The Nissan Pathfinder entered the market in 1986 and is currently only in its third generation (which began in 2005). With seven years under its belt, it’s high time for this SUV to enter the next chapter of its life and Nissan is prepping that with its first concept version unveiled at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show in January.
The concept’s exterior will mostly be remained untouched in the production version and includes a wide chrome grille and large aerodynamic headlights, recessed front windshield wipers, chrome door handles and large rear combination lights.
The new Pathfinder Concept is powered by a refined V6 engine and next-generation Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that ensure a fuel economy increase of over 25%.
"Nissan is in a great position today. Sales are up, market share is increasing and our dealers have a great selection of 2012 Nissan cars, trucks and SUVs in inventory," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "This new Pathfinder Concept is just the beginning of a far-reaching wave of new products on the horizon for Nissan. By the end of 2012, more than 70 percent of our sales volume will be all-new or redesigned."
UPDATE 01/09/12: This review has been updated with the official details and images.
Usually when there is a transmission failure, it is something internal that, after many years of dutiful service, is expected to start breaking down. However, Nissan has announced that some of their best selling trucks and SUVs (2005-2010 Nissan Frontier, Xterra, and Pathfinders) are experiencing radiator leaks that are finding their way into the components of their automatic transmissions. This leak is causing premature wearing of the automatic transmission that warrants replacement often at less than 100,000 miles. The New York Times reports that even after Nissan extended warranties on the effected models by 5 years/50,000 miles (for a total warranty coverage for 80K miles/8 years) owners still reported that "the radiator issues have affected the vehicles transmissions, causing premature failure...Lance Wiggins, Technical Director of the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association points out ’what’s happening is the radiator cooler tanks are rupturing, forcing coolant into the five-speed automatic through the transmission cooler lines." Motor Trend also points out that for many of the owners of these vehicles (particularly the older models) are beyond the extended warranty. If the transmission fails, they will have to put forth a substantial investment for a new one. Nissan says they "would cover transmissions damaged by coolant, as long as they met the extended warranty guidelines." No warranty, no fix.
Although Nissan says "only a small proportion of models are affected," we are perplexed by their actions. They seem to be doing enough to belay a lawsuit, yet don’t seem to be real concerned about maintaining a loyal customer base, which is a real pity because we love the ruggedness and the utility of the Nissan trucks and SUVs.
We have no problem with kids having fun once in a while, but not at the expense of engaging in dangerous stunts that could potentially lead to injuries or worse, death. So, when this video of three teens taking a Nissan Pathfinder and using it for impromptu water-skiing fun in a flooded parking lot in Nashville, we weren’t the least bit surprised that the police officers in the area acted quickly in stopping the merry-making.
While there’s really no law prohibiting these kids from taking advantage of the flooded waters for their recreational time, there’s still a place and a time to do that without endangering themselves and the people around them. Some folks thought the reaction of the officers may have been a little premature, but we think it was warranted, so long as they were only reprimanded and released.
The word “bomb” instantly ignites a series of horrifying images in the minds of Americans, as we’re sure it does for a lot of folks outside the U.S. After September 11, 2001, bombs of all shapes and sizes came to have a completely new meaning and the appalling sights of New York will be forever etched in our minds.
Needless to say, when a car bomb was found in a Nissan Pathfinder on a warm Saturday evening while tourists and residents alike enjoyed the evening, hysteria was sure to break out. On Saturday, May 1, 2010, two street vendors came running up to a mounted police officer with news of a car that was filling with smoke while parked on a curb with its engine running and lights flashing. The area was immediately cleared and backup was called.
The Nissan Pathfinder was discovered to have gasoline, propane, firecrackers and simple alarm clocks as well as eight bags of a granular substance inside a 55-inch-tall metal gun locker. The granular substance was later discovered to be non-explosive fertilizer. Officials have taken the bomb to a forensics center in Jaimaca, Queens to pan every inch of it for DNA, hairs, fiber, or fingerprints. No such evidence has yet to be found. The vehicle’s ownership has yet to be determined after a couple of leads turned out to be dead ends.
Nissan will unveil at the Geneva Motor Show a facelift version for the Pathfinder SUV. Among the changes that’s rumored to come with the new Pathfinder include a number of styling modifications, new engines, new equipment line-up and an enhanced interior quality. Sales in Europe will begin this April.
The biggest news surrounding the face-lifted Pathfinder is that it will come with multiple engine variants, including a new 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine with an output of 230 hp and 550 NM of torque and a 2.5 dCi four cylinder engine with an amount of 190 hp and 450 Nm of torque.
The exterior changes include a new bonnet, a revised grille and a new bumper assembly, new headlamp design with distinctive projector styling and new 16-inch (steel and alloy) and 17-inch (alloy) wheels.
The interior modifications include revised door trims, new seat fabric, the addition of chrome highlights, revised dials and - depending on the model - the availability of Nissan Connect Premium with a new high-resolution touch screen.
