Nissan's New SUV Features Sporty Carbon Fiber Trim
DETROIT, Jan. 4 -- Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. today
unveiled the latest addition to its sport utility vehicle lineup with
the introduction of the all-new Nissan Xterra during a press
conference at the 1999 North American International Auto Show. The
Xterra, which burst onto the stage from a 23-foot tall backpack, was
described by creator Jerry Hirshberg, president, Nissan Design
International, Inc. (NDI), as a "return to the soul of the sport
utility vehicle."
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990104/LAM062 )
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990104/LAM062-b )
The affordable, mid-size SUV is based on the Nissan Frontier 4x4 pickup
platform and will be available in both 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive, with a
choice of V6 and 4-cylinder engines. It is scheduled to go on sale in the
summer of 1999 as a year 2000 model at Nissan dealers nationwide.
"As the popularity of sport utility vehicles has exploded in the
1990s, the category has been both diversified and diluted," said
Michael Seergy, vice president and general manager, Nissan Motor
Corporation U.S.A. "One part of our back-to-basics business plan has
been to reexamine product categories where Nissan has both heritage
and strength. The new Xterra is a return to the basic concept, size,
ruggedness and affordability of the original Nissan Pathfinder -- a
vehicle that helped popularize SUVs in the first place."
The Xterra name was chosen to help distinguish it from the slightly
larger, more elegant and sophisticated current generation Nissan Pathfinder.
"Xterra" is intended to reinforce the connection to the earth (terrain) and
the adventurous lifestyle of its target buyers. It suggests imagery of
activity, energy and excitement.
"It Is What It Does"
Xterra is built on the Frontier 4x4's 104.3-inch wheelbase and
truck-style ladder-on-frame chassis, it is longer, wider and taller
than vehicles like the Jeep Cherokee and Toyota RAV4.
At the same time, pricing is expected to be in line with many mini-SUVs
when it is announced closer to Xterra's on-sale date -- due in part to its
functional design, shared platform and its United States-based design,
engineering and assembly. Xterra will be built at Nissan Motor
Manufacturing
Corporation U.S.A., Nissan's award-winning Smyrna, Tenn.-based facility.
"Xterra was created for a new generation of younger, active
buyers, so affordability was a key requirement from its very
inception," said Seergy. "We hope these outdoor enthusiasts will
think of Xterra as part of their gear -- as tough, reliable and
dependable as the other quality equipment they use. Xterra is a
vehicle that will help them enjoy their outdoor passions to the
fullest, and then get them home safely again."
Numerous unique elements have been built into the design of the
Xterra and its accessories to enhance the vehicle's functionality --
from up to 10 interior ceiling and floor tie-down hooks and clips to
dual interior mountain bike mounts.
"In simplest terms, Xterra is designed to be a tough, mobile place
for stuff," explained Hirshberg. "Its core appeal is its simplicity.
It is what is does."
A Unique Body, A Solid Foundation
Xterra's body, styled by NDI Director of Design Tom Semple,
emphasizes its tough, rugged muscular look. The front view is
anchored by a large, black-finished grille and bumper and rough,
angular surface edges. The headlights, front bumper, hood, A-pillars
and front doors are common to Frontier.
The side view features angular, stamped fender flares which create
its "broad shoulder" appearance. The raised roof line over the rear
passenger and cargo area provides ample headroom inside for
stadium-style rear seating and also gives Xterra its distinctive
profile. Rear door handles are located in the C-pillars for a cleaner
look. Available tubular step rails and tubular roof rack are
functional, rugged and create a visual "exoskeleton" for the vehicle.
The roof rack is rated at greater than 125 pounds and is
constructed of lightweight aluminum and powder-coated for extra
durability. A special removable front basket can carry up to 30
pounds of wet or dirty gear (secured by an accessory net), and the
aerodynamic, adjustable cross bars are available with a range of
accessory attachments to help configure complex loads -- including a
number of created by Yakima(R).
In the rear, Xterra utilizes angular rear glass, privacy glass and
an asymmetrical "backpack pod," which is accessible with the tailgate
lifted and can hold practical items such as a first aid kit (available
from Nissan) or windbreaker.
Underneath, Xterra's pure, all-terrain utility is reinforced by
its tough 4x4 truck chassis -- full frame (rather than unibody),
double-wishbone front suspension and solid rear axle with leaf springs
and stabilizer bars front and rear. Xterra is available in 2-wheel
drive or part-time shift-on-the-fly 4-wheel drive with a 2-speed
transfer case. Engine and fuel tank skid plates are standard on all
models.
Two engines are available: a powerful 170-horsepower SOHC
3.3-liter V6 and Nissan's proven 143-horsepower DOHC 2.4-liter
16-valve 4-cylinder. Xterra models equipped with the 4-cylinder
engine come with a standard 5-speed manual transmission, while
V6-equipped models offer a choice of 5-speed manual or electronically
controlled 4-speed automatic transmissions.
Power-assisted steering and 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
are standard on all models. Available wheels and tires include
styled-steel or 4-spoke machined-aluminum alloy wheels and P235/70R15
or P265/70R15 all-season radials.
Towing capacity is rated at 2,500 pounds for the
4-cylinder/2-wheel drive model and up to a full 5,000 pounds for V6
models with the automatic transmission.
Despite its truck-like ruggedness, Xterra has also been designed to
provide a comfortable on-road ride, responsive handling and a quiet
interior.
A Place For Stuff -- Plenty of It
The interior of the new Nissan Xterra, also created at NDI, is designed
clearly to put the "utility" back in sport utility vehicle. It is spacious
without ornamentation, functional without frills. Xterra offers seating for
five adults, with front bucket seats and stadium-style 50/50 split rear
fold-down bench seating for added versatility and a great view for rear seat
passengers. The rear seat cushions are removable, providing a large, flat
cargo area with the rear seat folded down.
Storage pockets are included on the back of the front passenger seat and
on the upper left side -- an ideal "pants pocket" for holding sunglasses,
wallet or flip-phone. There are also small storage bins in the cargo area.
Xterra offers a variety of available equipment ranging from front
and rear auxiliary 12 volt power points and retractable cargo cover to
hooks, nets and dual interior bike racks. Other Xterra accessories
are expected to include ski attachments, side window deflectors, nose
masks, exterior bike racks and even neoprene seat covers. Other
accessories include a per guard divider, hot/cold storage box, sporty
carbon fiber trim pieces, GPS and rack attachments for skis,
snowboards, kayaks, bikes, as well as pocketbox and safari basket.
Audio systems range from a four speaker AM/FM/cassette system to an
AM/FM/cassette/CD with six speakers and an available 6-CD autochanger.
A Choice of Models
The 2000 Xterra will be available in five engine/drive/trim
configurations to meet the needs and desires of a range of buyers: 4x2
XE 4-cylinder, 4x2 XE V6, 4x2 SE V6, 4x4 XE V6 and 4x4 SE V6.
Optional equipment packages help the buyer further customize their
Xterra vehicles for an even higher level of utility, sportiness or
convenience with items ranging from power windows and door locks to
fog lights and a limited slip differential. Xterra will be available
in eight exterior colors and two interior colors.
The Spirit of Nissan Lives On In Xterra
"We're having fun at Nissan and the new Xterra is a prime example," said
Seergy. "We're returning to our roots with high quality, exciting and
affordable cars and trucks. It's the spirit that established Nissan's
reputation in the United States and the spirit that will propel us into the
future with more innovative thinking and products to come."
