Nissan: The Next Generation - Brief Article

Automotive Manufacturing & Production, August, 2001 by Christopher A. Sawyer

Nissan says it will introduce 22 new vehicles over the next three years, 10 of which will be available in the U.S. Those 10 vehicles are listed below by model year. Notably absent is the latest version of the front-drive Nissan Primera. Unlike its predecessor, it will not be sold here as the entry-level Infiniti. That spot will be taken by the 2003 G35, a new rear-drive sport sedan that better fits Infiniti's rear-drive/four-wheel drive platform strategy.

MODEL YEAR 2003

Nissan 350Z:

* An estimated base price of $28,500 for the hatchback, $30,000 for the convertible.

* Slimmer squeeze-type door handles replace the concept's large pull-type handles.

* A softer grille and headlight shape.

* Dual exhausts with exits at each corner of the rear fascia.

* Driver and passenger areas delineated by fabric texture to accentuate the difference between driving and being driven.

* A driver's seat with more under-high support than the passenger seat.

Sentra:

* Receives a facelift in 2003.

Maxima:

* Built in the Smyrna, TN, plant alongside the Altima.

* A niche sport/luxury sedan, not Nissan's version of the Toyota Avalon.

* Powered by a 280-hp version of the VQ36 V6.

Infiniti G35:

* Rear-drive sport sedan based on the next Nissan Skyline.

* Powered by the 260 hp version of the VQ35 V6.

* Replaces the Maxima-based 135.

MODEL YEAR 2004

Nissan's full-size pickup:

* Will fit within the outline of the Alpha-T concept.

* Has storage areas built into the side of the pickup bed.

* Will debut with a sliding load floor option.

* Has a tailgate that doubles as a rear step.

* Will be the base for Nissan's full-size SUV.

Quest minivan:

* Will be built in the U.S. off a stretched Altima platform.

* Uses a modified version of the Altima's independent rear suspension.

* Gets the 240-hp version of the VQ35 V6.

* Will spawn the next-generation Renault Avantime and its Infiniti variant.

MODEL YEAR 2005

Frontier pickup:

* Will continue to be biased toward "active lifestyle" buyers.

* Grows slightly, especially in the passenger compartment.

* May offer a midgate-equipped version to span the gap to the full-size pickup.

Pathfinder:

* Continues to use the VQ35 V6, and may offer a V8.

* Gets an independent rear suspension.

* Moves slightly upmarket.

Xterra:

* Shares its basic underpinnings with the Frontier and Pathfinder

* Has an interior that can be reconfigured quickly for greater utility.

* May offer an opening roof section and sliding floor panel to ease loading of large objects.