NEW YORK and DETROIT, Aug. 3,
2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Nissan today unleashed the all-new
2013 Pathfinder SUV, a complete makeover featuring a sleek,
aerodynamically styled exterior, a premium interior,
class-exclusive user-friendly technology and a new unibody platform
and advanced drivetrain that helps it achieve best-in-class fuel
economy while maintaining class-lead towing and off-pavement
capabilities.
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The all-new vehicle design sheds 500 pounds of mass compared to
the outgoing model yet maintains the Pathfinder's SUV-ruggedness
while delivering up to 26 miles per gallon on the highway.
With its blend of capability, including class-leading
standard towing capacity of 5000 pounds, and modern amenities, such
as a class-exclusive Around View™ Monitor, the 2013 Pathfinder is
the next-generation SUV.
"Unveiling our next-generation Pathfinder is a major follow-up
to the introduction of the all-new Altima sedan," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general
manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "With
its bold new design, best-in-class fuel economy and family
adventure capabilities, our dealers can't wait to share this new
model with customers in their showrooms."
The 2013 Pathfinder's fuel economy has improved more than 30
percent over that of the 2012 Pathfinder. Both the FWD and
4WD 2013 Pathfinder models lead their segments in fuel economy
across the board.
City, highway and combined average fuel economy numbers are 20
(City), 26 (Highway) and 22 (Combined) mpg for the FWD version and
19 (City), 25 (Highway) and 21 (Combined) mpg for the 4WD
version. This significant increase over both the outgoing
model's fuel economy as well as that of the competition was
achieved primarily through a new, aerodynamic vehicle design, 500
pounds of weight reduction, reduced engine friction and the
application of a class-exclusive, next generation Xtronic
CVT®.
Also playing a significant role in the Pathfinder's excellent
fuel economy is the fact that it is now one of the lightest
vehicles in its segment, with the FWD model tipping the scales at a
mere 4149 pounds. Even the 4WD Pathfinder weighs only 4290
pounds.
Nissan teased the new Pathfinder earlier this year, showing a
concept exterior design model in January. Today marks the
first official look at the production model, which goes on sale
nationwide this fall.
New Chassis Meets Consumer Shift
Truck-based SUV sales peaked in the mid-2000s and have declined
steadily as consumer demands shifted to more refined, fuel
efficient crossover SUVs. The 2013 Pathfinder is built with
unibody construction, vastly reducing its weight by eliminating the
fuel-penalizing mass of a traditional SUV's truck-based
frame. In addition to making the Pathfinder a lighter
vehicle, the new unibody chassis design increases Pathfinder's
structural rigidity over the previous model. This improves
ride and handling, while reducing overall noise, vibration and
harshness, delivering an outstanding mix of responsiveness,
refinement and ride comfort. The Pathfinder's rigid platform
is also key to maintaining the trailer-towing capability expected
from an SUV – the vehicle has a standard towing capacity of 5000
pounds, which is the best standard towing capacity in the
segment.**
"It's no secret that the industry has shifted as gas prices have
increased," says Al Castignetti.
"But while traditional SUV customers are looking for improved
fuel economy, they still demand a vehicle that can do all the
things they need, like carrying seven people, towing, and providing
the surefootedness in all conditions of a four-wheel drive."
Weight reduction is one of the key components in Nissan's drive
to improving vehicle performance across the board. The
just-introduced all-new Nissan Altima also is the lightest vehicle
in its class.
Bold Design
Pathfinder's design conveys modernity while paying homage to the
three generations of Pathfinders before it. The new unibody
platform provided the designers an opportunity to create a more
aerodynamic exterior without compromising headroom or cargo
capacity. In fact, the new Pathfinder has more interior space
than the previous model thanks to more efficient packaging.
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. Pathfinder's design incorporates
front and rear spoilers, rear tire deflectors and rear suspension
fairings to help achieve what is expected to be among the best
aerodynamic performances in the segment. 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 aerodynamic shape, the styling is a major step
forward in the evolution of the SUV – 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 looks the part."
Interior
Pathfinder's all-new interior design features versatile and
comfortable seating as well as premium materials and advanced
technology. The vehicle seats seven passengers comfortably,
and is best-in-class in terms of front headroom, front leg room and
overall passenger volume. Additionally, Pathfinder is now the
only vehicle in the segment with a 3rd row seat recline.
The new Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display, located in the center of
the instrument display between the tachometer and speedometer,
features a 4-inch color display that is customizable, easy-to-use
and integrates key information right in front of the driver.
A separate touch-screen monitor, mounted in the middle of the
instrument panel, provides intuitive interaction and control of the
available navigation system and other vehicle systems and
settings.
Technology and Innovation
The all-new Pathfinder also features EZ Flex Seating System™
with LATCH AND GLIDE™. LATCH AND GLIDE™ is an industry first
2nd row tip-up seat for use with a child safety seat,
which also provides easy access to the 3rd row while
keeping the child seat securely fastened. The 2nd
row also features a 60/40 split-fold seating with a segment best
5.5 inches of seat travel. Class-exclusive features include
Easy Fill Tire Alert and the segment-first availability of an
Around View™ Monitor.
Other available amenities include leather-appointed seating,
heated steering wheel, heated and cooled front seats, programmable
Nissan Intelligent Key®, Nissan Navigation System,
Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, 13-speaker
Bose® Premium Audio system, Satellite Radio (SiriusXM
subscription required, sold separately), Dual-Zone Climate Control,
RearView Monitor, remote engine start and tri-zone entertainment
system.
New Powertrain
All 2013 Pathfinders come equipped with an advanced
260-horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine matched with a
next-generation Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable
Transmission). It is also the only vehicle in class with
selectable 2WD, Auto or 4WD modes for the available intuitive
ALL-MODE 4x4-i system. The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder will be
offered in 4x4 and 4x2 drive configurations and in four models – S,
SV, SL and Platinum.
Pricing and Additional Details
Pricing on all models will be announced closer to the fall
on-sale date. Additional information is available at
https://www.facebook.com/nissanpathfinder and
https://twitter.com/nissanpathfindr.
Manufacturing
Pathfinder is assembled at Nissan's Smyrna assembly plant in Smyrna, Tennessee. The 3.5-liter V-6
engine is assembled at the company's Decherd, Tennessee powertrain plant.
About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's
operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and
corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and
manufacturing.
Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the
Nissan Green Program and has been recognized as an ENERGY
STAR® Partner of the Year in 2010, 2011, and 2012 by the
U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information on Nissan in
North America and the complete
line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at
www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com.
About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's
second largest Japanese automotive company by volume, is
headquartered in Yokohama, Japan
and is an integral pillar of the Renault-Nissan Alliance.
Operating with more than 248,000 employees globally, Nissan
provided customers with more than 4.6 million vehicles in
2011. With a strong commitment to developing exciting and
innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range
of fuel-efficient and low-emissions vehicles under the Nissan and
Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero emission mobility, Nissan
made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first
affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of
numerous international accolades including the prestigious 2011
European Car of the Year award.
For more information on our products, services and commitment to
Sustainable Mobility, visit our website at
http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.
*Ward's Large Cross/Utility segment. '13 Pathfinder vs. '12
and '13 competitors. '13 Pathfinder 2WD EPA fuel economy estimate
20 city and 26 highway MPG. Actual mileage may vary with driving
conditions — use for comparison purposes only.)
**Ward's Large Cross/Utility Market Segmentation.
MY13 Pathfinder vs. 2012 Large Cross/Utility Class.
SOURCE Nissan