capability. It would likely be an Acadia competitor in terms of size, capability and price. Nissan already has small and medium sized FWD or AWD crossovers (three if you count the Infiniti EX).

All conjecture now, but interesting discussion. Personally I hope it remains body on frame with independent suspension. They have the dedicated off roader in the Xterra, the PF should fill the middle tier in terms of size while still being able to tow and use off the beaten path, while the Armada competes against Tahoes and the like. We've had three of those and prefer the size and handiness of the PF.


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