New
York, NY - The full-size 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
Armada, the newest member of Nissan's diverse family of
authentic sport utility vehicles, takes the Pathfinder name
and reputation for innovation to a new dimension. Designed
to be a full-size SUV for full-size lives, the Pathfinder
Armada makes its world debut today at the New York International
Auto Show. The new Nissan Pathfinder Armada will be available
at 1,100 Nissan dealers nationwide beginning in fall 2003.
The
Nissan lineup of SUVs now includes vehicles for practically
every use or desire – from the "everything you
need, nothing you don't" simplicity of the popular
Xterra, to the versatile Pathfinder, to the "on-road
adventurer" Murano, and now the powerful, roomy, eight-passenger
Pathfinder Armada.
"The
new Pathfinder Armada is designed for owners with active
lifestyles, families that need all of the traditional full-size
SUV strengths but who are looking for a higher level of
style, rewarding features and the flexibility that encourages
spontaneity and adventure," said Bill Kirrane,
vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan
North America, Inc. "More than just a passive carrier
for passengers and their cargo, Pathfinder Armada is a vehicle
that allows – and inspires – larger-than-life
moments."
Expressive
Exterior Styling
The
new Pathfinder Armada offers a distinctive image, led by
its advanced design concept. The combination of a long wheelbase
and manageable overall length gives the Pathfinder Armada
enhanced stability and handling, and a longer interior with
plenty of cargo room - yet short front and rear overhangs
for good maneuverability.
In researching
the full-size SUV market, Nissan designers and product planners
found that many SUV buyers are looking for fresh styling
appearance beyond the current offerings in class.
"Along
with improved driving dynamics and more functional flexibility,
one of the key unmet needs of the segment is uniqueness
and distinctiveness," said Kirrane. "Buyers
are ready for something new and different – not just
another generic SUV."
The
Pathfinder Armada design starts with its wide stance, with
the body gesture following from the tire sidewalls up. The
headlights are straightforward but powerful, the hood massive
yet refined. The sheer A-pillar design calls attention to
the tight, tailored precision of the upper body with the
B-, C- and D-pillars acting as a frame for the highly polished
feel of the body structure. The tailgate has a substantial
look without feeling heavy and the massive bumpers project
the Pathfinder Armada's strength and power.
Other
exterior features include a standard body-color grille and
chrome front door handles, dual power-adjustable heated
chrome side mirrors (with puddle lamps on LE models), standard
running boards, privacy glass for the 2nd and 3rd rows and
available power rear liftgate, manual flip-out rear quarter
windows (power-operated on LE models) and halogen headlights.
All models are also offered with a standard proximity sensor
system (back-up obstacle warning) in the rear bumper.
"From
the stepped-up roofline and two-piece roof rack to the standard
18-inch wheels and tires, you get a strong sense of quality,
style and individuality. There's a familiar Nissan link
without being a virtual copy of our other SUVs – a
freshness that we think will endure for a long time to come,"
said Kirrane.
An
Inspired Interior Design
Though
the Pathfinder Armada is Nissan’s first full-size
SUV, it follows in the tradition of other authentic Nissan
SUVs in providing an interior environment designed for active
families. Its advanced, ergonomic interior styling combines
a modern appearance with traditional ruggedness.
Key
to the Pathfinder Armada design concept is exceptional versatility,
roominess and flexibility - including standard fold-flat
2nd and 3rd row seats, the most 2nd row leg room in the
full-size, light duty SUV class, choice of 8-passenger seating
or 7-passenger, ample cargo space behind the 3rd row seat,
and a full-length overhead console with map lights, vents
and available DVD Family Entertainment System.
In front,
an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and available
6-way adjustable front passenger’s seat provide a
sense of comfort and luxury, while the fold-down front passenger
seat features cup holders and a recessed "work area."
The large front console offers excellent storage capacity.
Three 12-volt power outlets are located on the console and
instrument panel for use with cellular phones and portable
electronic devices.
The
standard floor-mounted shifter (first in the full-size,
light duty SUV class) adds a sporty appearance and enhanced
shift control when towing. Also standard are adjustable
brake and accelerator pedals with transmission interlock.
Seton
leather-appointed seats (leather standard on LE, optional
on SE) and a satellite-based navigation system with 7.0-inch
LCD screen are also available. The standard full-length
overhead console includes individual map lamps and ventilation
outlets.
The
2nd row features a choice of a fold-flat 2nd row bench seat
or available fold-flat 2nd row captain’s chairs with
an innovative, removable 2nd row center console. The 2nd
row leg room of 41.9 inches (best in the full-size, light
duty SUV class) provides passengers room to ride in comfort,
while an available DVD Family Entertainment System with
two wireless headphones and remote control and 10-speaker
Bose® audio system offers a variety of entertainment
options. The Bose system's dual media capability allows
use of radio and CD at the same time (headphones must be
used to listen to second audio source).
The
fold-flat 3rd row seats are designed for easy operation
and easy access. "In addition, a thoughtful design
feature raises the 3rd row seats higher than the 2nd row
to facilitate easier conversation and better visibility
for the occupants," said Kirrane.
There
is also a large amount of storage space behind the 3rd row
seat. With the 2nd and 3rd row seats folded down, the Pathfinder
Armada offers a nearly flat floor. And, with the front passenger
seat in the fold-down position, it is possible to carry
items up to 10-feet in length with the rear liftgate closed.
In addition to ample headroom, the 3rd row includes side
storage bins and cupholders. The rear cargo area also includes
ceiling and floor-mounted cargo hooks, while available accessories
include a cargo net and cargo tray.
Up to
14 cupholders are available throughout the Pathfinder Armada,
with some capable of holding 64-ounce size cups. Other storage
areas include instrument panel side pockets, the center
console main storage bin with side pockets, bottle holders
in the front and side doors, and a driver’s seat rear
pocket.
The
Power To Pursue Big Adventures
The
Pathfinder Armada is the most powerful Nissan SUV ever built.
Utilizing an all-new platform, the Pathfinder Armada features
a rugged, fully boxed high-strength steel frame for enhanced
crash performance and long-term durability; an independent
double-wishbone rear suspension designed for improved roominess,
comfort and responsive handling; and an all-new 5.6-liter
DOHC 32-valve Nissan Endurance V8 engine offering one of
the highest standard horsepower/torque ratings in the full-size,
light duty SUV class and the highest maximum towing capacity
in class (when properly equipped) of up to 9,100 pounds.
The
Nissan Endurance V8, which is assembled at Nissan's advanced
engine facility in Dechard, Tenn., is shared with the all-new
Nissan Titan full-size pickup. Nearly 90 percent of the
engine's impressive torque is available below 2,500 rpm
– where it's needed for hauling, towing or slow-speed
off-road driving.
The
engine's advanced design includes features such as an aluminum
engine block with cast iron cylinder liners, chain-driven
dual overhead camshafts with silent single-stage timing
chain, microfinished forged steel crankshaft and microfinished
camshafts, molybdenum-coated pistons and electronic drive-by-wire
throttle for precise control.
An electronically
controlled 5-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul
mode is standard on every Pathfinder Armada. The transmission
utilizes a unique gear set chosen specifically for use in
high torque situations, along with an advanced torque converter
design for improved fuel economy and an advanced powertrain
management program for improved shift quality. The tow/haul
mode revises the shift pattern when towing and hauling.
Pathfinder
Armada models equipped with the towing package also receive
a higher axle ratio and a transmission temperature gauge.
Other tow package equipment includes a receiver hitch, heavy-duty
radiator, additional 7-pin wiring harness plug, trailer
brake pre-wiring, heavy-duty battery and rear suspension
air levelizer.
The
new Pathfinder Armada's off-road credentials are equally
impressive, with 4-wheel drive models featuring an advanced
full-time automatic control system. Utilizing all-wheel
drive technology derived from Nissan’s world-class
Skyline GT-R sports coupe (rather than less sophisticated
truck-based systems), the Pathfinder Armada 4WD system is
designed to instantly distribute torque to all four wheels
whenever road conditions warrant (up to 50 percent can go
to the front wheels on demand), resulting in optimal traction
with improved fuel economy and enhanced cornering capability.
The
two-speed electronic transfer case allows the driver to
select between auto, full-time 4-wheel drive and 4-Lo. The
crawl ratio in 4Lo is among the best among competitors,
providing enhanced low speed driving force and hill descending
ability. Under normal driving conditions, 4WD Pathfinder
Armadas operate in two-wheel drive mode.
The
Pathfinder Armada’s Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
includes standard off-road tuning for improved braking on
loose gravel. There is also a high ground clearance (9.8
inches for 2WD models 4WD models). Heavy-duty skid plates
(oil pan, fuel tank and transfer case) are available as
part of the Off-Road Package. The Off-Road Package also
includes Rancho® off-road performance shocks.
While
the Pathfinder Armada is well equipped for rugged activities,
it is equally capable of tackling everyday driving tasks
with comfort and style. The standard all-steel front double-wishbone
suspension with coil-over shock absorbers and stabilizer
bar is matched with a responsive independent double-wishbone
rear suspension.
Along
with compliant handling, the rear suspension design also
provides a high ride quality for 2nd and 3rd row passengers
and maximizes rear interior space by minimizing the intrusion
of suspension components into the interior compartment.
A rear
air leveling system (available with towing package) provides
improved handling stability and ride comfort when towing
or carrying heavy cargo. The system, which automatically
adjusts the air pressure in the suspension bladders, helps
maintain a uniform ground clearance and departure angle
when towing or when carrying heavy cargo.
Other
key platform components found on every new Pathfinder Armada
include engine speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion
steering and 4-wheel disc brakes with Bosch Anti-lock Braking
System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)
and Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
with Traction Control and Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
BSW
Conti-Trac SUV 265/70R18 tires (the largest standard tire
in class) are offered with standard aluminum-alloy wheels
(5-spoke on SE, 6-spoke on LE models), while off-road package
equipped models feature P285/70R17 BF Goodrich Rugged Trail
All-Terrain tires on 17x7.5J 7-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels.
A standard 29-gallon fuel tank provides an excellent driving
range.
An
Emphasis on Advanced Safety Technology
The
new Pathfinder Armada offers an extensive list of standard
and available safety features, including standard roof-mounted
curtain supplemental air bags that help provide rollover
and side-impact protection to all three rows and standard
side-impact supplemental air bags (seat mounted).
Every
Pathfinder Armada also features Nissan's Advanced Air Bag
System (AABS) with dual-stage front supplemental air bags
with seat belt sensors and a front passenger occupant classification
sensor, 3-point front seat belts with pretensioners and
load limiters, 3-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants
(including center position), LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether
for CHildren) child seat anchor system and Zone Body construction
with front and rear crushable zones.
A
Wide Range of Models and Equipment
The
new Pathfinder Armada will be offered in Pathfinder Armada
SE, Pathfinder Armada SE Off-Road and Pathfinder Armada
LE models in both 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive. A number of
optional packages are available to allow buyers to tune
their vehicles to their exact needs and desires.
The
SE model, like all Pathfinder Armadas, starts with the 5.6-liter
Nissan Endurance V8, 5-speed automatic transmission, 4-wheel
independent suspension and fold-flat 2nd and 3rd row seats.
Key SE features include a body color grille, P265/70R18
tires on 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels, 8-passenger seating
and full-length overhead console.
The
Pathfinder Armada SE Off-Road model adds equipment specially
designed for enhanced all-terrain capabilities, including
Rancho® performance shock absorbers, a lower final gear
ratio (3.357:1), P285/70R17 BF Goodrich All-Terrain tires
mounted on unique "off-road" style aluminum-alloy
wheels, fog lamps and three skid plates.
The
Pathfinder Armada LE adds a higher level of luxury appointments,
including a chrome grille with black mesh insert, 2nd row
bucket seats with removable center console, leather-appointed
seats and board-type running boards.
Available
equipment packages include SE Bose Advantage Package, SE
Leather Premium Package, SE/SE Off-Road Expanded Sunroof
Package, SE Journey Package and SE Off-Road Adventure Package.
Pathfinder
Armada LE packages include the LE 2nd Row Split Bench Seat
Package, LE Upgrade Package, LE Expanded Sunroof Package
and LE Technology Package with power liftgate and navigation
system with 7.0-inch LCD screen.
A pair
of function packages are also offered: the DVD Family Entertainment
System with rear display, center console video port, two
wireless headphones and DVD changer, and the Big Tow Package
(SE only) with rear suspension levelizer and other special
towing equipment.
Eight
exterior colors are offered: Blizzard (white), Galaxy (black),
Coolness (silver), Smoke (dark silver), Copper, Deep Water
(blue), Sedona (red/brown) and Canteen (green). Interior
color combinations include Sand/Sand, Graphite/Titanium
and Steel/Titanium.
"The
all-new 2004 Pathfinder Armada enters the full-size SUV
market with a proud heritage and a laser-like focus on innovative
solutions to customer needs," said Kirrane. "Its
standout design, unique features, advanced performance and
safety technology, built on a foundation of exceptional
performance, create in the Pathfinder Armada a vehicle that's
ready for anything – a worthy flagship among Nissan's
full line of adventurous SUVs."